A small, sunny island in the southern Caribbean
Aruba lies in the southern Caribbean Sea, about 29 kilometres north of the Paraguaná Peninsula of Venezuela. Together with Bonaire and Curaçao it forms the ABC islands.
The island is about 33 kilometres long and 9 kilometres wide, with a land area of around 193 square kilometres. The west and south coasts have calm water and white beaches, while the north-east coast is rugged and wild. The highest point is Jamanota (188 metres) in Arikok National Park.
Climate
Aruba is warm and sunny all year, with average temperatures between about 27 and 31°C and a constant cooling trade wind. The island is dry: most of the limited rainfall comes in short showers between October and January.
Aruba lies outside the main Atlantic hurricane belt. Direct hits are rare, although storms passing further north can bring swells and rain between June and November.
Planning a trip? See the best time to visit Aruba.
Regions and towns
- Oranjestad – the capital, on the south-west coast
- Noord, home to Palm Beach and Eagle Beach
- Paradera and Santa Cruz in the centre of the island
- Savaneta – the oldest settlement, on the south coast
- San Nicolas – the second town, in the south-east
Good to know
- Area: about 193 km² (75 sq mi)
- Highest point: Jamanota, 188 m
- Capital: Oranjestad
- Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time (UTC−4), no daylight saving time
Information on this page can change over time, so check official sources for the latest details.
See also: more about Aruba.
Last updated: September 2026.