This is one of the few islands in the region where European colonizers did not destroy the indigenous culture, so it has a richer Arawak heritage than most places in the Caribbean. Birdwatchers come in the northern hemisphere's autumn months to witness the arrival of migratory birds heading south to warmer climes. Experienced windsurfers bring their gear to harness the trade winds for the thrills of high-speed surfing. On top of this the locals are welcoming and keen to interact with visitors and, in many ways, successfully dismantle the barriers that the resorts spend so much time constructing to shield tourists from the realities of the local environment. The hottest months are August and September, the coolest January and February.
Rainfall is scant, which accounts for the island's arid landscape.
The precious few clouds that pass this way drop their meager load between October and January. It's therefore best to visit outside this period, when you can expect room rates to be almost half those charged during the busier months of the year. Aruba is not keen on visas. Most nationalities require just a passport. US and Canadian citizens can visit with proof of citizenship, such as a photo ID and a birth certificate.