Antigua Weather
by Month
Warm, sunny weather year-round, with daytime highs of 28-31°C (82-88°F). The driest months are February to April, the wettest September to November, and the Atlantic hurricane season runs June to November. Month-by-month climate, sea conditions, and the best time to visit below.
Tropical Climate Year-Round
Dry Season
December - April
Sunny skies, lower humidity, reliable beach weather. Peak tourist season, driest from February to April.
Wetter Season
June - November
Short showers rather than all-day rain, wettest September to November. Lower prices and fewer crowds.
Hurricane Season
August - October (peak)
Lowest prices. Direct hits are rare. Monitor forecasts and buy travel insurance.
Antigua and Barbuda sits in the Eastern Caribbean with temperatures generally between 22°C and 31°C (72°F and 88°F) year-round. Because the islands are low-lying, they receive less rain than mountainous neighbours, making Antigua one of the drier, sunnier islands in the region. Northeast trade winds blow steadily across the islands, keeping the coasts comfortable even in summer.
Seasons at a Glance
Weather by Month
Click any month to see detailed conditions and travel tips
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
NowSeptember
October
November
December
Best Time to Visit for...
The ideal months depend on what you want to do
Beach & Swimming
Dec - Apr
The driest, sunniest months bring calm seas and warm temperatures, ideal for the island's many sheltered Caribbean-side beaches.
Sailing & Yachting
Dec - Apr
Steady trade winds and clear skies make winter and spring the prime sailing season, culminating in Antigua Sailing Week.
Snorkeling & Diving
Dec - May
Calm, clear water in the dry season gives the best visibility over reefs, wrecks, and the marine life around the coast.
Budget Travel
Jun - Nov
Low season means lower room rates and fewer crowds. Rain often falls as short showers, leaving plenty of sunny hours.
Hiking & Nature
Dec - Apr
Cooler, drier conditions make trails like Shirley Heights and the rainforest in the southwest more comfortable to explore.
Carnival & Culture
Jul - Aug
Antigua's Carnival peaks in late July and early August with calypso, soca, steelpan, and colourful street parades in St. John's.
Around the Islands
Temperatures are similar islandwide; mainly the wind, surf, and rainfall change from coast to coast
Caribbean West & South
St. John's, Jolly Harbour, Dickenson Bay, English Harbour
The leeward, Caribbean-facing side is the calmest and warmest, with sheltered bays and the island's most popular swimming beaches. Sea breezes keep it comfortable.
Atlantic East Coast
Half Moon Bay, Nonsuch Bay, Long Bay
The windward, Atlantic side gets steadier trade winds, livelier surf, and a touch more spray. Great for breezy beaches, kitesurfing, and dramatic coastline.
Interior & Southwest Hills
Fig Tree Drive, Shirley Heights, Boggy Peak area
The higher southwest is the greenest, slightly cooler and wetter part of Antigua, with the island's remaining rainforest and its highest point, Mount Obama, at 402m.
Barbuda
Codrington, Low Bay, Princess Diana Beach
Flat, low-lying, and even drier than Antigua, Barbuda is fringed by long stretches of pink-tinged sand and a vast lagoon with a famous frigatebird colony.
What to Pack
Essential items for your Antigua and Barbuda trip
Clothing
- Lightweight cotton/linen clothing
- Swimwear (2-3 sets)
- Light sweater for evenings
- 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
- Universal travel adapter (110V/230V)
- Portable power bank
- Waterproof phone case
- Spare charging cables
Weather Safety Tips
Stay safe and comfortable throughout your trip
Hurricane Season
- •Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, with peak risk in August and September.
- •Book refundable reservations and purchase travel insurance that covers weather disruptions.
- •Monitor the National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts before and during your trip.
- •Hotels and resorts have well-practiced evacuation protocols; follow staff instructions.
Sun Safety
- •UV index frequently reaches 10-11+ (extreme). Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
- •Seek shade between 11am and 3pm when UV radiation peaks.
- •Wear protective clothing and a wide-brim hat, especially on boat tours.
- •Sunburn can occur in as little as 15 minutes, even on overcast days.
Hydration
- •Drink at least 2-3 liters of water daily; the tropical heat causes rapid dehydration.
- •Carry a refillable bottle; most resorts provide purified water stations.
- •Avoid tap water for drinking; stick to bottled or filtered water.
- •Coconut water (agua de coco) is available everywhere and naturally replenishes electrolytes.
Ocean Safety
- •Check with locals about currents before swimming at unfamiliar beaches.
- •The Atlantic (east) coast has livelier surf and currents than the calmer Caribbean (west/south) side.
- •Sargassum seaweed is seasonal and varies by beach and year, mainly affecting the windward coast.
- •Wear water shoes at rocky or reef-lined beaches to protect from sea urchins.
Good to know