When to Go to the Cayman Islands

High season begins in mid-December and continues through early to mid-April. During the low season you can often get a substantial discount of as much as 40%.

Grand Cayman has three major events. The Batabano Carnival in May (or the first week after Easter) is the Cayman Islands' answer to Mardi Gras, though it happens after instead of before Lent.

Pirates Week, Grand Cayman's big fall festival, is in early November. It's a Carnival-like celebration, when visitors and locals dress up as pirates and wenches; music, fireworks, parades, street dances, and competitions take place islandwide.

January's Taste of Cayman Food & Wine Festival is a multiday affair with demos, classes, lectures, and tastings. Top toque Eric Ripert headlines Cayman Cookout the same month, luring fellow celeb chefs and winemakers for demonstrations to decadent dinners.

During April's Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament, anglers can enjoy plenty of action and win big prizes.