What's the best time to visit Aruba?
The best time to visit Aruba is in the high season, from January to mid-April, featuring excellent weather and vibrant activities. For budget-conscious travelers, consider the low season from September to early December, with lower prices but hotter temperatures. September to November offers a serene escape with fewer crowds.
Aruba is one of the best island destinations for a relaxing, scenic getaway. But what’s the best time to visit Aruba to make your stay as comfortable, affordable, and secluded as you’d like?
Find out the best time to visit Aruba for incredible weather, cheaper accommodations, and fewer crowds in our travel guide. We’ll also show you the worst time to visit Aruba and a few activities and sights you’ll want to check out while you’re there.
From stunning sugar sand beaches and natural pools to a thriving nightlife scene and incredible eats, if you’re thinking Aruba is your next destination, you’re on the right track.
Overall Best Time to Visit Aruba
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The overall best time to visit Aruba is generally January through mid-April. This is a wide range, but that’s because Aruba’s climate and weather is just so ideal year-round.
January through mid-April covers Aruba’s peak tourism season, when the largest numbers of travelers arrive to enjoy the island’s sunny skies, warm weather, and outdoor activities.
You’ll experience very little rainfall (less than 2 inches/month) when you visit during the peak season, and the temperature hangs in the mid 70s and upper 80s. That’s one of the reasons so many flock to Aruba during this time!
Avoid booking during March (when Spring Breakers descend on the island) to net slightly cheaper prices and better hotel availability. But since the weather is perfect and the island is most popular to visit during January to mid-April, crowds are unavoidable.
Prices rise as hotels, resorts, and flights fill up with swells of sun-seeking tourists. If you’re really after the perfect Aruba vacation, though, visiting between January and mid-April is truly the best time and worth paying a little extra.
Cheapest Time to Visit Aruba
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If your Aruba trip hinges on a tight budget, you’ll definitely want to skip the peak tourism season (January through mid-April) when prices can soar to $1,000/night in the most exclusive resorts.
The cheapest time to visit Aruba is during the months of September through early December. This is when hotel prices take a major dip (as much as 50%) due to reduced visitor volume.
The weather here is always pretty perfect, but a little hotter at this time of year. The refreshing island breezes (trade winds) that usually keep Aruba’s climate comfortable slow to halt in September, so the temperature outside feels warmer even though the thermometer still reads around 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
While the trade winds are still, snorkeling is at its best on the island. The ocean’s surface is much calmer and perfect for swimming and spotting some of Aruba’s unique fish and ocean life!
And if you can handle the heat, Aruba’s many tours and outdoor activities are still operating (though at a lower capacity than peak season). Hello, short lines and smaller tour crowds!
A close second for the best time to visit Aruba on a budget is the month of May – right at the end of peak season. This is a time when hotel prices are nearly as low as autumn through early winter!
Least Busy Time to Visit Aruba
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The least busy time to visit Aruba is from September until November, when kids are back in school and it’s rainier on the island.
There’s a very slight increase in visitors during the month of October – when many schools are on Fall Break – but it’s nothing close to the peak season. September, October, and November see fewer visitors and less crowding for a few reasons.
First, without the cooling breeze from the island’s usual trade winds during the latter half of the year, it feels a lot hotter in Aruba.
Second, with the exception of fall break in October and Thanksgiving Break in November, most kids are in school and fewer families are taking vacations. Third, the island receives more rain than usual during this “rainy” season, but it’s not a lot of rain.
In September, Aruba averages around 1.79 inches of rain per month. In October, that jumps to 3.06 inches/month and in November, it’s 3.7 inches/month.
Compared to rainy locales like Hawaii (4.8 inches/month), it’s really not all that rainy during Aruba’s rainy season. So take advantage of the dwindling tourist numbers during September – November and enjoy all of what Aruba has to offer!
Worst Time to Visit Aruba
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It’s a good idea to not only look at the best time to visit Aruba, but also the worst time to go. Since this is a tropical savannah island, the weather is nearly perfect year-round.
But it does have periods when it feels much hotter than usual (October and November) and seasons when the prices rise beyond affordability for many. These are generally the worst times to go to Aruba.
If ideal weather is important for your stay, the worst time to visit is September through November. It rains more and feels hotter during these months, That’s due to slowed trade winds that typically cool the island and make it feel more mild.
Temperatures rise to the low 90s, and without refreshing breezes, that temperature can “feel like” 113 degrees! Sticking with water-based activities, staying hydrated, and taking breaks indoors can still make this time period enjoyable.
If prices and crowds are your main concern, the worst time to visit is January through mid-April, especially the month of February. This is the high season with the best weather, so tourists arrive in droves and prices on the island skyrocket.
Flights, hotels, and rentals are priced highest due to the increased demand from bigger crowds. You may run into packed hotels with little to no availability during this time, so if this is when you plan to go, book early!
Aruba by Month: Climate & Activities
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Still unsure about the best time to visit Aruba? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
Winter temperatures in Aruba range from 75-88°F. It’s a perfect time for beachgoers to enjoy the clear turquoise waters, indulge in water sports, and explore the island’s natural beauty.
February
Similar to January, February in Aruba maintains pleasant temperatures between 75-88°F. It’s an excellent month for snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on the white sandy beaches.
March
As spring arrives, temperatures in Aruba range from 76-89°F. March is an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking, exploring Arikok National Park, and experiencing local festivals.
April
Spring continues with temperatures between 77-90°F. April offers perfect conditions for beach lovers, with a variety of water activities and opportunities to unwind on Aruba’s renowned beaches.
May
In May, Aruba sees temperatures ranging from 78-91°F, making it a great month for outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore cultural events, indulge in local cuisine, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
June
Summer arrives with temperatures between 79-92°F. While June is warmer, the constant trade winds provide a pleasant breeze. It’s a quieter time for tourists, allowing for a more relaxed island experience.
July
In July, Aruba maintains warm temperatures from 79-92°F. It’s a popular month for water activities, and visitors can experience the unique blend of Dutch and Caribbean cultures during their stay.
August
Temperatures in August range from 79-92°F, and while it’s the warmest month, Aruba’s arid climate ensures comfortable conditions. August is ideal for exploring historical sites and enjoying the island’s cuisine.
September
In September, Aruba sees temperatures between 78-91°F. It’s the start of the off-peak season, offering lower prices for accommodations. Despite occasional rain, visitors can still enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities.
October
Rainy season persists in October, with temperatures ranging from 77-90°F. It’s an off-peak month, and travelers can explore Aruba’s diverse marine life through snorkeling and diving.
November
November marks the end of the rainy season, with temperatures between 76-89°F. It’s an ideal time for outdoor excursions, and visitors can experience a more tranquil atmosphere before the holiday season.
December
Winter returns to Aruba with temperatures between 75-88°F. December is a popular month for holiday travelers, offering a festive atmosphere with unique Christmas celebrations, water sports, and the warm hospitality of Aruba.
Things to Consider
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Planning the ideal trip to this uniquely vibrant island goes beyond knowing the best time to visit Aruba. Here are a few more things to consider – all the stuff you wouldn’t think to ask!
- No need to learn Dutch or Papiamento. Aruba is actually a Dutch island, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. But while the languages are Dutch and Papiamento (a local Creole language), most locals speak English fluently – no need to brush up on a new tongue to communicate well during your stay!
- Explore the quieter northern side. Aruba’s northern side is much quieter and home to so many unique natural formations and scenery. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the more popular Eagle and Palm beaches, but so worth it. Off-shore island snorkeling expeditions, caving, off-road tours, national parks, and natural rock formations and swimming holes make this side of the island so magical.
- Don’t bother converting your cash. Aruba uses florin (Afl) currency, but American dollars are accepted at most resorts, hotels, shops, and restaurants around the island. So don’t bother converting currency when you go. In fact, you’ll find that most prices are listed in American dollars to make transactions simple!
- Ask locals for food recommendations. Aruba is packed with restaurants that range from casual local cuisine to upscale fine dining, but to get the best Aruban food experience, ask the locals for their recommendations. You’ll probably hear about Zeerovers from a few. It’s a waterfront seafood shack with fresh catch of the day dishes, tropical favorites, local beers, and to-die-for fried cornbread. You’ll sit at colorful picnic tables and overlook the Caribbean for a perfect low-key dining experience on the water.
- Pack the right stuff. Swimsuits, shorts, lightweight tees and tanks, and sandals/comfy tennis shoes are all you’ll need to enjoy yourself. Aruba is a laid-back place where the dress code is almost universally casual. If you plan on dining at an upscale restaurant, “resort casual” is the dress code. Bring sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, sunglasses, and a cooler to make the most of your stay.
- Consider an all-inclusive resort. To make your vacation simpler (and potentially cheaper), consider staying at an all-inclusive resort. Your room, food, drinks (even alcoholic), and activities are included in the cost of your stay. Everything’s on the resort property, so you won’t need to rent a car! If you plan on staying close to your hotel and don’t plan to try a lot of local restaurants, an all-inclusive resort could be the most cost-effective option for you.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Aruba?
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With all things considered, the overall best time to visit Aruba during the high season – January through mid-April. The weather is absolutely gorgeous and moderate, with lows in the upper 70s and highs in the mid 80s.
There’s very little rainfall to ruin your plans, a cool breeze consistently blows across the island, and all activities ar in full swing. Do note that this time of year sees the most visitors and highest prices.
But if you’re planning a once in a lifetime island vacation, you’ll find that it’s worth it to splurge and go at this time of year. So what are you waiting for — book your trip today and experience all that Aruba has to offer. Happy travels!