The Best Time to Visit Antigua and Barbuda: Tips from a Local
Wondering when the best time to visit Antigua and Barbuda is? Look no further. I lived in the beautiful Caribbean island for more than a year and I will tell you all about it in this post.
The hidden gem of the Caribbean, Antigua And Barbuda is a haven for explorers, adventures, and luxury vacation-seekers alike. But when should you plan your trip to these stunning islands?
The short answer is that it’s always a good time to visit this Caribbean gem.
However, every season has its own pros and cons, and in this post, I will tell you all about that, so that you know when to visit, based on weather, budget, events, and much more. So, let’s begin!
When is the best time to go to Antigua and Barbuda? At a Glance
👍🏼 Best Time to Visit Antigua and Barbuda for Weather & Climate
Winter through spring (December-April) is the best time of year to visit Antigua and Barbuda for great weather.
This is the dry season of the islands, which means little to no chance of rain showers and plenty of sunshine to enjoy the outdoors.
The temperatures change very little throughout the year in Antigua and Barbuda, but they’re the most pleasant during this time of year as well.
👍🏼 Best Time of the year to go to Antigua for Least Crowds
Most people visit Antigua and Barbuda for the best weather, so it gets crowded during winter and spring months.
On the other hand, the least crowded time is when it gets a bit rainy and slightly hotter here – the summer and fall months.
This is when you will find the least crowds on these islands. However, keep in mind that the fall months feature increased rainfall.
Try to plan your trip in the months after May and before August to enjoy both fewer crowds and decent weather.
👍🏼 Best Time to Visit for Cheap Prices
Again, the summer and fall months mark the off-season for tourism in these islands and that means it’s the cheapest time to visit Antigua and Barbuda.
But it’s worth mentioning that the weather isn’t exactly perfect during this time, especially in the fall months. You can expect more rain in Antigua as well as slightly hotter temps and muggier days.
I recommend visiting between May and June and September through November to enjoy pocket-friendly prices and tons of deals and discounts on everything from flights, rooms, and activities.
That’s when chances of rain are still relatively lower.
👍🏼 Best Time to Visit Antigua for Beach Lovers
The white-sand beaches of Antigua and Barbuda islands are one of their biggest draws – and they’re stunning throughout the calendar.
But the best time to visit them is definitely when there is tons of sunlight to soak by the seaside and enjoy the popular watersports, meaning the peak season months.
The period between December and April is perfect if you want to explore the beaches of these islands.
You can plan as many activities as you like because chances of rain are rare, and there are 365 picturesque beaches to choose from in Antigua alone!
👍🏼 Best Time to Visit Antigua for Activities
There is no shortage of things to do in Antigua and Barbuda, so any time can be great for those.
If you’re planning on exploring the outdoors and going on adventures, then ideally go for one of the months with the least amount of rain.
This again means that the months with more sunshine hours and fewer chances of rain are perfect.
So plan your trip between mid-December and April if you have tons and tons of things to do on your Antigua and Barbuda vacation list.
👍🏼 Best Time to Visit for Festivals and Events
One of the facts about Antigua and Barbuda is that every month of the year, lots of festivals and events take place. No matter when you visit here, chances are that you will catch a cultural fest or sports event during your trip.
The winter months have tons of festivals along with great weather, and there is lots of merry-making during the summers as well.
The most famous Antigua Barbuda festival takes place between July and August.
This is when two weeks of Antigua and Barbuda Carnival brought huge parades out on the streets, commemorating the end of slavery on the islands back in 1834.
The Carnival features dances, pageants, live performances, street food, and much more.
Another important event in Antigua is the Antigua Sailing Week, which is the busiest time of the year and hotels are packed and more expensive.
However, if you love boats this is the time you should go. Just make sure you book flights and accommodations in advance.
When Not to Visit Antigua and Barbuda?
Antigua and Barbuda is gorgeous year-round, so you can plan a trip whenever you like.
However, there are certain months when the weather might dampen the mood and even spoil your plans for the day, so I recommend not visiting during those.
These basically make up the hurricane season months of Antigua, and include August, September, October, and November.
Though, if you’re looking to enjoy a budget trip in the off-season, you can visit in May, June, or July.
Chances of rain are still fewer during those three months, and the Antigua and Barbuda Carnival also takes place at the end of July – so it’s overall a very vibrant and lively time on the islands but without the peak prices.
On a positive note, keep in mind that it is rare to have real hurricanes in Antigua, due to its location in the Caribbean, away from the usual hurricane trajectory.
However, it can still rain heavily and even for a few days in a row.
Antigua and Barbuda Month-by-Month Overview
🗓 Antigua and Barbuda in January
☀️ Weather
Antigua’s weather in January is one of the best in the year. Temperatures are pleasant, with highs of 82°F (27.8°C) and lows of 72°F (22.2°C).
Days are sunny and shiny, and chances of rain are minimal as well, making for one of the most pleasant climates in the Caribbean.
✔︎ Activities
January is considered the best time of year to go to Antigua for great weather, which means things to do are aplenty during it.
Expect tons of beach activities and watersports like swimming with stingrays, hiking in the rainforest, visiting historic sites, and much more.
🗓 Antigua and Barbuda in February
☀️ Weather
There’s little change in Antigua weather by month during winter.
The average temperatures pretty much remain the same as January throughout the month, which means they stay within an enjoyable range of 82°F (27.8°C) highs and 72°F (22.2°C) lows.
Clear skies and sunshine hours are also abundant during the month.
✔︎ Activities
The outdoors is exceptionally inviting this time of year and water activities like swimming, snorkeling in Antigua, and kayaking are all great.
Inland exploration is also perfect during February; you can explore the historic attractions, adventure in the jungle, or hit up a trail to spend time in the thriving nature.
🗓 Antigua and Barbuda in March
☀️ Weather
There is a slight change in the weather in March, as the average temperature goes up a notch.
But you won’t even notice it since it’s just a small change of 1°F from the previous month.
Everything else remains the same. Chances of rain are still very low and days feature lots of sunshine.
✔︎ Activities
Most spring breakers overlook Antigua and Barbuda for their vacations, so March is a good time to visit here if you’re after a Caribbean destination with less noise and crowds.
Sailing is great in March and there’s a week-long sailing event during the month as well.
The rest of the island’s most popular activities like water sports, hiking, and sightseeing are excellent too.
🗓 Antigua and Barbuda Weather in April
☀️ Weather
In April, temperatures go up a bit. But don’t worry, it’s just a small change and the weather is still great during April, featuring lots of sunshine and fewer chances of rain.
The average high is 84°F (28.9°C) and the low rarely goes below 74°F (23°C).
✔︎ Activities
April is the final month of Antigua and Barbuda’s high season, but it’s just as good for all the incredible activities and sightseeing the islands have to offer.
Water activities and inland exploration are excellent throughout. It’s also the time of the Antigua Sailing week, the busiest week of the year.
🗓 Antigua and Barbuda Weather in May
☀️ Weather
There is a significant change in Antigua weather in May as summer comes around the corner and the temperatures go even further up.
The average high goes to 85°F (29°C) and the average low is around 75°F (24°C). Though the Antigua hurricane season is still a month away, chances of rain also increase during May.
✔︎ Activities
High-season crowds are almost all gone by May but there is still plenty to see and do around the islands.
What’s more, you get discounted rates from this month onwards on hotels as well as tours.
This is basically part of the best time to go to Antigua and Barbuda (along with June and July) if you want a budget trip with little to no crowds.
🗓 Antigua and Barbuda in June
☀️ Weather
June marks the start of hurricane season in Antigua. However, the average precipitation takes a dip and, with longer summer days, you will have plenty of sunshine.
The temperatures jump to daily highs of almost 86°F (30°C) and the lows also get warmer by a degree to 76°F (24.5°C).
Also, Antigua’s June weather makes daytime feel a bit hot and muggy sometimes, but evenings are still pleasant.
✔︎ Activities
Outdoor activities are enjoyable during June, as long as you stay under shade in the afternoons as much as possible.
This includes hiking as well as exploring all the best places to visit in Antigua. I recommend hitting the beaches for a dip.
It’s especially refreshing this time of year because it works great at keeping you cool during the hot temps.
🗓 Antigua and Barbuda in July
☀️ Weather
Summer takes full effect in July. Temperatures go in the high 80s Fahrenheit in the daytime, while the average daily low is at 79°F (26°C).
But don’t let that make you think that Antigua weather in July is horrible.
Apart from the slightly hot and muggy afternoons, the chances of rain are still low compared to fall months.
✔︎ Activities
With no crowds around, July is perfect for a laid-back vacation. Beaches are quiet and serene, and you can also experience all the activities in peace.
Also, the end of July is the best time to travel to Antigua if you want to enjoy the year’s biggest cultural festival on the island. The Carnival takes place between July and August.
🗓 Antigua and Barbuda in August
☀️ Weather
Temperatures in Antigua and Barbuda reach their highest of the year in August, with daily highs in the range of 87°F (30.5°F) and average lows of around 79°F (26°C).
Hot and humid days are not unusual, and chances of rain also increase during the month with the progress of the rainy season in Antigua.
✔︎ Activities
Starting with a bang and continuing the Carnival celebrations, August is a festive time in Antigua and Barbuda.
The rest of the island’s attractions and activities are also enjoyable, including water sports and hiking as long as you keep an eye on the weather forecast, protect yourself from the sun, and hydrate often.
🗓 Antigua and Barbuda in September
☀️ Weather
Antigua’September weather is known for its high average rainfall, just like the next two fall months of the year.
The temperatures are only slightly lower, but still in the high 80s Fahrenheit throughout the month.
Humidity is also pretty high during September, which makes days feel hotter.
✔︎ Activities
The fall months come with the least tourist activity on the islands, so you can enjoy some of the best things to do in Antigua and Barbuda all to yourself.
But keep in mind that these months are also when some tourist spots close up for yearly maintenance.
🗓 Antigua and Barbuda in October
☀️ Weather
Antigua’s weather in October is pretty similar to the previous month, in that the chances of rain are a lot more this time of year.
But the temperatures do come down by a degree, to highs of 86°F (30°F) and lows of 78°F (25.5°C). Though humidity is fairly high throughout the month, days will still feel hot.
✔︎ Activities
Though the average rainfall is over five inches in October, the showers are mostly short-lived and you can plan your sightseeing and excursions around them.
The water temperatures in Antigua are also warm and inviting during October, making sailing, diving, and snorkeling enjoyable things to do.
🗓 Antigua and Barbuda in November
☀️ Weather
November is the last of the hurricane season months in Antigua and Barbuda, and it averages 5+ inches of rain just like the previous couple of months.
The temperatures start going down as Antigua’s November weather comes closer to the winter. Expect daily high temperature of 85°F (29.5°C) and daily low temperature of 77°F (25°C).
✔︎ Activities
Antigua is pretty quiet in November the same as the other fall months, but you can plan a lot of activities during it.
Those include evenings on the beaches, sightseeing excursions, and tours for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.
🗓 Antigua and Barbuda in December
☀️ Weather
Antigua’s December weather is great, which is why the month is the start of the high season here.
The temperatures are back to a very comfy level of 83°F (28°C) highs and 75°F (23.8°C) lows before reaching their lowest in the next month.
Antigua’s dry season begins in December, so the chances of rainfall also decrease significantly.
✔︎ Activities
The weather in Antigua in December is just perfect for exploration.
Make sure to have all the best places to visit in Antigua on your radar, including Nelson’s Dockyard, Devil’s Bridge National Park, and the Shirley Heights Lookout.
Beach evenings and water sports like kayaking, diving, and snorkeling are also amazing during December.
Is Antigua and Barbuda Safe to Visit?
Since it’s a tourist destination many people from around the world show up for a memorable and scenic vacation. So, the good news is that Antigua is safe for a visit and you can rest assured.
However, there is still a chance of petty theft or other small crimes just like in the rest of the world – and you should maintain the same level of alertness as you would back in your home country.
Follow common sense rules like watching your belongings when outside, not leaving your food or drinks unattended, keeping your valuables out of sight, and not having too much bling on you while exploring the islands.
How Many Days Do You Need in Antigua and Barbuda?
The answer to that depends on what you have planned for your Antigua and Barbuda trip. In general, a stay of 3-5 days is plenty to explore the islands, visit top attractions, and have a memorable time overall.
That being said, you can spend way more than 5 days and still have tons of things to experience if you want to.
Antigua has 365 beaches so you could stay a year and visit a new beach every day. But there is a lot more to see and do here, so plan as many days as you like.
Practical Travel Tips for Antigua and Barbuda
📌 Plan your trip in advance: Get your travel documents ready, and make sure you book your flight and accommodations well in advance, especially during the high season when availability is an issue.
📌 Rent a car: If you want to fully explore the islands, renting a car is recommended. I use Discover cars platform to find the beast deals
Find the best car rental deals and explore around freely, at your own pace. My favorite way to enjoy a destination!
Driving in Antigua is very easy and allowes you to explore the island at your own peace. Just remember that they drive on the left side of the road.
📌 Keep an eye on the weather forecast: This is especially true if you’re visiting during the hurricane season months.
Chances of rain showers are higher during those, so you should try to plan your days accordingly.
📌 Pack tropical: Include a light jacket or sweater along with your shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses.
Also bring swimsuits, cover-ups, and flip-flops for beach days, and a pair of comfy shoes for hiking and inland exploration.
📌 Bring reef-friendly sunscreen: No matter what time of year it is, the tropical climate of Antigua and Barbuda makes wearing sunblock a must-do.
And since you will be spending quite some time at its stunning reef-lined beaches, I recommend packing a reef-friendly sunscreen.
📌 Don’t let the local currency confuse you: While many tourist spots in Antigua accept the US dollar, the local currency is another kind of dollar.
So, when paying for stuff while here, make sure to pay attention to which currency is the price being quoted in.
📌 Island-hop: If you have the time, consider visiting both Antigua and Barbuda. They have different atmospheres and attractions, so you can get a varied experience.
You will easily find a boat to take you to Barbuda.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Month to Go to Antigua?
There is no one-size-fits-all best month to go to Antigua, because there is so much to see and do here, and different times of the year mean different kinds of experiences, activities, and events.
If you’re after the best weather for your Antigua trip, the winter-spring (December through April) months are best for it.
Days are sunny, chances of rain are rare, and temperatures stay pleasantly between 72°F (22°C) and 84°F (29°C).
On the other hand, the summer and fall months (May through November) come with lower prices and fewer crowds, but they have more chances of rainfall.
In case you want a laid-back and intimate vacation on a budget, May through July is great for exactly that.
What Months is Hurricane Season in Antigua?
The Antigua and Barbuda hurricane season mainly consists of the summer and fall months.
But if you’re imagining cyclones wreaking havoc on the islands and destroying everything, the hurricane season is nothing like that.
It’s just that the weather becomes a bit more hot and humid, and there are more chances of rain and storms during these months.
And if you’re wondering “Does Antigua get hurricanes?”, chances of those are higher during these months, but they don’t always hit.
Still, you should avoid the hurricane season months if you can because showers can spoil your plans for the day.
What is the Hottest Month in Antigua and Barbuda?
With an average high of almost 88°F (31°C) and lows nearing 79°F (25.5°C), August is the hottest month in Antigua and Barbuda.
Don’t worry though, the temperatures are only slightly hotter and muggier during it compared to the rest of the year.
For reference, the coldest month of the year has an average high of 82°F (27.7°C) and low of 72°F (22.2°C).
What is the Cheapest Month to Go to Antigua?
Pretty much the entire rainy season in Antigua (June through November) is the cheapest time to visit here.
The weather is a bit more unpredictable, with more chances of rain, and days are hotter and muggier.
Still, you can enjoy a decent vacation during these months, especially the beginning of the Antigua rainy season (May-July).
Is Antigua Worth Visiting?
If you enjoy beaches, water activities, and tons of culture and history, then yes – Antigua is definitely worth visiting.
The islands here are brimming with nature so they’re perfect for adventurers as well as those seeking a laid-back vacation destination.
Is Antigua and Barbuda Separate?
Antigua and Barbuda is the name of an island nation that consists of a few separate islands, located right where the Caribbean and the Atlantic meet each other.
Antigua is one of the largest and most popular islands of the country, and so is Barbuda, while the remaining islands are smaller.
What is Antigua and Barbuda Best Known for?
For the most part, Antigua and Barbuda is a very popular Caribbean destination known for its stunning white-sand coastline.
Many cruisers make their stop here, there are tons of watersports on offer, and the island of Antigua is famous for its 365 beaches that you can visit one for each day of the year.
Of course, there are many more things here that attract tourists from around the world to Antigua and Barbuda, including its historic sites, lush rainforest with picturesque hiking trails, and a huge variety of events and festivals throughout the calendar.,
Is Antigua and Barbuda Expensive?
Rates vary in Antigua and Barbuda throughout the year, based on the travel season, so it can go from relatively cheap to expensive depending on when you visit, where you stay, and the activities you try.
However, the islands are pretty far off and exotic, so the overall costs here tend to be a bit expensive.
Is Antigua a Luxury Destination?
If you’re wondering what is Antigua like, it’s definitely an exclusive destination in the Caribbean, and many cruise crowds as well as luxury vacation-seekers show up here every year for a retreat.
There are many resorts on the islands, 365 beaches on Antigua Island, and countless activities to experience.
Is Antigua Good for Tourists?
It absolutely is. Though the island is a hidden gem in the Caribbean, it’s still popular among tourists looking to enjoy an exotic vacation with lots of beaches, water sports, and sightseeing. And if you’re asking “Is Antigua safe for tourists”, that’s also a solid yes.
The people who visit here enjoy a safe and memorable vacation. However, make sure you don’t get too reckless.
Following some common safety rules is a must everywhere in the world, and Antigua is no exception.
Which Airline Goes to Antigua and Barbuda?
Many airlines operate regular flights to and from Antigua and Barbuda. These include American Airlines, United, JetBlue Airways, Delta, Air Canada, British Airways, and WestJet.
Wrapping Up: The Best Time to Visit Antigua and Barbuda
That’s all for my ultimate guide on the best time to visit Antigua and Barbuda.
There is no single best time for everyone, so it all boils down to preferences (as well as budget), and I hope reading through this post has given you a solid idea of when’s the best time for you to visit this incredible Caribbean destination.
Having decided on the when also make sure to pay plenty of attention to the how. There is so much to experience on these islands that planning ahead is a must.
Include the top highlights on your to-do along with the activities you want to try and get ready for a blast. Have a wonderful trip!
Before You Go…
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