If you’re anything like us, you might think the best time to visit Turks and Caicos is ANYTIME. Though this may be true, you might want to take note of a few details when planning your perfect trip to Turks and Caicos.
We realize there’s a lot at stake when planning your next vacation. Can you get your preferred dates off work? Is there a less expensive time of year to travel? Will it be crowded? And while these are all valid and real questions, sometimes you won’t have a choice as to when you can actually book that flight and head to paradise. Let us help you decide when the best time to visit Turks and Caicos is!
So with that said, let’s jump in and give you a quick glimpse of what to expect from Turks and Caicos throughout the year. From your wallet to the weather, we’ll help you prepare for your next trip.
TURKS AND CAICOS WEATHER
So let’s be completely honest here shall we? There really isn’t a bad time to visit Turks and Caicos based on weather alone. Mind you, we are a couple of Canadians whose summer months barely reach the winter temps in TCI!
The average temperatures on the Island of Providenciales range between 74° to 84°F (23°- 29°C) from November to May, with December typically being the “coldest” month averaging around the 74°F. And, from June to October, 85° and 90°F (29°- 32°C). From our experience, we have felt the temperature reach the mid 90's (35°C), especially in the late summer months.
The water temperatures are glorious year round. In the summer, 82° to 86°F (28°- 30°C) and in winter about 74° to 78°F (23°- 26°C). If you think those winter water temperatures are inviting you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven in the summer!
Before you travel, always be sure to check out the daily weather forecast to better prepare for your specific travel dates.
WHEN IS HIGH AND LOW SEASON?
Just like any other destination, whether it be the Caribbean or abroad, there is always a high season (busy season) and a low season (slow season). How this affects your travel will depend on you as an individual and what your travel needs are.
High season in Turks and Caicos, typically runs from December through to April (Spring Break/Easter Break) and low season from the end of June/July through October.
HOW DOES THIS AFFECT YOUR TRAVEL PLANS?
Costs
If you’re traveling during the months of December – April (high season), you will notice significantly higher rates in flights, accommodations and car rentals. You can expect to see prices skyrocket to as much as 25% – 50% higher than during lower season months. If your budget is not an issue, then this isn’t a problem, however, if you’re like us, this will be a huge factor in choosing the best time to visit Turks and Caicos.
Christmas bookings always fill up fast regardless of price. Be prepared to book well in advance if this is when you wish to travel.
Traveling during low season is always the better choice for those looking for flight and hotel deals. While Turks and Caicos is expensive in general, you will typically see lower rates during these months.
Crowds
So, let’s be super clear on this one. You will NEVER see crowds in Turks and Caicos like you would in places like Aruba or Cancun. It’s just not that type of place. However, during the high season, you will notice a lot more tourists than you would if traveling in August or September.
You will never have to dodge beach bed traffic in high OR low season in Turks and Caicos. There is enough beach in this paradise for everyone to lounge and play without getting in anyone's way. Grace Bay Beach is so vast, you’ll be blown away with how much beach space you’ll have compared to other tropical destinations.
One thing you must plan ahead if you are traveling during high season are restaurant reservations. More travelers equals less walk in availability. Pick out your must visit spots beforehand and call or email to make a reservation before you arrive on The Island.
Another is excursions. Especially those fabulous Sunset Cruises. Everyone wants that Christmas Eve sunset Cruise or the most epic New Years celebration out on the water. Again, be sure to book these months in advance to avoid disappointment.
HURRICANE SEASON
Unfortunately, Caribbean Islands are susceptible to the dreaded Hurricane Season. It generally spans from July to October. Though Turks and Caicos has been luckier than a lot of other islands in the path of major hurricanes, The Island was hit hard by Hurricane Irma in 2017. The Island has since been restored and back to all its tropical glory! The resilience of the locals to rebuild and come back even stronger than before never fails to amaze us.
Can you still travel during this time?
Yes absolutely! As you’ll see below, we’ve traveled in the months of July and August. That’s usually our preferred travel period because of lower flight and accommodation rates. While we have yet to have our trip interrupted by any weather warnings, we always purchase travel insurance which includes weather coverage in the event we do need to evacuate before a storm. But like I’ve just said, we’ve never had any issues to date. We’ve had nothing but sunny skies and ridiculously warm water temperatures in those months.
If you were looking at booking September or October I’d suggest you check your accommodations refund or rebooking policy. Just in case you did have to evacuate or cancel your booking, you’d want to make sure you were covered on the accommodations front, whether by refund or the option to rebook.
One more thing to note if planning travel during September and October. This is typically the time of year when a lot of establishments take time off to do renovations and give staff their hard earned holidays. Though you will still find many restaurants to choose from, you may want to do some research to find out if any of your favorite spots will be closed while you’re there.
This also goes for some of the excursion companies. This is their time for maintenance and holidays also, so best be sure to double check that anything on your “must do” list is operational. Don’t end up disappointed on your trip, be prepared by planning ahead.
WEATHER DURING THE MONTHS WE’VE TRAVELED
December and January
We were fortunate to travel to Turks and Caicos in 2021/2022 for Christmas and New Years. We enjoyed incredible weather during that time. Hot temps in the day and cooling off quite nicely in the evenings.
This was the first time we’ve ever had to use mosquito spray in the evening. They weren’t horrific but somewhat annoying all the same. They were really no worse than we have them here in Canada. Pack the spray and you’ll be just fine.
While most days at Grace bay Beach, the water was as calm as it is in the summer months, we did see some choppy days with waves really crashing the shoreline. The big waves added to the festivities and fun as we’d never seen them like this on previous visits.
April
Love our time when visiting in April. Almost as hot as the summer months but the humidity is much less. Water temps aren’t quite like the summer months but still a little warmer than they are at Christmas. Keep in mind, the cool water temps aren’t really cool at all, they’re still warm and fabulous.
July and August
Our favorite time of year to visit! It’s hot and it’s humid but the ocean breezes keep us cool (along with a rum punch or two!) The water temps are absolutely insane!
The days are much longer and you can enjoy the beach for those few extra hours watching the sunset or out for dinner at your favorite beachside restaurant.
November
A great month to visit! The temperature is still hot and humid left over from hurricane season but the evenings have started to cool off to give you a little break. Days begin to get shorter but that won’t stop you from enjoying a full day of fun in the sun.
We thought this month would bring lots of mosquitos but we haven’t had a problem during November. Crowds weren’t horrific even though we were traveling during American Thanksgiving (my birthday week!).
All excursions and restaurants were back up and running after their seasonal breaks.
A QUICK RECAP
We still stand by our opinion that anytime is a great time to visit Turks and Caicos. But let’s do a quick summary of the information above.
December – April (High Season)
Most expensive, low humidity, more people, whale watching, earlier sunsets.
April – June
Prices start to get lower, less crowded than during Spring Break, days start to get a little longer so you can enjoy more beach time before sunset. Temperatures are fantastic.
July – August (Low Season)
Lower prices, fewer crowds than Spring Break but a few extra families now that school is out. Weather is hot and most likely humid (but the cool ocean breeze makes you forget all that). Sunset is usually between 6:30pm – 7:30pm which means you can enjoy a Sundowner at Rickies.
September – October (Low Season)
Usually lower prices during this time which might also mean a few extra accommodation deals. It is hurricane season so book insurance. It’s hot and humid. Some restaurants and excursions will be closed for downtime. Sunsets are still gorgeous with a rum punch at Rickies. Are you getting the idea of how we spend our evenings? LOL!
November
You can still manage to find some decent prices before American Thanksgiving. The weather is beautiful with less humidity. The days begin to get noticeably shorter in November.
The information we’ve provided above has been our experience. We encourage you to research as much as possible to make your trip the best one yet. We hope this article has given you some insight into choosing when it’s best for you to travel to Turks and Caicos.
To start planning your next trip, be sure to check out our Ultimate Turks and Caicos Guide and our One Week In Turks and Caicos Itinerary for some great suggestions!