Aruba is a low-lying Caribbean Island, around 617 feet at its highest point, and one of the four countries of the Kingdom of Netherlands. It is 12 degrees 30 minutes north of the equator and has a hot semi-arid climate, with a fairly constant monthly average temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite lying south of the hurricane belt, tropical systems form close by and affect the island with strong winds and rainfall.
So, when is the rainy season in Aruba? Aruba rainy season is from October to January and averages about 18 inches annually. This is still low compared to other Caribbean destinations, resulting in a more arid than tropical climate. Regular trade winds cool the island, making it an all-year-round tourist destination.
Are you thinking about going to Aruba during the rainy season? Keep reading to learn more about the island’s weather patterns and how to make the most of your trip during the rainy season.
Table of Contents- Is There Weed In Aruba?
- Is Medical Marijuana Legal In Aruba?
- Are Marijuana Cookies Legal In Aruba?
- What Is The Punishment For Smoking Weed In Aruba?
- Can I Take Medical Marijuana To Aruba?
- Is Cbd Legal In Aruba?
- Cbd Vs. Marijuana: What's The Difference And Why Should You Care?
- Where Can You Smoke Up In The Caribbean?
- Jamaica
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- The U.S. Virgin Islands
- Final Thoughts: Is Marijuana Legal or Illegal in Aruba in 2023?
Characteristics of the Rainy Season in Aruba
It Lasts About 4.4 months
The rainy season begins in October, when you can expect 8 days of rainfall, amounting to 3.14 inches. November is the wettest month, experiencing at least 11 days of rainfall and a total of 3.54 inches. Despite December and January having the highest number of rainy days, at 13 and 12, respectively, the amount is lower, averaging about 2.76 inches.
The Rain is Erratic
Rainfall in Aruba occurs in short, sharp showers that last about 10 to 15 minutes, mostly at night. Even if it rains during the day, trade winds and the hot sun will dry you quickly, and there is no need to leave the beach.
The Sea is Incredibly Warm
Sea temperatures are at their highest during the rainy season in Aruba. The water temperature reaches 85 degrees Fahrenheit in October, and 83 degrees Fahrenheit in November, then drops to 81 degrees Fahrenheit in December and January.
The Difference Between Day and Night Temperatures is Minimal
The difference between the average day and night temperatures in Aruba is 3 to 4 degrees Fahrenheit.
October is the hottest month of the season, with average daily temperatures reaching 86 degrees Fahrenheit and night temperatures of 83 degrees Fahrenheit.
January has the highest difference between day and night of 4 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also the coldest month on the island, with mean temperatures of 83 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cloud Cover During the Rainy Season in Aruba
The cloudiest months in Aruba are from October to December, when the sky is overcast 79% of the time. Cloud cover starts to clear in January, with the sky partly cloudy 52% of the time.
Wind Speed During the Rainy Season in Aruba
Aruba is one of the most temperate islands in the Caribbean, with constant trade winds blowing from the east-northeast. The wind speed varies throughout the year from light breezes of 7 mph to strong breezes of 25 mph.
Aruba’s rainy season has the lowest average monthly wind speeds reaching 18 mph in November.
Sunshine During the Rainy Season in Aruba
Aruba experiences the least sunshine during the rainy season, at around 11 hours and 40 minutes. December has the shortest sunshine averaging about 11 hours and 24 minutes.
Despite the low duration, the sun is very strong between 10.30 AM and 2.00 PM. Aruba’s white sandy beaches and clear water amplify the sun’s effect, and frequent use of high-SPF sunscreens is strongly recommended.
Humidity Levels During the Rainy Season in Aruba
Humidity levels during Aruba’s rainy season can vary between 65% to 95%, particularly in the afternoon. This depends on what areas of the island you stay in, with coastal regions having higher humidity levels than the island’s higher regions.
November is the most humid, with an average relative humidity of 78.8%. October and December have fairly constant average humidity levels of 77.9%, with January being the least humid of the rainy season at 77.6%. August is the least humid month in Aruba, at 68.1% average relative humidity.
Should You Visit Aruba During the Rainy Season?
Aruba is accessible all year round, with peak tourist season from November to March. The period sees a flood of tourists escaping winter in the northern region. According to Aruba’s Tourism Authority, over 2 million tourists visit the island annually, 73% from North America, 15% from Latin America, and 8.3% from Europe.
You can reach the island by air or cruise ship, arriving at the main entry points of Queen Beatrix International Airport and Aruba Cruise Terminal in the capital city of Oranjestad. Once you clear immigration and customs, you can reach the several hotels and resorts in the city by rental car, minibusses, or streetcar.
Accommodation prices are higher this season, so you should make your reservations well before traveling. Aruba has different accommodation options to suit every budget, family size, and length of stay, including timeshares, apartments, villas, and luxurious condos.
The local currency is the Aruban Florin (AWG), but most international hotels accept payments in US dollars. Before finalizing your booking, you should also check if the accommodation rates include government tax and service charges.
What to Do in Aruba When It Rains (4 Ideas)
Although it rarely rains in Aruba, plenty of indoor activities make your vacation worthwhile. Here are some of the available activities.
1. Gambling in Aruba
The legal gambling age in Aruba is 18, and most major resorts have their own casinos. These are generally open from noon to just before sunrise, with others operating 24 hours a day. You will find all your favorite casino games, including roulette, slots, poker, crabs, baccarat, and blackjack.
Aruba’s casinos also feature daily bingo tournaments, sports books, and theme night events, with special entertainment, offers, and prizes. The most popular venues include Wind Creek Crystal & Seaport Casinos, Excelsior Casino at the Holiday Inn Sunspree, and Alhambra Casino in front of the Divi All-Inclusive Resort.
2. Aruba’s Art and Culture in San Nicolaas
San Nicolaas is Aruba’s second-largest city, 12 miles southeast of the Oranjestad. It is home to Aruba’s thriving art and cultural scene, with its main street featuring hand-painted murals, museums, and souvenir shops.
ArtisA (Art is Aruba) is the organization behind San Nicolaas’ art district. It organizes events such as the Aruba Art Fair, the Christmas Fair, and Art Fashion. They also oversee projects like Ban Mozaik, and Nature and Faces. Other venues to visit in San Nicolaas include the San Nicolaas Community Museum and the Museum of Industry, with exhibits showcasing Aruba’s oil, gold, aloe, and phosphate production history.
3. Shopping in Aruba
You can also spend your time in Aruba’s bustling shopping area. The cities of Oranjestad and San Nicolaas have different stores selling authentic Aruban merchandise, including jewelry, fragrances, and souvenirs.
You will also find designer stores with the latest fashion and several shops selling Dutch delicacies and Cuban cigars. The most popular shopping areas include Renaissance Mall, Aruba Flea Market, Arawak Garden, and Royal Plaza Mall.
4. Dining in Aruba
Another way to spend your time when it rains in Aruba is to sample the cuisine. The island’s vibrant restaurant scene offers a diverse menu of dishes with Dutch, Asian, African, and Spanish influences. Authentic Aruba dishes include Stoba, a stew consisting of boiled beef or goat meat in a tomato-based sauce, and Keshi Yena, a mix of meats, peppers, raisins, and onions cooked in a hollowed-out cheese rind.
Top restaurants include Fred Royal Aruba, Aquarius, and Fresco. If you are a wine enthusiast, it is worth checking out the Aruba Wine Club. The venue partners with local wine importers, offering free delivery of alcoholic beverages at 10% below market price. It also hosts bi-annual events for members, where you can taste new wine and liquor arrivals and receive tips on the best wine and food pairings.