When to Go & Travel Tips
Curaçao is dry and breezy by Caribbean standards, and it sits south of the main hurricane belt. Seasons, the Digital Immigration card, driving and money are here.
When to go
January to April
Dry, sunny and breezy, and the busiest stretch for winter-sun travellers. Carnival season runs through these months, so book early around it.
May to September
Still dry, hotter, and quieter, with steady trade winds that keep the heat comfortable. A good value window.
October to December
The wetter months, though rain usually comes as short showers rather than long grey days. Annual rainfall is among the lowest in the Caribbean.
June to November
Curaçao sits south of the main hurricane belt, so a direct hit is rare, but storms elsewhere can still bring rain or rough seas. Travel insurance with trip cancellation and interruption coverage matters more in these months. I don’t sell travel insurance directly, but I can connect you with someone on Trevello’s support team who can help arrange coverage.
Getting there and arriving
- Curaçao International Airport (CUR) is a short drive from Willemstad.
- Non-stop flights from Toronto run in some seasons. Many trips connect.
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date you leave Curaçao. A visa is not required for a tourist stay of up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
- Complete the Digital Immigration card (DI card) online within seven days before you travel, using the official site, dicardcuracao.com. Other websites may charge for the same form.
- You may be asked for a return or onward ticket, proof of funds and proof of health insurance.
Getting around
- Traffic keeps to the right, and turning right on a red light is not allowed.
- A Canadian driver’s licence is accepted. The Government of Canada recommends carrying an International Driving Permit too.
- A rental car is the easiest way to reach the west-end beaches and the national parks. Public buses are limited.
Practical notes
- The currency is the Caribbean guilder (XCG), which replaced the Netherlands Antillean guilder in 2025. It is pegged to the US dollar, and US dollars are widely accepted.
- Papiamentu, Dutch and English are official languages, and English is widely spoken.
- Do not take coral or conch shells off the island. It is prohibited.
- Coastal waters can be rough away from sheltered beaches. Swim where others do and check conditions.
- For emergencies, dial 911 for police and 912 for an ambulance.
Entry rules and advisories change. Before you book and again before you fly, check travel.gc.ca.
Curaçao planning questions
What is the Curaçao DI card?
The Digital Immigration card is a mandatory online entry form for visitors arriving by air. Complete it within seven days before you travel on the official site, dicardcuracao.com, rather than a third-party site that may charge to fill it in for you.
When is the best time to visit Curaçao?
January to September is the driest stretch, and January to April is the busiest. October to December brings more showers, though they are usually short. Curaçao sits south of the main hurricane belt, so a direct hit is rare.
Do I need a car in Curaçao?
For a stay near Willemstad you can manage without one for a few days, but a car makes the west-end beaches and the national parks much easier to reach. Drive on the right, and do not turn right on a red light.
What currency is used in Curaçao?
The Caribbean guilder (XCG), introduced in 2025 to replace the Netherlands Antillean guilder. It is pegged to the US dollar, and US dollars and major cards are widely accepted.
Is Curaçao safe for tourists?
The Government of Canada advises taking normal security precautions in Curaçao. Petty theft and break-ins do happen, and crime tends to rise during Carnival. Keep valuables out of sight in rental cars, and check travel.gc.ca again before you fly.
Let’s plan your Curaçao trip
Tell me who is travelling, when, and whether you’d rather be near Willemstad or tucked away on the west end. I’ll match the area and the stay, and book the flights and car.
The initial 30-minute consultation is complimentary. The professional research fee is $50 per traveller aged 2 or older, paid before research begins.