Take the opportunity to treat the whole family to somewhere exotic this half term. With almost guaranteed sunshine, 365 unparalleled beaches, crystal clear sea, and an abundance of activities on offer, it’s easy to see why Antigua tops the list as a must-visit destination.
School half terms fall during February, May, and October and are usually the most popular times of year to go abroad, after the peak-weeks of Christmas, New Year and Easter. When travelling over peak dates in the school holidays, it is best to be prepared for a greater cost than off-peak times, due to the popular demand. For a more cost-effective way of travelling to Antigua with the family, look for all-inclusive deals and early booking offers. Phone up our specialist travel team to help find you the ideal holiday without breaking the bank.
Warm, sunny weather is prevalent in February and rainfall is at its lowest during this month. Expect 8 hours of sunshine a day and daily highs of 28°C.
Easter dates vary slightly each year, but always fall within March or April. Temperatures can reach up to 29°C and humidity is low. The winds tend to be higher as we move into April, but this is the perfect time to catch a glimpse of some world-class sailing.
May is at the tail end of the dry season, otherwise known as the shoulder season. Temperatures start to creep up to an average of around 30°C. There is plenty of sunshine in May and is considered a fantastic time to travel.
Throughout July and August temperatures can reach highs of 31°C with significantly more rainfall than previous months as we have entered the official wet season. It may be too humid for any strenuous activities but there is still plenty of sunbathing and swimming to be enjoyed.
Historically October is the month with the highest rainfall. However, there is still up to 8 hours of sunshine a day on average. The rain comes in short, sharp bursts that make way for clear blue skies and pure hot sun.
Notoriously Christmas and New Year in Antigua is one of the best times to visit in terms of weather, boasting drier weather with perfect temperatures of around 28.5°C. The beautiful weather comes at a cost though as prices will be higher during peak dates and the island will be busier.
Antigua is of course well known for its beaches – all 365 of them! You can opt to explore these independently or through well-organised tours. There is more to Antigua than the pearly white sands and translucent, tempting sea.
There’s no doubt that the capital, St John’s, is a vibrant, buzzing hub of activity in Antigua and great for families, perhaps with older children, looking for a cultural day out. Visit the historic 19th-century cathedral and immerse yourselves in the island’s rich history at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. Away from the cultural fascinations, expect a vast number of bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops. There are also many day trips that start from St John’s; try a boat tour or guided island tour to explore the top spots in Antigua and Barbuda.
Take the whole family for a day trip to Falmouth, on the southern coast of Antigua in the St Paul Parish. Falmouth is a charming little village that is brimming with unbeatable views and tasty local delicacies. It was the original British settlement on the island and boasts some fine eateries to stop off for lunch.
On the eastern side of the island in St Philip Parish, spend a day at Long Bay; a family beach featuring shallow, clear waters, perfect for paddling, especially with younger children, where you can see the tropical fish by the reefs without needing to snorkel.
Royalton Antigua Resort is one of our top picks for families during the school holidays. This all-inclusive delight offers a range of activities from kayaking and snorkelling to cooking and beach volleyball. There is a beautiful open-air theatre and restaurants that will suit families with children of all ages.
Blue Waters located just five miles from St John’s features a plethora of facilities including tennis courts, yoga, four restaurants and several freshwater swimming pools. The hotel itself is situated in a secluded cove surrounded by lush jungle and overlooking the glistening sea.
Carlisle Bay on the beautiful south coast of the island, has a plush country-club style about it, with 9 tennis courts, 92 large suites, a cinema room, bike tours, a stunning pool, plus a whole host of activities. For understated elegance, Carlisle Bay is definitely worth checking out.