What is the weather like cruising the Caribbean in October?

Pub. 106 Atlas of Pilot Charts North Atlantic Ocean (including Gulf of Mexico), 2002 Ed.

Pub. 106
Atlas of Pilot Charts North Atlantic Ocean (including Gulf of Mexico), 2002 Ed.

October is an excellent month to cruise the Caribbean Sea.  Generally, winds are light to moderate coming primarily from the east and averaging 7-16 knots with the risk for encountering gale force or higher winds are 1 percent or less.  Gales, when they do occur, are associated with hurricanes which can and do occur this month, mostly over the western Caribbean, eastern Gulf of Mexico and the waters east of Florida and near the Bahamas.  Overall, the risk for encountering rough seas (over 12 feet) is generally 10 % or less.

During the month of October, the most active area for tropical cyclones is the northwestern Caribbean Sea, the eastern Gulf of Mexico and the waters east of Florida to the Bahamas. In these areas there is a risk of 30-40% of having a tropical cyclone pass over at least once during the month.  Over the eastern Caribbean Sea the risk is 15% or less.

Air temperatures remain warm, averaging 27-28 C  (80-83 F) while sea temperatures average 28-29 C (82-84 F).

Pilot Chart October for Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea

Pilot Chart October for Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea

About Fred Pickhardt

I am a marine meteorologist and sailed briefly with American Export Lines in the Far East trade after graduating from State University of New York Maritime College. I have extensive experience in weather analysis, weather forecasting, optimum ship routing, vessel performance evaluations and forensic weather event reconstructions. I founded Ocean Weather Services and as Owner and Chief Consultant currently provide optimum ship routing services and forensic marine weather reports to the maritime industry.
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7 Responses to What is the weather like cruising the Caribbean in October?

  1. Jan Freeman says:

    We are considering a cruise from New York to Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Antigua, Guadeloupe, St Lucia, St. Vincent and Barbados starting at the end of October 2022 for 16days. What is the hurricane risk at this time as I understand that hurricanes can and do occur in November in the Caribbean?
    Thank you.
    Jan Freeman

  2. Cynthia says:

    We are considering a cruise from Miami, Fl | At Sea | Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic | San Juan, Pr | St Maarten, Netherland Antilles | St Johns Antigua | St Thomas, Vi | Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas | Miami, Fl in October 2023 for 10 days. What are the hurricane/weather disturbance risks at this time in the Eastern Caribbean? Thank you for your time.

  3. stephanie Ann wade says:

    We’re going on a cruise October 19th through 28th, our trip is supposed to port in Cozumel Costa, Maya and roatan.

    Do you think the weather will be cooperative?

  4. M. D. Robinson says:

    We are cruising from Miami October 28th to November 1st.
    W hat will the weather be?

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