Last checked: November 2026
The best time to visit Antigua is the dry season from mid-December to mid-April, when rain is least likely and humidity is lower. Prices and crowds peak then. May and November are good shoulder months, while August to October is the wettest and the peak of hurricane season, so build in flexibility and insurance.
Antigua weather by season
Antigua is warm all year, with trade winds that take the edge off the heat. Winter highs are typically around 27 to 29 °C (about 81 to 84 °F). Late summer and early autumn are hotter and more humid, around 30 to 31 °C (86 to 88 °F), according to travel-weather summaries. The UK Met Office notes that temperatures and sunshine hours do not vary much through the year, so the real differences are rain, humidity and storm risk.
When is hurricane season in Antigua?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November. August to October is usually the peak and the wettest period, and October is often the rainiest month, according to Caribbean Magazine. Check the US National Hurricane Center and local weather updates before you travel, because a single storm can disrupt a trip even in a quiet season.
The UK FCDO travel advice also tells travellers to monitor forecasts and, in Barbuda, to make sure accommodation is secure. Travel insurance that covers weather disruption is sensible from June to November.
Antigua month by month
| Month | Weather, crowds and prices | What is on |
|---|---|---|
| January | Dry, with the lowest humidity of the year. Peak season and higher prices. | Winter sailing season |
| February | Dry and busy. | Good beach weather |
| March | Dry and busy. Easter dates vary and can raise demand. | Check Easter timing |
| April | The dry season ends around mid-April. | Antigua Sailing Week 2027 is scheduled for 21 to 25 April |
| May | Shoulder month with slightly more rain and fewer visitors. | Culinary Month ran in May 2026, so check 2027 dates |
| June | Hurricane season begins on 1 June. Warm and quieter. | Few major events |
| July | Hot, humid and wetter, with lower prices. | Carnival starts in late July |
| August | Hot and humid. The peak hurricane period begins. | Carnival finishes in early August |
| September | The quietest month. Heat, rain and storm risk peak, and some resorts close. | Few events |
| October | Often the rainiest month, with the lowest prices. | Few events |
| November | Weather improves and rainfall tapers off. | Independence Day on 1 November, and Art Week |
| December | The dry season begins in mid-December. High demand around Christmas. | Christmas events, and the peak month for Barbuda’s frigatebirds, according to AAA |
Weather by region
Antigua is small, so the weather is similar everywhere, but the coasts feel different. The Atlantic-facing east and north-east are windier and rougher, and Devil’s Bridge shows why. Half Moon Bay is popular with windsurfers, although a reef protects its water. The north and west, including Dickenson Bay and Jolly Harbour, are known for calmer, shallower water that suits families. Our best places to visit in Antigua guide groups the beaches and sights by coast. Barbuda is low-lying, and the FCDO says it was seriously hit by hurricanes in 2017.
Festivals and holidays
- Carnival: late July to early August. The 2026 edition ran from 25 July to 4 August. The tourism authority is planning around 24 July to 3 August in 2027, the 70th anniversary, but final dates were still to be confirmed.
- Sailing: Antigua Sailing Week lists 21 to 25 April for 2027.
- Independence Day: 1 November.
- Art Week: held every November, according to the tourism authority.
Ramadan and other holidays
Ramadan does not appear among the public holidays on the calendars we checked, and we found no official guidance on daytime restaurant hours during it. If you are fasting, ask your hotel in advance about meal timing and halal options. Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February, depending on moon sighting, which falls in the busy dry season, so book early.
Best months by trip type
- Choose mid-December to mid-April if you want beaches and dry weather.
- Choose April if you love sailing and want to see Antigua Sailing Week.
- Choose May to early July or November if you want lower prices with fewer storm risks than the peak.
- Choose late July to early August if Carnival is the point of the trip.
- Choose November to April for Barbuda’s frigatebirds, which AAA lists as the mating season.
- Choose months outside the rainiest period for snorkelling and diving.
What to pack
- Light clothing, swimwear and a hat
- Sun protection, because the sun is strong even on cloudy days
- A light rain jacket for the wetter months
- Sturdy sandals or shoes for trails and rocky coasts
- Insect repellent. Check TravelHealthPro for current health advice.
Common mistakes
- Booking September without checking which resorts are open. The where to stay in Antigua guide explains how to compare areas.
- Treating Carnival dates as fixed years ahead, when they shift slightly.
- Assuming dry season means cheap. It is the most expensive time.
- Skipping travel insurance in hurricane season.
FAQs
Is it worth visiting Antigua in September?
It can be, if you want quiet beaches and lower prices and accept the risk. September is described as the quietest month, with heat, rain and storm risk at their peak, and some resorts close temporarily.
When is turtle nesting season?
Travel sources place turtle nesting in the quieter summer and autumn months. Exact timing varies by beach and year, so ask a local operator or your hotel for current guidance and never disturb nesting turtles.
When should I book for Carnival?
Early. Caribbean Magazine reports that flights and the best resort rooms fill quickly around the main Carnival dates, especially the final weekend. Confirm the official dates first, then book flights to Antigua and rooms soon after.