Average high temperature and rainfall for Grand Cayman in October. © Scott S. Bateman

Anyone taking a western Caribbean cruise may find that Grand Cayman weather in October is usually very wet.

What makes a Caribbean cruise risky in October is the fact that the month is one of the two peak months for bad weather during the annual Caribbean hurricane season.

Historically, the Cayman Islands are not immune to getting their share of tropical storms and the effects of nearby hurricanes.

The following numbers come from 30-year averages for Grand Cayman and the Cayman Islands. The actual totals will vary from year to year.

Grand Cayman Rainfall in October

October is the worst month of the year on average for rainfall in Grand Cayman, which is a bit unusual because September is the worst for most other destinations.

Total rainfall for Grand Cayman in October is about 8.5 inches, according to the Cayman Islands National Meteorology Service. It is one of the highest amounts in the Caribbean. In contrast, the Caymans receive less than two inches per month from January through April.

The total number of days it rains in October is 19, which also is one of the highest amounts in the Caribbean region.

January through March have 10-12 rain days per month and April has only seven. April is an ideal time to visit.

Grand Cayman Temperatures in October

The average high temperature for Grand Cayman in October is 91 degrees Fahrenheit or nearly 33 Celsius, according to the Cayman Islands National Meteorology Service. The island’s high temperature hovers between 90 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit or the low 30s Celsius from May through November.

The average low temperature during the month, usually at night, is only 72 degrees Fahrenheit or about 22 Celsius. It is cooler than most other destinations for nighttime weather in October.

Seawater temperatures should still feel comfortable enough for swimming, especially in the afternoons.

• Grand Cayman weather in
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Whether to Go

In a word, don’t. October is the worst month of the year for weather in Grand Cayman.

Cruises that include a stop there are far fewer in number during October because of the risk of bad weather.

The best and only reason to go is if the weather forecast shows decent weather coming out of the Atlantic Ocean in the coming days and there is an opportunity to get a last-minute deal at a resort or hotel or on a cruise. So look out for a seven- to 10-day weather forecast.

It is also worth mentioning that a single day of bad weather won’t ruin a vacation in the Caribbean. October visitors may get lucky.

But multiple days of rain and heavy cloud cover will certainly take away the shine.