Antigua
Antigua · North America
The best time to visit Antigua is January, February, March, April, May, and June. In summer, daytime highs average 31°C (88°F), with peaks around 32°C (90°F); in winter, nights average 23°C (73°F), dropping to around 20°C (68°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 9 hours per day — ideal for beach and outdoor activities.
Antigua – What you should know
Antigua is one of the drier islands of the Lesser Antilles: flat, with little forest, but plenty of sheltered bays gently ventilated by the trade wind. Daytime highs stay in a narrow band through the year, averaging around 28°C (82°F) in January and February and around 31°C (88°F) in August, and the sea only varies between 26 and 29°C (79 and 84°F). Between February and April only about 30–60 mm (1.2–2.4 in) of rain falls a month, on four to five days, with 9 hours of sunshine in March and April.
The best time is the high season from December to May, especially February to April. From May, rain (around 100 mm (3.9 in)) and humidity rise slowly, September and October bring 135–140 mm (5.3–5.5 in) on 10 to 11 rain days, and November is the wettest month at just over 145 mm (5.7 in). The hurricane season runs from June to November, peaking from August to October, and many hotels and restaurants close for a few weeks in autumn.
Beyond the beach, Antigua has a genuine historical anchor: Nelson's Dockyard at English Harbour, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former British naval base, plus the views from Shirley Heights, where Sunday barbecues with live music take place. Sailing is taken seriously here — Antigua Sailing Week at the end of April is a fixture of the yachting calendar. Compared with Guadeloupe and Martinique, Antigua is flatter, drier and English-speaking, and the cuisine is less French in character.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 28° (82°)26– (79–)29 (84) | 28° (82°)26– (79–)29 (84) | 29° (84°)26– (79–)30 (86) | 29° (84°)26– (79–)31 (88) | 30° (86°)27– (81–)31 (88) | 31° (88°)28– (82–)31 (88) | 31° (88°)29– (84–)31 (88) | 31° (88°)29– (84–)32 (90) | 31° (88°)28– (82–)32 (90) | 31° (88°)28– (82–)32 (90) | 30° (86°)28– (82–)31 (88) | 29° (84°)27– (81–)29 (84) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 24° (75°)21– (70–)25 (77) | 23° (73°)20– (68–)25 (77) | 24° (75°)21– (70–)25 (77) | 24° (75°)22– (72–)26 (79) | 25° (77°)22– (72–)27 (81) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)27 (81) | 27° (81°)23– (73–)28 (82) | 27° (81°)23– (73–)28 (82) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)28 (82) | 26° (79°)22– (72–)27 (81) | 25° (77°)22– (72–)27 (81) | 24° (75°)21– (70–)26 (79) |
☀️Sunshine | 9h UV 7 | 9h UV 8 | 10h UV 9 | 10h UV 9 | 10h UV 9 | 10h UV 9 | 10h UV 9 | 9h UV 9 | 9h UV 9 | 9h UV 8 | 8h UV 7 | 9h UV 6 |
🌊Water Temp | 27° (81°) | 27° (81°) | 27° (81°) | 27° (81°) | 28° (82°) | 29° (84°) | 29° (84°) | 29° (84°) | 30° (86°) | 29° (84°) | 29° (84°) | 28° (82°) |
🌧Rain Days | 7d72mm (2.8") | 5d32mm (1.3") | 4d39mm (1.5") | 5d60mm (2.4") | 7d104mm (4.1") | 7d98mm (3.8") | 9d111mm (4.4") | 9d114mm (4.5") | 11d136mm (5.4") | 10d139mm (5.5") | 9d145mm (5.7") | 9d95mm (3.7") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
From February to October, UV levels in Antigua reach 9 — very high on the WHO scale. High-SPF sunscreen and shade around midday are essential.
December offers great weather in Antigua with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Antigua
December – March
High season in Antigua: the trade winds blow gently, highs sit around 28°C (82°F) and rain is rare. The bays are calm and clear, and the yachts in English Harbour are busy. At Christmas and New Year hotels and restaurants are often fully booked.
April – June
Dry conditions hold in April, with plenty of sun and sea temperatures of 27 to 28°C (81 to 82°F). Around Sailing Week the harbour and bars fill up, after which the bustle fades. From May mugginess and the chance of rain creep upwards, and prices fall.
July – October
Summer in Antigua is hot and humid, with highs around 30°C (86°F) and the sea at 29°C (84°F). Rain falls in heavy showers, and during the hurricane season some hotels and restaurants close for weeks. The beaches belong almost entirely to locals and a handful of visitors.
November
The wettest month of the year, yet the days are sunny and warm, and the hurricane season is drawing to a close. The clouds clear more quickly, and the landscape is greener than at any other time. Hotels that had closed slowly reopen.
Events & Festivals
April
- Antigua Sailing Week· late April (about five days)
One of the Caribbean's most storied sailing weeks, based in English Harbour. Yachts sail coastal courses around Antigua for four days, with evening parties at a different beach or marina each night.
August
- Antigua Carnival· late July to the first Tuesday in August
Eleven days of soca, steelpan and costume parades in St. John's. It closes with J'ouvert at dawn on the first Monday in August and the grand Parade of Bands the following Tuesday, both public holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Antigua?
- The best time to visit Antigua is January, February, March, April, May, and June. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Antigua?
- In summer, daytime highs in Antigua average 31°C (88°F), with peaks around 32°C (90°F); in winter, nights average 23°C (73°F), dropping to around 20°C (68°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Antigua get?
- Antigua has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 8 rain days per month. The driest months are February, March, and April.
- How warm is the water in Antigua?
- Water temperature in Antigua ranges from 27°C (81°F) (February) to 30°C (86°F) (September). During the best travel months (January, February, March, April, May, and June), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
MarAprMay
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JanFebMar
