When you’ve seen a number of images and felt the pull of Curaçao’s white sand seashores and mesmerizing turquoise waters, the following step is selecting one of the best time to go. Curaçao has lengthy been a hidden gem, however with resorts like Sandals Royal Curaçao now within the highlight, this island is shining even brighter for {couples} in search of island enjoyable with a contact of luxurious—the place sunny days are at all times on the forecast.
Image: Double infinity pool at Sandals Royal Curaçao. The better part? Drinks are on us!
The greatest time to go to Curaçao is often between December and mid-April, also referred to as peak season. That is when the island comes alive with occasions, together with Curaçao Carnival, which wraps up in March with a vibrant grand avenue parade. Round this time, you will additionally discover loads of alternatives to expertise native tradition, from the Ostrich Farm (sure, it features a safari trip!) to Plein Air Curaçao, a big public portray occasion, and the island’s celebrated meals fest, Curaçao Culinair, in April.
Learn on to search out out extra about one of the best time to visit Curaçao, and among the superb issues you’ll do throughout your Dutch accented island escape!
Curaçao in a Nutshell
Curaçao is a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and kinds the “C” within the ABC island chain together with Aruba and Bonaire. While you arrive, you’ll land at Curaçao Worldwide Airport, also referred to as Hato Worldwide Airport, about 6 miles northwest of the capital metropolis, Willemstad. This brilliant and colourful metropolis, well-known for its Dutch colonial structure, can be a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
Additionally learn: ‘What is Curaçao known’ for’ and ‘54 amazing things to do in Curaçao’ to get to know this island a bit higher.
Curaçao is dwelling to about 150,000 folks and spans 270 sq. miles. Positioned simply 37 miles from the coast of Venezuela, this principally flat island’s highest level is Sint-Christoffelberg within the northwest, standing at roughly 375 meters. With regards to climate, Curaçao doesn’t comply with conventional seasons. Locals joke there are solely three: sunny, windy, and barely wet. On common, daytime temperatures keep comfortably between 78°F and 88°F all yr lengthy.
When is the Best Time to Visit Curaçao: Seasonality
Many vacationers seeking to escape the nippiness head straight for Curaçao, the place even winter days hardly ever dip beneath 78°F. Whereas December to April is the island’s candy spot for occasions and peak vibes, Curaçao’s regular sunshine and welcoming temps make it an excellent vacation spot all yr spherical—there’s actually no dangerous time to go.
Climate clever, February and March have been recorded because the months to go to this island. In fact, when planning a trip, the precise time most individuals go is determined by their schedules. In case you can’t get to Curaçao throughout December or April, you may strive in the course of the shoulder or off-season which each have their very own set of advantages. Right here’s what that you must know concerning the varied journey seasons as they relate to Curaçao:
Peak Season (December to April)
Peak season or excessive season tends to be the busiest for Caribbean islands together with Curaçao. Throughout this time many individuals select to journey to get a break from the chilly of northern climates, or for household journeys throughout faculty breaks. The climate in Curaçao is generally at its greatest throughout these months. This implies resorts and eating places can refill rapidly and so can one of the best beachside spots. Touring throughout peak season has its advantages together with superb climate and an thrilling occasion calendar you can benefit from for those who e-book early sufficient.
Shoulder Season (Could to August)
The months of Could to August are thought of the shoulder season and generally is a good time to journey for those who’re searching for an expertise that’s someplace in the midst of what you’d get within the high and low seasons. This implies there in all probability gained’t be throngs of individuals on the seashores and different sights, however the streets gained’t be utterly vacationer free both. The climate continues to be nice within the shoulder season and the vacationer quantity just isn’t as massive as within the peak season, which may work out effectively if you wish to loosen up and in addition socialize and take a look at some cool occasions.
Low Season (September to November)
Reserving your journey throughout Curaçao’s off-season—usually between September and November—generally is a breeze. It’s usually a quieter time to journey, and whereas some locations see less-than-ideal climate, Curaçao stays principally sunny. In reality, September is commonly the warmest month on the island. Touring throughout this season might also imply scoring offers on flights and lodging, which is at all times a bonus.
Professional tip: Wet days could be unpredictable, so to spice up your probabilities of sunny skies for all of your deliberate adventures, think about reserving a keep that’s a minimum of every week or two lengthy.
The Climate in Curaçao
Curaçao is influenced immediately by the north-east commerce winds and is compared to another islands thought of a dry island with a comparatively low stage of rainfall recorded yearly. There are a number of months that are typically rainier, however even in these months rainfall tends to be considerably irregular. Common daytime temperatures sit between 78°F and 88°F, which suggests loads of seaside time—with refreshing commerce winds or a fast ocean dip to maintain you cool.
Even in a principally sunny vacation spot, it’s useful to keep weather-aware to profit from your time. Although Curaçao stays pretty dry, mid-October by means of mid-December sees a mild uptick in rainfall, with 3.30 inches in October, 3.80 inches in November, and three.90 inches in December. Count on the occasional rain bathe, however they’re normally short-lived.
Humidity stays pretty excessive year-round in Willemstad, with November being probably the most humid at 77.1%, and August the least at 71.6%.
Curaçao’s windiest month is June, adopted carefully by March and February. Wind speeds in June common round 11.9 knots (13.7 MPH or 22 KPH), which qualifies as a reasonable breeze. The strongest sustained winds usually happen from early to mid-June at about 16.4 knots—nonetheless inside reasonable vary. So no want to fret about an excessive amount of wind—simply breezy, heat days which are good for a calming island getaway.
The solar is beneficiant in Curaçao, with August clocking in because the sunniest month—averaging about 9.3 hours of sunshine per day. Throughout the yr, the island averages 8.3 hours of sunshine day by day. For comparability: London sees 4.1, New York averages 7, and Los Angeles enjoys 8.9.
Best Time to Dive in Curaçao
Not solely is Curaçao a high decide for a seaside trip, it’s additionally an unimaginable dive vacation spot. A number of the island’s most spectacular shores embrace Playa Kenepa, Playa Kalki, Playa Cas Abao, Playa Lagun, and Playa Jeremi—a peaceable little cove with postcard-worthy views. Amongst these, Playa Porto Mari, Playa Kalki, and Playa Lagun stand out as glorious dive spots. They’re a part of Curaçao’s spectacular lineup of 65 dive websites, all of which you’ll take pleasure in year-round due to persistently clear waters. Sea temperatures normally vary from 78.8° to 82.4°F, including to the perfect dive circumstances.
The greatest months for diving in Curaçao are mid-December to mid-April, which additionally strains up with peak journey season. That stated, a lot of the yr stays dry right here, which helps preserve underwater visibility excessive. In case you’re hoping to catch the coral spawning occasion, dive specialists advocate planning your go to in September or October.
Insider tip: Water sports activities choices are plentiful in Curaçao, particularly for those who keep at an all-inclusive resort like Sandals Royal Curaçao the place even free scuba diving trips are included in your keep when you’re licensed (max. two tanks per day per visitor, skilled gear included).
Main Occasions in Curaçao
Carnival
January – March
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The complete island of Curaçao will get into celebration mode round carnival time, and festivities embrace a bunch of occasions you could be a part of for those who go to the island throughout this time. The carnival season formally opens in mid-January and options quite a few occasions together with music festivals, magnificence pageants, and parades that lead as much as the grand avenue parade in early March, adopted by farewell parades that shut the season.
Plein Air Curaçao
March
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One other huge pageant in Curaçao is Plein Air Curaçao hosted by the Artwork Basis Curaçao. That is an artsy occasion that options native and worldwide expertise portray on land, underwater, and from high-altitude places islandwide. Oils, watercolors, and pastels are among the many mediums used, and workshops can be found as effectively for each teenagers and adults. Work are exhibited and bought throughout this occasion as effectively, and on the final day of the pageant, artists compete for prizes.
Curaçao Culinair
April
Calling all foodies! In case you’re searching for a trip that’s a mixture of numerous meals and loads of enjoyable, April is a good time to journey to Curaçao. The Curaçao Culinair occasion occurs round this time the place you’ll get an opportunity to style the choices of a few of Curaçao’s best eating places and bars multi function place. This occasion is nice for socializing and having fun with superb meals!
Koningsdag
April twenty seventh
Additionally in April, you may rejoice Koningsdag, a festivity match for a King. This title of this celebration interprets to King’s Day, and it’s all about celebrating the birthday of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. There’s an enormous social gathering the evening earlier than Koningsdag in Pietermaai, and on Koningsdag, celebrations kick off in Punda the place there’s a spread of actions together with reside performances, a craft market and extra. At evening, the enjoyable continues with extra events across the island.
Kaya Kaya Avenue Get together
Bi-annually in August
The Kaya Kaya Avenue Get together is at all times good enjoyable; that is basically the largest block social gathering in Curaçao. This occasion unfolds throughout a number of streets in Otrobanda normally in August and it’s a cool alternative to get acquainted with native music and admire artwork and murals made by among the island’s expertise. So laid again is that this occasion that some locals even open up their houses to promote scrumptious meals and drinks that may be loved by all.
Vegan Meals Fest
Each three months
The well being or environmentally acutely aware might be in heaven at this meals fest that serves up a wide range of vegan meals. Objects on supply usually embrace vegan nachos, sushi, muffins, natural wine, beer, and extra. There’s additionally normally numerous pure handcrafted merchandise on sale, and whether or not or not you’re vegan, that is nonetheless an occasion value testing.
Curaçao North Sea Jazz Pageant
August – September
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Curaçao’s North Sea Jazz Music Pageant is one thing of a family title there. A number of the artists who’ve carried out at this pageant previously embrace Lionel Richie, Rod Stewart, Earth, Wind & Fireplace, Diana Ross, Bruno Mars, Sting, Juan Luis Guerra, Enrique Iglesias, Stevie Marvel, Alicia Keys, Lenny Kravitz, Christina Aguilera, Prince, Tom Jones, and extra. In case you’re on island whereas this occasion is occurring, positively think about getting some tickets.
Curaçao Pleasure
October
Curaçao has its personal native Pleasure pageant geared toward celebrating the LGBTQ+ neighborhood. This occasion is held yearly and is normally about 5 days lengthy. Round this time, numerous events are held in addition to the Pleasure Stroll alongside the streets of Willemstad.
KLM Curaçao Marathon
November
These searching for a extra energetic trip would possibly discover November time to go to Curaçao as they will arrive in good timing for the KLM Curaçao Marathon. This marathon has been held yearly since 2014 and its enchantment has quite a bit to do with how scenic the course is alongside the waterfront of Curaçao, throughout the Queen Emma pontoon bridge, and over the Juliana Bridge which is 185 ft above sea stage. Do you assume you could have what it takes to interrupt the course report of 02:43:50 set by Wojciech Kopeć of Poland?
Each three months
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Creativity comes alive on the Passionistas Pop-Up Honest which is held each three months in Curaçao. This occasion is tremendous interactive and also you’ll be capable to meet and assist native crafters for those who’re on island throughout this time. This pop-up occasion is normally held in Punda and consists of meals, music, and good vibes.
Pietermaai Pagara XXL
New Yr’s Eve
Planning on opening your New Yr in Curaçao? If you’re, then whereas there you would possibly need to think about letting Pietermaai be the backdrop in your celebrations. This can be a colourful and energetic a part of Curaçao with numerous nightlife, eating, and leisure choices. All of those institutions add one thing particular to the Pagara occasion and with the added reside music, avenue reveals and fireworks, Pietermaai actually is the place to be on New Yr’s Eve.
Fuikdag
First Sunday of the yr
In case you’re in Curaçao in January, likelihood is you’ll be capable to take pleasure in Fuikdag, a float fest held on the primary Sunday of the yr. That is an thrilling occasion that can require you to make preparations to get to Fuik Bay by boat. When you arrive, you’ll be capable to get into the enjoyable with scores of different folks out on the water on boats, jet skis, and even air mattresses and inflatable animals.
Professional tip: For one thing off the overwhelmed path, take a ship journey to Little Curaçao—a distant, sun-soaked slice of paradise. When you’re within the neighborhood, think about hopping over to Bonaire or Aruba to test all three ABC islands off your checklist. Flights take simply 20 minutes to Bonaire and 40 minutes from there to Aruba.
The place to Keep in Curaçao?
Upon getting your vacation spot found out and when to go to, the following step is discovering lodging.
In case you’re searching for a couples-only all-inclusive vacation you’ll be joyful to be taught that Sandals has opened a brand new resort in Curaçao. Sandals Royal Curaçao gives 350 indulgent rooms and suites with extra within the pipeline because the resort expands additional sooner or later.
Spanning 3,000 acres with 44 intensive waterfront areas, this all-inclusive resort features a vary of themed eating choices, a number of bars together with swim-up bars, entry to the neighboring 18-hole, par 72 Pete Dye championship golf course with ocean views, two on-site marinas, lavish lodging similar to Sandals’ all-new River Suites, and extra.
The Final Best Time to Visit Curaçao
Vacationers love Curaçao as a result of it’s a kind of uncommon locations the place the images and critiques match the actual factor—vivid, welcoming, and filled with appeal. Whereas December to April is the most well-liked time to go to, heat temps and sunny skies shine year-round right here, that means there’s at all times time for the seaside, the pool, and all the great vibes your all-inclusive resort has to supply.