These are the best times to visit Aruba
With white, sugar-sand beaches, turquoise waters and divi-divi trees on its western and southern coasts, Aruba is a beachgoer’s paradise.
There’s also the wild side: The island is home to a cactus- and boulder-strewn desert, rugged volcanic cliffs lining the east coast and 617-foot Mount Jamanota, which is inhabited by wild parakeets, goats and rattlesnakes.
Just 18 miles off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba has its unique culture and diversity — its human inhabitants come from more than 90 nationalities — that make it worth more than a week on the beach. The local language, Papiamento, is largely based on Spanish and Portuguese with a heavy Dutch influence.
Whatever takes you to Aruba, these are some of the best times to go.
When to find the best weather in Aruba
Weather in Aruba is fairly consistent throughout the year, with highs often in the mid-80s. It is slightly warmer between May and October when the highs hover in the low 90s.
Most rainfall occurs between September and January, but even during the rainier months, precipitation often doesn’t last long, and there is still plenty of sunshine. Also, Aruba lies outside of the hurricane belt, so tropical storms and hurricanes rarely make landfall.
The months from February through August receive the least rainfall, rarely exceeding an inch for the month. To avoid the hottest time of year, visit between February and April.
When to avoid the crowds in Aruba
Aruba tends to be busiest between January and mid-April, but if you visit then, all hope is not lost.
Most people visit Aruba to enjoy the protected beaches on the western and southern coasts. Venture toward the rugged eastern and northern coasts or inland to leave behind the crowds.
For a traditional sand beach, Eagle Beach, which is tucked into the busier northwestern coast, is quieter than neighboring beaches like Palm Beach. Manchebo Beach, just south of Eagle, is also a good option for avoiding crowds.
If you are staying at one of Aruba's all-inclusive resorts, you may have access to a private beach area without the crowds.
Best times to go snorkeling in Aruba
The conditions for snorkeling are best in Aruba when the winds and water are most calm, typically from September through November. The good news is that no matter what time of year you visit Aruba to snorkel, the air and water temperatures are warm and comfortable.
For the clearest, calmest waters, plan to snorkel early in the morning at about 9 a.m. After noon, water clarity tends to be lower as sand is stirred up by the wind, waves and other beachgoers.
A natural pool in Arikok National park on the North coast of Aruba. MARC GUITARD/GETTY IMAGES
Best time to visit Aruba for events and festivals
Aruba is home to plenty of events, holidays and festivals throughout the year.
The Aruba Carnival is one of the island’s biggest annual events. The carnival officially starts in November, but most of the events take place in January and February. The festivities include music, costumes, and parades. When the carnival concludes at the Burning of King Momo on Carnival Monday, the entire island shuts down for a day of recovery.
For five days surrounding Memorial Day Weekend, the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival welcomes many big-name DJs, musicians and comedians. The festival takes place in the island’s capital, Oranjestad. The days are filled with parties on the beach. Evenings are filled with comedy, music and after-parties.
In May, Aruba hosts the annual Aruba Hi-Winds kitesurfing and windsurfing tournament. Thanks to the trade winds, fairly consistent weather and calm seas, the island draws amateur and professional kite surfers and windsurfers from around the world.
During the competition, the beaches are enveloped in excitement and energy. Those who don’t want to compete can watch the events from the shore amid beach parties and live music.
Cheapest time to visit Aruba
Best time to book a hotel in Aruba
You'll find the best hotel prices between mid-April and mid-December, which is considered Aruba's "low season." Though Aruba's weather is beautiful year-round, many travelers visit in the winter to escape the cooler temperatures back home.
Average rates at the newly-opened Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort for two adults average about $275 in June 2023 versus $580 in January 2024 (or 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night).
If you do visit during the busier months between December and April, book your hotel six to 12 months in advance for the best prices.
Cheapest time to fly to Aruba
Like much of the Caribbean, you can typically find the lowest airfare prices for flights in the summer months. It's the start of the "rainy season" — if you can call it that — and you'll avoid the higher prices airlines charge during the peak winter travel season.
For example, a nonstop flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Aruba's Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) costs $402 round trip via Delta Airlines in early September of this year versus $504 round trip in January 2024.
Bottom line
Aruba is a great year-round destination with plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Regardless of when you decide to visit, there are sure to be plenty of opportunities for relaxation and adventure.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.