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Don't be Afraid of the Rain in the Caribbean

Author: Lisa Jeeves
by Lisa Jeeves
Posted: Jan 23, 2014

Luxury hotels, Caribbean holidays and rain don’t immediately sound like three concepts that logically go together – but they do sometimes result in questions from potential visitors. Let’s consider why.

The rainy season

If you live and work in northern Europe, the idea of the ‘rainy season’ doesn’t mean a great deal. That’s because the rainy season in that part of the world lasts about 9-10 months of the year. It can and does rain a lot, and that even includes at the height of the summer.

In fact, for most northern Europeans, any mention of ‘The Rainy Season’ tends to bring to mind intense jungles and a wall of water descending upon heroes (of one sort or another) hacking their way through the foliage. A slight variation on that relates to nature programmes showing how various creatures have been able to develop lifestyles to accommodate four months of non-stop torrential downpours.

So, for those contemplating a stay in one of the luxury hotels, Caribbean "rainy season" holidays might sound a little concerning.

Keeping things in perspective

Firstly, it’s important to note that this season in the Caribbean just isn’t the same as it is in parts of Asia, Africa or central/South America.

The rainy season for most of the islands starts in May and lasts until December, though weather-watchers over the years have noted a greater degree of unpredictability with the season, so it can rain just about any time.

The second thing and this is where the good news comes in, is that the rains aren’t of the wall-to-wall variety going on for days on end as you might find in say South-East Asia. Here, the rain is much more ‘showery’ in nature and typically of short duration.So, a heavy shower might last for say 20 minutes, then the skies will clear and you might not see any more rain that day. In other words, in this wonderful part of the world, the rainy season should perhaps more correctly, if less evocatively, be called the short-duration shower season!

Being practical

Of course, many visitors to the islands arrive looking for sunshine – and they’re most unlikely to be disappointed. Luxury hotels, Caribbean holidays and the sun, are three concepts that certainly do go together. However, the odd shower must be anticipated during much of the above-mentioned period. Yet, in fact, many might find the rain refreshing and a change from unremitting heat.

The actual rain statistics can vary quite significantly from one island to another, even though the islands are close together. So, it might make sense to compare those statistics to help you get a feeling for the reality of your chosen destination – the figures are readily available on various internet sites.

If there is a shower while you’re visiting, most people simply take cover until it passes, but if you’re out and about exploring it might make sense to carry a very lightweight hooded jacket (remember, rain here doesn’t equate to cold!), so packing one might make sense.

Above all – don’t worry! The rains here are typically nothing to be concerned about and they’re unlikely to negatively affect your holiday in one of the spectacular luxury hotels. Caribbean holidays and a little drop of rain can actually combine to provide you with an ideal break.

Olivia Chetham works for the Essential Hotel Collection. For a stay in romantic luxury hotels, Caribbean venues can't be beaten. We have a handpicked portfolio of privately owned hotels offering superb accommodation. We have an intimate knowledge of every property and can provide the perfect accommodation to make your island dreams a reality.

About the Author

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.

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Author: Lisa Jeeves

Lisa Jeeves

Member since: Oct 18, 2013
Published articles: 4550

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