When is the best time to visit Antigua?

Visiting Antigua in February

Average temperatures rise a couple of degrees in February. This is one of the most popular months to travel, so we recommend booking well in advance if you can.

Visiting Antigua in March - April

March and April have similar weather to February, although outside of Easter they are a little less busy than in February. Nevertheless, it is still advisable to book in advance. 

Events & Festivals

• Antigua Sailing Week (April): The Caribbean's largest regatta. Centred around Nelson's Dockyard, it involves formal races as well as social events.

Visiting Antigua in May

May's average temperatures are one to two degrees warmer than preceding months. While average rainfall increases, it is worth bearing in mind that this is usually down to short, heavy showers, with the number of rainy days and the number of sunshine hours about the same as earlier in the year. Prices at this time are much lower than during the first quarter, making it a great value time to travel.

Visiting Antigua in June - August

These are the hottest months, with average highs of 30°C to 31°C and lows of 25°C to 26°C. The chance of short, heavy tropical showers increases, but sunshine hours and the number of days with rain is consistent with earlier in the year. The official hurricane season is July to November, and while the risk is very small, you might encounter some tropical storms. However, lower prices make it a great value time to travel, and you may be able to see turtles nesting along the beaches.

Events & Festivals

• Antigua Carnival (July to August): Antigua's spectacular ten-day carnival takes place from the end of July to the first Tuesday in August. It celebrates the emancipation of slavery in the country and features brass and steel bands, among other festivities.
• Turtle nesting season (June to November): The island plays host to many endangered species of turtles, and this is a good time to spot them from a distance as they come ashore to lay eggs in the sand.

Visiting Antigua in September - November

Attractive offers make prices a fraction of those offered during the high season. Rainfall is highest at this time but usually consists of relatively short showers. Although there are heavy tropical showers, there are still plenty of sunshine hours. Turtle nesting season runs until November and the island landscape becomes more lush with rich green vegetation and beautiful tropical flowers. The official hurricane season falls between July and November, and although the risk of hurricanes is very small, you might encounter tropical storms.

Events & Festivals

• Independence celebrations (end of October to 1st November): Antigua and Barbuda have a series of celebrations to mark the anniversary of their independence, with streets decorated in the colours of the national flag and the finale of a parade.
• Turtle nesting season (June to November): The island plays host to many endangered species of turtles, and this is a good time to spot them from a distance as they come ashore to lay eggs in the sand.

Visiting Antigua in December

December is drier and slightly cooler than the preceding months, but the island has regained its lush and colourful vegetation after the rain. Christmas is a very popular time to visit, with many people booking up to a year in advance.