Grand Cayman is exactly what you’re looking for if you’re seeking paradise. It’s no secret why people from around the world visit the Cayman Islands when they want top beaches, beautiful scenery, and a special touch of luxury you can’t anywhere else.
You’ll also find year round sunshine and warm weather when you visit Cayman Islands. Of course, knowing about the Cayman Islands hurricane season and general seasonal weather patterns is always important when planning a trip.
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The fact that Grand Cayman and neighboring islands throughout the Caribbean experience a rainy season doesn’t mean you have to postpone a trip. Plenty of travelers enjoy the benefits of what locals call the “low season.”
You just have to know how to plan for all conditions before you commit! When is the best time to visit Grand Cayman? Let’s break down what it means to visit the Cayman Islands season by season with these essential travel tips.
1) Embrace The High Season
The high season in Grand Cayman happens when most other popular vacation destinations slow down for the year. Grand Cayman’s busy season runs from November through April. Here’s why people love it:
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With kids back in school, many adult travelers enjoy the “resort” vibe of peak months. Of course, Grand Cayman is still a popular travel spot for families during Thanksgiving break, Christmas/winter holidays, and early spring break.
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Busy season ushers in a period of bright sunshine with low rainfall totals.
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This time of year also offers mild temperatures with wonderful breezes. Expect temperatures to average between 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during peak months. That means you can look forward to warm, clear days that offer endless opportunities for beach visits and excursions.
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Don’t forget about low humidity! Grand Cayman’s position in the northern portion of the Caribbean means that the winter season has lower humidity.
With so many people considering high season the best time to visit Cayman Islands destinations, you’ll usually see decent crowds. That’s good news if you want to embrace the fun and social side of life here!
Just be prepared for the fact that demand can drive up airfare and hotel prices during peak months. Late November and the weeks leading up to Christmas in December are considered peak.
2) Work With Local Tour Agencies That Understand And Respect The Weather
You can enjoy water based activities year round in Grand Cayman! The truth is that it doesn’t matter if you come during the calmness of December or the middle of Grand Cayman hurricane season. You should only book excursions with tour operators that prioritize your safety.
That’s why countless couples, families, and other travelers choose to book their exciting Grand Cayman excursions with Captain Marvin’s. We’ve been operating boat tours in Grand Cayman since 1954.
Locals know us as the provider of the original Stingray City tour. After 70 years of making the trip, we know everything there is to know about the waters surrounding Grand Cayman. Book a tour with us that includes:
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Swimming with the gentle stingrays at Stingray City
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Snorkeling at Barrier Reef or Coral Gardens
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Beach lunch combined with a Stingray City visit, snorkeling stop, and conch dive
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Bioluminescence tour featuring a cruise to Starfish Point for sunset and starfish viewing
From providing snorkel gear and life jackets to staying on top of minute-to-minute weather conditions, the team at Captain Marvin’s always prioritizes the safety of our guests. We also have a reasonable cancellation policy that allows you to cancel your reservation 72 hours in advance.
If the trip needs to be rescheduled for reasons outside of your control, you will not be charged. That includes if your cruise ship does not arrive on time for the excursion. While there’s no need to cancel for casual rain, our captains will cancel boat trips with a full refund when conditions are too dangerous. Get ready for an exceptional experience. Book an excursion with Captain Marvin’s today!
3) Consider Coming In The Rainy Season/Low Season
Grand Cayman’s rainy season runs from May through October. This is what we call the low season. While June and the rest of summer can be wet, most of the rain in Grand Cayman happens during September and October. With the early part of the rainy season coinciding with summer break in the United States, many families still make the trip to enjoy the sun and fun that only the Cayman Islands can offer.
If your family’s schedule will only allow you to come in the summer, that’s not such a bad thing. There’s plenty going on! In fact, many people visit Cayman Island resorts exclusively during the summer months to take advantage of cheaper prices and fewer crowds. While rain could be in the forecast some of the time, you can still have a great time while enjoying a good mix of clear skies and calm water during the summer in Grand Cayman.
The final thing to know about coming during off season is that it can be 10 to 15 degrees hotter compared to winter months. The temperature from June to August can fluctuate from average lows of 78 degrees Fahrenheit to average highs around 89 degrees Fahrenheit.
4) Plan Your Timing With The Things You Want To Do
Divers from around the globe know that the Caymans Islands are part of a massive underwater mountain range called the Cayman Ridge. This is what helps to create such an incredible landscape or scuba diving. There’s not really a bad time to scuba dive in Grand Cayman. Year round water temperatures stay around 79 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Off season” in Grand Cayman doesn’t mean diving is off the table at all dive sites. During the rainy season, warm waters and abundant opportunities to see hammerhead sharks, groupers, and colorful coral attract divers. However, it’s important to know that diving during peak hurricane season isn’t recommended. In some spots, strong winds can bring divers off course to make it difficult to find their way back to shore.
Unwieldy waves can also cause in-water collisions between divers and rogue objects. High winds on the water’s surface can also create a churning effect that creates strong underwater currents. The bottom line is that you should avoid diving alone in Grand Cayman if you come during hurricane season. If you have any questions, contact a local scuba to get expert guidance.
5) Plan For Some Indoor Excursions
One way to mitigate the disappointment of having plans cancelled due to rain while you’re vacationing in Grand Cayman is to have a backup itinerary of indoor attractions. Many people who visit the Cayman Islands are surprised to learn that the fun here goes so much deeper than tropical beaches!
Here’s a list of great things to do in Grand Cayman when it’s raining:
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Book a tour at the Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery to learn about the region’s rum history, see how the iconic Seven Fathoms rum is made, sample beverages, and shop in the gift shop
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Visit the Pedro St. James National Historic Site to tour this historic mansion with lush gardens and coastal views
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Shop at the retailers at Camana Bay
6) Stick To Public Beaches When Skies Seem Questionable
There’s no question that you’ll be escaping to gorgeous beaches with secluded coves and trails as you explore Grand Cayman. However, people coming during Grand Cayman hurricane season should plan their beach time wisely. If it looks like rain is in the forecast, stick with public beaches with crowds.
Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman is a great choice for off season sunbathing and swimming. Named one of the best beaches in the Caribbean by multiple publications, Seven Mile Beach is a crescent-shaped coral beach located on Grand Cayman’s buzzing western end.
7) Have A Plan For Bad Weather
It’s not pessimistic to say that you need to have a plan for a storm situation when visiting Grand Cayman. It’s just smart! Islands and coastal areas are especially vulnerable in hurricane conditions. Grand Cayman is really no different from any coastal city or barrier island in the United States when it comes to storm vulnerability.
Most hotels will have their own evacuation procedures based on where they’re located on the island. If you’re staying at a private rental, you’ll need to keep up with weather alerts and potential evacuation routes in the event that a major storm hits. Bookmark the website for the National Weather Service of the Grand Cayman Islands to stay updated. The government also runs a hurricane warning page.
Final Thoughts: Planning Your Trip To Grand Cayman For The Best Months
There’s a good chance you’re going to get good weather when you visit the Cayman Islands. However, there’s no question that you’re more likely to enjoy clear skies and calm waters if you come during the period from November to early May instead of the period from June through October.
Regardless of when you come to experience the magic of Grand Cayman, Captain Marvin’s is here to offer year round excursions to Stingray City, Bioluminescent Bay, amazing reefs, and many more spots!
Our unforgettable tours are easy to book and reasonably priced. Reserve your spot today!
