There’s a lot to love about Turks and Caicos: Idyllic beaches, island food and rum, and the people. Planning to go there? Read this comprehensive guide to learn the best time to visit Turks & Caicos. This feature also covers the biggest events to happen this 2024.
When Is The Best Time To Go To Turks & Caicos?
As with any other tropical territory, the Turks and Caicos weather is one of the biggest things you need to consider before going to this group of islands. You’ll experience the best mix of pleasant weather, cheaper prices, and more accommodation availability from February to April.
Peak Season
The Turks & Caicospeak season falls between December and March.
The opening month of this season is usually the busiest as tourists — especially those from the US and the UK — take advantage of their Christmas holidays. During this time, the island also offers much-needed relief from the cold winter season in their respective countries.
You can participate in the annual Junkanoo Jump Up in January, while February offers the popular Valentine’s Day Cup.
Though many holidayers arrive in spring break, the beaches of Turks and Caicos are relatively more tranquil than its Caribbean peers. If you’re out looking for a lively social scene, consider booking at family-oriented all-inclusive resorts like Beaches Turks & Caicos.
Throughout the peak season, you can also watch migrating humpback whales.
Shoulder Season
April and May comprise the island’s shoulder season. The prices of flights and hotels are more inexpensive this time, and you can surely benefit from traveling around with fewer crowds.
The first half of this season has a low chance of rain. With winds remaining calm and the water temperature hitting around 79 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s a great time to head out on the beach and swim or go kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, and diving. Come May, the chances of rain rise albeit only slightly.
Important events include Salt Cay Festival and Big South Regatta.
The Lean Months
The low season in the territory lasts from June to November. But you can still see quite several tourists arriving until August. It’s only after that that the influx of holidays significantly declines. After all, that’s when the Turks & Caicos rainy season peaks (late August until early December)
What you can take advantage of around this time is the lobster season. During November, locals also celebrate the Turks and Caicos Conch Festival.
Best Things To Do In Turks & Caicos Activities During Peak Season
Here are the best things to do in Turks and Caicos during its high season.
Discover its stunning beaches.
Providenciales (locally known as Provo) is one of the islands in Turks & Caicos, and it has some of the finest beaches the country has to offer. Your options include Grace Bay Beach, Bight Beach, Leeward Beach, and Sapodilla Bay Beach.
Beyond just swimming, you can try different aquatic activities like diving, snorkeling, clear kayaking, sailing, kiteboarding, and more. Horseback riding on the beach is also a popular thing to do in the country.
Go on a Jeep tour
During the dry season, explore the island aboard a four-wheeler. On the west coast of Providenciales, you can take a tour of various national parks, including the Northwest Point National Park and West Harbour Bluff.
Explore a historical site
If Provo has the beaches, Grand Turk has the historical spots. If you want to travel to the past, take the time to visit the Grand Turk Lighthouse, Victorian-era H.M Prison, and the Turks and Caicos National Museum.
When Is The Worst Time To Go to Turks & Caicos?
Turks and Caicos is found in the northernmost Caribbean (technically, it’s part of the Atlantic Oceans), and it can be susceptible to the Atlantic hurricane season.
The Turks and Caicos hurricane season happens from August to December, though rainfalls are also likely to happen from July onward. At around 3.7 inches, November is already the rainiest.
Though these months are the “worst” time to visit Turks and Caicos, you’ll be glad to know that the downpours are usually quick. Before and after the heavy rains, you can still enjoy the warmth of the sun.
Weather In Turks & Caicos
If you’re wondering when to visit Turks & Caicos, note that the territory has generally pleasant weather all year round.
The average air temperature averages 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, while water temperature hovers around 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Its northern location makes this paradise cooler than other Caribbean islands located in the southern region.
Though tropical cyclones and hurricanes may form in the Atlantic, only a few of them actually hits the country. Passing tropical storms can bring forth quick bouts of rain. Be sure to monitor weather forecasts before you travel. Also, don’t forget to apply repellants because mosquitoes tend to be a pesky problem during the wet season.
Best Upcoming Events In Turks & Caicos 2024
Though the best time to visit Turks & Caicos is from February to April, there are loads of activities you can enjoy across the year that makes the country a top year-round destination.
Valentine’s Day Cup (February 11)
Taking place in Middle Caicos, it’s a Caicos Sloop sailboat race and is considered a great event for families with kids.
Turks and Caicos Kite-Flying Competition (April)
Typically held during Easter Monday, this annual kite-flying competition guarantees a fun-filled day for youngsters and adults. Apart from flying kites, you can participate in other activities like Easter Egg hunting.
Big South Regatta (May 25 to 27)
This year, Big South Regatta turns 56. It’s one of the most important events in South Caicos, and the line-up of activities includes boat races and concerts. You can also try local dishes, see classic yachts on display, and dance it out with the locals and fellow holidayers.
Emancipation Day (August 1)
Thie island-wide occasion commemorates the freeing of slaves from the British Empire. The historical event was declared on August 1, 1834, at the Oddfellow Lodge in Grand Turk. It is during this day when the biggest Junkanoo celebrations are held on the island (big Junkanoo celebrations also take place on Boxing Day and the early morning of January 1).
Middle Caicos Day (Last weekend of August)
Want to party all day by the beach? This is the perfect event to attend. Besides beach parties, Middle Caicos Day features beauty pageants, musical performances, and straw-weaving contests.
Turks and Caicos Conch Festival (Last weekend of November)
Taking place in the fishing settlement that is Blue Hills, this culinary festival puts the spotlight on the versatile queen conch. You can try various conch dishes here — from conch fritters to salads and stews.
Caribbean Food and Wine Festival (Typically held in late October or early November)
Across Provo, participating local businesses and organizations hold events that showcase the best in the world of dining and wine.
Turks & Caicos International Film Festival or TCIFF (November)
TCIFF is more than just a film festival. It’s an avenue that helps raise awareness about several environmental issues.
Maskanoo (December 26)
This street festival happens on Boxing Day. Grace Bay Road serves as the venue for masquerades and Bahamian-style Junkanoo. You can also buy many local crafts and food here.
