Best Time To Visit Curacao: When To Go & When To Avoid

One of the first things any vacation planner needs to do is to decide when they’re leaving and how long they plan to stay at their destination. Choosing the right dates is even more important when you’re planning to visit a popular Caribbean paradise such as Curacao. Depending on what you want to do in Curacao, who you’re with, and your budget, the best time to visit Curacao may differ.

The southern island in the Caribbean might not be as trendy as Jamaica or the Bahamas, but the year-round destination has more than its fair share of yearly visitors.  Travelers who are starting to plan their Curacao holiday this 2023, here’s all you need to know about when to visit Curacao.

Small paper flag of curaçao on a white sandy beach with a crystal clear ocean.

When Is The Best Time To Go To Curacao?

Just like most, if not all tourist destinations all over the world, Curacao also has its peak and lean seasons. Generally, the best time to visit Curacao is between the months of December and mid-April, making it the perfect destination for those who want to escape the cold winter for some sunshine. 

Curacao Peak Season

Those planning to come during Curacao peak season will never have a boring day on their tropical vacation. Since it is the island’s busiest time of year, visitors can expect all attractions and activities to be open. However, since it is the Curacao peak season, plan to share the space with other travelers. 

As far as activities go, one of the best things to do in Curacao is a safari ride on the island’s Ostrich Farm for a lovely day out. Water sports and activities like snorkeling and diving can be done almost all year long. However, September and October is when coral spawning occurs. This makes for murky waters that aren’t as fun or beautiful, so it’s best to avoid those months.

American and European Peak Seasons

Interestingly enough, there are two peak seasons in Curacao which means fellow travelers will be different depending on the month of your visit. Generally, when visiting the island between November and early April, you will share the experience with American tourists. However, if you visit Curacao between July and August, you will meet Europeans during your vacation. 

Thankfully both peak seasons still come with great Curacao weather, so you are guaranteed to enjoy the beaches in this Caribbean paradise during both peak seasons. By booking a stay at hotels like the Sandals Royal Curacao you are sure to have the best vacation, no matter when you visit the island.

Curacao Off-Peak Season

Travelers who want to avoid crowds and save money during their vacation can visit Curacao during its lean months. These are in between the American and European peak seasons, mid-April to June. The best thing about these months is the combination of fantastic weather, cheaper hotels, and fewer tourists to bump into.

When Is The Worst Time To Go to Curacao? 

While there is no hurricane season in Curacao there are months you should avoid as well. The Curacao rainy season is between September and October every year. While rainfall isn’t that harsh, enjoying a sunny Caribbean destination is harder when you have to deal with rain. The only upside to visiting Curacao in bad weather is the significant drop in hotel prices.

Weather In Curacao

As mentioned before, technically, there is no Curacao hurricane season. Instead, it has what is called the “hurricane effect season” where there is more rainfall and storms during September and October. The entire Curacao rainy season is between September and December, but it is still a popular destination despite the rain during the last two months of the year.

Aside from the short Curacao hurricane season, the rest of the year brings warm sunshine with an average temperature of 82°F or 28°C. As long as you avoid the rainy season, you can get a tan and walk around in flip-flops and summer wear. 

Best Upcoming Events In Curacao 2023 

The best way to get the most out of a Curacao holiday is to join the events the island has to offer. Choosing to participate in these events is one of the best things to do in Curacao and may affect your decision on when to visit Curacao. For 2023, these are the most popular events on the island:

Curacao Carnival 2023

Considered one of the most vibrant and colorful carnivals on the island, the yearly Curacao Carnival is a must-see for holidaymakers. Tourists can expect street parades, non-stop music, dancing, and colorful street performers. This year’s Curacao Carnival already kicked off last January 7, but the festivities will continue through February.

“Gran Marcha” 2023

The Grand Marcha or the Grand Carnival Parade, is one of the biggest events of the Curacao Carnival. This year it takes place on February 19, 2023. It’s the best and only way to say farewell to the island’s carnival season.

Plein Air Curacao Festival

A week-long festival that combines art with nature. Local and international painters will showcase their talent on land, at high altitudes, and even underwater starting February 23 until March 4, 2023.

Curacao Pride 2023

Dance, party, and drink cocktails under the Caribbean sky during Curacao’s Pride festival from June 7 to 12, 2023. The best DJs will keep you on your feet dancing the night away. That’s a guarantee.

Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival

This Curacao event is fast becoming one of the most popular music festivals in the Caribbean Islands. International performers like John Legend, Alicia Keys, Carlos Santana, Sting, and more are known to grace the stage of this Curacao festival. Book your tickets for the festival from August 31 until September 2, 2023. If you love to enjoy some good music in an island paradise, then this is a good basis to determine when is the best time to visit Curacao.

Conclusion

The best time to visit Curacao is really any time of the year. Even during the Curacao hurricane season, there are still some upsides such as cheaper hotel rates and fewer tourists. 

If you’re planning on when to visit Curacao for 2023, you can always plan around the different events or during the two peak seasons if you want the full Curacao tourist experience. Otherwise, come and visit the island and participate in the best things to do in Curacao all year long. Your Caribbean dream vacation destination awaits you.

About The Author
Randell
Randell was born in an island nation and is a creature of the water and sun. Aside from amazing Caribbean destinations, he is also fascinated with the region's food, history, culture, and adventures it offers.

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