Antigua weather

Antigua weather averages and climate

Sitting just north of the equator in the Caribbean Sea, the island enjoys a sunny tropical climate. Antigua is the embodiment of a typical Caribbean island paradise; with sparkling white sandy beaches and glistening turquoise waters. A refreshing breeze from the northeasterly trade wind lessens the heat, making it perfect for sunbathing next to the crystal clear aquamarine waters.  

Data from VC Bird Airport

Average daily max (°C)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
28.2 28.2 28.5 29.3 29.8 30.5 30.7 31.0 31.0 30.5 29.6 28.6 29.7
Average relative humidity (%)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
74 73 71 74 76 75 75 76 77 78 77 75 75
Average rainfall (mm)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
122 86 112 89 97 112 155 183 168 196 180 140 1640
Average daily sunshine (hrs)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
7 7 7 8 8 7 8 8 7 8 7 7 7
Average wind speed (mph)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
17.4 17.3 16.2 15.9 16.2 17.7 16.8 13.7 11.5 12.4 13.6 15.9 15.4

When is the best time to visit Antigua?

For sun-seekers, the temperatures and sunshine amounts don’t vary too much throughout the year. 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. If you are looking for some winter sun, then Antigua makes for a perfect getaway, as average temperatures are still hot by UK standards, but with a refreshing breeze to lessen the intense heat, and generally lower rainfall amounts than the summer months. Hurricane season is usually from June to November, with the highest risk months being mid-August to mid-October.

Spring

Spring is a great time to visit this island paradise, with the tropical sunshine bringing temperatures between 28 and 30 Celsius on average. It is also the driest season in terms of both rainfall and humidity; so if you struggle with muggy, humid heat, then this is the best time of year to go. 

Summer

If you’re looking for the hottest season to go, then the summer months will provide plenty of scorching sunshine, as this is when temperatures are at their highest (30-31 Celsius on average). However, it can also get very humid at this time of year, with thunderstorms adding short bursts of intense rainfall from time to time, often at night. It is also part of the hurricane season, with a risk of strong winds and intense rain as tropical storms track nearby.

Autumn

Autumn is also part of the hurricane season, with the average rainfall at its highest of the year in October (196mm). However, there are still a good 7 or 8 hours of sunshine on average, and with daytime highs between 29-31 Celsius, there is still plenty of clear blue Caribbean sky on offer in between the short-lived stormy weather.

Winter

With the UK at its coldest, winter is the perfect time to escape to the sunny shores of Antigua. Average temperatures are still hot, with highs reaching 28 Celsius on average, compared to the 6-10 Celsius in the UK. Winter is also the second driest season for this blissful sun-drenched holiday resort, with only 116mm on average.

Antigua tourist information

The island has a long tradition of sailing, thanks to the equatorial trade winds, which offer perfect conditions for the many world-renowned regattas which take place on Antigua. If you prefer a more relaxed approach to nautical excursions, there is plenty of opportunity to explore the coves and coral reefs at your leisure, or perhaps a sunset dinner cruise; viewing the many colours of the tranquil Caribbean sunset. Although the perfect white sandy beaches and jade sea are the main draw for most of the holidaymakers heading to this island paradise, there are also opportunities for thrill-seekers; zip-wiring through the tropical rainforest, or daring the suspended walkways through the lush green canopy.