Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Travel Information
When to Go
Regardless of when you visit, you're almost always assured of
short-sleeve weather, balmy trade winds, and plenty of sun. Tem-
peratures vary only about 10
from summer to winter. The hottest
months are July and August when temperatures average 85 to 90
°
°
; the
coolest month is February, when highs range from 72 to 86
°
and nighttime
lows dip to the mid 60s to lower 70s.
The busiest months constitute “high season” - between December 15 and
April 15. During this time, rates are at their peak (and really reach a peak
during the week between Christmas and New Year's) and rooms can some-
times be difficult to come by at top resorts.
The “shoulder seasons,” the months on each side of high season, are very
pleasant weather-wise, yet you'll find prices much lower during this pe-
riod. The lowest prices are offered during the summer months and the
peak of hurricane season (August through October). Remember, hurri-
canes are forecast days in advance, so even during these peak months your
chances of getting caught in a storm are small.
Water temperatures dip slightly during the winter months, when average
temperatures varies from 78
°
to 82
°
. During the summer, the waters warm
to 82
, a bath-like temperature that allows divers to swim without
wet suits, if they choose.
°
to 86
°
Costs
Cayman is costly, there's no denying it. The Cayman dollar is stronger
than its US equivalent, and at this writing exchanged at a rate of about US
$1.25 to CI $1. Prices in hotels, restaurants, stores, and attractions reflect
that unfavorable exchange rate and the high standard of living enjoyed on
the island. Just how expensive is it? Accommodation prices vary with the
season. High season, spanning mid-December to mid-April, is the most
costly time to visit. Rates are at their peak during this period and during
the Christmas holidays they soar even higher. The least expensive time to
visit is during the summer months when prices may be as much as
40% lower. To many visitors, the best combination of price and weather co-
mes during the “shoulder seasons,” the months before and after high sea-
son. Prices are lower, the seas are usually calm, and the livin' is easy.
