When to Go to the Turks and Caicos Islands
Peak season in the Turks and Caicos runs from American Thanksgiving through mid-April, when prices average 20% to 50% higher than in the summer. July and August are becoming more and more popular, however, with North Americans not wanting to chance a rainy summer vacation closer to home. Here the summers are guaranteed hot, with only midday rain showers once in a while.
Climate
Daytime temperatures in the Turks and Caicos Islands range from 75ºF to 85ºF year-round, except during the hottest months of August and September, when temperatures jump into the 90s and above. Evening temperatures can sometimes dip to 50ºF. The islands are among the driest in the Caribbean region, with an average of 350 days of sunshine, light trade winds, and less humidity than on surrounding islands. Water temperatures range from the high 70s in the winter to the low 80s in the summer. Hurricane season runs from June through November, but very few storms pass through until late August.
Festivals and Events
Most months have an annual event; check enews.tc or the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board for actual dates and contact numbers.
January: The Winter Wahoo Fishing Tournament is held at Turtle Cove.
February: The annual Valentine's Day Cup sailing race is held at Bamberra Beach on Middle Caicos.
March: Paddy's Pub Crawl is always held on St. Patrick's Day. The Fishing Fools Wahoo open tournament is held in late March, as is The Wine Cellar’s Annual Golf and Fishing Tournament. The Rake n' Scrape festival held on North Caicos is a fantastic event for music lovers.
April: The Easter Monday Kite Flying Competition is held on Providenciales the day after Easter.
May: The South Caicos Regatta is held during the last weekend in May. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated along the docks of Turtle Cove on May 5.
June: On Provo, there is often a Battle of the Bands in Turtle Cove Marina, and the Middle Caicos Crab Fest is held at the end of the month. The Fools Regatta takes place in Grace Bay; kids compete aboard the smaller Picos or Hobie Cats, and adults race in different classes aboard their own personal vessels. Games and food invite the whole community down for some great beach fun, perfect for the whole family. (Visit www.tcisailing.com or the Provo Sailing Club on Facebook.)
July: The annual Windvibes Kiteboarding Tournament is held in July. Both the Caicos Classic IGFA Billfish Release Tournament and the Heineken Game Fishing Tournament take place in July on Provo.
September: September is a quiet month when residents get their children back into school.
October: Annual Halloween parties abound around the islands; visitors can find something for their children to participate in, as well as a festive party for themselves.
November: Many restaurants participate in Provo's annual Gourmet Safari in November. The annual Turks and Caicos Conch Festival is held on the last Saturday of November, offering live bands, a conch recipe competition, and activities for the kids. It's a Provo event that is not to be missed if you are on the island (www.conchfestival.com649/241–9950).
December: The Maskanoo Street party and parade is held on Boxing Day (December 26) on Grace Bay Road in Provo. This is a must-see post-Christmas celebration, along with the Junkanoo New Year's Eve street party hosting live bands, parades, and fireworks.
