November 1st is the official date for Antigua and Barbuda's independence from Great Britain back in 1981. This occasion is celebrated with the island's locals and visitors donning the nation's colours and participating in the week-long festivities in late October - the week in the lead-up to Independence Day. It is a busy week with dance, music, film competitions, independence ceremonies, parades, and national awards: a fantastic experience and a real insight into its culture.
Take a short trip to Codrington, the capital of Barbuda, where you can explore the Frigate Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary is a bird watchers paradise, with over 170 species of birds with a total population of 100,000 birds in this sanctuary. You can take a tour around the backwaters with an experienced guide to help you locate these exotic birds.
Or if you need to take shelter from the rain, why not check out the Art cafe - only a short journey from Codrington. This is an all-in-one craft shop, restaurant and art gallery.
In October, Antigua & Barbuda has an average temperature of 28°C, with highs of 31°C and lows of 24°C. The chance of rain is quite high with an average of 13 days of rain in the month. Most days will be hot and sunny but as October is the peak of hurricane season, you’ll find more frequent downpours. Don’t travel to Antigua & Barbuda in October if you wish to avoid the rain.