You might have missed the opportunity to travel this summer, or your insatiable appetite for adventure is egging you on again. Whatever the case may be, plenty of exploration awaits you this fall, so why not give some tropical islands a chance? The best Caribbean Islands to visit in October await you!

While it is tempting to head out as spontaneously and quickly as you can, do keep in mind that October is part of the hurricane season in the Caribbean. Some resorts shut down and aren’t open for business during the season, so it’s best to prepare by making a couple of phone calls and contacting resorts to make sure they’re open. However, all of this drives the prices down and you’ll be able to get incredible deals around this time. The risk of a hurricane actually hitting is fairly low, but you should be vigilant nonetheless. With that said, take a look at some of the most amazing islands in the Caribbean and enjoy your stay!

Aruba

The first of the famous ABC trio of islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao), it is one of the best Caribbean Islands to visit in October, and the reason for that is quite simple – it’s got the best weather.

Located below the hurricane belt, Aruba boasts fantastic sunny days throughout the first half of October, and if you’re lucky, even longer than that. It’s definitely a favorite vacation spot of Americans fleeing the incoming cold.

A White Sand Beach in Aruba

But, what you can expect in Aruba is more than just good weather conditions. It is an island of incredible white sand, whose special composition makes it bearable to walk on even during the hottest part of the day. The capital, Oranjestad, is the perfect place to check out some of the Dutch colonial architecture and the famous Fort Zoutman.

Read more: Discover Barbados this Fall

There’s so much more to be said about Aruba, from the amazing cultures that inhabit it to those that came before and left a wealth of ancient pictographs in caves, but that’s for you to discover.

Bonaire

Much like Aruba, Bonaire is blessed by amazing weather in October, and it’s just as important since there are dozens of activities to partake in.

Probably the most renowned of said activities are snorkeling and diving. Both of these will prove to be unique experiences, considering the widely varied flora and fauna of the Caribbeans, with the latter being especially spectacular. Look for yellow stones that mark great diving spots.

A Wooden Dock in the shallows in Bonaire

Of course, you can make good use of all that incredible weather by simply spending the day at the beach. If that is more up your alley, then check out the 1000 Steps Beach, aptly named after limestone steps that you need to descend in order to get to the actual beach.

Moreover, honeymooners are going to have just as spectacular time as adventure seekers, accompanied by savory seafood and dolphins that like to make an appearance from time to time.

Curacao

The long history of Curacao is dotted with various cultures, from ancient Arawaks to European countries such as Spain, England, and the Netherlands.

The capital of Curacao is Willemstad, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the perfect place to go if you want to feel that European vibe without actually traveling there. Obviously, many buildings here tell the story of the country’s colonial past. Moreover, you should stop by the Museum Kura Hulanda and learn about slavery and its consequences.

A Lagoon near the city of Willemstad in CuracaoBeing the largest of the ABC islands, there’s obviously much more to do and see than in the previous two entries. Museums, galleries, and plenty of street art reveal the more artsy side of Curacao, inhabited by people who pride themselves on their creativity and kindness.

Read more: Amazing Places in Central America

Much like other islands in the famous trio, it’s relatively safe from hurricanes, has amazing diving spots, and long, sandy beaches. Check out the Knip Beach and you won’t forget Curacao any time soon.

St. Lucia

Here’s an island, and a sovereign country, of the Caribbean that is best suited towards nature explorers and adventures – St. Lucia.

Castries is the largest city and a port on St. Lucia, a grid of colorful houses and divine food. But, you probably won’t be that interested in it, especially when you see Gros Piton and Petit Piton – two volcanic spires rising in the distance. The interior of the island is dominated by towering peaks, the tallest of which is on Mount Gimmie, covered in lush rainforests.

Palm Trees in Marigot Bay, St. Lucia

That’s a lot of opportunities for avid hikers, while the more laidback kind will have more fun on Reduit Beach or in Marigot Bay. Don’t forget to visit Sulfur Springs and by all means, you must not miss out on the opportunity to see Diamond Falls.

Barbados

Despite being quite small – 21 miles long and 14 miles wide – Barbados is quite possibly the most charming and one of the best Caribbean Islands to visit in October.

Read more: Largest Cities in North America by Population

Despite October being part of the rainy season, Barbados still gets plenty of sunny days this time of the year. And considering how gorgeous the white sandy beaches are, especially Silver Sands and Gibbs Beach, you’ll really want as much of the clear sky as you can get. To the east, you’ll find Bathsheba, the surfer’s haven.

An incredible white sand beach in Barbados

Unlike other islands on this list, it’s not as elevated, the exception being Mount Hillaby. Make sure to drop by Bridgetown, and also taste the naturally filtered water of the island – courtesy of coral limestone rocks that comprise Barbados.

Antigua

The land of 365 beaches – such a proper title for one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands, and very true at that.

You could spend the entirety of your vacation uncovering all the gorgeous beaches that Antigua has to show, drinking local brews, and soaking up the sun rays, and never look back. But there’s a lot more to Antigua than meets the eye, so if you were to explore its rich historic heritage, you could start at Nelson’s Dockyard and continue traveling along the coastline.

A busy port with sailboats in Antigua

Hiking is also a popular pastime around here, and so is swimming with the stingrays. Trust us, that is an experience you’d love to have and brag about! More than anything, give local delicacies a chance – it’s probably the best seafood you’ll ever have!

As a side note, if you wanted to hike up Boggy Peak, the highest point on the island, we’re sorry to say you’re out of luck – it’s called Mount Obama now!

Anguilla

The final entry on today’s list is yet another sunny paradise that cares not it’s October where you come from – you’ll be treated to delightful weather with just spots of rain – if any falls at all.

Anguilla is a lovely island destination in the Caribbean that’ll be a real treat if you opt to actually visit it. The capital is called The Valley and is a great place to start your journey, especially if you make the Anguilla National Trust your first stop. You’ll get to learn a lot about the rich tapestry that is this island’s history.

A pair of seabeds on a beach in Anguilla

Meet the dolphins up close, or spend a day at some of the most breathtakingly beautiful beaches like Shoal Bay East and Maunday Bay Beach. If you do decide to drop by Shoal Bay East, Fountain Cavern National Park should find its way to your itinerary as well. This major archeological site tells the story of Amerindians and their spirituality and is believed to have been a place of worship.

Conclusion

The Caribbean Islands are not going to disappoint you this October, and you’re going to have the time of your life. However, remember to stay on the safe side and keep yourself informed about potential hurricane hits. Regardless of whether one is expected or not, you should still take out travel insurance, so that you can minimize the worrying and max out on all the amazing experiences you can have.