Best time to cruise · Shoulder season
Caribbean cruises in September
Statistically, September is the stormiest month in the Atlantic, with activity peaking around the second week. It’s also the cheapest and emptiest time to cruise the Caribbean, and a few ships take a break for dry dock. The Leeward and Virgin Islands sit closest to the paths of long-track storms from Africa, so Eastern Caribbean routes are the likeliest to be rerouted now.
- Shoulder season
- Avg high 86°F
- 12 hrs daylight
Photo: Clavius66, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Caribbean in September: Shoulder season
Statistically, September is the stormiest month in the Atlantic, with activity peaking around the second week. It’s also the cheapest and emptiest time to cruise the Caribbean, and a few ships take a break for dry dock. The Leeward and Virgin Islands sit closest to the paths of long-track storms from Africa, so Eastern Caribbean routes are the likeliest to be rerouted now.
Across Caribbean cruise ports, September brings average highs around 86°F (30°C) and lows near 83°F, with about 4.1 inches of rain over the month and roughly 12 hours of daylight.
- Verdict
- Shoulder season
- Season
- Year-round; driest and busiest December to April. Hurricane season June 1 to November 30, most active August to October.
- Average high / low
- 86°F / 83°F
- Rainfall (month)
- 4.1 in
- Daylight
- About 12 hours
- Typical cruise length
- 4 to 7 nights; 8 to 12 nights for most Southern Caribbean routes from Florida
What to pack: light, breathable clothes, swimwear, a sun hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen, plus a light layer for air-conditioned rooms. It's one of the wetter months, so bring a compact umbrella or rain jacket.
How September compares with the rest of the year
- Jan: Best time to go
- Feb: Best time to go
- Mar: Best time to go
- Apr: Best time to go
- May: Good time to go
- Jun: Good time to go
- Jul: Good time to go
- Aug: Shoulder season
- Sep: Shoulder season
- Oct: Shoulder season
- Nov: Good time to go
- Dec: Best time to go
- No regular sailings
- Shoulder season
- Good time to go
- Best time to go
Caribbean weather in September
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 8027 | 8027 | 8127 | 8228 | 8329 | 8429 | 8529 | 8530 | 8630 | 8529 | 8328 | 8228 |
| Low °F (°C) | 7725 | 7725 | 7825 | 7926 | 8127 | 8228 | 8228 | 8328 | 8328 | 8228 | 8127 | 7926 |
| Rain in (mm) | 2.154 | 1.334 | 1.334 | 1.435 | 2.460 | 4.0101 | 3.179 | 3.793 | 4.1104 | 5.6143 | 5.3136 | 2.769 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 |
September weather port by port
| Port | Avg high | Avg low | Rain | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cozumel | 86°F | 82°F | 5.9 in | 12 h |
| St. Thomas | 85°F | 83°F | 4.2 in | 12 h |
| St. Maarten | 85°F | 83°F | 2.8 in | 12 h |
| Grand Cayman | 86°F | 84°F | 3.5 in | 12 h |
| Roatán | 85°F | 84°F | 7.4 in | 12 h |
| Costa Maya | 86°F | 83°F | 5.5 in | 12 h |
| San Juan | 88°F | 81°F | 6.3 in | 12 h |
| Aruba | 86°F | 83°F | 1.3 in | 12 h |
| Curaçao | 85°F | 83°F | 1.1 in | 12 h |
| Barbados | 85°F | 83°F | 3.2 in | 12 h |
| St. Lucia | 86°F | 83°F | 2.9 in | 12 h |
| Perfect Day at CocoCay | 85°F | 83°F | 5.1 in | 12 h |
Average daily highs and lows, 2015–2024, from NASA POWER, adjusted to sea level. Rain is the average monthly total.
Other great cruise destinations in September
- Hawaii in September
- Canada & New England in September
- Pacific Coastal in September
- Mediterranean in September
- Western Mediterranean in September
- Eastern Mediterranean & Adriatic in September
- Greek Isles in September
- Western Europe in September
- Tahiti & the South Pacific in September
- Danube River in September
See every destination for September, with a port weather map →
Caribbean in September: FAQs
Is September a good time to cruise Caribbean?
It can be, as a shoulder-season month. Statistically, September is the stormiest month in the Atlantic, with activity peaking around the second week. It’s also the cheapest and emptiest time to cruise the Caribbean, and a few ships take a break for dry dock. The Leeward and Virgin Islands sit closest to the paths of long-track storms from Africa, so Eastern Caribbean routes are the likeliest to be rerouted now.
What is the weather like on a Caribbean cruise in September?
Across Caribbean cruise ports, September brings average highs around 86°F (30°C) and lows near 83°F, with about 4.1 inches of rain over the month and roughly 12 hours of daylight. Conditions vary from port to port and day to day.
What should I pack for a Caribbean cruise in September?
Pack light, breathable clothes, swimwear, a sun hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen, plus a light layer for air-conditioned rooms. It's one of the wetter months, so bring a compact umbrella or rain jacket. Check your cruise line's dress code for evenings.
When is the best time to cruise Caribbean?
Year-round; driest and busiest December to April. Hurricane season June 1 to November 30, most active August to October.. The best months are usually January, February, March, April, December.
Where else can I cruise in September?
September is also a top month for Hawaii, Canada & New England, Pacific Coastal, Mediterranean, Western Mediterranean.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: NASA POWER climate data.