Summing up the seasons

Low season is also when the tropics turn up their charm, luring tourists with festivals and events. Among the annual notables are Jamaica's Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest (July 16 to 22), the Caribbean's premier reggae gathering, and Tortola's BVI Emancipation Festival (now in its 52nd year, July 28 to August 12), a two-week carnival with parades, music, food and contests. Check the Calendar of Events at the Caribbean Tourism Organization website (doitcaribbean.com) for happenings in your destination.

Of course, there are drawbacks to low-season travel. Though arrivals generally drop, a spike of European vacationers in July and August can lead to elbow-bumping select parts of the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Some restaurants and stores only open during high season, and hotels may use these months for renovation. Ask what construction work is scheduled for your property before making reservations, and request a room remote from noise and debris -- or stay elsewhere. They'll be happy to have you.

Bermuda High

Due to its northerly latitude -- jutting defiantly out in the Atlantic about 600 miles east of North Carolina -- Bermuda's tourist seasons run opposite to that of the Caribbean proper. Falling in line with summer vacations, Bermuda high season, from May through August, is a time when children can find playmates and water temperatures are ideal, averaging in the low 80s -- just like the air temps.

Two shoulder seasons go from March through April and from September through November. The March-April period feels a lot like low season, with Brrrmuda's air and water temps in the mid-60s. September through November, temperatures average a pleasant 77 degrees, but there's a chance of a hurricane -- on average, one every 21 years.

Low season begins in December and lasts through February. Bermuda tourism officials call this "Golf and Spa" season, with air temperatures averaging 65 degrees. OK, so the Atlantic is too cold for swimming, but you can pick a resort with an indoor pool -- and the seasonal savings will help you afford it.

The Real Deal

How much can traveling in low season really save you? Here's a sample of rates from some popular resorts and a cruise line. Rates are based on mid-range accommodations, double occupancy.

Hotel
  January
  July
  Savings

Divi Carina Bay Beach St. Croix
  $225
  $158
  30%

Elbow Beach, Bermuda
  $375
  $625
  40%

Westin Grand Bahama Island Our
Lucaya Resort
  $239
  $179
  25%

Carnival Cruise Lines
  $979*
  $679*
  31%

*starting rate, based on seven-day Caribbean sail

Caribbean Travel & Life is the magazine for anyone in search of the perfect tropical getaway. Each issue presents expert insider’s advice on where to find the Caribbean’s best beaches and attractions, its finest resorts and spas, liveliest beach bars and activities, and its friendliest people.

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