Turks and Caicos Weather
The Turks and Caicos is known for having nearly 350 days of sunshine per year, and also experiences one of the lowest number of average rainy days per year anywhere in the Caribbean.
Overview
The average temperature year-round in Turks and Caicos is 80° Fahrenheit (26.6° Centigrade). The average daily temperature ranges from approximately 75° (23.8° C) to 90° (32.2° C). This includes night temperatures, so the typical daytime will be a few degrees higher.
Tourist Season – High and Low Months
December and January are the busiest months with regards to visitor arrivals, and as such rates are at the highest.
In the past, Providenciales and the rest of the Turks and Caicos Islands had a very pronounced ‘tourist season’, although this is become more steady year round. September and October remain relatively quiet, though.
Some restaurants and hotels are closed during September and October, typically for renovations and maintenance and due to the lower number of tourists.
Rainfall
The Turks and Caicos is a very dry country, and sees about 30” (76 cm). This is less than half the average rainfall in Miami, Florida.
Most ‘rainy days’ have a few scattered showers. The majority of annual precipitation occurs in a handful of monsoon type rainfalls, typically around hurricane season (July to November).
Water Temperature
Water temperature fluctuates far less than temperature, and is typically between 77° (25° C) to 80° (26.6° C).
Some beaches on Providenciales, such as Sapodilla Bay and Taylor Bay, will be warmer than Grace Bay due to their sheltered location and shallower water.
Hurricane Season
Hurricane season officially runs from July to November, although the end of August and early September are the most likely times for storms to make landfall in the islands.
Mosquitoes and other pests
Mosquitoes are primarily associated with rainfall. If the rainfall has been low or none, mosquitoes are generally not an issue anywhere on Providenciales.
North and Middle Caicos, due to generally being ‘greener’, see far more mosquitoes than Providenciales. Generally, coastal areas exposed to winds have a smaller mosquito problem than areas inland or with low winds.
Typical bug repellents such as Off are rather effective at controlling these pests.
Sunburn, Heat, and Dehydration
The sun is extremely intense in the Turks and Caicos and it’s not uncommon to see tourists with severe sunburn.
You are advised to use a high SPF sunblock if you’ll be out in the sun. Make sure it’s reef safe.
It’s easy to become dehydrated due to the heat, so be sure to drink plenty of water. Take water or other drinks to the beach with you.
Activities, Events and Things to Do
Some activities, such as whale-watching are seasonal (January to March). Other events, such as beach parties, typically take place in June and July.
For divers, late summer is probably the best month due to visibility, but this is also correlated with the hurricane season.