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Best time to visit Antigua & Barbuda
The dry season, spanning from mid-December to mid-April, is widely considered the best time to visit Antigua and Barbuda due to its favourable weather conditions and minimal risk of storms. This period, also known as the peak season, is especially popular during Christmas and during the school holidays. We also love it in mid and even low season, when great deals can be found.
Average weather in Antigua & Barbuda
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Weather in Antigua & Barbuda
The beauty of Antigua is that the weather tends to be fairly consistent during the dry season from mid-December to mid-April. Even during the wet season between June and November, there's still plenty of sunshine despite the possibility of rain showers and higher humidity levels. The island's climate remains hot year-round, tempered by refreshing trade winds.
However, the risk of hurricanes peaks between mid-August and mid-October, with the highest humidity levels typically in August and September. For uninterrupted getaways with more activities, visiting during the dry season is ideal, despite higher prices. Yet, for budget-conscious travellers, the wet season or end of the dry season offers bargains without compromising the experience of Antigua's beauty.
Seasonality in Antigua & Barbuda
Similar to the rest of the Caribbean, seasonality in Antigua and Barbuda is split into 'peak' and 'low' season. Here is some useful information on how to make the most of your island experience.
Peak season in Antigua & Barbuda
Peak season runs from mid-December to mid-April. This unsurprisingly coincides with the dry season, which sees around seven hours a day of glorious sunshine and low humidity. Peak season is considered to be the perfect time to flee the cold winters and popularity reflects the glorious weather, particularly over the Christmas and Easter holidays. If you don't need to travel in the school holidays, go either side when prices will be slightly lower, and it will be a little quieter.
Low season in Antigua & Barbuda
If you’re looking for an easy-breezy, and quieter experience, head to Antigua and Barbuda during their low season, between July and November. This is when the wet season is, but usually, if there are short spells of rain, this is followed by beaming sunshine. Humidity is higher in August and September, so it may be more taxing for more athletic activities, but there is still plenty of sunbathing and relaxing to be done!
Paradise on EarthPhoto credit: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
The Caribbean's greatest summer festivalPhoto credit: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
New adventuresPhoto credit: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
Land of 365 beachesPhoto credit: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
A natural bird watcher's paradisePhoto credit: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
Holidays in Antigua & Barbuda
Whether you’re looking for an action-packed, invigorating holiday or a tropical paradise to unwind, Antigua and Barbuda will certainly deliver. Not only is Antigua the place to soak up the sun on one of the picture-perfect beaches, but beyond the beach, there are plenty of activities on offer and places to explore.
With 365 beaches, you are guaranteed to find the perfect idyllic spot for swimming and tanning in Antigua. For the clearest days and a low chance of rainfall, head to the beaches during the dry season, between mid-December and mid-April. For quieter beaches and a high chance of glorious sunshine all day long, the best time to visit is during February and the shoulder season in May.
The inviting clear azure sea beckons you in to explore the tropical marine life. There are some epic spots for diving and snorkelling. Antigua’s coastline is surrounded by coral reefs, meaning that there are not many areas for scuba diving for beginners. The best time for snorkelling in Antigua and Barbuda is outside the rainiest months (June to October). Generally, Antigua and Barbuda has stable winds and warm sea temperatures throughout the year, making ideal conditions for visibility under the waves.
The best conditions for surfing are from November to February and June to July, which are also great for kitesurfing. The stronger winds make for excellent waves and the ideal conditions for surfing.
Antigua is known for its English and Scottish origins and the island is brimming with rich, interesting history and culture. May or June are great months for sightseeing due to the weather heating up and hurtling towards the wet season. Outdoor activities such as island tours or scooter snorkelling are usually best during the dry season so you can experience the activities in all their glory. Expect everything to be busier though, so choosing to visit outside the school holidays or even during the wet season would be quieter and less expensive.
Month by month guide to visiting Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda in January
Escape to Antigua and Barbuda in January for some reliable, warm winter sun and lush green. The average temperature is 28°C and you can look forward to around 7 hours of sunshine per day.
Antigua & Barbuda in February
February is the month for catching a glimpse of the grand superyachts at the Superyacht Challenge between 31st January and 3rd February, which is an annual sailing race held in Antigua. Sailing is a big deal in Antigua, and many events revolve around Jolly Harbour Yacht Club’s Valentine’s Regatta.
Antigua & Barbuda in March
From late March to early April, witness the Antigua and Barbuda International Kite Festival, held over Easter. Expect warm temperatures of around 28°C and a jovial atmosphere. The island will be busier over the Easter holidays, so prices will increase during this time; however, there are still plenty of deals on either side.
Antigua & Barbuda in April
Arguably one of the best months to visit Antigua and Barbuda, with temperatures reaching around 29°C on average. Not only is the weather enticing, but you can also revel in some epic parties during Antigua Sailing Week, held annually at the end of April and showcasing the best sailing events in the world.
Antigua & Barbuda in May
Expect warm temperatures of around 30°C in May. The sea temperature is beautifully warm, so it is the perfect time for swimming and snorkelling. Events during May include the Antigua & Barbuda Sport Fishing Tournament, Run in Paradise marathon event and Restaurant Week.
Antigua & Barbuda in June
During the month of June, the wind speeds tend to ramp up, but you can still expect plenty of sunshine before the rainy season truly sets in. June is regarded as being one of the hottest months of the year. Make sure you catch a game of cricket before the season ends at the end of June.
Antigua & Barbuda in July
July is the beginning of the wet season, where there is a higher chance of rainfall. Don’t let this put you off though as there is still plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures reaching up to 31°C. At the end of July, Antiguans celebrate Carnival, a ten-day festival that takes over the capital city.
Antigua & Barbuda in August
At the start of the month, the carnival celebrations continue with public holidays on both Carnival Monday (J’ouvert) and Carnival Tuesday (Last Lap Jump Up). August sees a significant increase in rainfall and high humidity. There is still hot weather to enjoy, so you can still bask in the sunshine, although this may not be the time of year for any strenuous activities.
Antigua & Barbuda in September
September sits bang in the middle of the hurricane season meaning it is also the most humid month of the year. In between the rain showers, September is a great time to learn about the Antiguan culture in the capital, St John’s, where you can stroll through the cobbled streets lined with quaint, colourful gingerbread-style houses overlooking the stunning harbour.
Antigua & Barbuda in October
During October expect short, sharp showers. Don’t let that put you off though as there are still up to 8 hours sunshine a day. Airfares and accommodation rates are lower during this period (outside Half Term).
Antigua & Barbuda in November
As the last month of the wet season, the rainfall is less than in previous months and easterly winds create excellent waves; perfect for surfing, kitesurfing and sailing. Revel in celebrations for Independence Day (November 1st) and join in the festivities such as live music performances and epic food markets.
Antigua & Barbuda in December
The Charter Yacht Show is held in December every year, where sailors and sailing enthusiasts across the world flock to the island. The weather in December is at its prime with long days of sunshine and significantly less rainfall as it is the start of the dry season. Of course, there is an abundance of Christmas festivities all over the island, with hotels and other outlets hosting extravagant events and celebrations.
Best time to visit Antigua & Barbuda frequently asked questions
To experience some of the best weather in Antigua, fly over to this tropical paradise during the winter months between December and May. The weather tends to be drier and a lower chance of rainfall throughout.
The dry season in Antigua and Barbuda officially runs from mid-December to mid-April. Expect a low chance of rainfall and the temperature is usually dry with low humidity. Dry season is widely considered as being the best time to visit the Caribbean.
The wet season is between June and November. During this time there is an increase in rainfall and a slight chance of tropical storms. Don’t let this put you off though as often the rain is in short sharp bursts followed by beaming sunshine.
The summer months tend to be much quieter, except for the summer holiday weeks, where tourism tends to pick up. September and October are the quietest months in the year, and there may even be some closures of restaurants and sights during this time. If you’re looking to grab a bargain, then this is the perfect time to find one.
Peak season coincides with the dry season; the most lively and popular months being December and March/April, where the biggest holidays of Christmas and Easter are held. The island will be busier with hotel prices and airfares higher, but it is totally worth it for the full festive island experience that everyone should experience at least once!
If you’re looking to escape the crowds and slow down the pace, then visit Antigua and Barbuda between July and November, during the low season. During the school summer holidays, it is busier and the Carnival period is held over July and August, but you will be able to find more availability and at a lower rate.
