Antigua is a tropical island situated in the West Indies within the Leeward Islands, approximately 17° north of the equator where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Along with its neighbouring island Barbuda, Antigua forms half of a twin-island nation and is often referred to as "The Land of 365 Beaches" due to the staggering number of sandy bays found along its coast.
Like most locations which lie in the tropics, Antigua's proximity to the equator means that the region doesn't experience four distinct seasons in fact, there is hardly any seasonal variation at all. On the whole, the average temperature in Antigua falls in the mid- to upper- twenties year round, with the annual average minimum temperature range falling between 23°C in January and 26°C in August, with the maximum temperature range falling between 28°C in January and 31°C in August, the respective coolest and hottest months of the year.
Unlike most islands in the tropics, Antigua experiences relatively low humidity which makes the tropical weather slightly more bearable and enjoyable. The relative humidity typically ranges between 62% (mildly humid) and 91% (very humid) over the course of an average year, rarely dropping below 54% (mildly humid) or reaching as high as 100% (very humid). The air is often driest around March 1st, when the relative humidity drops below 66% (mildly humid) three days out of four, whilst it's at its most humid around October 15th, when it exceeds 87% (very humid) three days out of four.
As well as being less humid, Antigua is also drier than most of the other Caribbean islands. The island averages only 1,140mm of rainfall each year, with precipitation most likely around August 5th when it falls on 61% of days, whilst precipitation is least likely around March 31st, when it only falls on 46% of days. Moderate rain is the most common form of precipitation, observed during 59% of days which see rainfall, followed by light rain seen on 29% of days, thunderstorms on 9% and heavy rain on 2%. The majority of Antigua's annual precipitation falls during October, when the island experiences an average of 132mm/5 inches of rainfall over the course of 16 wet days.
Like most of the Caribbean Islands, Antigua receives a break from the sometimes overwhelming heat when the trade winds begin to blow in from the east. These winds temper the harsh heat and add an enjoyable, soothing touch to the tropical climate. Over the course of an average year in Antigua, wind speeds vary between 1 m/s (light air) and 9 m/s (fresh breeze), rarely rising above 11 m/s (strong breeze). The highest average wind speed of 7 m/s (moderate breeze) usually happens around June 23rd, when the average daily maximum wind speed is 9 m/s, whilst the lowest average wind speed of 5 m/s (gentle breeze) often occurs around October 16th, when the average daily maximum wind speed is 7 m/s.
Antigua is a great place to relax and soak up the laid back Caribbean lifestyle. The trade winds mean that it is a great location for sailing and other wind-based water sports, such as windsurfing, and the surrounding crystal clear water provides great visibility for diving and snorkelling. The average sea temperature for the island hardly changes throughout the year at all, ranging from lows of 27°C to highs of 29°C.
Antigua has one of the most envied climates in the West Indies, with relatively low humidity; lower than average rainfall, hours and hours of interrupted sunshine all combined with its idyllic location in the path of the local trade winds means that Antigua is a year-round holiday destination.
Jabberwock Beach in Antigua taken byJames.
Hot Season (June to October)
The months between June and October are classed as the hot season for Antigua and are when the island experiences its highest temperatures, although they're only a few degrees higher than the coldest temperatures, alongside a decrease in average precipitation.
At this time of year, average highs are around 31°C, whilst average lows are around 25°C. The highest temperature ever recorded during the hot season is 40°C, which was registered in October, whilst the lowest temperature ever recorded during this season is 20°C, which was registered in July, August and October.
The months from June to November form the hurricane season, so be very careful if you're looking to holiday on the island at this time of year. Although the average wind speeds during this season can be anywhere between 17 km/h and 26 km/h, in recent years, wind speeds of up to 94 km/h have been recorded.
Catamaran Tour in Antigua taken byAustin
Cold Season (December to March)
The cold season in Antigua is when the weather is most enjoyable, with humidity being at its lowest (around 75%) and precipitation being minimal, ranging between 63mm/2 inches over the course of 17 rainy days in December and 21mm/1inch over the course of 18 rainy days in January.
At this time of year, average highs are around 29°C, whilst average lows are around 23°C. The hottest temperature ever registered in Antigua during the cold season is 34°C, which was registered in January, whilst the coldest temperature ever recorded on the island during this season is 16°C, which was registered in December.
Extreme weather
Antigua has been severely affected by regular hurricanes for decades. One of the most recent ones is Hurricane Omar which tore across the Caribbean Sea in 2008 and destroyed nine homes, damaged many others and flooded various farms, causing $54million in damages.
The most recent hurricane to hit Antigua was Hurricane Gonzalo which was a powerful Atlantic Hurricane that affected Antigua, as well as Bermuda, the Lesser Antilles and even the UK in October 2014. The hurricane was formed on October 12th from a tropical wave in the east of the Caribbean Sea and passed through Antigua and the other Leeward Islands where it developed. During its passing through Antigua, Hurricane Gonzalo damaged trees and homes alone, whilst dozens of boats were destroyed and one person lost their life in St Martin.
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FAQs
Are there storms in Antigua? ›
The official hurricane season is July to November, and while the risk is very small, you might encounter some tropical storms.
What is the rainiest month in Antigua? ›The wettest month is October with an average of 101mm of rain. The best month to swim in the sea is in August when the average sea temperature is 29°C (84°F).
What is the rainy season in Antigua? ›The wet season runs from mid-June to mid-November and can have short spells of heavy rainfall and nighttime thunderstorms. There is still a lot of sunshine during this time but it can get quite humid and muggy.
Is Antigua in the hurricane zone? ›June to November is also hurricane season, and although Antigua doesn't see too much rain, you should pack your umbrellas to be safe.
Does it rain all day in Antigua? ›Be aware that May experiences an average rainfall of 4.5 inches (114 mm), significantly higher than winter's low rainfall. From September through November, Antigua averages around 5.25 inches (133 mm) per month. But it's rare for rain to fall all day long; you should still enjoy some sunshine during these months.
When should we stop Antigua? ›The Best Time to Visit Antigua
It is generally advised to avoid travel between August and October when there is a high risk of hurricanes.
Avoid drinking tap water in Antigua. If you're exploring the country, carry bottled water and don't borrow from locals. Alternatively, drink boiled water. You should also avoid unfiltered ice in bars or hotels.
Is the water clear in Antigua? ›One of the gems of the Caribbean, the island of Antigua is a beach-lover's dream. With 95 miles of coastline, you won't have any difficulty finding a beautiful stretch of sand to relax in the sun while gazing at crystal clear waters.
Is Antigua safe during hurricane season? ›While there isn't a wrong time, the worst time to visit Antigua is during hurricane season. Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June-November. As we've already discussed, Antigua has good weather and welcomes visitors year-round.
Are there mosquitoes in Antigua? ›Weather: The weather in Antigua is mostly warm and tropical. The best temperatures are usually experienced between March to August. September to November are particularly hot and humid. As with most tropical islands there is the risk of insect bites from mosquitoes and sand flies.
Which is the best side of Antigua to stay? ›
The best coast to stay in Antigua is the west coast, starting from St. John's all the way along via Jolly beach to the English Harbour. This is because the Caribbean sea is calmer and it's very easy to access the water.
Can you swim in the ocean in Antigua? ›Can I swim on the Antigua beaches? Of course, you can! You should know that the coast from St John's to the English Harbour on the side of Jolly beach it's the west coast of Antigua washed by the Caribbean sea where the sea is calmer and it's very easy to access to the water.
Is there a hurricane right now 2022? ›There are no tropical cyclones in the Atlantic at this time. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th.
What is the safest island in the Caribbean? ›The safest island in the Caribbean is St. Barts. But Anguilla, the Cayman Islands, and the Virgin Islands are also comparatively safe Caribbean destinations.
What happens if you get Covid in Antigua? ›You will be contacted by the Health Authorities and instructed to self-isolate or move to a quarantine facility. This will be determined by the Quarantine Authority. You may be instructed to stay at the Government's Quarantine facility. This would be at a charge of XCD 82 per night.
What are the best months to visit Antigua? ›The best time to visit Antigua is between mid-December and mid-April when it's peak season, making it the perfect destination to escape wintery conditions in the US or Europe. A good secondary option is to go to Antigua in May or June.
Is Antigua always cloudy? ›The clearer part of the year in Antigua and Barbuda begins around November 22 and lasts for 5.1 months, ending around April 25. The clearest month of the year in Antigua and Barbuda is January, during which on average the sky is clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 77% of the time.
What is Antigua known for? ›When it comes down to it, the reasons to love Antigua are all tied into the things the island is most known for: its beautiful white sand beaches, sailing, the 18th century Nelson's Dockyard, its culinary delicacies, the largest nesting colony of frigate birds in the Caribbean, and much more!
What should you not wear in Antigua? ›Avoid wearing any scent or perfume. There are a number of up-market restaurants where the dress code is super smart – so you might want to add in a nice outfit if you plan to dine in these places. You should also be aware that it's illegal to have army/combat type clothing or print.
Do I need mosquito repellent in Antigua? ›There were a lot of concerns about chikungunya, a mosquito borne virus which has been reported in Antigua. The type of mosquito that carries the virus is active during the daytime, so protection and insect repellents should be used all the time, rather than just at dawn and dusk.
Which side of Antigua has the best beaches? ›
Many of Antigua's best beaches are found on the protected Caribbean side, and all are open to the public. Just to the north of Galley Bay Resort, you'll find one of my favorite beaches on the island and maybe even the entire Caribbean: Deep Bay.
What plug adapter do I need for Antigua? ›For Antigua there are two associated plug types, types A and B. Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and plug type B is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. Antigua operates on a 230V supply voltage and 60Hz.
What alcohol is Antigua known for? ›Sipping Rum
Rum is the main alcoholic beverage on Antigua since the rum trade literally built the island.
CURRENCY. The official currency of Antigua is the Eastern Caribbean dollar which is fixed to the US dollar. * US currency, travelers checks, and major credit cards (excluding AMEX) are accepted.
What is the number 1 beach in the Caribbean? ›Consistently voted the best beach in the Caribbean, White Bay is located on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands.
Why are there no waves in Antigua? ›The rocky coastline of the two islands has numerous bays and inlets, some of which have been turned into harbours. The water offshore is shallow, reducing the impact of the swell and cutting the number of surfable spots down to around ten. Tourism in Antigua and Barbuda is strictly luxury only.
What beach has the clearest water in Antigua? ›Carlisle Bay Beach
Carlisle Beach is located by the village of Old Road on the south coast of Antigua. This expansive beach offers clear waters, fine sand and excellent snorkeling where you can find a wide variety of tropical fish.
Yes, you can visit Antigua safely. Antigua is one of the safest Caribbean islands, but there are some parts of it that are less so. Certain areas of St. John's can be dicey; if you feel uncomfortable anywhere, simply leave that area.
Is it safe to walk around Antigua at night? ›Is It Safe To Go Out At Night In Antigua? Antigua is one of the most popular nightlife destinations in Guatemala, and one of the reasons is that it is very safe. With the streets of Antigua safe at night, travelers only need to worry about pickpockets that occasionally occur in nightclubs and bars.
When was the last hurricane in Antigua? ›The islands of Barbuda and Antigua were hit on 6 September 2017 by Hurricane Irma with catastrophic effects.
Are there sharks in Antigua waters? ›
When Scuba Diving in Antigua, it is quite likely you'll encounter sharks, particularly reef and nurse sharks. It is not uncommon to see three to four sharks on a single dive.
Do you get snakes in Antigua? ›There are no snakes in Antigua.
Are there big spiders in Antigua? ›As every where in the world Antigua has its fair share of spiders. In Antigua the largest ones are called horse spiders. They can be as large as the palm of your hand but are very rarely seen, not poisonous and are more scared of you then you are of them.
Is Antigua or St Lucia better? ›If you're more into kicking back on perfect white sand beaches then Antigua is perfect. However, if you have more of a thirst for adventure, then you should choose St Lucia. As with any holiday destination debate, this argument depends on what you want from your escape.
What is the local drink in Antigua? ›Taking the original name of the island as its own, Wadadli is the national beer of Antigua. Brewed up in Crabb's Peninsula (close-ish to the St. Philips Ice Cream by the way) Wadadli is a pale lager that was launched in 1993. It's ubiquitous, as well as refreshing, and delicious, so no need to drink any other beer.
Is Antigua a luxury destination? ›One half of the larger country of Antigua and Barbuda, Antigua is known as a luxury destination filled with high-end amenities and experiences that cater to the most discerning of travelers.
Is there a seaweed problem in Antigua? ›Several Caribbean countries including Antigua and Barbuda have been dealing with the sargassum problem, which poses both economic and ecological challenges, for more than a decade.
Are there pink sand beaches in Antigua? ›Barbuda Pink Beaches, Antigua and Barbuda
Located about 30 miles north of Antigua, the Pink Sand Beach is known to be the pinkest of all Caribbean beaches, due to the high levels of coral reefs along the coast.
Have tsunamis affected Antigua & Barbuda? One of the earliest reported earthquake generated tsunamis was recorded in Antigua on April 6th 1690. This was triggered by landslides at Nevis peak. The shoreline receded up to 18 m/60 feet before the waves returned to flood the coastline of Antigua.
Are there any tropical storms brewing in the Caribbean? ›There are currently no active storms in the North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico.
What is the hurricane update for 2022 caribbean? ›
“For the 2022 hurricane season, NOAA is forecasting a likely range of 14 to 21 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher).
Is 2022 a big hurricane year? ›Ultimately, the 2022 season was near-normal. Phil Klotzbach, senior research scientist at Colorado State University's Department of Atmospheric Sciences, described the 2022 season as “the most abnormal, normal hurricane season on record.” August was unusually calm and followed by a series of intense storms.
Which is the prettiest of the Caribbean islands? ›1. St. Lucia. St. Lucia is arguably the most beautiful of all Caribbean Islands with its two UNESCO World Heritage designated Pitons standing proud. The Gros and Petit Pitons are two mountainous volcanic plugs that definitely contribute to the island's beauty.
What is the least touristy Caribbean island? ›1. Montserrat. With just 1,591 stay-over visitors in 2021, Montserrat is the least touristy Caribbean island. Lush green mountains abound on the island of Montserrat, known as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean.
What is the crime rate in Antigua? ›| Antigua and Barbuda Crime Rate & Statistics - Historical Data | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Per 100K Population | Annual % Change |
| 2020 | 9.19 | 197.51% |
| 2019 | 3.09 | -75.21% |
| 2018 | 12.46 | -40.53% |
Are COVID-19 tests required to travel to Antigua and Barbuda? No tests are needed to travel to Antigua and Barbuda.
Do you still need a negative Covid test to fly back into the US? ›Before boarding a flight to the U.S., you will need to show a paper or digital copy of your test result for review by the airline and may be requested to show to public health officials after you arrive in the U.S. Will CDC reimburse me for the cost of a COVID-19 test?
Do you still need a negative Covid test to get back into the US? ›A: All air passengers traveling to the US, regardless of vaccination status, are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery.
Does Antigua get a lot of hurricanes? ›The hurricane season is June 1st to November 31st, that said the highest risk months are Mid august to Mid October. The last hurricane to hit Antigua directly was in 1999 and in 50 years there have been only 6 direct hits.
Does Antigua get tsunamis? ›Antigua and Barbuda and the other islands of the Eastern Caribbean, lie in a tectonic setting where the North American plate is sinking beneath the Caribbean plate giving rise to earthquakes and volcanoes. In this setting, underwater earthquakes that rupture the crust may generate tsunamis.
Does Antigua have earthquakes? ›
The largest earthquake in Antigua and Barbuda:
today: 4.6 in Parham, Saint Peter, Antigua and Barbuda. this week: 4.6 in Parham, Saint Peter, Antigua and Barbuda. this month: 6.2 in Pointe-Noire, Guadeloupe, Guadeloupe. this year: 6.2 in Pointe-Noire, Guadeloupe, Guadeloupe.
As with most tropical islands there is the risk of insect bites from mosquitoes and sand flies. So be sure to arm yourself with insect repellent especially if you will be visiting between September to November.
Does Antigua have a lot of sharks? ›It should come as no surprise that the azure Caribbean Sea waters around the 365 beaches are loaded with sharks. The thriving coral reefs and warm temperatures provide plenty of food sources. However, an interesting fact about Antigua is that there has never been a shark attack here in recorded history.
What destroyed Antigua? ›Antigua, the capital of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala, was founded in the early 16th century. Built 1,500 m above sea-level, in an earthquake-prone region, it was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1773 but its principal monuments are still preserved as ruins.
What is the hottest month in Antigua? ›The hottest months are during August and September, though these months also see some of the higher rainfall amounts - due to the hot and humid hurricane season.
Was Antigua hit by the hurricane 2022? ›Storm Nicole caused no serious damage in Antigua and Barbuda.
When did coronavirus hit Antigua? ›| COVID-19 pandemic in Antigua and Barbuda | |
|---|---|
| Arrival date | 10 March 2020 (2 years, 10 months, 3 weeks and 5 days) |
| Date | 6 July 2021 |
| Confirmed cases | 9,106 |
| Active cases | 1 |
The climate in Antigua and Barbuda is tropical, hot and humid all year round, with a relatively cool, dry season from January to mid-April and a hot, humid, and rainy season from mid-June to mid-November.
Is the water calm in Antigua? ›The beach is protected by a reef, so the water is mostly calm and thus ideal for swimming.
Is there an active volcano in Antigua? ›Pacaya (2,552 m / 8,373 ft)
Active and unpredictable, Pacaya Volcano is a constant show of ash clouds and lava flow. Brave visitors can hike almost up to the cone and have a closer look at the flowing lava!
Does Antigua have a volcano? ›
Antigua no longer exhibits active volcanism, but its geology records its transition from island arc volcanism to limestone deposition. Antigua is divided into three formations, listed in order of decreasing age: Basal Volcanic Suite, Central Plain Group and Antigua Formation.