Top 3 Best Caribbean Winter Sun Destinations in February
The Caribbean has endless options for people seeking a winter getaway because most destinations in the region enjoy a tropical climate. But while the weather isn’t an issue in most locations in this part of the world, issues like safety, accessibility, and overcrowding can make a hassle out of picking a winter sun destination. Lucky for you, you’ve found the only travel guide you’ll ever need to pick the perfect Caribbean winter sun destination to visit in February.
These are the results from our survey where we asked our visitors for the top 3 best Caribbean winter sun destinations in February.
The top 3 best Caribbean winter sun destinations in February are the Cayman Islands, Anguilla, and St. Barts. These three locations offer visitors mild weather, natural attractions, and immersive cultural experiences. They’re also safer and less crowded than many Caribbean destinations.
Read on to learn what to expect when visiting these locations in February, how they stack up against each other as winter sun destinations at this time of the year, and much more.
1. The Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands have everything you’d expect from a tropical destination, from beautiful beaches to unique cultural experiences and natural wonders. However, that’s true for many winter sun destinations in the Caribbean.
What stands out about this group of islands is the combination of good weather in February, accessibility, and safety. This combo is precisely why the Cayman Islands claim the number one spot in today’s ranking of the top 3 Caribbean winter sun destinations in February.
Let’s take a closer look at these factors and what else makes the Cayman Islands a prime winter sun destination for February visitors.
The Weather
February is a dry month in the Cayman Islands. The mean daily maximum and minimum temperatures at this time of the year are 26°C (79°F) and 24°C (76°F), respectively. Most days are sunny with clear skies, and humidity levels remain within a comfortable range.
Accessibility
Getting to the Cayman Islands is easy. There are numerous direct flights from several major cities in the US, Canada, the UK, and many parts of Europe.
The Islands’ accessibility has a lot to do with their reputation as a prominent offshore financial center. While it’s not the only factor behind the development of transportation infrastructure, the economic prosperity brought about by the financial industry has significantly contributed to the improvement of transport facilities and services.
The main gateway to the Cayman Islands is the Own Roberts International Airport, a world-class international airport located on the Grand Cayman. This airport is equipped with all the facilities and services you’d expect from a modern airport, including accessible restrooms, ramps, elevators, and designated parking spaces for people with disabilities.
Getting around on the islands is hassle-free and fairly affordable. The roads are well-maintained, and renting a car or calling a cab is fairly straightforward. Additionally, there are regular ferry services operating between the Grand Cayman and the sister islands.
Safety
The Cayman Islands are one of the safest winter sun destinations in the Caribbean. This is partly because this trio of islands generally caters to high-income visitors, and the fact that it has some of the most stringent gun laws in the Caribbean.
According to statistics from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, the total number of recorded crimes has steadily declined since 2018. Additionally, the US State Department issued a level 1 travel advisory for the cayman islands.
While the Cayman Islands are some of the safest places to visit in the Caribbean, you may still fall victim to petty theft and scams if you’re not careful. That’s why you need to avoid unsolicited deals that seem too good to be true, keep a keen eye on your valuables when you’re out and about, and steer clear of high-risk areas.
Unique Cultural Experiences
The Cayman Islands offer a variety of cultural attractions and activities year-round, including in February. Some of the best ways to experience these cultural attractions include:
Visiting the Cayman Islands National Museum.
There’s no better place to learn about the rich culture, natural beauty, and history of the Cayman Islands than this national museum. It showcases various aspects of the islands’ heritage through exhibits of traditional crafts, artifacts left behind by early settlers, the remains of the Wreck of the Ten Sail, and much more.
The museum also has a gift shop where you can find unique souvenirs, books, and locally crafted items.
Sampling Caymanian Cuisine
There’s a lot to explore in Caymanian Cuisine. Because these islands were colonized by Jamaica before the Brits took over, their traditional cuisine is a blend of Jamaican, African, and European ingredients and cooking methods.
Turtle stew, Cassava cake, conch fritters, and fish rundown are popular choices, but there are a lot more options for anyone looking to savor the flavors of this trio of islands.
Exploring Heritage Sites
Exploring heritage sites is another way of stepping back in time to discover the culture and craftsmanship of the islands’ earliest settlers. While the Cayman Islands might not have as many heritage sites as some other winter sun destinations in the Caribbean, they have enough places of cultural and historical significance to quench your curiosity if you’re staying for a month or so.
Some of the must-visit heritage sites include:
- Pedro St. James National Historic Site
- Bodden Town
- Miss Lassie’s House
- Watlers Cemetary
- East End Lighthouse Park
Attending Cultural Events and Festivals
February might not be a festive month per se, but it’s still one of the most exciting times to visit the Cayman Islands if you’re looking to catch one of the colorful festivals and events held on the islands.
The Coco Fest is arguably the biggest festival on the Cayman Islands in February.This annual event celebrates the significance of the coconut in Caymanian cuisine and culture. Since its establishment in 2016, it has attracted hundreds of locals and visitors to the Pedro St. James National Historic Site in Savannah with its variety of coconut-themed entertainment, food, and activities.
Another festival you might want to check out is the Cayfest. More popularly known as the Cayman Islands National Festival of the Arts, this annual event brings together local talent in various genres (including dance, music, arts, storytelling, and theater) for an exhibition of the islands’ rich artistic heritage. It often occurs in February, but the exact dates may vary from one year to the next.
If you’re lucky, you might also catch The Taste of Cayman Food and Drink Festival in full swing. This annual culinary event is a great way to explore the local cuisine and learn new recipes as you enjoy live entertainment and cooking competitions. It has been held in February in the past, but there’s no telling the exact date for the next one because the organizers change the dates almost every year.
Natural Wonders
The Cayman Islands are a nature lover’s paradise, too. For starters, there are over 25 beaches on these islands. Among these is the world-famous Seven Mile Beach, which stakes a strong claim for the Caribbean's most beautiful beach with its turquoise waters, fine white sand, and photogenic surroundings.
The Cayman Islands are also home to a wide range of plant and animal species. You can view these at one of the numerous nature parks and reserves on the island. For an idea of where to start your adventure, check out Tripadivsor’s list of 10 Best Parks & Nature Attractions in the Cayman Islands.
2. Anguilla
Snatching the runners-up spot in today’s ranking is another British Overseas Territory located in the eastern Caribbean Sea. This pristine island is one of the best Caribbean winter sun destinations for people who enjoy spending time by the seaside. It has about 35 beaches, and most of them are near luxurious resorts.
February is part of the peak tourist season in Anguilla because the weather is perfect for outdoor fun. However, the island still sees fewer crowds than many popular Caribbean destinations, making this one of the best winter getaways for those seeking peace and tranquility.
Anguilla is also one of the safest places in the Caribbean. Serious crimes like kidnapping and robberies are pretty much nonexistent. But like many other parts of the world, you still need to be on the lookout for petty crimes and scams targetting tourists.
3. St. Barts
St. Barts is a small island that’s part of the Lesser Antilles. This lesser-known gem is one of the best winter getaways for those who seeking an upscale Caribbean experience. It’s home to some of the most luxurious resorts and villas in the Caribbean, pristine beaches, and scenic landscapes.
February is a particularly good time to visit St. Barts because the weather is great, and the island host several events and festivals throughout the month. And while it’s the middle of the peak season, St. Barts remains less crowded compared to other Caribbean destinations. This is one of the main reasons it mainly attracts celebrities, jet-setters, and high-earners seeking a sophisticated and refined vacation.
As you’d expect for a destination famous for attracting financially well-off individuals, St. Barts is on the expensive side of things. Accommodation is particularly expensive, especially during the peak season.
How this Top 3 list was made
The top 3 list was derived from a survey where we asked about their top destination for a particular month and region. From these results, we made each month a top 3 for North America, the Caribbean, Middle/South America, Europe, and Asia (including the Middle East). Sometimes, we have combined several individual destinations from a single country into the country itself.
