See full version: December in the Caribbean: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See
The Caribbean has a broad array of unique Christmas traditions. You'll find Christmas Markets in Jamaica, Junkanoo in the Bahamas, parang music on Trinidad, and the Dutch Sinterklaas and his "Zwarte Piet" (Black Pete) helpers in Aruba and Curacao. here
Pack some bathing suits, summer clothing, and sunscreen for the Caribbean's warm, bright days. Nights can be a bit breezy, so bring at least one sweater or a pair of long pants just in case. If you plan to visit during the holidays, you'll want to bring along some nice attire, especially if you are going to attend a formal Christmas mass, candlelight service, or holiday meal.
With the threat of hurricanes and tropical storms past, December travelers can look forward to the Caribbean's average high of 83 F (28 C) and average lows of 73 F (23 C). Although, temperatures in Bermuda and the Bahamas tend to be on the cooler side. You might get rain on about one of every three days, but it's more of a light afternoon shower than a torrential downpour this time of year.
The weeks in early December are filled with bargain rates on hotels and airfare because this is typically a slow travel time. Many resorts cater to families looking to spend the holidays together by offering all-inclusive packages. Since nearly every Caribbean island has a majority Christian population, it's easy to find local holiday celebrations regardless of where you travel. Christmas cruises to the Caribbean are also an affordable, family-friendly option.
In the Caribbean, you can escape to warmer weather, celebrate local holidays and traditions, and of course, hit the beautiful white-sand beaches. December weather is comfortably warm and Christmas is celebrated with colorful festivities in a uniquely Caribbean way. If you can break away from family, friends, and the usual traditions December brings, a trip to the Caribbean may be ideal.
Laid-back and unpretentious, St. Kitts is an ideal destination for travelers looking for an authentic Caribbean experience as well as beautiful landscapes. St. Kitts’s wealth of public beaches means you don’t have to splurge on a seaside property to access the island’s finest stretches of sand. Head to the island’s southern tip in search of its best white-sand beaches — Cockleshell, Banana Bay, and Major’s Bay. Cockleshell’s calm water, easygoing beach bars, and superb views of nearby Nevis have made it a popular stop for cruise ships, so plan to visit early or later in the afternoon. The adjacent crescent of sand, Banana Bay Beach, has a couple casual spots and sees less crowds. Less than a mile to the west, Major’s Bay sees even fewer crowds, despite offering comparable views of Nevis’ rising conical peak. Furthermore, an abandoned barge resting in the shallows of Major’s Bay creates a unique setting and excellent snorkeling. [links]
With winter just around the corner, check out our list of the 10 cheapest Caribbean destinations. We factored in hotels and flights from major U.S. cities to help you score a bargain.
Beyond the beach, St. Kitts’s Mount Liamuiga warrants a day trip, especially for adventurous types. Ascending the 3,792-foot dormant volcano rewards hikers with views of the crater and surrounding sea. On the way, hikers traverse steep terrain and thick rainforest, which is home to numerous bird species and mischievous monkeys. It’s advisable to book a guide (typically $75 to $100 per person) to navigate the minimally-marked trails. Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a less arduous day trip. The UNESCO World Heritage site sits on St. Kitts’s western coast. Built by enslaved Africans during British colonization, the well-preserved fortress survived numerous French navy attacks from its perch over the Caribbean. The $10 entry fee grants access to the on-site museum and grounds, which includes the Fort George Citadel, barracks facilities, and surrounding ramparts. here
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Been to Grand Cayman on 3 separate crusies, fianlly landed ashore the last try. Maybe third time the charm?
Being a tender port you will always run the chance of not getting ashore. I didn't think the wave was big but I guess it is bad enough not to tender. Even on the time we landed ashore, we tedner to the alternate pier which is away from the down town core and cost $5 cab fare to get into town.
We failed to make land-ho in January and December. The final time was mid November. [links]
P.S. Check out What to Pack for a Beach Vacation before your next seaside getaway!
Situated in the Caribbean Sea between Trinidad and Tobago, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is Grenada, an isle home to no less than 45 pristine beaches. More than a few are certainly worth their salt, but it’s the 2-mile, palm and almond tree-lined Grand Anse, on the southwestern coast, that steals the show time and time again. Despite drawing hoards of locals and throngs of cruise ship shoobies, it’s large enough to accommodate everyone without feeling congested. Take to the calm waters for a dip, or go extreme sport-mode and try your luck water-skiing, parasailing, or sea kayaking.
We’re going to be upfront on this one: rumor has it that the sand on Key West’s Smathers Beach isn’t native to Florida, but…the Bahamas. After hurricane season comes and goes each year, dutifully wiping away the beach’s shore, the state ships in the good stuff from the Caribbean to replenish and rebuild. Despite borrowing one of its best assets from international beaches, the spot is especially popular among spring breakers, sunbathers, and those in search of an exceptional sunset. Since the tide isn’t strong enough for surfing, it’s particularly ideal for swimmers and snorkelers, and it’s also conveniently located—just a mile or so from Duval Street in Old Town, one of the liveliest areas in Key West. [links]