What's the best time to visit Turks and Caicos?
The best time to visit Turks and Caicos is during the winter months, particularly from February to April, when the weather is fantastic with temperatures ranging from 74°F to 82°F and minimal rainfall.
This period offers a great balance, avoiding holiday crowds and high prices while still providing ideal conditions for your trip. However, keep in mind that hotel prices, while more affordable than in December and January, are not as low as during the hurricane season.
If you’ve been let down by beach vacations in the past with huge crowds and noisy nightlife, a tranquil trip to Turks and Caicos might be just the laid-back getaway you’ve been looking for. We’ll show you the best time to visit Turks and Caicos islands below, along with the cheapest, least busy, and worst time to go.
In Turks and Caicos, it’s all about the beaches and the many water sports you can enjoy just offshore. Sunbathing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, sailing, and windsurfing are just a few of the adventures on Providenciales (“Provo”), Grand Turk, South Caicos, and more.
While you won’t find the typical tourist traps on the islands — nightclubs, massive shopping centers, and chain restaurants are delightfully missing from the experience — long, lazy days on the pristine, white-sand shores await you when you know the right time to go.
And with average temperatures hovering between 73-88°F year-round, it’s usually comfortable and mild when you visit the islands. You just need to avoid the rainy hurricane season, the most crowded months, or the most expensive months to suit your travel goals.
Let’s take a look at the overall best, cheapest, least busy, and worst times to visit Turks and Caicos below. You’ll be able to nail down some rough travel dates and start planning the trip of a lifetime to this sunny, tropical island oasis!
Overall Best Time to Visit Turks and Caicos
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The best time to visit Turks and Caicos is between December and April, when warm temperatures and dry conditions make for ideal visits to the islands’ pristine beaches and lagoons.
These months may be chilly in the states, but offer excellent weather and minimal rainfall in Turks and Caicos. Expect highs in the mid-70s to low 80s between December and April with 2-4 rainy days each month.
- December: 75-82°F; 3-4 rainy days
- January: 73-80°F; 2-3 rainy days
- February: 73-81°F; 2-3 rainy days
- March: 74-82°F; 2-3 rainy days
- April: 75-83°F; 2-3 rainy days
It’s hard to imagine better conditions for long, sunny days on the beach, diving and snorkeling trips around the islands and their surrounding reefs, and waterfront seafood dinners at restaurants serving Caribbean-style fare.
You’ll miss the rainy hurricane season by traveling during these idyllic months and avoid the clouds of mosquitoes that typically come along with it.
Humpback whale-watching is prime during this time of year, especially on Grand Turk Island. It’s also lobster season on the islands, so tuck into fresh tails and lobster bisque and hit up festivals celebrating the bountiful harvests.
February, March, and April boast the cheapest airfare to Turks and Caicos on average (around $306 round trip), according to data from Skyscanner. But you’ll pay more for your hotel or resort this time of year since it’s such a popular travel time.
Here’s a look at the average price per night for 3-5 star hotels across Turks and Caicos during the best time to visit using Google Hotels data:
- December: $523/night
- January: $964/night
- February: $1,325/night
- March: $797/night
- April: $738/night
December offers the lowest price per night out of the peak season months, but sees a little more rainfall and is just as busy as January-March. April sees the fewest tourists out of the peak season period and offers mid-range pricing for this time of year.
While you’re in Turks and Caicos, you’ll find plenty of cultural festivals and events to check out on the main islands:
- Maskanoo (Dec. 26): Junkanoo-style street festival with masked performers and locals in a procession down Grace Bay Road downtown with vendor booths set up with food and crafts on Boxing Day
- New Year’s Eve fireworks (Dec. 31): Around Grace Bay Beach and other popular resort areas, the skies over Turks and Caicos light up with colorful fireworks displays at midnight on New Year’s Eve with parties and celebrations on the beaches
- Carnival (Feb./Mar.): Street parades with costumed performers dancing on intricate floats to Caribbean rhythms and music make Carnival celebrations
- Kite Flying Competition (Feb./Mar.): This Easter celebration brings locals and tourists to the beaches on Provo, Grand Turk, and South Caicos with homemade kites to fly, Easter egg hunts, food and drink, domino tournaments, and more
It’s a great time to take a scenic drive over to Chalk Sound National Park on Provo for its sparkling lagoon and enjoy ocean views and birdwatching on kayaks or stand-up paddle boards. Hang out on Grace Bay Beach, dive at Bight Reef (Provo), or take a ferry from Grand Turk to Salt Cay for snorkeling or whale watching.
Cheapest Time to Visit Turks and Caicos
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The cheapest time to visit Turks and Caicos is during September and October, the only months of the year with average hotel prices under $440/night.
The cheapest prices on hotels align with the peak of Turks and Caicos’ June-November hurricane season. Historic data shows most hurricanes (3/4) occur between August and October, leading to lower tourism numbers and making September and October a shoo-in for cheaper rates.
Rain isn’t torrential in Turks and Caicos during this part of the hurricane season with just 3-6 rainy days each month, but it’s much rainier than the winter, spring, and summer months with hot temperatures that can make it less than ideal for hanging around outdoors.
- September: 80-88°F; 3-4 rainy days
- October: 79-86trans; 5-6 rainy days
The increased rain, which continues on through November, brings millions of mosquitoes to the islands as they breed in standing water. Repellent is a necessity as they can carry vector borne diseases, like Dengue fever and Zika virus.
You’ll catch the early lobster season during these months, with ample chances to sample these tasty crustaceans prepared in delicious ways at restaurants and waterfront festivals around the islands.
But the real appeal of visiting between September and October is the lower pricing on hotels and resorts around Turks and Caicos. Averages of Google Hotels data for 3-5 star accommodations during this period show the best rates of the year:
- September: $436/night
- October: $422/night
Even the surrounding months of June-July ($472-$493/night) and November-December ($495-$523/night) offer affordable rates compared to the higher prices of the peak season. But September and October are the cheapest of them all!
The rain won’t keep all the festivals and events away since there are usually fewer than 6 rainy days each month, so be sure to check out the following while you’re in Turks and Caicos during September or October:
- Five Cays Lobster Festival & Regatta (Sept.): A lobster and seafood festival that takes place in the Five Cays Settlements of Providenciales with local food booths, crafts, and cultural events
- Turks and Caicos Seafood Festival (Oct.): This island celebration of all things seafood brings cooking competitions, tasty bites like conch fritters and fried fish, and dishes prepared by local chefs up for judging with a Maypole dance and Caribbean ripsaw music
- Caribbean Food and Wine Festival (Oct./Nov.): Gourmet food and fine wine is honored on Grace Bay at this event, which takes place over 3+ days on Providenciales with participating chefs, restaurants, and resorts hosting intimate and busy events from brunches to street parties
This period is a good time to explore the Conch Bar Caves National Park (Middle Caicos), visit Turk’s Head Brewery in the Jack Bay Settlement (Provo), visit the Turks and Caicos National Museum and dive the massive underwater wall (Grand Turk), or take a catamaran cruise from Grace Bay.
Least Busy Time to Visit Turks and Caicos
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The least busy time to visit Turks and Caicos is from August to November, when hot temperatures and increased chances of rain keep tourists at bay during the latter part of the hurricane season.
With the hurricane season in full swing during these months, it’s understandable that fewer people come to the islands with increased rain showers and hurricane risks. Still, if you’re hoping to avoid crowds on popular islands like Providenciales, there’s no better time to go.
You’ll arrive to mostly sunny, dry weather — yes, even during the “rainy” season — and high temperatures that reach the upper 80s between August and November. It’s still a good time for beach days and water sports in between the rain.
- August: 80-88°F; 3-4 rainy days
- September: 80-88°F; 3-4 rainy days
- October: 79-86°F; 5-6 rainy days
- November: 76-84°F; 5-6 rainy days
While paying close attention to weather forecasts is advisable to avoid tropical storm and hurricane risks during this travel period, you could luck out and experience fine weather with a few scattered showers and overcast skies during this time of year.
And the less-visited hurricane season isn’t just great for avoiding crowds. It’s also when you’ll find some of the cheapest prices on hotel rooms around Turks and Caicos, as you can see with the Google Hotels data averages between August and November:
- August: $476/night
- September: $436/night
- October: $422/night
- November: $495/night
Compare these prices to what you’ll pay during the (admittedly milder and drier) peak season, and it’s clear that this low season period can be a hidden gem in terms of the best time to visit Turks and Caicos.
If you can put up with the heat and higher chances of rain and storms, you’ll also be able to take advantage of the fun events and festivals that take place this time of year.
You can find September and October events above under the Cheapest Time to Visit, but here are some August and November events to look forward to:
- Turks and Caicos Music and Cultural Festival (Jul./Aug.): The end of July and early August bring international and local artists playing soul, R&B, hip hop, and more to Grand Turk and Providenciales with food stalls and craft vendors
- Middle Caicos Day (Aug.): Street parades, costumes, pageants, and food booths set up with fun competitions, craft demonstrations, and games on Middle Caicos’ Bambarra Beach
- Museum Day (Nov.): Grand Turk’s Turks and Caicos National Museum anniversary celebration with musical performances, hands-on activities and prizes, and free admission
- Turks & Caicos International Film Festival (TCIIF) (Nov.): International filmmakers, actors, and directors come to Providenciales for a weekend-long film festival with workshops and an ocean conservation focus
This is a great time to go scuba diving on Smith’s Reef near Turtle Bay (Provo), explore the capital, Cockburn Town, and its British Colonial architecture and Grand Turk Lighthouse (Grand Turk), and do a fishing charter from South Caicos to catch grouper, snapper, bonefish, and deep-sea catches like bigeye and yellowfin tuna or blue marlin.
Worst Time to Visit Turks and Caicos
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May-June and October-November are the worst times to visit Turks and Caicos, being the rainiest months of the year and encompassing some busy months with bigger crowds.
May and June mark the start of the wet hurricane season in Turks and Caicos, seeing 4-6 rainy days each month and highs in the upper 70s and mid-80s. October and November are the tail end of the hurricane season with hotter temperatures and 5-6 rainy days.
- May: 77-85°F; 5-6 rainy days
- June: 79-86°F; 3-4 rainy days
- October: 79-86°F; 5-6 rainy days
- November: 76-84°F; 5-6 rainy days
Crowds are moderate in May and June as tourists dissipate ahead of the hurricane season, but things really pick up around November as winter’s peak season crowds begin to arrive. October sees fewer than average tourists, making it a fair time to go if you can manage the rain.
Hotel prices do reflect the rainy and stormy conditions during these periods, but that’s one of the only positives about visiting in May-June or October-November compared to the other, more favorable periods:
- May: $559/night
- June: $493/night
- October: $422/night
- November: $495/night
Since May and June aren’t as hot as October-November and see slightly less rainfall, they are the better options if you must visit during any of these months. June in particular could be a good option with 3-4 rainy days instead of 5-6 during the month.
You’ll find some celebrations and festivals taking place during these months, like the Fool’s Regatta, Turks & Caicos International Film Festival, and Museum Day in addition to these events:
- Back in the Day (May): Hosted in the Village at Grace Bay on International Museum Day, cultural dance and singing performances, craft workshops, and traditional food is offered on a day that honors local heritage
- Big South Regatta (May): South Caicos’ traditional sailboat race is celebrated with live music, food booths, competitions, and performances on May’s last weekend
While it’s not the prime time to visit, you can enjoy trying new restaurants on Provo and Grand Turk, exploring secluded cays and coves on South Caicos, checking out the wind mills and wild horses on Grand Turk, or visiting a spa on Provo for massages and relaxing treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
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If you were wondering about the best time to visit Turks and Caicos, you’ve probably been asking yourself the following questions, too! Check out the FAQs to learn more about planning your trip at the right time of year.
What is the rainy season in Turks and Caicos?
The rainy season in Turks and Caicos runs from May to November, when each month experiences as many as 6 rainy days. The hurricane season spans from June to November, with most of these storms occurring in August, September, and October each year.
While the rainy season does see more precipitation than the rest of the year, the islands don’t receive a huge amount of rainfall and can still be nice to visit with the cheaper prices and smaller crowds this time of year.
When not to go to Turks and Caicos?
You should not go to Turks and Caicos during the rainy/hurricane season from May-November if you want prime weather that isn’t too wet, stormy, or hot. To avoid big crowds and higher prices, don’t visit during the peak winter season from December to April.
Since the islands see a relatively stable climate that doesn’t shift too much temperature-wise or in terms of rainfall, nearly any month can be good for a visit as long as you keep an eye on the forecast and avoid swimming, sailing, or diving on stormy days.
What is the cheapest month to go to Turks and Caicos?
The cheapest month to go to Turks and Caicos is October with hotels around $422/night, according to data from Google Hotels. It’s one of the rainiest months of the year with historically higher chances of storms and hurricanes. October temperatures are hot in Turks and Caicos, ranging from 79-86°F in most areas.
October offers some fun festivals to check out, like the Turks and Caicos Seafood Festival and Caribbean Food and Wine Festival, along with abundant lobster on local menus as part of the lobster season. It’s also a less-crowded time to visit the islands.
How many days is ideal for Turks and Caicos?
Anywhere from 5-10 days is ideal for Turks and Caicos, depending on whether you’re staying put in one location or island-hopping to see more of the archipelago. Since T&C is a quieter destination, you’ll want around 5 days to fully unwind on the beach, try water sports, check out a few restaurants, and attend some local festivals.
Plan on 6-10 days if you want to island-hop from Providenciales to Grand Turk, South Caicos, or smaller islands and cays just offshore. This gives you ample time to dive, snorkel, birdwatch, book whale-watching or catamaran tours, explore local towns, and kayak or windsurf.
Is going to Turks and Caicos expensive?
Turks and Caicos can be expensive to visit, but heading there during the rainy low season can net you more affordable prices. Expect to spend $2,000-$7,500+ (Source: VisitTCI) on your hotel, food, activities, and transportation for 4-7 days and upwards of $300 (Source: Skyscanner) for round-trip airfare from the U.S.
With the possibility of planning a tropical getaway for under $3,000, going to Turks and Caicos doesn’t have to be expensive to visit. There are plenty of free activities, like hanging out on the beach and strolling through town, to help you keep costs down.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Turks and Caicos?
Overall, December through April is the best time to visit Turks and Caicos for prime weather, minimal rain, and lots of festivities taking place around the islands. It can be pricey, so aim for September/October if you want the cheapest rates.
August through November is when you’ll find the fewest tourists on the islands, while May, June, October, and November are typically the worst months to go with the most rainfall and hurricane season risks.
With some of the world’s most stunning beaches, warm weather year-round, and a chance to lay back and enjoy the sand, sun, and sea, you can enjoy a trip to Turks and Caicos almost any time of year. Just plan ahead and stay up to date on weather forecasts for smooth sailing!