Visiting Turks and Caicos in Winter(and how to get there)

With consistent tropical weather, the Turks and Caicos are a year-round destination, but they have a definite high season and low season. High season runs from December to April and this is the most popular time for North Americans and Europeans to visit the islands. The reasons are simple: while the northern hemisphere is in the grip of winter, visiting Turks and Caicos in winter means enjoying warm and sunny days; direct flights from the UK, US, and Canada to Providenciales, make escaping to the tropics straightforward and, because it’s the busiest time of year, every business is open and the atmosphere in the islands is buzzing!

Why Visit TCI in Winter

Firstly, although the weather in TCI does not vary dramatically over the course of the year, winter is arguably perfect. Daytime temperatures hover around a comfortable 80F, while evenings are a little cooler, making air-conditioning optional. Humidity and rainfall are at their lowest, and hurricane season is a distant memory.

The sea also remains a balmy 79F throughout the winter months, perfect for diving, snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. The wind tends to blow a little more briskly from January to March, making the sea a little choppier, creating textbook conditions for those wishing to windsurf, kiteboard or surf.

Winter is also when humpback whales pass the islands on their annual migration: January to April are the only months of the year that you have the chance to encounter these ocean giants on a whale-watching trip, and it’s a real 'must do' – coming eye-to-eye with a whale is an experience that will not leave you indifferent.

The winter months are also open season for conch and lobster fishing, and those who love seafood will know that nothing compares to fresh catch straight from the ocean. You won’t have to search far as almost every restaurant, from the most exclusive venues to the simplest beach bars, will be cooking up endless variations (think, conch fritters, conch ceviche, cracked conch or conch chowder, and everything from grilled to curried lobster, and lobster salad to lobster ravioli) – a perfect excuse to indulge!

Getting to TCI

Visiting Turks and Caicos in winter is made easy with numerous scheduled international flights from Canada and the United States, as well as from the UK and other Caribbean Islands.

All international flights to the Turks and Caicos arrive at Providenciales’ International Airport (airport code PLS) and from there, domestic flights connect with the outer islands.