Aruba is a great holiday destination if you are looking for warm, sunny days on a white sand beach with a little breeze. A little island in the southern Caribbean Sea, close to the north of Venezuela, goes by the name “One Happy Island.”
However, if you are making travel plans, you should be aware of the times of year to avoid Aruba. When is the worst time to visit Aruba, and what can you expect if you visit during this time? Fortunately, our detailed guide covers it all!
The Worst Time to Go to Aruba
The worst time to visit Aruba is during the months of October to December, since this is the rainy season. Additionally, Aruba experiences its rainy season from October to January, with November being the wettest month on average.
While rainfall in Aruba is generally sporadic and short-lived, if you wish to minimize the chances of encountering rain, you may want to avoid visiting during the rainy season.
Why Rainy Season is the Worst Time to Visit Aruba?
It rains heavily throughout most of Aruba during the country’s rainy season (October – December). The coasts are especially vulnerable to this problem. This makes it more difficult to visit well-known tourist destinations. The fact that many tourist hotspots have to close or reduce their operating hours while it’s raining is a further consequence of the wet season.
Landslides and flooded roadways are more common at this time. Last but not least, driving conditions might become more dangerous when rain adds to the already present mud on the roads.
Hurricanes are more common in the Caribbean during the wetter months of October through December. Aruba, along with its neighbors Bonaire and Curacao, has the lowest probability of being affected by the yearly hurricane season among the main Caribbean destinations. But, of course, one can never know for sure.
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Safety Measures for a Rainy Aruba Vacation
If you find yourself in Aruba during the wet season, you can still be safe and have a nice time by taking the following precautions.
- The weather prediction should be your first priority so that you can make the necessary preparations.
- You should anticipate wet conditions and pack accordingly. In case it rains, be sure to bring an umbrella, a raincoat, and a pair of waterproof shoes or boots. Some dry clothes and shoes should be packed along just in case.
- Be wary of potential flooding and landslides. If you are planning a trip to an area that is vulnerable to such disasters, make sure you are aware of any travel safety advice that may be provided.
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Most Crowded Months to Visit Aruba
Contrary to popular belief, Aruba’s busiest months are not in the summer. From around the middle of December to about the middle of April, many people go to Aruba to get away from the chilly weather elsewhere. Therefore, the most crowded months are usually between January and April!
Tourist hotspots see an influx of newlyweds, families, and students during these months. Aruba’s Carnival season occurs between January and March. The Grand Parade is the culmination of two months of lively festivities, featuring weekly parties, celebrations, parades, and music (including genuine Calypso music).
Winter in Aruba is one of the best times to visit if you want to enjoy a lively party scene. Therefore, individuals looking for a peaceful vacation should avoid these months.
Flight and hotel prices, in particular, tend to rise during the high season. If you stay in a hostel or an inexpensive Airbnb, make all of your own meals, drink moderately, take the bus, and do most of your exploring on your own dime, you can travel during peak season for roughly $70-$100 per day, on average.
If you are planning on staying in a hotel, eating out for every meal, drinking to your heart’s content, renting a vehicle or quad to travel about, and participating in as many excursions and activities as possible, you should expect to spend at least $560 each day.
With that in mind, the peak season of Jan-April can definitely be one of the worst times to visit Aruba, especially for someone not a fan of huge crowds!
When is the Worst Time to Visit Aruba: According to Other Tourists?
Umar Ali told me everything about his vacation in Aruba. He said, “Our November trip was to Aruba. Most days of our journey will have at least a little rain. Our intentions to visit beaches and other tourist attractions were severely disrupted. After a rain, the path becomes slippery due to the dirt and water”.
Sara Anwar claims that, “For us, early March in Aruba was too busy and pricey. Beaches were overrun with people, and hotels were too pricey. In my opinion, visiting Aruba during this part of the year is not the best idea”.
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Month-by-Month Analysis: Worst Month to Visit Aruba
To make it easy for you and help you plan your trip right, we have crafted a month-by-month analysis so that you can visit Aruba at a suitable time.
January
- Temperature: Average high of 85°F (29°C) and average low of 76°F (24°C).
- Weather: Generally sunny with low humidity. Occasional short showers may occur.
- Activities: Enjoy water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing. Explore the Arikok National Park and go hiking or horseback riding.
- Special Events: Aruba International Half Marathon takes place in January.
- Crowd Level: Moderate to high, as many tourists visit to escape the cold weather in their home countries.
February
- Temperature: Average high of 85°F (29°C) and average low of 76°F (24°C).
- Weather: Similar to January, with sunny days and occasional brief showers.
- Activities: Relax on the stunning beaches, go on catamaran cruises, or visit the Butterfly Farm. Take part in water activities like kiteboarding and jet skiing.
- Special Events: Aruba Carnival celebrations occur in February with colorful parades and lively music.
- Crowd Level: High, especially during Carnival. It’s advisable to book accommodations and activities in advance.
March
- Temperature: Average high of 86°F (30°C) and average low of 76°F (24°C).
- Weather: Continued sunny weather with minimal rainfall.
- Activities: Visit the Natural Pool in Arikok National Park, go on ATV tours, or take a sunset cruise. Explore the underwater world through snorkeling and diving.
- Special Events: Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival takes place in March, featuring renowned artists.
- Crowd Level: Moderate to high, with many tourists enjoying the pleasant weather and festivals.
April
- Temperature: Average high of 87°F (31°C) and average low of 77°F (25°C).
- Weather: Dry and sunny, with minimal rainfall.
- Activities: Enjoy beach activities like sunbathing and swimming. Visit the Casibari and Ayo Rock Formations or go on a jeep safari to discover Aruba’s natural beauty.
- Special Events: Easter celebrations occur in April, with religious processions and festivities.
- Crowd Level: Moderate, as the peak tourist season starts to wind down. It’s still advisable to book in advance.
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May
- Temperature: Average high of 88°F (31°C) and average low of 78°F (26°C).
- Weather: Warm and sunny, with occasional brief showers.
- Activities: Explore the Aruba Ostrich Farm, visit the Archeological Museum, or indulge in water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking.
- Special Events: Aruba Food Truck Festival takes place in May, offering a variety of local and international cuisines.
- Crowd Level: Moderate, as it’s a shoulder season with fewer tourists compared to the previous months.
June
- Temperature: Average high of 89°F (32°C) and average low of 79°F (26°C).
- Weather: Warm and sunny, with a slight increase in rainfall compared to previous months.
- Activities: Enjoy the beaches, go snorkeling at Baby Beach, or explore the colorful underwater world through submarine tours.
- Special Events: Bon Bini Festival starts in June, showcasing Aruban culture, music, and food.
- Crowd Level: Moderate, with fewer tourists compared to the peak season.
July
- Temperature: Average high of 89°F (32°C) and average low of 79°F (26°C).
- Weather: Warm and sunny, with occasional short showers.
- Activities: Visit the Donkey Sanctuary, go windsurfing at Fisherman’s Huts, or explore the California Lighthouse and the Alto Vista Chapel.
- Special Events: Aruba Hi-Winds windsurfing competition takes place in July, attracting international participants.
- Crowd Level: Moderate, as it’s still a popular time for tourists to visit.
August
- Temperature: Average high of 89°F (32°C) and average low of 79°F (26°C).
- Weather: Warm and sunny, with occasional brief showers.
- Activities: Take a tour of Aruba’s famous Natural Bridge, go on a UTV adventure, or enjoy snorkeling at the Antilla shipwreck.
- Special Events: None in particular, but you can find local music festivals and events throughout the month.
- Crowd Level: Moderate, with tourists enjoying the summer vacation period.
September
- Temperature: Average high of 89°F (32°C) and average low of 79°F (26°C).
- Weather: Warm and sunny, with increased chances of rainfall.
- Activities: Explore the Arikok National Park, visit the Aruba Aloe Factory, or relax on the beaches with fewer crowds.
- Special Events: Aruba Reef Care Project takes place in September, promoting reef conservation through underwater cleanups.
- Crowd Level: Moderate to low, as it’s considered the off-peak season with fewer tourists.
October
- Temperature: Average high of 89°F (32°C) and average low of 79°F (26°C).
- Weather: Warm and sunny, with increased chances of rainfall.
- Activities: Take a tour of the Aruba Ostrich Farm, visit the Hooiberg lookout point, or go on a deep-sea fishing excursion.
- Special Events: Aruba Halloween celebrations occur in October, with parties and costume contests.
- Crowd Level: Moderate, as the tourist season begins to pick up again.
November
- Temperature: Average high of 88°F (31°C) and average low of 78°F (26°C).
- Weather: Warm and sunny, with occasional short showers.
- Activities: Visit the Aruba Butterfly Farm, explore the Alto Vista Chapel, or go on a sailing and snorkeling excursion.
- Special Events: Aruba Art Fair takes place in November, showcasing local and international artists.
- Crowd Level: Moderate, as tourists start to arrive for the holiday season.
December
- Temperature: Average high of 87°F (31°C) and average low of 77°F (25°C).
- Weather: Warm and sunny, with occasional brief showers.
- Activities: Enjoy water activities like paddleboarding and jet skiing, explore the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, or relax on the pristine beaches.
- Special Events: Aruba International Film Festival takes place in December, showcasing international films and attracting celebrities.
- Crowd Level: High, as many tourists visit during the holiday season. It’s advisable to book accommodations and activities well in advance.
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Conclusion
Aruba is usually a favorable spot to visit by Honeymooners and young couples. However, choosing the right time to visit is also important if you don’t want to ruin your trip. With that in mind, we hope that our extensive guide to the worst time to visit Aruba has helped you out. Be sure to take precautions, as mentioned, if you ever plan to visit Aruba during the rainy season.
Worst Time to Go to Aruba - FAQs
Aruba is located outside the main hurricane belt in the Caribbean, so the risk of direct hits from hurricanes is relatively low. However, it can still be affected by tropical storms or hurricanes that pass through the nearby region.
The peak tourist season in Aruba typically runs from December to April. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant, and many tourists visit to escape the cold weather in their home countries. However, it’s important to note that this is also when prices are higher, crowds are larger, and accommodations and activities may be in high demand.
Aruba’s rainy season occurs from October to January, with November being the wettest month on average. While rainfall in Aruba is generally sporadic and short-lived, the chances of encountering rain are higher during this period.
