Fall Forecast: As hurricane season begins, northern Caribbean hot spots will be battening down the hatches until late November. Look farther south to Aruba or west to the Pacific Coast of Mexico for more reliable beach weather, often at a discount.

10. ACAPULCO
One of the Mexican Riviera's most fabled destinations, Acapulco is deeply ingrained in the sun seeker's subconscious as a pilgrimage-worthy destination. Some say the resort has had its heyday, but like a fallen celeb pushing back into the spotlight, the "Queen of Mexican Beach Resorts" is staging a comeback. Come to enjoy nonstop nightlife, striking beaches, and reasonably-priced vacation packages at revamped hotels and resorts along the Pacific coast.

Why Go In Fall: You'll get the best bang for your buck on hotel rates in November, just following the rainy and humid season, when the landscapes are lush and the crowds are few.

Fall 2011 Events: Day of the Dead (Nov. 2); Alextremo Air Show (Nov. 11–13)

11. ARUBA
Aruba’s allure is obvious: Iridescent waters loaded with sunken wrecks, sugary beaches along its shores, and a remarkably arid outback to draw visitors inland. Add to this its pleasant yearlong weather, cooling trade winds, and snappy flight times and it’s easy to see why Aruba is one of the most popular Caribbean destinations.

Why Go In Fall: You’ll get the best bang for your buck booking a package in early fall, when the weather remains glorious and crowds are practically non-existent.

Fall 2011 Events: Aruba Piano Festival (Sept. 25–Oct. 1; www.arubapianofestival.com); Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival (Oct. 7–8; www.caribbeanseafoundation.com)

12. BARBADOS
Pear-shaped Barbados, long popular with fishermen and royalty alike, offers glittering beaches, equally sparkling resorts, and striking seascapes lined with hulking boulders and cave-strewn cliffs. From afternoon tea and cricket to landscaped gardens and preserved Victorian architecture, the island’s English heritage remains pronounced.

Why Go In Fall: While hurricanes disrupt the western waters of the Caribbean, this southeastern island remains relatively calm, with average daytime temperatures in the 80s and cooler nights. Rent a staffed beachfront villa at savings of up to 40 percent.

Fall 2011 Events: Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival (Nov. 18–21; www.foodwinerum.com); Barbados Independence Day (Nov. 30)

13. CURACAO
Sophisticated Curaçao offers visitors a unique taste of cosmopolitan Dutch living in a Caribbean setting. The stunning capital, Willemstad, evokes 17th-century Amsterdam, but adds brilliant colors to its gingerbread roofs and wedding-cake trims; the lot is so remarkable that it's earned a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. With some 55 different cultures living here, you're more likely to find international cuisine and culture of the sort you'd expect of New York.

Why Go In Fall: Well below the hurricane belt, this tiny, remote Caribbean island dodges the bulk of the devastating storms that plague the rest of the Caribbean. Though the island does experience its rainy reason after October, rains fall mostly in the evenings.

Fall 2011 Events: Banda Bou Day (Oct. 5; www.curacao.com); Heineken Regatta Curaçao (Nov. 10–13; www.heinekenregattacuracao.com)

14. PUERTO VALLARTA
Flanked by jungle-covered slopes and fronted by the Bay of Banderas, colorful Puerto Vallarta – PV to the locals – has a romantic past (Night of the Iguana by Tennessee Williams was filmed here) and a reputation as one of Mexico’s most fabled resort towns. This enchanting colonial town fronting beautiful Pacific Coast beaches is an easy and affordable escape.

Why Go In Fall: To get the most for your money, and fewer crowds to boot, we recommend visiting in October. Weather is pleasant (high 70s to low 80s), establishments are open, and discounts are available at most hotels.

Fall 2011 Events: Discovery of America (Race Day) (Oct. 12); Puerto Vallarta Festival Gourmet International (Nov. 10–20; www.festivalgourmet.com); Festival de las Artes (Nov.)