Autumn weather in Aruba - A Great Time For A Wedding?

Topics covered on this page

• Aruba weather in September
• Aruba weather in October
• Aruba weather in November

Weather in Aruba during September

September can be wet

The weather in Aruba in September is normally less windy than what it is during summer, although Aruba is never without wind. If you're planning to get married in Aruba and want to make sure your hair won't be messed up for an outdoor wedding, then September is one of the best month to do this. The only concern you'll have is the rain since September is normally the lead up to the so-called Aruba wet season.

Anyone who's had a wedding on the 5^th September 2008 in Aruba would have been upset because of the prolonged heavy rain (78mm that fell on this day). Typically, only 35.2 mm is recorded during September, and this of course made the 5^th September's rainfall event quite unique.

Or was it...

Back in 2004, Hurricane Ivan was hovering off the northern coastline of Aruba. Over a 24-hour period, 196.6mm (7.74 inches) of rain fell on the 10th September at the Queen Beatrix Airport in Aruba. This was the highest rainfall total over a 24-hour period ever officially recorded in Aruba.

Beware of very hot weather in Aruba during September

Early to mid-September is normally the hottest time of the year in Aruba. Aruba normally experiences 2-3 days of temperatures as high as 34°C (93.2°F) and at least one day in September reaching 35°C (95°F). The highest temperature ever recorded in Aruba occurred on the 16th September, back in 2003, when it reached 36.5°C (97.7°F) at Queen Beatrix Airport. Normally the average daytime temperature in September is about 33°C (91.4°F). If you think you're going to get some respite from the heat at night, then think again. The average overnight minimum temperature drops to only about 27°C (80.6°F).

Will it be stormy?

By the end of September, thunderstorms may start start to become a little more frequent. Some of the storms are accompanied by hail but you'll be unlucky to experience such bad weather in Aruba during September. You're more likely to experience blue sky, hot muggy days and sweltering nights (if you're not in air conditioning).

What clothes should you bring with you in September?

You should plan to dress for the weather since wearing any jeans day or night will be too hot. You're best to wear some loose fitting cotton clothing since the material is breathable.

Weather in Aruba during October

Heavy rain can occur throughout October

October is known as the beginning of the so-called rainy season in Aruba. In October 2008, Aruba recorded 271mm (10.7 inches) of rain. This equates to 417 percent above October's long-term average rainfall (i.e. 65mm (2.6 inches). Most of this rain was produced by Hurricane Omar when it passed by to the north of Aruba during the middle of October.

This rainfall statistic highlights the fact that Aruba's October rainfall totals are highly variable and so if Aruba's weather is impacted by a nearby hurricane or tropical storm, then you can expect that prolonged periods of rain will occur.

Please note: Most of the rain falls at night in Aruba during the month of October, but of course, this doesn't always hold true.

Do you enjoy an afternoon thunderstorm?

October is also the most frequent month for afternoon and evening thunderstorms. This need not cause you too much concern since thunderstorms normally only occur on six days during October. Furthermore, most of these storms don't last too long. The vast majority of thunderstorms in October produce short bursts of heavy rain coupled with a few claps of thunder and a bit of wind. These thunderstorms act to lower surface temperatures and for this reason, you're very likely to look forward to the storms arrival. However, even though it is quite rare for these storms to produce violent winds and hail, there's always a slight chance that such a storm will occur in October.

Is October the only month without wind in Aruba?

Generally, October is Aruba's least windy month, but again Aruba is never without wind! If you can hide yourself on one of the sheltered beaches on the western side of Aruba, you may escape from the wind but then you'll have to put up with the high humidity. The wind makes life bearable and so you'll more likely welcome the wind than try and escape from it.

What's the temperatures like in October in Aruba?

Both the day and night time temperatures throughout October are considered unpleasant (only if you're out of the wind). Overnight, temperatures will drop to around 26°C (79°F) before rising to a maximum daytime temperature of around 32°C (90°F). The eastern side of Aruba will feel cooler than the western side since the southeasterly trade winds are stronger on the eastern coastline. However, considering how high both the humidity and temperatures are throughout Aruba, your main concern will be to stay cool. You won't be overly concerned about which part of Aruba is windier.

Will there be too many clouds to enjoy the sun in October?

Many days in October will be sunny and you'll have ample time to check out the beach rather than worry about the weather in Aruba. Of course, when you see some afternoon cloud building up and so it's a good idea to keep watching the sky, just in case.

Weather in Aruba during November

Are you guaranteed to get rain in November?

November is normally the wettest month of the year, but it's very hard to say how much rain will occur since the rainfall varies considerably from year-to-year. For example, back in 2000 and 2005, Aruba received around 230mm (9.1 inches) of rain for the month of November. In comparison, 2007 recorded only 65mm (2.6 inches) and even less rain occurred in 2001 and 2002 when only 30mm (1.2 inches) fell.

If Aruba is under the influence of a tropical storm or monsoonal rains, then the rain will be widespread. On most days during November, however, the rainfall is governed by overnight shower and thunderstorm activity. These showers and thunderstorms tend to produce short lasting heavy rain over a very limited area and consequently one part of Aruba may experience a deluge of rain while the rest of the island misses out. So it's really a hit and miss situation.

Over the past few years, parts of Aruba have recorded a number of huge rainfall totals in November over the course of a 24-hour period due to thunderstorm activity. Back in 2000, 58.2mm (2.29 inches) of rain fell on 11th November. More recently on the 18th November 2005, 51mm (2.0 inches) was recorded. These rainfall totals are small in comparison to the 126.0mm (4.96 inches) of rain that fell on the 16th November in 2006. So you see, the weather in Aruba is not always dry and nor is Aruba a dusty desert island that never has rain like what is promoted by those in the tourism industry.

Has the heat lost its grip in Aruba by November?

Generally, the temperatures in Aruba throughout November are only slightly cooler than what it's like in October. You should not expect overnight temperatures to drop below 22°C (72°F) at anytime. It's more likely, the overnight temperatures will be about 25°C and yes it still will be very humid.

During the day, average maximum temperatures will reach about 32°C (90°F) but it shouldn't rise above 33-34°C (91.4-93.2°F) on any day during November. Most of the higher daytime temperatures will occur within the first two weeks of the month.

Will there be enough wind along the coasts in November to enjoy water sports?

If you're planning water sports activities, then go for it. While November is not nearly as windy as it is in May, June and July, you'll still get plenty of wind along the northern and southern coastlines. The east coast is not recommended for water sports activities since this area has many hidden rocky outcrops, limited sandy beaches and is always much windier than any other part of Aruba.