The Caribbean enjoys year-round sunshine with a warm, tropical
climate tempered by cooling tradewinds. Average temperature is over
80ºC (25ºF) all year round. On average, there are over 8 hours
sun per day all year round. The 'high'
season in the Caribbean is generally considered to be mid-December to
April, except for Bermuda which is sub-tropical and their high season is
from April to October.
Average Temperature
The 'rainy' season can occur any
time between July and December, when rainfall and humidity can increase.
The showers during this period can be sudden and leave a lot of rainfall
but they are short and are quickly followed by sunshine.
There have been a number of well publicised hurricanes over the last
ten years although the majority pass by without any major damage being
done. However if you don't want to be in the Caribbean when there could
be one, the most likely month for hurricanes is September.
Vaccinations are not compulsory for visitors to the main islands but
you may want to check that polio and tetanus injections are up to date
and you may choose to have an injection to give some cover from
Hepatitis A, although this occurs rarely. Malaria is still a problem in
Haiti and to a lesser extent in the Dominican Republic so if you plan to
visit these countries it would be wise to take some preventative
medicine before you go. Take a look at the CDC Travel Information guide
prepared for travellers to the Caribbean www.cdc.gov/travel/Caribbean
There are very few poisonous plants in the Caribbean but the
manchineel tree is one. This tree often grows on beaches and both the
fruit which looks like a small apple and the sap of the tree is very
unpleasant.
Tap water is drinkable on all the islands featured on this site. In
Haiti and the Dominican Republic only bottled water should be drunk.
*** Travellers' Tip***
How to
Avoid the Mosquitoes
Two weeks prior to your holiday make garlic a part of your everyday
seasonings for your food. As a woman who is anaemic (more
prone to mosquitoes), I promise you it works, apparently the scent
it gives through your pores, is repulsive to our bothersome
friends. Tip by KA.
If one were searching for a culinary melting
pot, the Caribbean Islands would surely qualify. Since the world ceased being
flat, conflicting influences of indigenous and European cuisines have
evolved here, forming the amazing combinations that make island cooking
one of the most diverse and delicious found anywhere in the world. Foods
that are most commonly associated with the region, include Jerked
Chicken, Crab Creole, Frijoles Negros, Callaloo, and Banana Curry. Hot
Chile Oil, Barbados Seasoning, and Peanut Sauce are just some of the
special ingredients that give Caribbean cooking its unmistakable flavour.
The biggest events are the various carnivals, usually held just
before Lent but some are also staged at the end of the sugar harvest,
usually in late July or early August. Many official celebrations are
also held on the British islands around Emancipation Day, 1st August.
There are also many smaller events held all year round that centre
around music, eg calypso, steel pan or reggae, or around sports eg
fishing competitions, tennis, golf and some triathlons.
In most Caribbean islands the electrical supply is 110 or 120 volts
at 60 cycles so no adaptor is required for US appliances but British or
French visitors will need to take one. The French islands work to 220
volts and the Dutch islands to 110 volts. Many of the British islands
work to a 230 or 240 volts supply at 50 cycles per second although even
on these islands some of the hotels are set up to the American system.
It is probably worth checking with the hotel before you go which system
they are using and taking an adaptor anyway if you have one.
