Anguilla Honeymoon in September?

by Jonathan
(Seattle)

I am getting married in early September and would like to go for our Anguilla honeymoon in September. The problem is yes not a lot of places are open that time of year but is it really that bad?

Is it still worth taking a chance on?

We are from the Northwest (Seattle) and have done Hawaii a few times as well as Mexico and Belize.

I have been looking at Anguilla for some time.

We could take the chance that the Anguilla weather holds, but really how bad does it get? The Anguilla weather page says that temps are not bad and that only 3" of rain... Well that is still a lot better than home's temp and rain!

The lack of crowds is perfect and the prices are right.

But is it really worth taking a chance that time of year, for similar prices and travel time there is a lot of places to go on the Pacific and you wouldn't have to worry about hurricanes. From some of the research that I have seen though is that the island does not really get hit all that hard compared to to other places (north/inland).

I guess if it was a vacation it would be not nearly as big of a deal to take the chance but since this is a honeymoon - can only do once sort of deal, not sure if it is worth it? Looking for some more insight into that time of year and how good it still is....

Thanks so much.

Jonathan

Nori's Reply: Jonathan, I have heard of people taking Anguilla honeymoons in the off season, even having Anguilla weddings well into hurricane season, but I haven't heard of any taking place as late as September.

I do not recommend taking an Anguilla honeymoon in September.

An Anguilla vacation is one thing, but, like you said, there is a lot more riding on a honeymoon.

Two main things to expect...

#1) Unpredictable, inconsistent Anguilla weather

September and October is the height of hurricane season.

It is true that Anguilla hasn't had as many hurricanes as other locations nearby (in the Gulf of Mexico for example), but the island has had its fair share, and gets them more regularly than some other islands in the Caribbean.

Risk surely exists.

Even if you don't get slammed, you can expect more rain, clouds and humidity than normal.

This isn't "Anguilla weather at its best."

#2) An island that is not only quiet, but down right "dead!"

Starting in mid August most Anguilla resorts and restaurants close.

Your selection of places to stay and places to eat are cut to a few spots.

Many locals (expats and natives) take September and October to leave the island, visiting "back home" or just vacationing.

As appealing as "quiet" islands are - most people I have met don't like it this quiet.

Of course, it is possible to travel to Anguilla in the off season and have a wonderful vacation.

In fact, Anguilla in summer is my favorite time. You don't have to share beaches, you don't have to make reservations for restaurants weeks in advance. It is quiet, peaceful, and of course, the prices are perfect!

But I would not recommend visiting in September and October. May - August is the best time, with the best weather, even better than winter temperatures. The water is warm and the weather is consistently hot!

The bottom line? If you are looking to honeymoon in September, islands in the South Pacific may be a better bet. Take an Anguilla vacation in the off season next! :-)

Click here to another article on traveling to Anguilla in the off season.

Click here to another page on Anguilla's off season.