- Barbados, Antigua and St Lucia have the most direct flights from the UK, mostly from Gatwick and Heathrow
- The dry season runs from about December to April; hurricane season is June to November, peaking August to October
- Expect around 8-10 hours' flying and a 4-5 hour time difference
- The Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Cuba usually give the best all-inclusive value
The Caribbean is the classic long-haul beach holiday for British travellers. Dozens of islands share warm water, steady trade winds and a relaxed pace, but each has its own character: Barbados is polished and very British in feel, Jamaica is loud and musical, St Lucia is green and mountainous, and Cuba is a world of its own. Many islands use English, drive on the left and have direct flights from the UK.
Where to go in the Caribbean
Barbados, Antigua and St Lucia
Barbados is the easiest choice, with a wide range of hotels, a calm west coast and direct flights from several UK airports. Antigua claims a beach for every day of the year, while St Lucia has the Pitons, rainforest and some of the region's most romantic resorts.
Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Cuba
For big all-inclusive resorts and good value, look at Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Cuba, where Havana's old town and music scene make a great add-on to a beach week.
Quieter and smaller islands
Grenada, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Kitts and Nevis and Anguilla suit travellers who want fewer crowds, hiking or sailing.
British Overseas Territories and Dutch islands
The Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos and the British Virgin Islands feel familiar to UK visitors. Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire sit south of the hurricane belt and are known for diving.
More islands
The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, French Martinique and Guadeloupe, and Sint Maarten round out the region.
Best time to visit
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Dry season (December-April) | Sunny, less humid and the most expensive; Christmas and Easter book up early |
| May-June | Warm, quieter and often good value before the rains |
| Hurricane season (June-November) | Hot and humid with showers; the biggest storm risk is August-October |
Late April, May and November often bring the best package prices, with weather that is usually still good.
Getting there from the UK
Direct flights from London Gatwick and Heathrow reach Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia, Jamaica, Grenada, Tobago, the Bahamas, Cuba and the Dominican Republic, with some routes from Manchester and Birmingham too. Expect around 8-10 hours outbound. Other islands are reached by connecting in Barbados, Antigua or the USA; if you change planes in the US you need an ESTA.
Caribbean on the map
Frequently asked questions
Which Caribbean island is best for a first visit?
Barbados is the easiest all-rounder, with direct flights, safe calm beaches on the west coast and lots of choice for every budget.
When is hurricane season in the Caribbean?
Officially 1 June to 30 November, with most storms from August to October. Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao lie south of the main hurricane belt.
Do I need a visa for the Caribbean?
Most Caribbean countries let British passport holders visit visa-free for a holiday, though some ask for an online arrival form. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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