One of the biggest drawcards for the Turks and Caicos is its remarkably level temperatures throughout the year. Visit anytime, and find a soothing, warm beach experience waiting. While summers can get a little too hot (yes, it’s possible), we have all-around great weather for most of the year. What role does the sea and air temperature play in that? Today the Big Blue Collective is taking a deep dive (pun intended) into the temperatures in the TCI, and what they mean for your holidays.
A bikini for all seasons
First of all, however, let’s recap the Turks and Caicos seasons.
December to March is our ‘cool’ season. Since we’re in a tropical climate, however, that’s not cold at all. This is also our peak season for visitors. Especially as it coincides with whale season. During a TCI Winter, you’ll find dazzling warm beaches and plenty of fun in the sun.
May to October is our hot season. And, much as we love the beach, it’s a little too hot at times. This again comes down to our tropical climate. Instead of getting extreme temperature swings like in places where it snows but summer is fun, we get ‘hot-dryish’ and ‘hot-moist’ as our seasons! This means the slightly higher mercury, combined with tons of extra moisture in the air, can make things seem a bit muggy and breathless.
Theoretically, our hurricane season overlaps with summer, too. Think June to November. Hurricane season can be a big deal in many parts of the Caribbean, where sudden squalls can be pretty destructive. For us, however, not so much. We’ve had the odd bad hurricane, sure, but often it just means gusty, rainy weather and a little choppiness in the water rather than more dramatic worries.
Annual conditions in the TCI
So what does that look like for Turks & Caicos weather? It’s year-round sunshine here. What rain we get is concentrated in those summer months. Provo and North/Middle Caicos get a little less rain, about 44-50 inches annually (112 – 127cm), while Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and South Caicos get about 22 inches (55cm).
What makes the TCI so unique for water and wind sports, however? For that you can thank the steady easterly trade winds that dominate most of the year. These also help cool everything off, keeping temperatures feeling great.
What is the TCI like in Winter?
As we mentioned above, winter in the TCI is usually the best season to visit. Packed with sunshine, and with very little rain, expect your days to average 77°F (25°C). During the day, temperatures will climb to 85°F (29°C), dropping to around 65°F (18°C) at night.
What does that mean for you? Cooling tradewinds to keep things feeling fresh, and plenty of sun and beach time! The water stays at a fairly constant 78°F to 82°F (25°C – 28°C), making it perfect for playing in the water, diving, snorkelling, and so much more. Even if there’s a thrill or spill, the warm water is gentle and soothing, and will never be a shock. Paired with our powder-soft beach sand, you’ll be hard-pressed to come inside to sleep!
So, what’s different in the TCI in Summer?
In summer, we’ll see those conditions escalate. Think an average of 88°F (31°C), with daytime highs of 95°F (35°C) and 75°F (24°C) overnight. It can also feel muggy, especially during the hurricane season part of the calendar. Even the water gets a little hot, averaging 82°F to 86°F (27°C – 30°C) at this time of year. This, combined with the greater chance of rain, is why many tourists choose to come in winter, instead.
However, the ‘bracket’ seasons- spring and autumn- can make a great time to come off-peak, while keeping some of the characteristics that make winter so perfect in the area. The good news? While summer sees more mosquitoes than some times of the year, there’s not many in the islands at all.
What Does Hurricane Season Mean for Me?
Returning to hurricane season. Because of where we are situated in the Atlantic, there’s always some risk during the stormy times of year, but there’s been very little true hurricane activity in the area in recent decades. Instead, expect squally, sulky thunderstorms that blow up and then dissipate.
If you’re a fan of the extra summer heat, and can be flexible with airline tickets and rebooking dates, then summer can still be a fantastic time in the islands. Hurricane season is more likely to cause flight delays and rescheduling than anything else. The months with the highest likelihood of hurricanes are August and September.
Does this mean the TCI is a Spring Break hotspot?
We don’t’ get the ‘Spring Break’ crowd you will see in other parts of the Caribbean, either. March and April are free of that chaos and ‘party-hard’ atmosphere. So if you’re worried about heavy drinking and noise, don’t be. If you’d like to visit in the peak season, but aren’t one for crowds, consider a luxury villa rental. As many of them are associated with private or semi-private beach areas, you’re guaranteed a peaceful and tranquil stay any time of the year.
And there you have it! In the TCI, seasons are more likely to influence what succulent seafood you’re snacking on than the holiday experience you have. While the summer season is a bit hotter and more prone to rainfall, you can still have a fun time in the islands provided you don’t mind some ticket flexibility. Or get the best blend of savings and style, and visit in the bracket months on either side of the peak season. Not that you should feel put off by peak season, either! We remain one of the least populous Caribbean holiday destinations, and you can enjoy the best of sea, sand, and surf without crowds and worries. Just you, and the island paradise you’ve always dreamed of.
Keen to make your Turks and Caicos dreams a reality? Get in touch with the Big Blue Collective team today!