Antigua & Barbuda December holidays

Festivals and events in Antigua & Barbuda in December

December is widely considered one of the best times to visit the Caribbean, and Antigua and Barbuda is no exception. The month is full of events and different festive celebrations. The most established event of the month is the Nelson's Dockyard Christmas Day Champagne Party. All are welcome to celebrate, dance, watch live music and meet new people. The event starts at midday and ends when the last person drops.

Another popular event in December hosted again at Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbour is the Old Year's night party. The event celebrates the incoming New Year with a selection of live music, drink and fireworks illuminating the skies.

Top places to visit in Antigua & Barbuda in December

Take a trip down to visit Betty's Hope in St. John's, a former sugar plantation site used back in the 1600s to extract the sugarcane juices that get used to make rum and other such commodities. Now a historic landmark site and museum, this plantation commemorates the many lives exploited here through slavery. It is well worth getting a guided tour, with some available at the site for an extra cost.

December is a great month to escape the UK's miserable weather and see Antigua & Barbuda at its greenest with gorgeous tropical flowers across the islands. Some of our favourite things to do in Antigua & Barbuda are climbing Mt. Obama to see the spectacular views across the island, snorkelling in the crystal-clear water (we love Stingray City), and kayaking through the mangroves and rum tasting.

What’s the weather like in Antigua & Barbuda in December

In December, Antigua & Barbuda has an average temperature of 26°C, with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Despite it being a wet season, the chance of rain is moderate with an average of 12 days of rain in the month. When it does rain it will be in short sharp bursts. Generally, December receives much less rain than August to November.

What to pack for a holiday in Antigua & Barbuda in December

General packing tips for December:

• Pack light clothing, swimwear, and shoes suited to a summer holiday.
• Bring a jumper or cardigan for the cooler evenings.
• Don’t forget sun cream, sunglasses and a hat for protection from the sun.
• Strong bug spray and afterbite remedy.
• Travel plug adapter.
• Prescription medicines.
• A tote bag as plastic bags are banned.
• Avoid camouflage print and other army-type clothing as it’s prohibited in Antigua & Barbuda.
• If you wish to snorkel from the beach, bring your own snorkelling equipment to avoid rental costs.