The best time to visit the Cayman Islands is between December and April. This is a period of fine, sunny days, cooling breezes from the northeast tradewinds, and low rainfall.
There’s little cloud cover in these months, and the sea is the perfect temperature for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
May is also a good month to visit before the intense heat of the summer arrives. In November, the rainy season makes way for cooler, sunnier weather, but the islands are still relatively quiet before the winter peak.
Visiting the Cayman Islands by Season
Summer
Seven Mile Beach
The Cayman Islands grow increasingly hot and humid as June progresses into July and August, with temperatures ranging from lows of 78°F (25.7°C) to highs of 90°F (32.5°C) .
Although this is the rainy season, you won’t necessarily have rain every day, and even when it does rain, you may experience short, sharp showers rather than continuous downpours.
Many visitors enjoy visiting Grand Cayman during this low season as it’s quieter. You should be prepared for passing storms, though, and high winds.
Fall
September to November is still the rainy season. October is the wettest month in Grand Cayman, with an average of 8.62 inches (219 mm).
The weather begins to change in November as the storm season comes to a close, with lower rainfall and less humidity. By late November, the Cayman Islands are gearing up for peak season, with generally fine, stable weather.
Winter
December, January, and February are usually warm and pleasant; this is the best time to go to Grand Cayman for reliable weather. Daily highs average 84.2°F (29°C) and lows 73.5°F (23°C).
These months enjoy the least rainfall—as low as 1.27 inches (32 mm) in March. Because the Cayman Islands lie in the northern waters of the Caribbean, winter days can actually feel pleasantly warm, as opposed to oppressively hot and humid.
Read: Best Beaches in December to Visit
Spring
The transition from the cooler winters to the hot, humid summers is one of the best times to visit the Cayman Islands.
March is the driest month, with just 1.4 inches (35mm) of rainfall. April, too, usually has low rainfall and clear skies, with average lows of 77°F (25°C) and average highs of 84.2°F (29°C). May sees slightly more rain.
This doesn’t, of course, affect the clarity of the water when snorkeling in Grand Cayman, and this is still a great time for exploring the many reefs and dive sites.
Snorkeling in Grand Cayman
When Is Rainy Season?
The rainy season in the Cayman Islands is from July to early November, with September and October the wettest months.
You may get rain in May and June, too, although these are outside of the main storm season. October is the wettest month, with an average of 8.62 inches (219 mm) of rain and some 14 days on which precipitation falls.
When Is High Season?
High season in the Cayman Islands, like the rest of the Caribbean, is December to April, a spell that tends to bring warm weather, clear days, and little rain.
The Cayman Islands are busy during this period, but with long, golden beaches and multiple dive sites, there is space for everyone. There’s also a peak in visitor numbers in July, which although not the optimum time to visit, coincides with school summer vacation in Europe and the U.S.
Read: Best Things to Do in Grand Cayman
Stingray City
When Is Shoulder Season?
Shoulder season in the Cayman Islands is May, before the official hurricane season begins, and late November, from around Thanksgiving, when there’s a pre-season lull before Christmas and New Year. Visit during these periods and you should find fine weather and Grand Cayman’s beaches emptier.
May is also a time of celebration in Grand Cayman, as this is when Batabano, the islands’ carnival, takes place. This is a Mardi Gras-style celebration with parades, costumes, and live music.
When Is Low Season?
The lowest season in the Cayman Islands is the summer months and early fall, from June to October. This isn’t necessarily a bad time to go—in fact, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds and most of the usual attractions will be open with rainy day options including rum distillery tours, shopping, and visiting the National Art Gallery and the National Museum.
But you should be prepared for the occasional storm. Divers should also note that July and August are not the best months for diving, as visibility can be lower than usual. Having said this, August is when the sea is at its warmest for swimming.
Grand Cayman
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