The best Caribbean islands to visit in August range from reef-fringed Cozumel to history-packed St. Kitts, with many more in between. August might be the low season in the region but that’s all the more reason for savvy travellers to visit. Not only as the seas warm and the skies mostly clear, but there are also fewer crowds to share your space with in this most popular of destinations.
Whether you’re looking for captivating colonial history or diving over coral reefs, you’ll find a group of islands alive with vibrant culture, gorgeous beaches, and lush, tropical landscapes.
Visiting the Caribbean in August is a chance to enjoy some unique experiences, too, from Independence Day in Jamaica to watching turtles hatch in Cozumel.
Cozumel
Cozumel
Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of fertility, is said to have made her home on Cozumel, so it’s perhaps fitting that this Mexican island off the Yucatan Peninsula is famed as a nesting place for six of the seven species of sea turtle in the world. The nesting season here runs between May and October, with late summer being a great time to spot hatchlings as they re-enter the sparkling Caribbean.
While August is technically the rainy season here, the ocean is warm and clear, with visibility up to 100 feet. For those who love snorkeling and scuba diving, it’s a great time to visit with the Palancar and Columbia Reefs particular favorites.
San Miguel de Cozumel
While there may be occasional storms, temperatures are great for sun worshippers, usually reaching well into the 80s, which makes August a great time for unwinding on one of the many beaches. The main city of San Miguel de Cozumel is a joy, too, with its lively markets, excellent dining, and good shopping.
The rest of the island is sparsely populated and great for nature excursions with the Zona Arqueológica San Gervasio, a top spot to visit. Set in an iguana-filled wildlife refuge, the popular Mayan ruins consist of several structures dedicated to the wonderful Ixchel herself.
Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman
First discovered by Christopher Columbus way back in 1503, the British Overseas Territory of the Cayman Islands has certainly gone through some changes over the years.
Originally called Las Tortugas for the abundance of sea turtles found here, the name Cayman comes from the presence of a much more dangerous beast. Early Spanish explorers found the island mainly inhabited by small alligators which were known as “caimans” to the indigenous Arawak-Taíno people.
For a long time, then, this was a haven for pirates, shipwrecked sailors, and deserters, but the islands today have a glitzy allure fuelled by tourism and a healthy offshore banking industry.
Stingray City
So why is Grand Cayman one of the best Caribbean islands to visit in August? The weather is pretty consistent, for one, with temperatures still hitting the low 90s, punctuated by the occasional cooling shower that clears the humidity.
For another, the visibility in the surrounding ocean at this time of year is excellent—making this the ideal time to visit one of the island’s top attractions, Stingray City. Here, visitors can stand in the shallows as inquisitive rays glide around, hoping for tidbits.
Another top sight is Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, and August is a great time to visit here, too. While the key orchid season has just come to an end, there are often plenty of blooms lasting until later in the summer.
George Town, Grand Cayman
Chill out in the vibrant capital of George Town, and see if you can pick up a caymanite souvenir while browsing the stores. This semi-precious stone is unique to the islands, and there’s some pretty jewelry and carvings to be had in the local shops.
Jamaica
Bamboo Beach, Jamaica
The third-largest island in the region, Jamaica is famed for its natural beauty, from dense rainforests to pristine beaches, as well as for its laid-back vibe. Much of that vibe comes from it being the birthplace and former home of legendary reggae star Bob Marley, with his message of loving one another still firmly part of the culture here.
Formerly a British colony, the island gained its independence on August 6th, 1962—and the days around Independence Day are celebrated with much gusto. Known colloquially as Jamaica Festival, the streets of major towns, including the port of Falmouth, are home to parades, dancing, and colorful street performances.
Outside of those few heady days, August is still a great time to visit thanks to there being fewer crowds than in peak season. Take a stroll around the remarkably well-preserved Georgian architecture of Falmouth for a glimpse into the island’s colonial past. The historic port town founded in the 18th century was once the island’s wealthiest thanks to the then-booming sugar trade.
Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica
August is a great time to sample the great outdoors, too. Marvel at the mighty Dunn’s River Falls where the waters tumble down for 1,000 feet, or try rafting on the Martha Brae River, a calming retreat where you can float serenely along through lush greenery enhanced by the seasonal rainfall.
St. Thomas
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
August is the quiet season in St. Thomas, part of the US Virgin Islands. That doesn’t mean you should stay away though—in fact St. Thomas ranks right up there as one of the best Caribbean islands to visit in August.
Temperatures are at their peak and the rainfall is relatively light, compared to the following months. That means the seas are warm and clear, perfect for snorkelling and diving, and the beaches less crowded. Coral World Ocean Park and Coki Beach are popular snorkeling spots just a short drive from the island capital of Charlotte Amalie.
Snorkeling in St. Thomas
August is also a good time for shopping in St. Thomas. The US Virgin Islands are a duty free zone with seasonal sales making them even more attractive.
There’s much to explore here from a history point of view, too. Originally settled by the Taíno and Carib peoples, St. Thomas was colonized by Denmark in 1671, before being acquired by the USA in 1917 in an effort to retain control over the Caribbean and the Panama Canal during the First World War. Fort Christian is a great place to start learning about the island’s history. Built in the 17th century, it has served as a military base, prison, and government building.
St. Maarten
Grand Case, St. Maarten
The smallest landmass to be shared by two countries, St. Maarten is divided between The Netherlands and France, the French side called St. Martin. Fewer crowds in August means you can explore the best of both sides with relative ease—especially given the island’s small size and the fact that there’s no formal border.
The Dutch side is known for its bustling shopping scene, nightlife, and water sports, while the French side offers a more laid-back, European feel with chic boutiques and gourmet dining. Great Bay Beach in the Dutch side capital of Philipsburg is a great place to chill out, while Maho Beach, beside the airport, offers unique views of planes coming into land as you lounge on the sand.
In the village of Grand Case, famous for its restaurants, sample Caribbean cuisine with a French twist. The Dutch side is where you’ll be able to try local dishes like conch with dumplings, or callaloo soup.
Grand Turk
Grand Turk
Grand Turk, the largest of the Turks and Caicos islands, is a fabulous tropical hotspot for August. It’s already one of the best diving and snorkeling locations in the world and August brings with it the warmest of waters as well as incredible visibility.
One of the best snorkeling spots in Turks and Caicos is at the Grand Turk Wall, an incredible reef that gives shelter to the western coast. The Wall drops steeply from 30 feet to more than 7,000 feet, offering spectacular wildlife encounters whether using a snorkel or deep diving with tanks.
The protective element of the reef means the entire west coast is also a haven for beach lovers, from quieter Pillory Beach to the north, to the busier Cruise Terminal Beach on the south-west tip of the island.
Cruise Terminal Beach, Grand Turk
The beach is not the only reason to visit the Cruise Terminal, either—the site, a destination in itself, is home to some incredible shopping, eateries such as Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, and a fabulous pool complete with private cabanas and a swim-up bar. You can also check out the John Glenn monument here. It commemorates the astronaut’s 1962 splashdown after becoming the first American to orbit the earth.
Alternatively, pay a visit to the quaint capital Cockburn Town. Established in 1766, it’s known for its narrow streets lined with colonial-era buildings, and rustic restaurants serving the local specialty, conch, delicious as ceviche or in a rich chowder.
Dominican Republic
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Mountainous Dominican Republic is one of the best places to visit in the Caribbean in August. Clearer skies at the tail end of summer make for incredible views from the summit of Mount Isabel de Torres, near Puerto Plata. The mountain sits in the national park of the same name and a cable car will whisk you to the 2,700-ft summit for vistas that stretch out across the city to the Caribbean.
While the views are the prime reason people visit, there’s also a fine botanical garden up here, as well as a statue of Christ the Redeemer, a smaller version of the famous monument seen in Rio de Janeiro.
Damajagua Waterfalls, Dominican Republic
August is also prime time to pay a visit to the Damajagua Waterfalls. Set in lush forests, the 27 falls, connected by natural rock slides, are swollen by the early season rains and the natural pools at the base of each pool provide a great place to cool off in the afternoon heat.
This northern part of the island is known as the Amber Coast thanks to the rich deposits found here, and you can pick up some great jewelry in the city, as well as visiting one of the star attractions, the Amber Museum.
Fortaleza San Felipe, Dominican Republic
Puerto Plata is also a great place to while away a few hours. Its winding streets are home to charming Victorian architecture, a fabulous malecón, or seaside promenade, and Fortaleza San Felipe. Built in 1577 by Spanish colonists to protect the area from pirates, the fort remains one of the oldest standing structures that the Dominican Republic is known for and is now a museum offering insights into the island’s past.
St. Kitts
St. Kitts
There’s more peak perfection on the island of St. Kitts, part of the Lesser Antilles group alongside its sister isle of Nevis. The main island, location of the capital, Basseterre, is dominated by towering Mount Liamuiga, a dormant volcano that reaches 3,792 feet, one of the tallest points in the Caribbean. The surrounding lush forests are a nature lover’s paradise, and home to all sorts of wildlife, including vervet monkeys and tropical birds.
There are more great views at Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the island’s west coast. The fortress was built for British colonial powers in the 17th and 18th centuries by African slaves and is one of the best-preserved of its kind in the Caribbean.
The beaches on St. Kitts are pretty incredible, too, with black sand on the Atlantic side to the east, and golden sands facing the Caribbean Sea. Check out Cockleshell Bay, located just 25 minutes from Basseterre. One of St. Kitts’ most beautiful beaches, it offers shallow waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and more great views across the narrows to Nevis.
St. Kitts
Planning a getaway in August? Browse Celebrity’s August cruises to the Caribbean and find your dream vacation.
