Curaçao has a dry, tropical climate with temperatures that barely change through the year: monthly averages run from about 26.5 °C in January to around 29 °C in September, and the sea stays roughly 26 to 28 °C. Steady trade winds from the east keep it pleasant. The island lies outside the main hurricane belt and is rarely hit by tropical storms, although it can catch heavy rain from passing systems.
Curaçao month by month
Dry season (roughly February to September)
This is the classic beach season: dry, sunny and breezy, with very little rain from February to June. The trade winds are strongest in the first half of the year, which keeps the heat comfortable but can make the north coast rough. February often brings Carnival, one of the island's biggest events. July and August are hot and busy with Dutch and Belgian families; winds drop later in summer, and September is usually the warmest month with the calmest sea, which divers and snorkellers love.
Rainy season (roughly October to January)
Local weather services describe a short rainy season from about October to December or January. "Rainy" is relative: total rainfall is low by Caribbean standards, and showers tend to be short, often at night or early in the morning. You can still expect plenty of sunshine. The upside: the landscape turns green, and late October to mid-December is often the cheapest time to fly from Europe. The downside: the odd heavy downpour can flood low roads for a few hours, and mosquitoes are more active.
Crowds and prices
Prices follow holidays more than weather. The most expensive periods are Christmas and New Year, the spring break (voorjaarsvakantie), Easter and the Dutch summer holidays. North American visitors peak from December to April. If you can travel outside school holidays, May, June and September to November usually offer the best value. Book flights early for peak weeks; see getting to Curaçao.
Best time for…
- Beaches and sun: February to August.
- Diving and snorkelling: good all year; calmest water usually in late summer and early autumn.
- Kitesurfing and windsurfing: the windier months, roughly January to July.
- Festivals: Carnival (usually February) and the festive season in December.
- Budget trips: late October to mid-December, and May to June outside holidays.
Whenever you go, pack for heat and sun: see our travel essentials, and plan your days with the 7-day itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
When is the rainy season in Curaçao?
Roughly October to December, sometimes into January. Showers are usually short and there is still lots of sunshine.
Does Curaçao get hurricanes?
Rarely. The island lies outside the main hurricane belt, although passing storms can occasionally bring heavy rain.
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