WHEN TO TRAVEL TO THE Caiman Islands

Location

Climate

The climate in the Cayman Islands: what's the best time of year?

Located in the Caribbean Sea, the Cayman Islands enjoy a tropical climate, with an average temperature of 28°C year-round. However, there are two main seasons:

• Dry season (November to April): This period is marked by pleasant temperatures ranging from 24 to 30°C. It's also during these months that tourist numbers are highest, especially for the winter and spring vacations. Prices for accommodation and activities can therefore be higher during this period.
• Wet season (May to October): temperatures are slightly higher, ranging from 26 to 32°C. Rainfall is also more frequent, with showers often short but intense. However, this period offers the advantage of fewer tourists and more affordable rates.

Hurricane risks in the Cayman Islands

Although the Cayman Islands are not directly in the path of hurricanes, they can still be affected by these weather phenomena. The hurricane season generally runs from June to November, with peak activity in September and October. If you're traveling during this period, it's a good idea to keep a close eye on weather forecasts, and find out what precautions to take in the event of a storm.

Major cultural events in the Cayman Islands

Attending a local cultural event is an excellent opportunity to discover the traditions and way of life of the locals. Here are just a few of the must-see events in the Cayman Islands:

• Cayman Carnival Batabano (May): This annual festival celebrates Caribbean arts and culture with colorful costume parades, live music and local food stalls.
• Pirates Week Festival (November): For a week, the islands are transformed into a pirate's lair, with re-enactments of naval battles, boat races and entertainment for children.
• Festival des arts de la mer (June): This event highlights the importance of preserving the Cayman Islands' maritime and cultural heritage through art exhibitions, workshops and lectures.

Public holidays in the Cayman Islands: something to bear in mind when planning your holiday

When visiting the Cayman Islands, it's good to know that certain public holidays can affect the normal operation of shops, restaurants and tourist attractions. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the main public holidays:

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• National Heroes Day (4th Monday in January)
• Good Friday and Easter Monday (March or April, according to the Christian calendar)
• Labour Day (first Monday in May)
• Discovery Day (3rd Monday in May)
• Constitution Day (first Monday in July)
• Christmas Day (December 25) and Boxing Day (December 26)

The tourism sector is a major pillar of the Cayman Islands economy, attracting large numbers of travelers every year to discover the wonders of this Caribbean archipelago. Let's take a look at Cayman Islands immigration statisticsas well as most popular visas and international tourism figures to these paradise islands.

Cayman Islands immigration statistics

In recent years, the number of immigrants to the Cayman Islands has grown significantly. A number of factors can explain this trend, including the quality of life offered by this British overseas territory, its thriving economy and its natural assets. Here are some key figures on immigration to the Cayman Islands:

• Total population : population of around 65,000.
• Population growth rate : 1,9 % (2019).
• Number of immigrants : between 25,000 and 30,000 people, almost half the total population.
• Immigrants' country of origin : Jamaica (nearly 50 %), United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Honduras, PhilippinesCuba and Dominican Republic.

The main types of visa for the Cayman Islands

Among the various categories of visas available to stay in the Cayman Islands, some are more in demand than others because of the advantages they offer. Here are the main types of visa sought by immigrants:

• Work visa: for people wishing to work in the Cayman Islands, and is issued for a maximum of 9 years.
• Temporary residence visa : Valid from 1 to 5 years, this visa allows foreigners to reside in the Cayman Islands without being authorized to work.
• Business visa: designed for entrepreneurs wishing to create or develop a business in the region, it can be obtained for a period of 5 to 25 years.
• Permanent residence visa : granted to people who have legally resided in the Cayman Islands for at least 8 years, it enables them to settle permanently in the archipelago.

International tourism figures for the Cayman Islands

The tourism sector is an important part of the Cayman Islands' economy, generating substantial revenues and contributing to the territory's prosperity. Travelers are seduced by the archipelago's paradisiacal beaches, exceptional diving sites and rich cultural heritage. Here are a few facts about international tourism in the Cayman Islands:

• Number of annual visitors : around 2.4 million people (2019), including almost 500,000 tourists from the United States.
• Tourism growth rate : 8.6 % between 2018 and 2019.
• Revenue from tourism : over 900 million US dollars (2019).

Comparison with other Caribbean destinations

To get a better idea of the size of the tourism sector in the Cayman Islands, it may be interesting to compare these figures with those of other popular Caribbean destinations. Here's an overview of the situation in several neighboring countries:

• Jamaica: 4.2 million annual visitors and tourism revenues in excess of US$3 billion.
• Saint Lucia : nearly 1.2 million passengers a year and total revenues estimated at 450 million US dollars.
• There Barbados : around 1 million tourists a year, generating revenues in excess of US$1 billion.