Finding the right time for a trip isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to cruises where you can visit different countries around the world and the weather can change quickly.
Some people are forced to go on cruises during certain months, especially if they are bound to do so by fixed vacation times at work and family commitments.
On the contrary, some (more lucky) people have the freedom to choose the period they prefer. But what is the best time to go on a cruise?
To help you choose, I decided to create a list with all the positive and negative aspects of cruising for each month.
I will also tell you what is the worst month and the best month according to my experience.
January
January is considered a good month to go on a cruise, especially if it is cold in your country and you want to travel to warmer areas.
Consider that the weather is typically mild in the Caribbean and Southeast Asia, so it’s a good idea to choose a cruise with those itineraries.
On the contrary, it can be a bit too cold in northern areas like the Bahamas where the water might be too chilly for comfortable swimming and relaxing.
In addition, January is less crowded because is right after the holiday season, and it’s quite easy to find some good deals.
February
February continues the trend of favorable cruising conditions with the added benefit of slightly warmer temperatures than January, particularly in the Caribbean.
You will still be traveling in the off-season, so it also means fewer people and lower prices. A very important positive point for those who don’t like hustle and bustle and large crowds.
Similarly to January, northern Caribbean regions like the Bahamas might still experience cooler water temperatures, so choose your itinerary carefully.
Obviously, during these months, avoid cruises to cold places such as North Atlantic and Northern Europe.
March
March is definitely a good time, perhaps one of the best from a weather perspective in the Caribbean.
The days are warm but not too hot, and it is perfect to enjoy full days at the beach.
One downside is definitely the increase in the number of passengers, which also leads to higher prices.
Consider that if you travel during the Spring Break season there will definitely be more crowds at both ports and airports.
April
April is often considered the “sweet spot” for cruising for different reasons.
First, the weather is warm but still not too hot. It’s a great time both if you want to enjoy the beach and if you like to go exploring historical sites.
In addition, if you book in the second half of the month you can avoid Spring Break and travel with more relaxed conditions.
Also, consider that April is the last month before the summer season kicks in and the prices start to increase.
May
May is a recommended month for those who like warm weather without the summer crowds.
Temperatures rise quickly and you can enjoy the beach and all the best water activities.
May also marks the beginning of the Alaska cruise season. You can find lower prices and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months if you want to travel there.
It could also be one of the best months to travel in southern Europe and the Mediterranean.
June
I still consider June to be a good month. The weather is generally nice and sunny, especially in the first part of the month.
In the second part, the hurricane season approaches and there may be more variability.
The negative thing is that the prices tend to rise quite a bit, mainly due to an increase in demand.
July
July is the peak season for cruising both in the Caribbean and Alaska.
The weather is warm, perfect for people who like higher temperatures. However, consider that it could be uncomfortably humid on some days.
July is also one of the best months for a cruise in Alaska. The days are long, and wildlife viewing is at its best.
The last time I went on a cruise in July, I could never find a free chair on the pool deck. Remember to check out the tips to outwit chair hogs on cruise ships if you’re traveling during these months.
August
August is often considered the last hurrah of the summer cruising season, particularly for families looking to squeeze in a vacation before the school year begins.
The Caribbean remains hot and humid, with the added challenge of being deep into hurricane season, increasing the likelihood of weather-related disruptions.
Prices tend to remain high due to the ongoing demand from summer travelers. However, if you wait until late August, you might find some last-minute deals as demand starts to taper off.
September
September is one of the least popular months, especially for Caribbean cruises.
The reasons are quite clear, there is a decrease due to the end of the summer season and the peak of hurricane season.
There may be sudden itinerary changes or cancellations. For more details, I invite you to read the article on what happens if you find a hurricane on a cruise.
From another point of view, the prices are lower, the people are fewer, and the temperature is still quite high. So it may be a good choice for some passengers, especially for Alaska and Europe.
October
In the cruise industry, October is considered a shoulder season, which means a period of time between a peak season and an offseason.
It’s a bit hit or miss. I’ve been on different cruises in October and during some I found perfect and pleasant weather, neither too hot nor too cold, while during others I found rain and cold.
I would still recommend it, even if the possibility of rain remains high, so remember to pack everything you need.
November
November marks the end of the hurricane season in the Caribbean, so it’s a safer bet in this sense.
The weather is generally pleasant, with cooler temperatures and less humidity. Some destinations could be better than others during this period, for example, Mexico is a very good choice.
The prices are quite low too so it’s a good thing if you’re traveling on a budget and want to save money on your cruise.
December
There’s no need for me to tell you this, December is a fairly popular month for cruise travel.
Passengers are mainly looking to get away from the winter cold and want to spend a few days of vacation in the warmth.
The Caribbean, Mexico, and Southeast Asia are all popular destinations for festive holiday cruises. However, as you can imagine, the prices skyrocket around Christmas and New Year’s, and ships tend to be crowded with holiday travelers.
If you really wanna travel during this period you should book as soon as you can, even more than a year in advance.
Which is the best and worst month?
Well, as we’ve seen, every month has some pros and some cons. You should always evaluate according to your personal preferences.
Generally speaking, based on my experience and the opinions of other cruise passengers I’ve talked to, April and May are considered the best months. This is mainly due to favorable weather conditions and moderate prices.
On the other hand, September is usually considered the worst month, especially in the Caribbean, due to the peak of hurricane season and potential travel disruptions.
