The Caribbean in Winter: Best Islands for a Sunny Escape
Sunny skies, spectacular beaches, and crystal waters make the Caribbean an ideal destination in the winter. Winter marks the region’s dry season, which means sun and warmth dominate. As a result, you’ll enjoy days spent outdoors, whether you’re sunbathing on pristine beaches, diving in waters rich with marine life, or fueling your sense of adventure by ziplining through a lush forest. Discover the best Caribbean islands to turn cold days into sunny getaways filled with turquoise waters and white sand beaches.
St. Lucia
The breathtaking beauty of St. Lucia and its diverse landscapes make the island a welcome respite from winter’s chill. Here, warm temperatures prevail year-round, with highs in the 80s throughout the winter months. North St. Lucia is a nature lover’s paradise, with Pigeon Island National Park offering opportunities for hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming. Watersports lovers converge on the Atlantic Ocean-facing Plantation Beach, which offers ideal conditions for surfing or wind sports.
In South St. Lucia, discover miles of white sandy beaches overlooking the crystal-clear waters. Anse Des Sables Beach is a secluded spot perfect for a relaxing and rejuvenating day on the unspoiled sands. West St. Lucia’s Soufriere is a popular tourist destination, with its charming Old Town serving as the perfect spot to shop for souvenirs or sample locally made chocolate. Here, you can also explore nature, whether hiking to the cascading Diamond Waterfalls or visiting the Soufriere Volcano, the world’s only drive-in volcano, complete with mud baths for natural healing.
No visit to St. Lucia is complete without witnessing the majestic Pitons—Gros Piton and Petit Piton—two volcanic spires that rise dramatically from the sea near Soufriere. These UNESCO World Heritage-listed peaks are not only a symbol of the island’s natural beauty but also a haven for adventure seekers. Hike the trails of Gros Piton for panoramic views of the Caribbean, or admire the twin peaks from the water on a scenic catamaran cruise. Whether you're exploring by land or sea, the Pitons offer an unforgettable backdrop to your St. Lucian escape.
Currency: St. Lucia uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Antigua
Every Caribbean beach feels like a postcard come to life, with Antigua boasting a total of 365 incredible beaches, featuring expansive white and pink sandy shores and turquoise waters, perfect for a winter getaway. Antigua’s northwest coast is home to some of the island’s liveliest beaches near St. John’s and Dickenson Bay. Along the island’s southern coast, you’ll find more secluded beaches, offering equal beauty and fewer crowds, ideal if you’re desiring a peaceful winter vacation.
Unwinding on pristine beaches is just one way to enjoy your Antigua vacation. Sail on a sunset cruise, take a day trip to a nearby island to explore a hidden cove, or snorkel through offshore coral reefs, replete with marine life. In Antigua, naturally stunning surroundings and the island’s history collide. Nelson’s Dockyard National Park blends its storied past with modern amenities. Visit the park to swim, sail, soak up the sun, or dine.
Currency: Antigua and Barbuda use the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Barbados
Barbados effortlessly blends its natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. Relax on one of the island’s 80 sun-drenched beaches, where opportunities to surf, fish, and snorkel abound. Lush forests welcome hikers, where you can discover cliffs overlooking beaches and dramatic rock formations, especially on the island’s rugged east coast.
Barbados is the birthplace of rum, so sampling the island’s most significant export is a must during your visit. Rum distilleries offer tours where you can learn about the history of rum in Barbados, see how it’s produced, and then sample its rich flavor. Barbadian cuisine is equally flavorful and culturally relevant, so explore local restaurants to sample some of the island’s famous dishes, from the classic rice and peas to cou-cou and flying fish, the national dish of the island.
Currency: Barbados uses the Barbadian Dollar (BBD)
Dominican Republic
Spectacular beaches, adrenaline-pumping adventures, and a vibrant cultural scene dominate the Dominican Republic landscape. Visit Baja de Las Aguilas, regarded as the island’s most beautiful beach, offering five miles of shoreline, crystal-clear waters, and a picturesque rocky landscape. Tour Laguna de Oviedo, with its mangrove swamps that attract flamingos, pelicans, and parrots. Or make your winter vacation unforgettable by ziplining through lush canopies and over sparkling waters to fuel your sense of adventure.
While the Dominican Republic’s natural beauty may draw you to the island, you’ll find historic and cultural attractions worth exploring beyond the beaches. Explore Santo Domingo’s architecture and museums, or participate in the island’s lavish Carnival celebrations, held in February, which feature vibrant costumes, parades, music, and dance.
Currency: Dominican Republic uses the Dominican Peso (DOP)
Remember to order currency before you fly! Over 80 currencies covering 120 countries available for home delivery or pick up at a branch near you.
Currency Exchange International (CXI) is a leading provider of foreign currency exchange services in North America for financial institutions, corporations, and travelers. Products and services for international travelers include access to buy and sell more than 80 foreign currencies, gold bullion coins and bars. For financial institutions, our services include the exchange of foreign currencies, international wire transfers, purchase and sale of foreign bank drafts, international traveler’s cheques, and foreign cheque clearing through the use of CXI’s innovative CEIFX web-based FX software www.ceifx.com
