The best time to take a cruise is whenever you can! Seriously though, the best time depends on the destination you have in mind. Different cruise regions have peak seasons that offer the best weather, activities, and overall experience. Here’s a breakdown of the best times to cruise various popular destinations:
Caribbean
- December to April: This period is the peak season with the best weather—warm, sunny days and minimal rainfall. It’s also outside the hurricane season, which runs from June to November. This is also the time of year that offers the maximum ship/itinerary options to choose from, meaning a much better chance of finding just the right cruise for you.
Mediterranean
- May to June and September to October: These shoulder months offer pleasant weather without the intense summer heat and crowds of July and August. Prices are often lower and ports of call are less crowded. Overall, Med season is April to November.
Alaska
- May to September: This is the cruising season for Alaska, with the best weather occurring from June to August. May and September can be cooler/wetter, but smaller crowds and better prices may make them an option worth exploring.
Northern Europe and the Baltics
- May to August: These months provide the warmest weather and the best conditions for exploring Northern Europe, including the fjords of Norway, the Baltic capitals and Iceland.
Southeast Asia
- November to February: This period is the dry season, offering the best weather with cooler temperatures and less humidity, making it ideal for cruising.
Australia and New Zealand
- December to March: These months are the Southern Hemisphere's summer, providing the warmest and most stable weather for cruising.
South Pacific
- May to October: This dry season offers the best weather for visiting islands like Fiji, Tahiti, and New Caledonia.
Hawaii
- April to October: This period is the best for cruising around Hawaii, with warm weather and lower chances of rain.
Transatlantic
- April to June and September to November: These months are optimal for crossing the Atlantic, with generally milder weather and calmer seas. It's also the times when cruise lines are repositioning their ships between Europe and the Caribbean.
Canada and New England
- September and October: This period offers beautiful fall foliage, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for cruising this region.
South America
- December to March: This is the summer season in South America, providing the best weather for exploring destinations like Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.
Antarctica
- November to March: These are the summer months in Antarctica, with relatively milder temperatures and more wildlife activity.
Finally, when planning a cruise, be sure to consider factors such as holidays and school schedules. These will definitely impact the number of families and children on board and could be a good or bad thing, depending on your personal situation/preferences.
Want to learn more about cruising? Consider joining my private Facebook group, Cruising With Byron. Here you will find a safe, private space for cruisers to discuss all things cruising. Check it out. I think you'll like it!