Best Time To Go To Sandals Resorts
Knowing the seasonal trends is critical when planning your Caribbean getaway. Certain times of year offer more consistent sunshine with minimal rain or humidity, while other times have more variable weather but are the cheapest times to go to a Sandals Resort.
Consider if you want to go during peak season (December through March), or during the low season (June to November). Each has its pros and cons, as we will lay out below.
Also keep in mind that each island will have slight variations in the climate. That said, weather around the islands is fairly consistent throughout the year, so it’s hard to go wrong no matter which resort you choose to go to.
As a Sandals Certified Specialist that has booked thousands of vacations throughout the years, I’ll share my experience from the Caribbean islands during the different seasons, what specific months offer the best value, and how to get the best deals when you decide to visit.
What Is The Cheapest Time To Go To Sandals Resorts?
The cheapest time to visit Sandals Resorts is during the low season months from June to November. This period during the summer months can bring occasional rain showers and hotter weather, although the rain typically doesn’t last all day. Lower accommodation prices and flight deals make this an ideal time to plan your vacation on a tighter budget.
Low Season
Low season around the Caribbean islands is between June to November when you can regularly get bookings at Sandals Resorts for up to 40% off peak season pricing.
During this time, there will be fewer crowds due to the heightened temperatures and greater possibility for rainfall. Also note that peak wet and hurricane season falls in September and October.
While the effects of tropical storms or hurricanes are rare, this period can bring more rainfall (especially September) but generally not significant amounts. The average temperature during this period is about 92°F, with higher levels of humidity, and monthly rainfall of around 4.5 inches.
All this said, rain showers are generally short lived and are not a deal breaker in my opinion. I have gotten several fantastic deals during July and August, and there was plenty of sunshine to enjoy the pristine beaches Sandals is known for!
Traveling over the low season can deliver big discounts, but it’s critical to keep an eye on the weather forecasts in preparation for your trip. I also highly recommend getting trip insurance which only costs $249 per couple.
Shoulder Season
The shoulder seasons bookend the wet season months, and provide great opportunities to snag solid deals while enjoying more moderate temperatures with less rainfall.
Shoulder seasons in the Caribbean run from May to June, and then again in November. The average temperature during these months are in the high 80s, May having the highest average precipitation at approximately 4 inches. Some islands, like Jamaica, also have another month in the middle, August, which offers a reprieve from the rain and is quite pleasant.
During these months, you can still enjoy much of the tropical allure at islands like Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Barbados but with the bonus of fewer tourists. It’s like the best of both worlds!
High Season
Peak season for travel in the Caribbean runs from December to April. During this window, the average temperature is a perfect 82°F, with low humidity, and sun filled days that are ideal for beach activities. Because the weather is consistently nice during these months, prices for flights and accommodations are higher relative to the wet season months as tourists flock to the islands.
The other draw for visiting Sandals over the winter months is that it coincides with the chilly temperatures in the US, making it a perfect escape! The two weeks leading up to Christmas and for New Years are especially busy, in addition to spring break in March.
An added bonus is that there are generally more activities available during the high season. You can enjoy lively events, carnivals, tours, and more. The moderate temperatures also lend themselves to more outdoor activities like hiking.
For those that want a higher likelihood of idyllic Caribbean weather, and don’t mind paying a little more for that certainty, then the peak season months are the best time to visit. Just remember that higher demand means that you need to plan your vacation early to ensure availability.
Related: Cheapest Sandals Resorts Ranked
We reviewed and ranked all 17 Sandals Resorts by price so you can find the most affordable locations that fit your budget and expectations.
Best Time To Go To Sandals For The Weather
The best time of year to visit a Sandals Resort based on clear, rainless days and temperatures between 75°F and 85°F is from mid December to mid April, with the most ideal weather in early April.
That said, the Caribbean has a tropical climate with pleasant weather year round. Keep in mind that there are subtle differences between the different island’s dry and wet seasons. The dry season will have warmer temperatures while the wet season will be slightly cooler with periodic rain showers.
Temperature
July is usually the warmest month in the Caribbean with temperatures that can exceed 90°F. Early August tends to have similar hot weather, with highs in the upper 80°Fs. These months are a particularly popular month to visit the Caribbean islands because it offers plenty of sunshine, minimal rainfall, and gentle easterly winds. If you plan on spending your time around the beach and pool, this is the perfect time of year.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for slightly cooler weather with less humidity, February tends to be the coldest time of year and features temperatures around 78°F. This can be ideal for those that plan on doing more outdoor activities like hiking or kayaking.
Whether you prefer the more moderate days of winter or the tropical heat for the beach, knowing seasonal differences in the Caribbean will help you plan the perfect Sandals Resort vacation.
Rainfall
The Caribbean’s rainy season is typically between June to November, where average monthly rainfall can exceed 5 inches. Note that some islands, like Jamaica, have two rainy seasons. The first one lasts from May to June and the second is from September to early November.
Despite this, months during the rainy season are still some of the most popular times to visit Sandals. The reality is that a little rain on a tropical island is not a deal breaker! I personally love how refreshing the brief showers are and how fresh the air is after.
There are two separate dry seasons in the Caribbean where the average rainfall is approximately 1 inch or less per month. The first is from July to August when rainfall is subdued, while the second, and more popular, is from December to April. It’s also worth noting that visibility for scuba diving and snorkeling can be better during these months because there is less rain.
Ocean Water Temperature
The average ocean water temperatures throughout the Caribbean experience some seasonality over the course of a year. The time of year with warmest water is between August and October, with an average temperature of about 85°F.
January to April have the coolest water temperatures, but they are still an average of approximately 81°F, which is far from chilly.
Being that the annual water temperatures averages around 83°F, it makes it hard to resist the beaches no matter what time of year it is. I especially like that it makes swimming and snorkeling so much more enjoyable!
Best Months To Visit Sandals
- The Caribbean In January: Best time to visit the Caribbean for dependably nice weather, post-holiday Sandals Resort deals, and a lively atmosphere. There is plenty of sunshine with a nice easterly breeze. This is also one of the driest with minimal humidity
- The Caribbean In February: Best for romantic getaways (especially Valentine’s Day) and pleasant temperatures that are in the high 70s. Similar to January, there is minimal rainfall during February, which makes it Ideal for outdoor activities.
- The Caribbean In The Spring: March and April are the best to enjoy the blossoming flowers and lush spring vegetation that the Caribbean has to offer. Warm temperatures combined with low precipitation make this a popular time to visit Sandals over spring break.
- The Caribbean In May: A perfect time to visit a Sandals Resort during the shoulder season if you want to avoid the crowds of peak season and soak in the natural beauty. Late May can be susceptible to more rain showers, but they are generally short lived with the sun coming out most days.
- The Caribbean In The Summer: June to August are considered the low season and offer some of the best prices and a more low-key vibe. I wouldn’t want to discourage you from going to a Sandals Resort during these months as there are plenty of sunny days despite the increased precipitation.
- The Caribbean In The Fall: September And October have the highest precipitation but that doesn’t mean it rains all day, every day. This is the tail end of the wet season, yet it’s one of the most popular months because it has the lowest prices on accommodations and airfare out of the entire year. I just advise you to get the travel protection plan for maximum flexibility.
- The Caribbean In November: This is a particularly good time to visit the Caribbean as prices remain low and weather improves. November is known as a shoulder month between the wet season but before the peak season picks up.
- The Caribbean In December: Best time to visit for Christmas and New Year celebrations, or to escape the frigid temperatures in the US. Peak season activities are getting into full swing with tours, events, and lively entertainment. The pristine weather is perfect to lounge on the beach or by the pool.
When Is The Best Time To Book A Sandals Vacation
Plan Ahead: Booking early is my best piece of advice for getting fantastic deals on your Sandals vacation. I recommend booking at least 60 days or more prior to your departure date to take advantage of price fluctuations in flights and accommodations. This is especially true if you need a specific date (anniversary, honeymoon, etc.) or you are booking during the high season between December and March to ensure availability.
Low Season Deals: Low season coincides with the times of year when school is in session, there are no major holidays, or the seasonal weather is less than ideal. This tends to be late May through June and then again in September through October. These are the periods to find the best deals on both Sandals Resort bookings and airfare while still enjoying plenty of sunshine with fewer tourists.
Seasonal Promotions: Throughout the year there are special promotions like Black Friday, Valentines Day, Winter Blues Sale, and more. Booking during these times is an easy way to get bigger discounts and added perks like free candlelight dinners or resort credits.
Sandals 777 Deal: Sandals also has a weekly 777 deal that features 7 different rooms at an additional 7% off, if you stay for 7 nights or more. This deal is updated with different room options every week on Wednesday and can lead to prices that are over 70% off the listed rack pricing.
Last Minute Deals: My last tip is to keep an eye on last minute deals at Sandals to fill gaps in unused occupancy. For flexible travelers, Sandals offers big sales for rooms where the check-in date is 4 weeks away or less.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Sandals Resorts in Jamaica?
The best time to visit Jamaica is between December and March during peak season, when the weather is consistently sunny with enjoyable temperatures and minimal humidity. For those looking for the cheapest prices, June to October is considered “low season” due to the increased precipitation and increased temperatures. This period offers the biggest discounts of the year on accommodations and air fare.
Do Sandals Resorts ever have sales?
Yes, Sandals Resorts always has sales going on if you know where to look. For example, the 777 Deal is updated every week, and features massive discounts on 7 select room categories. Last Minute Deals also provide big savings for travelers that are more flexible. Aside from that, there seasonal sales like Black Friday, Valentines day, and more.
When are Sandals Resorts most crowded?
Sandals Resorts will be less crowded during the low season of June to October. During these months, there will be lower tourist activity around the Caribbean Islands in general which means more of the beach to yourself! For those that want a more lively experience, going between December and March (high-season) will offer more activities with a buzzing atmosphere.
What time of year are Sandals Resorts cheapest?
Sandals Resorts will almost always offer the lowest prices of the year during September and October. These are the months that have the highest predication, and are peak tropical storm season. I always recommend adding trip protection coverage if you choose to travel during these months. That said, major impacts form tropical storms are limited, and rain showers are typically short lived. There is still plenty of sun to be had for those that want to travel on a budget.
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