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Turks and Caicos are located in the western Caribbean sea, immediately to the east of the Bahamas. Settled by the Taino and Lucayan Indians for over seven centuries, European explorer Christopher Columbus discovered the islands during his famous expedition in 1492.
This unique archipelago of over 40 small islands, National Marine Parks, and uninhabited cays has a long and vibrant history.
Due to its unique ocean floor topography, this tropical paradise is surrounded by arguably the world’s most brilliant turquoise blue waters and soft white sand beaches.
So close to the equator, Turks and Caicos technically have only one season – tropical. But there are a few things that may influence your trip. When visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands, the main factors to consider are travel deals, hotel and excursion prices, hurricanes, and mosquitoes.
Overall, the best time of year to visit this island getaway is February, March, and April. Just in time for Valentine’s Day or Spring Break. These months offer the best combination of weather, prices, and availability. Late August, September, October, and early December see the lowest overall rates.
The Absolute Best Time to Visit Turks and Caicos
So what is the best time to visit Turks and Caicos islands? Well, even bad weather in Turks and Caicos is near perfect. But, some months are better than others to visit.
The best time to visit Turks and Caicos is in the spring, April through June. This shoulder season is perfect for the budget traveler and is considered a sweet spot for travel to the islands with lower airfare, hotel prices, and fewer crowds.
During spring in paradise, visitors will find some of the best weather in the Caribbean. Around Grand Turk and Providenciales, the ocean’s water temperature averages 83°F, perfect for snorkeling, sailing, or other water sports. And the average overall temperature during this time is a blissful 85°F, with evening lows near 75°F and very few rain showers.
While tourism is sparse, the islands are already teeming with celebrations and activities. May is the annual South Caicos Regatta, known to the locals as The Big South – featuring classic yachts, music, and delicious local cuisine.
The Big South also refers to the island itself. South Caicos is the second smallest of the Turks and Caicos’ eight inhabited islands. Formerly the primary port of the islands exporting fishing and salt, now the Big South is a laid back corner of the Caribbean frequented by expats, explorers, and adventurers.
Late spring is also the perfect time for scuba diving in the Turks and Caicos. Fewer crowds allow more time to explore one of the earth’s most awe-inspiring underwater features, the Great Wall. This geographic marvel is a sheer 2,134m underwater wall off the gateway island, Grand Turk.
Another inspiring and vital feature off of Provo’s north shore, is the 14-mile-long barrier coral reef, teeming with marine life vital to the health of our planet.
Visiting Turks and Caicos – Hurricane Season
Does hurricane season affect the Turks and Caicos? In general, yes. The North American hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30, though activity beyond October 31 is rare.
If you are looking to visit Turks and Caicos during the late summer and early fall, keep in mind that these islands are located in the central Caribbean, east of the Grand Bahama, and north of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. This means that they are in the middle of the bulls-eye for hurricanes.
Many vacationers tend to avoid island travel from late July through September due to potential tropical storms. However, due to the archipelago’s shallow plateau, the Turks and Caicos are not as susceptible to significant hurricanes or damaging storms. However, there is a chance inclement weather may delay airline and boat travel to and from the islands.
Visiting Turks and Caicos – Rainy Season
Another aspect of Caribbean weather is tropical rain. Late August through early December is considered the rainy season in these Caribbean Islands.
The trade winds keep the islands comfortable and the rainy season modest. On Grand Turk and South Caicos, there are roughly 21 inches annually. As you head west, that rainfall increases to 40 inches per year.
And November has the rainiest days, with 3.7 inches of precipitation, according to the National Climatic Data Center.
Along with rain comes the wind. The strongest winds are the trade winds in the summer months from roughly May to August. Trade winds are surface winds that reliably blow from east to west near the quarter. They are perfect for kiteboarding, parasailing, and the annual kite flying competition in Providenciales.
Visiting Turks and Caicos – High Season
According to the Turks and Caicos tourism website, the peak tourism season is usually between December and April – Christmas through Easter. This is known as the high season.
Extremely popular times, these months are outside of the rainy season and usually provide a welcome tropical climate for those who want to escape the Northern hemisphere’s ice and snow.
If you are visiting during the late winter months, you are in for a treat. Each February, the island of Middle Caicos holds the Valentine’s Day Cup. This unique event celebrates the culture and heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands through music, food, and hand-carved model sailboat races.
During peak season, the hotel rates are at their most costly, and often sell out for the season. And even though ocean temperatures are at their lowest, the cost of playing in Caribbean waters is at a premium.
Visiting Turks and Caicos – Low Season
In contrast, the least expensive time to visit the Turks and Caicos is usually during the low season – April through June. The most affordable months are May and June, perfect times for planning a trip to the Turks and Caicos on a budget.
In July, the hottest month, where the average high is 95 degrees Fahrenheit, there is still a lot to see and do. The island of Provo hosts the Fools Regatta – a full-day event that celebrates all things sailing.
But by far the least expensive months are off-season. According to Visit Turks & Caicos Islands, the best time to try and score a deal on airfare is during hurricane season, from late July through early November.
Known as the low season on the island, this is also a time for fewer crowds. In fact, September is traditionally the slowest month of the year, according to the Turks and Caicos tourism website. If you are planning a visit during this time of year, consider travel insurance just in case a hurricane or tropical storm forces a change in plans. You may also want to pack your bug spray and sunblock. The summer’s sun heats the average afternoon temperatures to a balmy 95°F.
Low season is also the time when many locals take vacations, and hotels and restaurants close temporarily for cleaning and renovations.
One of the best reasons to visit the Turks & Caicos during the off-season is the annual Caicos Classic Billfish Release Tournament. Deep sea anglers from all over the world come to test their skills against the powerful and legendary Blue Marlins.
And at the end of the off-season, the islands celebrate all things conch at the Turks and Caicos Conch Festival. This annual November event, on the island of Providenciales, or Provo according to the locals, celebrates the national symbol and No. 1 export, a diminutive marine snail that has had a big influence on the island’s economy.
Christmas in the Caribbean
Christmas and New Year’s Day in the Turks and Caicos Islands is a memorable time of the year with numerous festivals and holiday celebrations. In fact, the holiday season lasts from late November to New Year’s Day.
During these winter months, homes, businesses, and boats, throughout Providenciales Grace Bay Beach, are brilliantly lit with impressive Christmas displays. Resorts decorate guest rooms and many restaurants offer Christmas dinner service.
Maskanoo Street Festival
The celebration of Christmas is a month-long affair. And as a British Overseas Territory, the Turks and Caicos have incorporated a few uniquely British traditions.
The Maskanoo Street Festival is held on the day after Christmas, December 26th – Great Britain’s Boxing Day. It is an annual street festival featuring colorfully masked dancers and calypso rhythms, with a parade along the main roads and plazas of Provo.
Maskanoo is a combination of a masquerade ball and the traditions and culture of Africa. Street vendors sell drinks and local delicacies.
Post-Christmas Beach Party
And on December 28th, the last of the seasonal celebrations are held. The Post-Christmas Beach Party is a single day of kayak races and local dishes. More of a Christmas Festival live music and artisan booths are selling handcrafted Caribbean items.
Old Year’s Night
After the parades, parties, and celebrations, the only thing left is to ring in the new year. Old Year’s Night occurs on New Year’s Eve. The event features predominantly Catholic and Christian locals attending late-night church services. After the service, everyone rings handbells chasing out the old year – inviting good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
Junkanoo
Another reason to visit during the winter months is the Junkanoo festival, starting at midnight on New Year’s Day, as revelers take to the streets to celebrate the new year. Junkanoo began in the 16th Century when enslaved workers mining salt in Salt Bay and South Caicos were allowed one day off for Christmas. This colorful festival of sight and sound combines extraordinary costumes with traditional African music and dance into a day-long celebration.
Enjoy Your Trip to Turks and Caicos Anytime
While we think spring might just be the perfect time to visit Turks and Caicos given the good weather, low number of tourists, and more cost-friendly options, it’s really never a bad time to visit these glorious islands.
With so many fun things to do and delicious restaurants you try, we’re certain you’ll enjoy your trip to Turks and Caicos anytime of the year.
