Antigua is one of two major islands. Both of the islands make up the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua has a lively culture and extensive natural beauty, which has caused it to gain popularity as a tourist destination. The island is versatile and travelers will likely be able to enjoy many different pursuits. Travelers can party, get active, sightsee, lounge at the beach, and learn about the island’s culture during their visit. The best time to visit Antigua is during the dry season since the island has so much to offer during that time.
Average Temperature This Time of Year
- 70-85 Degrees F
Weather
The weather in Antigua is enjoyable during the dry season. Antigua has a tropical climate nearly year-round, so travelers do not have to worry about fickle temperatures during their visit. The relatively cool temperatures of the dry season make it the best time to visit Antigua. Expect warm temperatures that are not too overwhelming. The season also has lower levels of precipitation so travelers can enjoy outdoor activities without being rained out.
Travel Tip: The dry season in Antigua runs from December to around May, but it is also the high tourist season. If travelers want to save money, they should visit in May.
Beaches
Due to the pretty consistent tropical climate in Antigua, visiting the beach is a great way for travelers to spend their time. Antigua is known for its ample beaches, with 365 of them across the island. Those beaches have either white or pink sand. The various beaches of Antigua have coral reefs. Travelers can enjoy the beaches of the island much more during the dry season due to the weather. The waters of the Caribbean are typically warm and calm during the dry season, which is a great benefit for beachgoers.
Travel Tip: Since the dry season has ideal weather, travelers may experience some crowds during that time. For more lush greenery travelers should visit at the beginning of the dry season.
Festivals
There are events throughout the dry season for travelers including unique festivals that provide intriguing experiences for travelers. Antigua has a kite festival which is a colorful and interactive event that happens between late March and early April. The kite festival is often attended by children but people of all ages are welcome. Travelers can make traditional homemade kites soar on sunny and warm days during the dry season.
Travel Tip: Antigua’s kite festival is an international event that travelers do not have to make reservations for. Kite flying on the beach is a great way for travelers to relax and meet locals.
Antigua and Barbuda Art Week
The art culture of Antigua is thriving. That creative aspect of the island is clear since it even has a week where travelers can celebrate art. The appreciation week usually is held during a week in both November and December. The Antigua Art Week celebrates many different mediums of art. Travelers can enjoy and create music, dance, film, and paintings during the celebration. Other art forms that are highlighted during this week include sculptors, poets, and more. This event is a great opportunity for travelers to discover local artists and the art culture of Antigua.
Travel Tip: Each day of the art appreciation week in Antigua travelers will have a chance to take interactive tours, view intriguing creative projects, and maybe even network with an international group of artists.
Sailing
Travelers who enjoy boat activities will see why the dry season is the best time to visit Antigua for sailing. The thrill of sailing season runs from November to April in Antigua with boat tours that lead up to scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming opportunities. There is also a yacht show and sailing week in Antigua during the dry season. The Antigua Charter Yacht Show is typically held in December while Antigua Sailing Week is in late April to early May.
Travel Tip: During the dry season, travelers who appreciate a sailing experience will notice favorable winds. Since there are cool night temperatures, travelers should wear light layers.
Wellness
Travelers can progress in their wellness journey during their trip to Antigua. Since the dry season has very pleasant weather, travelers can expect to spend their trip in total relaxation. The wellness experiences available to travelers around the island make Antigua a great place to have a self-care experience. The Antigua and Barbuda Wellness Month is typically held in January. During this month, visitors are encouraged to create balanced lifestyles and enhance their quality of life. Travelers can enjoy spa experiences, hike trails, and take part in wellness retreats and yoga excursions during the wellness month.
Travel Tip: Massage oils are a way for travelers to improve spa treatments during the wellness week in Antigua.
Historic Sites
Although travelers often visit Antigua just for the tropical weather, there are sites that travelers may be interested in exploring during their visit. For travelers who are history buffs, visiting a historic site may be the perfect interactive activity during their stay in Antigua. Travelers can opt to take historical tours or walk the streets of Antigua with a sense of curiosity. Some of the most popular historic sites in Antigua include national parks and places like Shirley Heights and Heritage Quay. Travelers with an interest in history and nature would be wise to visit Antigua during the dry season.
Travel Tip: Travelers should try to visit the amazing Fort James historical site in Antigua during their dry season visit.
A Natural Paradise
The natural beauty of Antigua makes visiting a no-brainer. The local wildlife of Antigua is typically the main event for travelers, but nature is also an appealing feature. Some of the more popular aspects of nature on the island include coral reef ecosystems, extensive wetlands, and more. The island has a pretty laid-back ambiance as well, so travelers can thoroughly appreciate the nature that surrounds them. With warm temperatures and cloudy skies in the dry season, it is no surprise that the season is the best time to visit Antigua.
Travel Tip: Travelers who are visiting Antigua to enjoy the natural paradise can wake up earlier than usual so that they can catch a beach sunrise. It is one of the most precious moments travelers may have.
Overall, Antigua is a cultured and interesting place for travelers to visit. The calm ambiance, weather, and many cultural events throughout the dry season make it an appealing time to get to know the land and locals. Travelers should enjoy the photo-friendly island with much to offer during the best time to visit Antigua.