Antigua Weather
by Month
Warm all year. In the V.C. Bird Airport rainfall record for 1971 to 2014, January to March is the peak of the dry season and September to November the peak of the wet season; the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Month-by-month climate and sea conditions below, or read the guide to the best time to visit.
Tropical Climate Year-Round
Dry Season
Peak: January - March
The peak of the dry season in the Caribbean Regional Climate Centre's analysis of the V.C. Bird Airport record for 1971 to 2014. February, the driest month, averages 41.1 mm of rain.
Wet Season
May - November
The Caribbean Regional Climate Centre's country profile gives Antigua a wet season from May to November. Its V.C. Bird Airport analysis puts the peak from September to November; October, the wettest month, averages 148.4 mm of rain.
Hurricane Season
June 1 - November 30
The official Atlantic season. The Meteorological Service puts the peak in September; the US State Department names August, September, and October. Monitor forecasts and check your insurance.
Antigua and Barbuda sits in the Eastern Caribbean and is warm all year. The driest and wettest months given here come from the Caribbean Regional Climate Centre's analysis of the V.C. Bird Airport station for 1971 to 2014, in which February averages 41.1 mm of rain and October 148.4 mm. The same body's country profile gives Antigua a wet season from May to November, which the official Atlantic hurricane season, June 1 to November 30, largely overlaps.
Seasons at a Glance
Weather by Month
Average temperature, rainfall, sea temperature and travel rating for every month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
NowDecember
Best Time to Visit for...
The ideal months depend on what you want to do
Beach & Swimming
Jan - Mar
The driest months in the V.C. Bird Airport record. West-coast beaches such as Jolly Beach face the Caribbean; on any coast, UK advice warns that currents can be deceptively strong.
Sailing & Yachting
Apr
Antigua Sailing Week runs from April 21 to 25 in 2027, according to the regatta's own future-dates page. See the event page for the program.
Snorkeling & Diving
Jan - Mar
January to March is the peak of the dry season and falls outside the hurricane season, which matters for boat trips. Long Bay, on the east coast, is protected by its reef, according to the tourism authority.
Budget Travel
Any month
Two fixed costs to budget for, as of October 9, 2026: US$20 for the temporary driving license and US$120 for an adult round trip on the Barbuda Express (for travel out and back on different days the operator says to buy separate one-way tickets or contact it). Displayed prices are meant to include sales tax (ABST).
Hiking & Nature
Jan - Mar
January to March, the peak of the dry season, is the least rainy time for the trails around Shirley Heights and in the southwest hills, which rise to Mount Obama, Antigua's highest point, at 402 m.
Carnival & Culture
Jul - Aug
Antigua Carnival is reported for July 20 to August 3, 2027, under the theme 'Legendary 70', marking its 70th anniversary. Confirm the dates before you book.
Antigua Sailing Week falls in late April, Carnival runs from late July into early August, and the wettest months run from September to November. Our guide to the best time to visit Antigua weighs them month by month.
Around the Islands
The regional climate centre's country profile gives Antigua's low-lying areas a mean of 1,050 mm of rain a year and the higher hills somewhat more; what differs by coast is exposure, with the Caribbean to the west and the Atlantic to the east
Caribbean West & South
St. John's, Jolly Harbour, Dickenson Bay, English Harbour
The Caribbean-facing side. The tourism authority places Jolly Beach here, on the west coast, and describes the southwest beaches as generally less developed than those near St. John's.
Atlantic East Coast
Half Moon Bay, Nonsuch Bay, Long Bay
The Atlantic-facing side. The tourism authority describes powerful Atlantic breakers at Devil's Bridge, while Long Bay, on the same coast, is protected by its reef.
Interior & Southwest Hills
Fig Tree Drive, Shirley Heights, Boggy Peak area
The hills of the southwest rise to Antigua's highest point, Mount Obama, at 402 m. The regional climate centre's country profile says the higher hills get somewhat more rain than the low-lying areas.
Barbuda
Codrington, Low Bay, Princess Diana Beach
Barbuda is flat and low-lying, with long beaches and Codrington Lagoon National Park. A government climate report says Codrington has a single rainfall season, July to December. Its new airport, Barbuda International, opened on October 3, 2024, and the ferry from Antigua takes about 90 minutes.
What to Pack
Essential items for your Antigua and Barbuda trip
Clothing
- Lightweight cotton/linen clothing
- Swimwear (2-3 sets)
- Light sweater for evenings
- No camouflage: wearing it is illegal in Antigua and Barbuda, for children too
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals or flip-flops
Sun Protection
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reef-safe)
- UV-blocking sunglasses
- Wide-brim hat
- Rash guard for snorkeling
- Lip balm with SPF
Rain Gear
- Compact travel umbrella
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Dry bag for beach days
Health & Safety
- DEET insect repellent
- Basic first aid kit
- Rehydration salts
- Prescription medications
- Hand sanitizer
Beach Essentials
- Snorkel mask
- Water shoes for rocky shores
- Beach towel (microfiber)
- Waterproof camera or case
- Cooler bag for drinks
Electronics
- Plug adapter for American-style two-pin sockets (voltage varies by property, so ask before you plug in)
- Portable power bank
- Waterproof phone case
- Spare charging cables
Weather Safety Tips
Stay safe and comfortable throughout your trip
Hurricane Season
- •The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The US State Department singles out August, September, and October; the local Meteorological Service puts the peak in September.
- •Book refundable reservations and purchase travel insurance that covers weather disruptions.
- •Monitor forecasts from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service before and during your trip.
- •Follow instructions from the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) and from your accommodation.
Sun Safety
- •Antigua lies about 17 degrees north of the equator, so the sun is high in every month. Reapply sunscreen through the day and after swimming.
- •Seek shade around the middle of the day, when the sun is highest.
- •Wear a wide-brim hat and a long-sleeved top on boat trips, where shade is limited.
- •Cloud does not block ultraviolet light, so use sunscreen on overcast days too.
Hydration
- •Drink water through the day, and more if you are sailing, hiking, or on the beach.
- •Carry a refillable bottle and ask your accommodation where to fill it.
- •The US State Department describes tap water as generally safe to drink; ask your accommodation whether its supply comes from the mains or from a cistern.
- •Pack rehydration salts if you are not used to the heat.
Ocean Safety
- •UK travel advice warns that currents can be deceptively strong and that beach safety provision varies, so ask before swimming at a beach you do not know.
- •The tourism authority describes powerful Atlantic breakers at Devil's Bridge on the east coast; reef-protected Long Bay is one exception on that side.
- •Sargassum seaweed is seasonal and varies by beach and by year; look for recent reports on your beach before you book.
- •Water shoes help on rocky shores and around reefs.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions About Antigua Weather
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