Curacao, the "C" of the ABC islands making up the hurricane-free Netherlands Antilles chain, offers visitors outdoor recreation, culture and history, shopping and dining, and pleasant weather in which to explore it all. It's an island with a Dutch capital city, African-like safaris, American Southwest-style plains, world cuisine, and (of course) the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Curacao vacations offer white-sand beaches, caves, and mountains to explore, and the trade winds that constantly blow keep the island comfortably warm. Flights to Curacao land at the Curacao International Airport in Willemstad, the nation's capital city.

Curacao is a warm, tropical destination year-round. The most popular time to visit is December through April, when the weather is colder in the north and people are more likely to seek a warm-weather escape. Plus, there are many U.S. holidays during this time—Christmas, New Year's, Presidents Day, and March school breaks—when people have time off from school and work. The rest of the year tends to be less popular. However, the rainy season isn't as much a factor in Curacao as other parts of the Caribbean because the island is located outside the hurricane belt. Plus, prices during this time are much lower.

high season: mid-December to mid--April
low season: mid-April to mid--December

Weather Information

Located in the tropics, just 12 degrees north of the Equator, Curacao's climate remains warm and sunny year-round. Annual temperatures average between 80 and 85 degrees, while easterly trade winds cool the island, particularly once spring hits. October through February is considered the wet season; however rains are usually short and fall at night, while days remain sunny. Also, Curacao is located outside the traditional hurricane belt, so storms are rarely an issue.

Crowd Information

In general, the winter season is busier than the summer. Carnival season, from January through February, brings in considerable crowds.

Closure Information

Some hotels, shops, and other venues close down on national holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, and during the official Carnival holiday (the two days right before Ash Wednesday).

When to Save

May and September are the best times to go cost-wise.

When to Book

In general, it's best to book early, especially during the high season when flights and hotels tend to fill up quickly. This rule is especially important for travel over Christmas and during February, particularly around Presidents Day weekend. During the low season, there is more leeway. Oftentimes, there are cheaper last-minute airfares and hotel prices, and special packages and deals are available.

Information provided by the Curacao Tourist Board