Whenever the urge for a Caribbean getaway strikes, one thing’s guaranteed: blazing sunshine, soft sand, and turquoise waters all year long.
Not to do our best Al Roker impression, but some destinations really are sunnier than others this time of year — and just a few extra degrees can make a big difference for your tan… or that crazy aunt who somehow sunburns no matter what.
The expert team at Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) released an insightful report for those of us scoping out April vacation spots, no matter if it’s a splendid paradise island or one of many hotspots lining the Mexican Caribbean shoreline.
At Travel Off Path, we strive to take the guesswork out of planning and spotlight the destinations that shine brightest — this time, literally.
As such, these are the Caribbean’s warmest and sunniest beach destinations for April, starting in the 80s and into the 90s:
Aruba (Average Temp: 88°) 🇦🇼
Aruba may have its own flag, but hey, so does Slowjamastan. In reality, Aruba is a Dutch Caribbean island nation lying outside the hurricane belt.
April is one of the best times of year to visit for that very reason, in addition to being just far enough away to avoid a majority of rowdy spring break travelers.
The sun is always shining in Aruba, creating a postcard-worthy masterpiece as your daily backdrop. With stunners like Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, there’s no shortage of beach days worth bragging about.
Not only is it gorgeous year-round (especially in spring), it’s also one of the Caribbean’s safest vacation destinations.
After the unexpected chaos in Mexico recently, it’s safe to say travelers are prioritizing their well-being when booking international escapes.
For peace of mind, our audience backs up safety data with their own real-time take, giving Aruba a current safety score of 90/100 on our very own Traveler Safety Index tool.
Cancun (Average Temp 88°) 🇲🇽
Take it from someone (me!) who just got back home from Cancun — this is primetime to visit Americans’ favorite beach getaway.
It’s in the Goldilocks zone of being not too hot, not too cold, but just right for bathwater swims with minimal seaweed, all-day pool lounging, and endless margaritas at your all-inclusive of choice.
While you will begin to see an influx of every possible traveler from here on out, Cancun is arguably Mexico’s most reliable escape for Vitamin D and stress-free vacays..
Just like Aruba, Cancun continues to be one of Mexico’s safest vacation spots too. I was here during the raucous of Puerto Vallarta and the likes and never once felt sketched out given the heavy police presence in all the right places.
Cancun is currently one of the highest-rated destinations on Earth on our Travel Safety Index, matching Aruba with an impressive score of 90/100 as of this writing.
Travel tip: Keep in mind, a new report does call out Cancun as an inevitable hotspot for sargassum this spring.
Turks & Caicos (Average Temp: 91°F) 🇹🇨
If you want to visit the Caribbean you’ve seen flash across your screensaver, there’s arguably no place more pristine than Turks & Caicos, hence many ‘one-percenters’ opt to vacation here…and stash their cash as a tax haven.
Oops. Did I say the quiet part out loud?
This dynamic duo of islands offers powder-white beaches, incomparable shades of turquoise, and luxe resorts often without crowds, given the high price tag — the one negative mark that deters tourists.
That said, the old adage “you get what you pay for” certainly rings true here with various posh amenities such as the island’s glitzy yacht culture.
Turks & Caicos is another of the Caribbean’s safest paradises, scoring an 85 just a touch below the aforementioned Aruba and Cancun.
Barbados (Average Temp: 91°F) 🇧🇧
As Jamaica is still in the midst of recovering from the hurricane aftermath, there’s arguably no better alternative mixing culture, island vibes, and everlasting sunshine.
Take it from Barbados’ most iconic native Rihanna and lounge beachside under your very own umbrella-ella-ella.
I admit that one was too easy…
It doesn’t matter if you’re on the island’s Atlantic or Caribbean side; the sun is beaming, and the shoreline is picture-perfect with otherworldly pink-sand coves and paradisal swaying palms.
Barbados may not be quite as well known as the others, but it is peak season right now for cruisers, and those wanting to escape the crowds of Punta Cana or don’t want to risk disappointment in Jamaica.
It’s also considered very safe, but travelers are rating it the lowest of all 4 destinations we revealed today.
