Bonaire is one of the few true year-round destinations in the Caribbean. It is warm every month, it rarely rains for long and the island lies outside the hurricane belt. Still, every season has its own character. In this guide you’ll find the best time to visit Bonaire for your type of trip, with the weather by month, the windy and rainy seasons and the events worth planning around in 2027.
Key points
- Temperatures are 28–32 °C (82–90 °F) all year round.
- The driest and sunniest months are February to May.
- The short rainy season runs from mid-October to mid-January, with November as the wettest month.
- Bonaire lies outside the main hurricane belt.
- Diving is excellent all year; the water is 26–29 °C (79–84 °F).
Bonaire weather by month
| Month | Avg. max | Rain (approx.) | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29 °C / 84 °F | 40 mm | End of the rainy season, trade winds pick up |
| February | 29 °C / 84 °F | 20 mm | Dry and sunny, Carnival season |
| March | 30 °C / 86 °F | 10–15 mm | Sunniest month, great for every activity |
| April | 30 °C / 86 °F | 20 mm | Dry, Easter and Dia di Rincon (30 April) |
| May | 31 °C / 88 °F | 15 mm | One of the driest months, quieter on the island |
| June | 31 °C / 88 °F | 15 mm | Windiest month, perfect for windsurfing |
| July | 31 °C / 88 °F | 30 mm | Warm and windy, summer holidays |
| August | 32 °C / 90 °F | 30 mm | Hot, wind starts to calm down |
| September | 32 °C / 90 °F | 30 mm | Hottest month, calm and clear water |
| October | 31 °C / 88 °F | 65 mm | Rainy season begins, Sailing Regatta |
| November | 30 °C / 86 °F | 95 mm | Wettest month, short showers, green island |
| December | 29 °C / 84 °F | 75 mm | Showers, festive season, high season begins |
Long-term averages, rounded. Even in the wettest months, rain usually comes in short, heavy showers followed by sunshine.
The seasons on Bonaire
Dry season (February – September)
From February the island is dry, sunny and breezy. March has the most hours of sunshine, and May is one of the driest months of the year. This is the classic time to visit for beach lovers and anyone who wants guaranteed sunshine.
Windy season (January – August)
The trade winds blow from the east almost all year, but are strongest from January to August, peaking in June. That keeps the heat pleasant and makes Lac Bay and Sorobon a world-class spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Rainy season (mid-October – mid-January)
Bonaire gets only around 400–450 mm of rain per year, most of it between mid-October and mid-January. Expect short, heavy showers rather than grey days. The island turns green, the cactuses bloom and it’s quieter on the roads. Note that some unpaved roads can be muddy after heavy rain.
Is there a hurricane season on Bonaire?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, but Bonaire lies south of the main hurricane belt. Direct hits are very rare. Occasionally a passing storm brings rough seas or a few days of rain. Read more in our article about the Bonaire hurricane season.
Best time to visit Bonaire by type of trip
- Diving and snorkeling: all year. September and October often have the calmest seas and best visibility. Explore the Bonaire dive sites and snorkeling spots, and check the water temperature.
- Windsurfing and kitesurfing: January to August, with the strongest winds in June.
- Beach and sunshine: February to May.
- Escaping winter: December to April. High season, so book flights and your car early.
- Lower prices and fewer people: May, June, September and October.
- Hiking and nature: November to January, when the island is green. Start early to avoid the midday heat. See our tips to hike around Bonaire.
Events on Bonaire in 2027
- New Year’s Eve: fireworks and celebrations across the island. See Christmas & New Year’s Eve on Bonaire.
- Carnival (February 2027): colourful parades in Kralendijk and Rincon. Read Bonaire Carnival 2027.
- Dia di Rincon (30 April): the biggest cultural festival in Bonaire’s oldest village.
- Dia di Boneiru (6 September): Bonaire Day, with music, dance and local food. Read Dia di Boneiru.
- Bonaire International Sailing Regatta (October 2027): the 60th edition of the island’s famous regatta.
Plan your trip
Whatever month you choose, the best way to explore Bonaire is by car. The island has very little public transport and many beaches and dive sites are outside Kralendijk. At 123 Car Rental you drive a new Toyota with the 100% Coverage Package always included: $0 deductible, no deposit and free additional drivers. Planning your flights? Check our guide to flights to Bonaire 2026–2027.
Reserve your car now, especially for December to April, when cars sell out.
Want to see all our cars, rates and benefits? Read more about car rental Bonaire with 123 Car Rental.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Bonaire?
For sunshine and dry weather, March and May are the best months. For diving, September and October often have the calmest water.
What is the rainy season on Bonaire?
From mid-October to mid-January. November is the wettest month, but showers are usually short.
Does Bonaire get hurricanes?
Rarely. Bonaire lies south of the main hurricane belt, although a passing storm can occasionally cause rough seas.
When is the cheapest time to visit Bonaire?
Usually May, June, September and October, outside the winter high season and the main school holidays.
How warm is the sea on Bonaire?
Between 26 °C and 29 °C (79–84 °F) all year round.