Best Rain Ponchos In 2022

We head to the Caribbean for sunny skies, warm temperatures, and beautiful scenery. But even the best-planned vacations sometimes encounter rainy days. For all the tropical beauty in the islands, there is a plentiful amount of rain keeping them lush and green. Sudden downpours can put a wrench in your plans, but only if you're not prepared.

Choose from disposable ponchos to garments you can use over and over. In sizes to fit any age of traveler, these ponchos will have you covered.

This reusable rain poncho resembles a roomy lightweight jacket with a full-length front zipper that's easy to get in and out of with the changing elements. It's made from waterproof polyester with heat-sealed seams that keep the water out and a breathable material that air dries quickly when you're done wearing it. Simply wipe it with a damp cloth to spot clean. It features elasticized cuffs for added security (who doesn't hate that wet sleeve feeling?) and rolls up into a matching zipper pouch. With over 40 colors and prints available, you're sure to find one for you. The rainy season can last anywhere from May until November in the Caribbean. Keep this garment with you and you'll always be ready.

June is the rainiest month in the Caribbean, and the verdant islands of Dominica, Martinique, and St. Lucia are the wettest. Kids love to play in the rain, and now they can puddle jump to their hearts' content. This five-pack of disposable waterproof ponchos for kids is their ticket. It's made of extra-thick polyethylene material to withstand the wear and tear of child's play. And because this poncho is eco-friendly, you can throw it away without guilt when the time comes. It's intentionally made without a drawstring for the safety of small children. In a simple, clear silhouette, the pullover style is designed not to constrict kids' activity, whether they're tromping through the rainforest or playing in the backyard. With a supply of five, you can protect them from getting damp through many rainy days.

They've packed a lot of use into this waterproof ripstop polyester fabric that comes shaped like a rain poncho but does so much more. Start with the drawstring hood and full coverage brim that affords ultra head protection from the elements. Snaps on the side allow you to adjust the poncho for a snug or looser fit. In its roomy position, it has enough space to cover your backpack while you're carrying it without leaving the rest of you exposed. Clever grommets are built in to transform your poncho into a tarp or shelter as needed. You can even lay it out flat like a sheet to provide a base layer on the ground. With so many possibilities tucked into a drawstring carry bag, it's a wise accompaniment for hiking, fishing, or setting up camp. The island of St. John is a popular camping destination in the Caribbean, and many other islands also allow camping. Check with local tourist boards for information.

A rain poncho liberates you from the hassles of holding an umbrella overhead for extended periods of time and lets you keep both hands free. If you're in a bustling tourist area, it can be particularly difficult to maneuver a bulky umbrella through the crowds. This disposable pack of 10 ponchos will extend you 10 times the freedom. You'll get two blue, two pink, and six clear disposable ponchos in a resealable packet that's a cinch to throw in your suitcase and bring along. We like the extra coverage these offer, with a longer length that falls below the knee. They have a drawstring hood and elasticized cuffs for that added measure of protection. The islands with the least amount of rainfall are typically Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. Anguilla's flat topography also warrants some of the highest days of sunshine yearly. For anywhere else you may go, it's a good idea to keep a supply of disposable ponchos like these on hand.

This poncho is the closest thing to a raincoat without being an actual raincoat. In a frosted white hue that still affords transparency, it offers full-length coverage falling to the mid-calf. The drawstring hood and elasticized cuffs keep you secure. Snap closures all the way down the front of the garment look like buttons on a raincoat, and make it hassle-free to get on and off over your outfit. It's made from a sturdy EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) material that offers toughness and crack resistance while still being soft and flexible. Folds up to fit in a purse to reuse again and again. The Caribbean averages 149 days of rain every year depending on the island, from 51 days on the low end to 225 days on the high end. This durable raincoat poncho will keep those days from slowing you down.

Kelli Brandenberger is a contributing writer to Islands, an award-winning brand founded in 1980 that speaks to international travelers who have an affinity for the Caribbean and beyond. The website showcases destinations, resorts, cruises, and recommendations by the Islands' staff. Kelli is a writer and editor who spends as much time as possible near the water. Her favorite Caribbean destinations are found in Roatan, the US and British Virgin Islands, and secluded mountain resorts of the Pitons in St. Lucia.