Curaçao
A Dutch-Caribbean island where colonial Willemstad, calm south-coast beaches and reef diving sit within a short drive of each other.
Curaçao is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the southern Caribbean, about 65 km north of the Venezuelan coast. Its capital, Willemstad, has a historic centre that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Dutch colonial buildings and forts along St. Anna Bay. The two sides of the bay, Punda and Otrobanda, are linked by the Queen Emma Bridge, a pontoon bridge that swings open for ships. The island is the largest of the ABC islands, with Aruba and Bonaire.
A trip here suits travelers who want city walks, reef diving and beach days in one place. Most of the island's 37 beaches are on the south coast, where the water is calm and clear. The north coast has rough seas and is dangerous for swimming. Christoffel Park, in the northwest, covers Christoffelberg, the highest point at about 375 m. A week gives time for the city, the coast and the park. Renting a car is the easiest way to get around, since buses cover longer routes. The drier months from February to August are the usual choice, though hurricane season runs from June to November.
Five things to know before Curaçao
- Complete the DI card before check-in
Every non-resident visitor needs the Digital Immigration card, which the official portal says can be filled in up to 7 days before departure. Airlines check the confirmation at check-in. Visas and entry
- Expect prices in Caribbean guilders
Curaçao uses the Caribbean guilder (XCG), which replaced the Netherlands Antillean guilder in 2025. US dollars are widely accepted; change comes back in guilders. Money
- Rent a car for the west-coast beaches
The best small coves and snorkel spots are toward Westpunt, far from Willemstad, and buses are infrequent. A car gives you early starts before the heat.
- Walk Punda and Otrobanda across the bridge
The two historic halves of Willemstad face each other across St Anna Bay, linked by the Queen Emma pontoon bridge. It swings open for ships; a free ferry runs then.
- Start early for Christoffel
The hike up Christoffelberg, the island's highest point, is steep and exposed. Start at opening time; the heat builds fast by late morning.
Curaçao travel guides
Practical guides from writers who live there.
Visa-free stays and the Digital Immigration card.
Read the guideTravel insuranceMedical, evacuation and storm cover to check for Curaçao.
Read the guidePhones and eSIMData plans, roaming charges and coverage between islands.
Read the guideMoney and costsCaribbean guilders, US dollars and daily costs.
Read the guideGetting aroundRental cars, buses and reaching the west-coast coves.
Read the guide
Destinations in Curaçao
Hostel beds, cheap eats, buses and free sights.
- Bed a night
- Cg. 125
- Food
- Cg. 70
- Transport
- Cg. 10
- Sights
- Free
A 3-star room, casual restaurants, public transport and one paid sight a day.
- Bed a night
- Cg. 275
- Food
- Cg. 160
- Transport
- Cg. 75
- Sights
- Cg. 45
A 4-star room, good restaurants, taxis and a guided tour.
- Bed a night
- Cg. 500
- Food
- Cg. 300
- Transport
- Cg. 180
- Sights
- Cg. 180
When to go
- Rainy days
- Days with storms
- Best
- JanuaryClear3 rainy daysHigh31°Low23°Dry, breezyJanuaryClear
- High
- 31°
- Low
- 23°
- Precipitation
- 9 mm
- Rainy days
- 3
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, breezy
- FebruaryClear3 rainy daysHigh31°Low23°Dry, windyFebruaryClear
Best
- High
- 31°
- Low
- 23°
- Precipitation
- 9 mm
- Rainy days
- 3
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, windy
- MarchClear3 rainy daysHigh31°Low24°Dry, sunnyMarchClear
Best
- High
- 31°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 13 mm
- Rainy days
- 3
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, sunny
- AprilPartly cloudy5 rainy daysHigh32°Low25°Dry, quieterAprilPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 32°
- Low
- 25°
- Precipitation
- 22 mm
- Rainy days
- 5
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, quieter
- MayPartly cloudy6 rainy daysHigh33°Low25°Dry, low seasonMayPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 33°
- Low
- 25°
- Precipitation
- 28 mm
- Rainy days
- 6
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, low season
- JunePartly cloudy4 rainy daysHigh33°Low25°Hot, breezyJunePartly cloudy
- High
- 33°
- Low
- 25°
- Precipitation
- 18 mm
- Rainy days
- 4
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Hot, breezy
- JulyPartly cloudy3 rainy daysHigh33°Low25°Hot, dryJulyPartly cloudy
- High
- 33°
- Low
- 25°
- Precipitation
- 13 mm
- Rainy days
- 3
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Hot, dry
- AugustPartly cloudy8 rainy daysHigh34°Low25°HottestAugustPartly cloudy
- High
- 34°
- Low
- 25°
- Precipitation
- 33 mm
- Rainy days
- 8
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Hottest
- SeptemberPartly cloudy11 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh33°Low25°Hot, calmSeptemberPartly cloudy
- High
- 33°
- Low
- 25°
- Precipitation
- 75 mm
- Rainy days
- 11
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 1
Hot, calm
- OctoberRain17 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh32°Low25°Short rainsOctoberRain
- High
- 32°
- Low
- 25°
- Precipitation
- 125 mm
- Rainy days
- 17
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 1
Short rains
- NovemberRain13 rainy daysHigh31°Low25°Wettest monthNovemberRain
- High
- 31°
- Low
- 25°
- Precipitation
- 88 mm
- Rainy days
- 13
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Wettest month
- DecemberPartly cloudy5 rainy daysHigh30°Low24°Showers, busyDecemberPartly cloudy
- High
- 30°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 14 mm
- Rainy days
- 5
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Showers, busy
Average daily high and low in Willemstad, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.
Right now in Curaçao
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
28
- Feels like
- 32°
- Humidity
- 84%
- Wind
- 17 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 29%
Curaçao
03:52 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today31°28°29%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 29%.
- Wed31°28°28%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 28%.
- Thu32°26°59%Thursday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 59%.
- Fri30°24°56%Friday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 56%.
- Sat31°26°58%Saturday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 58%.
- Sun30°25°34%Sunday: Rain. High 30°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 34%.
Updated 01:50 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 1.79 XCG
Rates from Nov 3, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Curaçao FAQ
Do I need a DI card for Curaçao?
Yes. Every non-resident visitor needs the Digital Immigration card before check-in. Apply through the official portal at dicardcuracao.com.
What currency does Curaçao use?
The Caribbean guilder (XCG), shared with Sint Maarten. US dollars are widely accepted, and cards work in most hotels and restaurants.
Does Curaçao get hurricanes?
Rarely. It lies south of the main hurricane belt, though passing storms can bring rain and swell. The wettest months are October to December.
Do I need a car in Curaçao?
For the west-coast beaches, yes. Willemstad is walkable, but buses to the beaches are slow and infrequent.
What is the best time to visit Curaçao?
February to May is dry and slightly quieter than the winter peak. Summer is hot but usually dry and good for diving.