Best Time to Visit Curacao and Bonaire

Every month is the best time to visit Curacao and Bonaire.  Bonaire and Curacao, along with Aruba, are often called the ABC Islands of the Caribbean. All three islands are in the southern region of the Caribbean Sea and are great Caribbean destinations.  They share a common Dutch colonial history and a similar climate. They are located just north of Venezuela, but are easily reached from the United States.

However, Curacao and Bonaire are the more laid back part of the ABC Islands. Specifically, this is because Aruba attracts many tourists who enjoy casinos, nightlife, and shopping, while Curacao and Bonaire are more into water sports, colorful architecture and wildlife.  Nightlife is probably the main difference.  

However, Aruba is also the most expensive island, with high prices for accommodation, food, and transportation. So, if you are looking for a less expensive, laid-back vacation, we recommend you consider Curacao and Bonaire. If you are looking for other places to visit in the Caribbean, we recommend you visit our more general Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean Post.

Best Time of the Year to Visit Curacao and Bonaire

We visited both islands the first week in December, 2023, which is considered the shoulder season.  We were sailing on a Windstar cruise from Barbados to Aruba on the Star Pride.   Like all of Windstar’s ships, the Star Pride is a small cruise ship and has a maximum capacity of 300 passengers.  As a result, it can get into places the big ships can’t manage.  Hence, we had great berths on both islands.  In addition, we were fortunate to only have 220 on this cruise. Needless to say, we had great weather as the trade winds cooled us off.   Also, the crowds were less than the high season, so for us this was a perfect time to visit. 

However, the best time to visit Curacao and Bonaire depends on your preferences and budget, but generally speaking, the islands have a warm and sunny climate all year round, with little risk of hurricanes or tropical cyclones or other tropical storms as they are so close to the equator. Curacao and Bonaire are located outside the hurricane belt, which means they have a stable climate with plenty of sunshine all year round.  

Personal Preferences to Consider When Planning Your Trip:

• Temperature: The islands have a tropical climate, with the average temperature on the islands ranging from 84 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, with little variation between seasons. The hottest months are the summer season, May to October, but the trade winds help to keep the islands cool and comfortable. If you prefer slightly cooler weather, you may want to visit during the off-peak season between November and April, when the temperature drops a few degrees.
• Rainfall: The islands have a short rainy season.  The wet season runs from October to December, when they receive about 60% of their annual rainfall. However, the rain is usually brief and sporadic, and does not affect the overall sunshine hours. The dry season months are January to September, when the islands receive less than an inch of rain per month on average.
• Crowds and Prices: The peak tourist season on the islands is from mid-December to mid-April, when the demand and prices for flights, hotels, and activities are the highest. If you want to avoid the crowds and save some money with lower prices, you may want to visit during the low season, from mid-April to mid-December, when the islands are less busy and more affordable. 

Best Time to Visit Curacao, Perhaps to See Major Events (i.e. Carnival)

The best time to visit Curacao and Bonaire,, may be to see one of the two islands special events. Both islands have a vibrant cultural scene, with many events and festivals throughout the year that showcase their diverse heritage and traditions.

The most popular event is Carnival. This is the biggest and most colorful celebration on the islands, lasting from January to March. It features parades, costumes, music, dancing, and parties, with each island having its own style and flair.

Some of the Other Popular Events Are:

1. King’s Day: This is a national holiday on April 27, commemorating the birthday of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. It is marked by street markets, games, concerts, and fireworks, with people wearing orange, the national color.
2. Bonaire Dive Festival: This is a week-long event in June, dedicated to the island’s world-class diving and marine conservation. It offers workshops, seminars, dives, snorkels, and social events, with experts and enthusiasts from around the world.
3. Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival: This is a three-day event in August, featuring international and local jazz artists, as well as other genres such as soul, funk, Latin, and blues. It is held at the World Trade Center in Willemstad, with multiple stages and a festive atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit Curacao: Safety in the ABC Islands

The ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao) are considered to be among the safest in the Caribbean. The U.S. Department of State has given them a Level 1 warning (the lowest possible) to “exercise normal precautions” when visiting. 

With one well known heavily reported exception, the case of Natalee Holloway who was murdered in a very public incident on Aruba in 2005, violent crime is almost unheard of on the islands.  Generally, there are only minimal reports of petty crime and theft^. However, tourists should always be vigilant and avoid carrying valuable items or walking alone at night. 

Some Specifics of the Two Islands:

Curacao, Best Time to Visit 

The island of Curacao is a beautiful, great place to visit anytime of the year. Here are some of the reasons you need to go:

• Curacao has 38 unique beaches, each with its own charm and character. You can relax on the white sand, swim in the clear water, or snorkel among the colorful coral reefs.
• Curacao’s sunny weather is some of the best weather in the world.  There is no best time to visit Curacao, you can visit anytime of the year.
• Curacao has a diverse and rich cultural heritage, influenced by its indigenous, African, European, and Latin American roots. You can explore the historic downtown Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its iconic pastel-colored buildings and the Queen Emma Bridge. You can also learn about the island’s history, art, and music at various museums and festivals.
• Curacao is a paradise for divers, with over 60 dive sites to choose from. You can discover the amazing underwater world, with its surreal coral formations, sunken wrecks, and abundant marine life. 
• You can also try some of the island’s specialties, such as the Blue Curaçao liqueur, made from the local bitter orange peel, or the iguana stew, a traditional dish.
• Curaçao has a vibrant nightlife, with many options for entertainment and fun. You can enjoy the lively atmosphere of Mambo Beach, where you can find bars, restaurants, and live music.  While perhaps not as glitzy as the casinos and nightlife in Aruba, you can also try your luck at one of the island’s casinos, or dance the night away at one of the clubs.

Details of Our Visit to Curacao, By Robin Williams

The Star Pride entered the Willemstad, Curacao area at roughly 6:00 am on November 30, 2023. For us, this was the perfect time to visit Curacao. Our ship sailed beyond our berth, under the tallest bridge in the West Indies (twice), as she did a 180° turn to point to the ocean for her departure later that night.  We found this place to be charming…why had we not heard more raves about this before? 

It is a city of gorgeous colors, much street art and murals with a heavenly breeze.  The renovation of the previously derelict neighborhood of Otrobanda, thanks to Dutch businessman Jacob Gelt Decker, is where we started.  Each street delivers a new surprise; this area is a source of pride for all who work here.  He cofounded the Kura Hulanda Museum an amazing collection of slavery documents, instruments and history.  We were astounded at the quality of this small museum. For more information about museums, pleas see our Museums for All post.

Next, shopping!!  You can get some great gifts here as we did, being somewhat under the wire for Christmas giving!  But you also find a floating farmers market with boats from Venezuela laden with fruits and vegetables.  And, not surprisingly more great street art.  It’s everywhere and great quality too!  Plus the buildings are vibrant colors.  Please see our Love Street Art Post for more details.

After our shipping spree, it was hot, hot, hot, and we were slightly disappointed the pedestrian bridge was not open.  But as soon as we noticed, a free ferry picked us up, powering to the other side.  My gracious, we love this town!

Bonaire, The Smallest of the ABC Islands

Bonaire is a beautiful small island in the Caribbean that offers many reasons to visit. Here are some of them:

• Bonaire is a peaceful and unspoiled paradise that is not crowded by over tourism. You can enjoy the tranquility and serenity of the island without the hassle of traffic, litter, or noise. 
• Bonaire is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. The island has over 80 dive sites and a fringing reef that is easily accessible from the shore. It is also a great nesting spot for sea turtles.
• Bonaire has a diverse and delicious cuisine that reflects its Dutch and Caribbean heritage. You can find over 100 restaurants and eateries that offer a variety of dishes, from European, Asian, and Caribbean flavors. You can also try the local specialties, such as salted codfish, cactus liquor, and iguana soup.
• Bonaire has a fascinating history and culture that you can learn more about by visiting its museums, monuments, and festivals. You can discover the island’s role in the slave trade, its struggle for autonomy, and its conservation efforts. You can also experience the island’s vibrant and colorful traditions.  In addition to Carnival and the Bonaire Dive Festivals, they celebrate two other special holidays:

Dia di Rincon, and Maskarada 

• Dia di Rincon (Rincon Day) is celebrated each year on April 30th. It is a day to honor the oldest village on Bonaire and its heritage. The event dates back to the time when Rincon was the only village on the island and the slaves who worked on the salt pans were allowed to visit their families there once a year. 
• Maskarada (Masquerade) is a New Year’s tradition that dates back to the 17th century. It is a group of masked and costumed performers who visit the homes of dignitaries and prominent citizens on January 1st and 6th. The Maskarada group consists of a king, a queen, a court jester, a doctor, a nurse, a policeman, and other characters. 

Details of Our Visit to Bonaire, by Robin Williams

After our wonderful visit to Curacao, we didn’t know how Bonaire could be more stunning.   But it was. The island is known for scuba and snorkeling.  But we found the pink flamingoes, the white salt mountains over pink lakes and the wild roaming donkeys to be remarkable.  We saw it all, in our golf cart that we rented to get us around the island.  What a great way to see this island with unobstructed views of the not-to-be-believed vistas.  

We booked the golf cart through Get Your Guide for half the day.

Starting counterclockwise going South, we saw the abandoned hotel complete with graffiti. Inside we heard voices and wondered if maybe someone was living there, only to find out a Cross Fit class had taken up residence in a few of the empty bays.

Next we came across light pink lakes with a row of pyramids made of salt.  This is a major industry for the island, the island that lives the clean environmental lifestyle.  It was a sight not to be believed, yet there it was.

Former Slave Quarters

Next, there were two villages of former slave quarters where the salt mining was cultivated.  The size of each dwelling was not to be believed.  No wonder each weekend the workers walked miles to Rincon to spend time with their families only to turn around and hike back to the salt.

As we drove toward the lighthouse, we were stopped by a friendly donkey by the side of the road.  He was only one of several who roam wherever they wish.  To our right were many kite surfers, playing in the robust wind.

The road was blocked because of a bridge repair, so we retraced our steps.  It was then that we saw the flamingoes, 50 or 60 of them enjoying the shrimp that gives them and the pink lakes their color.  How did we miss this before?

Heading back via the “fast” highway, we came upon Lac Bay, complete with dozens of windsurfers skipping across the brilliant aqua water.  We had a drink, happily watching their racing and wipeouts.  Next, back to the boat.  What a great way to visit this islands.

History of the ABC Islands

The ABC islands share a history of colonization by the Spanish and the Dutch, and a diverse culture influenced by their indigenous, African, and European heritage. Here is a brief overview of their history:

• The ABC islands were originally inhabited by the Arawak, an indigenous tribe that migrated from South America. 
• The first European to arrive was Alonso de Ojeda, a Spanish explorer who sailed to the islands in 1499. The Spanish colonized the islands and quickly established them as a base for their Caribbean operations, importing slaves from Africa to work on the sugar plantations.
• In 1634, the Dutch captured the islands from the Spanish and incorporated them into their West India Company. The Dutch developed the islands as trading centers, especially Curacao, which became a major port for the slave trade. For more information about the Dutch, please see our Amsterdam 3-Day Itinerary Post.
• The ABC islands were involved in several wars and conflicts between the European powers, such as the Eighty Years’ War, the Napoleonic Wars, and the Venezuelan War of Independence. They were also attacked by pirates and privateers.
• In 1815, after the Napoleonic Wars, the ABC islands became part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands as the colony of Curacao and Dependencies. 
• In 1954, the ABC islands became part of the Netherlands Antilles, a federation of six Caribbean islands within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. 
• In 2010, the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved and Curacao also became a constituent country, along with Aruba. While Bonaire became a special municipality of the Netherlands. The three islands still maintain close ties with the Netherlands, but also have their own governments, laws, and currencies.

Political Structure of the ABC Islands

The relationship of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao to the Netherlands is complex and has changed over time. Here is a brief summary of their current and historical status:

• Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which consists of four countries: the Netherlands, Aruba, Curacao and St Maarten. The Kingdom of the Netherlands has overarching responsibility for foreign relations, defense and Dutch nationality law. Agreements made on these matters apply to the entire Kingdom. The Netherlands, Aruba, Curacao and St Maarten must therefore comply with and implement these agreements.
• In other areas, such as healthcare, tourism and employment, the individual countries can determine their own policy. Aruba and Curacao are autonomous, self-governing constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, while Bonaire is a special municipality of the Netherlands proper, although it maintains its status of an overseas territory of the European Union.
• The political system of the island took many different forms during the colonial time, but in 1954, Curacao joined the five other Dutch Caribbean islands (Aruba, Bonaire, St Martin, St Eustatius, and Saba) and became the Netherlands Antilles. Aruba left the Netherlands Antilles in 1986, becoming a separate country within the kingdom. Upon the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles on 10 October 2010, Curacao gained a similar status to Aruba. Bonaire became a special municipality of the Netherlands proper, although it maintains its status of an overseas territory of the European Union. 

History of Slavery in the ABC Islands

• The ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao) have a history of slavery that dates back to the colonial era. The Spanish colonized the islands and quickly established them as a base for their Caribbean operations, importing slaves from Africa to work on the sugar plantations. The Spaniards were ousted in 1634 by the Dutch, and the islands fell under the control of the Dutch West India Company, which continued to exploit slaves. The abolition of the slave trade in 1863 had a devastating impact on their economies, although the economy revived when oil was discovered in Venezuela during the early 20th century, and the islands became major oil refineries.
• . Millions of Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic and sold into slavery in the Americas and the Caribbean islands. The slave system was brutal and oppressive, and many slaves resisted and rebelled against their masters. Some of them escaped and formed communities of free people, known as maroons. Slavery was abolished in most of the Caribbean by the late 19th century, but its legacy still affects the culture, identity, and society of the region.
• The Kura Hulanda Museum in the Otrobanda section of Curacao has an extensive collection of remnants from the slave trade and tells the slave story beginning to end.   It is well worth a visit when in Curacao.