Aruba Trade Winds: How They Affect Your Beach Day

The wind is a big part of what makes Aruba comfortable. It also knocks over small umbrellas, blows sand around, and hides how much sun you are getting. A little planning makes it work for you.

How windy is it?

VisitAruba reports northeast trade winds blowing almost constantly at about 15 to 20 mph. Aruba's tourism office says constant trade winds blow year-round and pick up noticeably from May to October. VisitAruba also says the winds ease in September and October, when the air can feel warmer and more humid.

Which side of the island gets it

The wind comes from the northeast, so the northeast shores take the worst of it. Boca Grandi is a windsurfing and kitesurfing beach with a strong current, and the tourism office says it is not ideal for swimming. Some north coast beaches are closed to swimming and marked with signs.

The west side has calmer water. Arashi, Boca Catalina, Palm Beach, and Eagle Beach are all on this more protected coast. Calmer does not mean flat, though. Arashi can get enough waves for bodyboarding on windy days.

Best time of day

MyArubaGuide says Boca Catalina has its lightest wind and clearest water in the morning. Chop makes it harder to see underwater anywhere, so plan swims and snorkeling for the calmest part of your day and save reading and napping for later.

The wind hides the heat

This is the part people get wrong. Aruba's tourism office warns that the trade winds can make overheating hard to notice, and VisitAruba says they make the sun feel weaker than it is. You can burn while feeling perfectly cool.

• Use sunscreen on a schedule. Reapply after about 2 hours, and after swimming or toweling off.
• Drink water before you feel thirsty.
• Get into the shade before you feel hot.

Keeping your stuff in place

• Put shoes or a bag on the corners of your towel.
• Use towel clips on chairs.
• Wear a hat with a strap, or keep it in your bag when walking.
• Keep lightweight trash in a closed bag. Plastic that blows away ends up in the sea.
• Do not leave your phone face up on a chair. Blowing sand can get into the ports and scratch the screen.

Umbrellas in the wind

A cheap umbrella and steady trade winds do not get along. To stay put, an umbrella needs to be deep in the sand and angled into the wind, and you need a plan for when a gust gets under it. If you do bring your own, expect to spend part of the day fixing it. Our rent or bring your own post compares both options honestly.

Wind and kids

Sand blowing at ankle height is a bigger deal for a small child. Set up with your back to the wind. Keep the snack bag closed, because sand finds its way in. And watch inflatables closely, since an offshore gust can carry them away quickly. Leave anything that floats out of the water on a windy day.

A set that is already anchored

Our sets at Arashi are one big umbrella and two beach chairs, set up and anchored before you arrive. You do not have to figure out the wind or dig a hole. The set is held under your name from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and you can leave and come back. It costs $120.00 per set per day, all in. The FAQ answers the common questions.

Book your set at least 24 hours ahead. You will get confirmation right away with a map.

Source: VisitAruba: Weather by Month, Aruba.com: Weather and Climate, Aruba.com: Beaches and Coves, Aruba.com: Is Aruba Safe, Aruba.com: Arashi Beach, Aruba.com: Top-Rated Snorkeling Beaches, MyArubaGuide: Boca Catalina, VisitAruba: Tanning Advice, CDC: Sun Safety. Conditions change, so check on the day.