For travelers who have an unwavering passion for sun, sand, and surf intact, and could do without any cold or snow at all on their calendars, a trip to Aruba in the winter is always the right choice. While there’s never a bad time of year to pack a suitcase and hit the skies in pursuit of a well-deserved island escape, this alluring destination might seem even more special when you can swap out winter weather trends for time on the shoreline instead! Contemplating a trip to Aruba in the winter is exciting, but turning those travel plans into reality means you’re in for some incredible experiences. A winter getaway to this tropical island is a chance to relax, unwind, and enjoy life at your own preferred pace. It’s also a great time of year to indulge in flavor, fantastic shopping, exploring natural landmarks, and tons of fun Aruba winter events!
Aruba Is a Picture-Perfect Winter Retreat
A refreshing highlight of a getaway to Aruba in the wintertime is the fact that adventurers can ditch their parks and swap them out for swimwear instead. The many vibrant beaches that adorn the island are in full swing and very much open for business when winter travel plans bring you this way. Whether you’re playing beach volleyball at Palm Beach, enjoying the tranquility of Baby Beach, or taking landscape photos at Eagle Beach, you’ll find the options are always exciting, inviting, and vast. A winter trip to Aruba is also a great opportunity for sightseeing thanks to the fact that the entire island measures only 21 miles long and 6 miles wide. Traveling from one end to the other is a breeze and makes for a lovely day of taking in the landscapes, views, and sunshine with ease. Your winter getaway to Aruba is a chance to check out the beauty of places like Arikok National Park which covers around 20 percent of the island and hosts tide pools, shorelines, caves, historic landmarks, and amazing wildlife to discover. If you’re more in the mood for in-town entertainment, time spent in Oranjestad is ideal for winter travelers looking to enjoy incredible architecture, museums, eateries, and more.
Weather Expectations in the Wintertime
Aruba’s prime location north of the equator means that winter travelers heading this way can look forward to a warm and tropical climate without the threat of extreme weather. The temperature here has a wonderful way of lingering in the 80s year-round when it comes to daytime highs and in the evenings, temperatures don’t typically fall lower than the mid-70s. This makes for a picture-perfect atmosphere for getting out and exploring the great outdoors or spending time on a patio dining and sipping your way through a stay. Because Aruba lies south of the hurricane belt, you won’t have to lose any sleep wondering whether or not your winter travel plans will be interrupted by adverse weather conditions.
Getting Here Is a Breeze
No matter where you might be starting your journey, getting to Aruba this winter to take advantage of the sunshine, fun, and seasonal events is easier than you might imagine. Aruba is found in the Southern Caribbean and welcomes guests to fly into the Queen Beatrix International Airport when they visit. This airport hosts a variety of nonstop and single-connection flights from major U.S. cities daily and is also open to airlines that hail from around the globe. When you’re getting ready for your winter trip this way, it’s good to note that American, European, Caribbean, South American, and Canadian citizens typically don’t require visas to enter Aruba. You will, however, need to make sure you have a valid passport in hand as well as a completed embarkation-disembarkation card that can be filled out online.
Make Time for Aruba Winter Events While You’re Here
With so much to look forward to during your winter getaway to Aruba, it’s easy to find your itinerary filling up faster than you might have imagined. However, you’re definitely going to want to leave room for the many winter Aruba celebrations and festivals that come around this time of year on the island. Participating in one, a few, or all of them is a great way to get to know Aruba’s culture and heritage, connect with locals, and simply make the most of an amazing island stay! The following are the top 10 winter events on the island that are worth adding to your list when you’re here.
1. Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival
If you’re on your way to Aruba this winter with a passion for jazz music in place, you won’t want to miss out on the annual Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival. Oftentimes referred to as the Aruba Music Festival, this gathering is historically one of the biggest of its kind on the island. The Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival is typically hosted over two days in early October, and the agenda always hosts an impressive list of performers from around the world. The event is modeled after the highly popular North Sea Jazz Festival that’s held in the Netherlands each year and is an experience that might just end up being the reason you return to Aruba each and every winter afterward!
2. Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta
Sailing enthusiasts from across the map make their way to Aruba in the wintertime to take part in or watch the annual Heineken Catamaran Regatta. This exciting event is typically hosted in mid-November and sees yachts from Europe, North America, and South America alike take to the waves in the name of captivating competition off of Palm Beach. There are high-energy parties to follow one of the most colorful and inclusive Aruba winter events that are as fun for competitors as it is for spectators.
3. Bon Bini Festival
Each week of the winter season on the island of Aruba, locals and visitors alike can participate in the Bon Bini Festival. This gathering is hosted each Tuesday from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm at Fort Zoutman and is a great opportunity to experience local music and dancing at its best. The event is hosted rain or shine and includes a variety of local foods to try and crafts to check out as well. Because the festival is hosted in one of the most historic stops in Oranjestad, you’ll be treated to a healthy dose of area heritage while you’re here making the experience even more meaningful.
4. Carnival Celebrations
Perhaps one of the most exciting, anticipated, and biggest Aruba celebrations and festivals of the year happens in the wintertime with the arrival of Carnival celebrations in February. This event is made up of several weeks of colorful parades, dances, music, festivities, and food to enjoy. Oranjestad is typically the central hub for Carnival fun and if you decide to participate, you’ll want to be sure not to miss the Grand Parade that’s hosted on the last day. There’s also a children’s parade to attend and a Tivoli Lighting Parade that’s part of the Carnival celebrations on the island. Be sure to bring your costume and your high-energy attitude for this beloved event this winter.
5. Dande
When January rolls around, winter travelers to Aruba can experience Dande on the first of the month. This is a tradition and event that’s been honored on the island for over 200 years. As the clock strikes midnight, groups of musicians travel door to door across the island serenading families and offering up good luck for the upcoming year. Fireworks are often a part of the festivities as well so even if you don’t enjoy a serenade of your own, you’ll want to keep your eyes on the skies.
6. Betico Croes Day
The end of January marks the arrival of Betico Croes Day across Aruba which is a celebration of one of the island’s most iconic political leaders. Betico Croes has become a symbol of the island’s fight for semi-independence from Holland and today, the attempt at autonomy from Dutch islands in the Caribbean is still recognized. On Betico Croes Day, political observances are made across the island which can be interesting to mark as a visitor.
7. Nieuwjaarsduik
When you find yourself on the island of Aruba on New Year’s Day and you want to participate in traditional Aruba winter events, Nieuwjaarduik is calling your name. Each year, locals and visitors participate in this New Year’s Day beach plunge which is hosted at Moomba Beach. It’s typically preceded by a free Zumba dance class before everyone runs into the water together at noon to celebrate the arrival of a fresh, new year. Afterward, refreshments and delicious bites are offered up in abundance making the Nieuwjaarsduik as flavorful as it is refreshing.
8. Aruba Beach Tennis International Championship
Sports enthusiasts who are excited to spend time in Aruba in the wintertime will find that their trip aligns with the arrival of the annual Aruba Beach Tennis International Championship. This event is often hosted in mid-November each year and showcases a unique sport in an exciting fashion! International beach tennis professionals from across the map make their way to the island to put their skills to work in the name of competition over the course of several days. Amateurs who participate have an exciting chance to make a name for themselves on the courts, giving spectators a thrill at every turn. Plan on watching the majority of the competitions at Moomba Beach when you attend.
9. Saint Nicholas Day
If your travel plans bring you to Aruba at the beginning of December, your winter trip will coincide with the arrival of Saint Nicholas Day on the island. This family-friendly holiday experience is hosted in Oranjestad where Saint Nicholas arrives at Paardenbaai Harbor to meet with children from across the island. The idea behind the arrival is that Saint Nicholas will reward little ones for the good behavior they’ve demonstrated throughout the year as motivation to keep in line in the New Year ahead. It’s a fascinating display and one worth adding to your itinerary when you’re in the area.
10. Seasonal Comedy Shows Come to the Island at Aruba Ray’s
When you’re looking to infuse laughter and fun into your winter getaway to Aruba, make sure to keep a close eye on the event calendar at Aruba Ray’s. This time of year, the venue elevates the laughs with a robust lineup of seasonal comedians to come and check out while you’re here. The comedy club is built into the restaurant and while all ages can attend the performances, age ratings are posted ahead of time. There’s a full bar on-site and seating is first-come first-serve. Comedy shows in the wintertime are typically 90 minutes long and this year, comedians like Don Gavin, Lisa Curry, Ray Ellin, and Jimmy Dunn are on the lineup. If you sign up for the pre-show dinner, you’ll want to make sure you arrive by 7:00 pm.
Book Your Unforgettable Journey to the Island of Aruba Today
Whether your travel plans bring you to Aruba in the winter or you’re heading here another time of year in the name of an incredible getaway, the team of property professionals at Casiola Aruba can help you get settled into a gorgeous island home-away-from-home to top off your experience in style. Our property options across the island will have you feeling right at home while staying close to the places you can’t wait to explore and enjoying access to world-class amenities, features, and furnishings along the way. Whether you’re visiting on your own, as a couple, or in the company of family and friends, we have properties available in varying sizes, style standards, and locations that are sure to exceed your expectations at every turn.
Take time today to browse our impressive lineup of options online and when you find your ideal retreat, booking your place begins with the simple touch of a button. You’ll love that so many of our island homes are equipped with great views, impressive entertainment centers, private pools, and full kitchens for guests to use during their stay too! No matter how long you have to spare in the name of vacation fun, we can’t wait to help you create an unforgettable adventure and look forward to seeing you in Aruba soon!
