Climate and monthly weather forecast
Antigua and Barbuda

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Flag of Antigua and Barbuda
Flag of Antigua and Barbuda

The climate of Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda has a tropical marine climate (Köppen climate classification Aw), with predominantly hot and humid conditions throughout the year. Moist trade winds pass over the warm seas much through the year and regulate the temperatures. Antigua and Barbuda is a sovereign state in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles area of the Caribbean region. The island country lies in the eastern arc of the Caribbean that separates the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. Antigua lies 39 miles south of Barbuda, 35 miles northeast of Redonda Island, and 406 miles southeast of the United States territory of Puerto Rico. The tropical location, trade winds, and the proximity to the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean influence the climate.

Antigua and Barbuda lies on the arc that forms the easternmost boundary of the Caribbean Sea with the North Atlantic Ocean. The island country's location at 17°N of the equator blesses it with bright sunshine and an equal duration of days and nights. Several small islands and islets are part of the Commonwealth. The terrain is mostly low-lying, with limestone and coral formations, and some high volcanic areas. Limestone formations dominate the north, followed by a central clay plain, and volcanic area in the south. Beaches, lagoons, and natural harbors abound the coastlines of the islands. Reefs and shoals surround the significant part of the islands. The islands have no rivers and lack sources of freshwater except for small streams and reservoirs. Boggy Peak, a volcanic crater, is the highest point in Antigua and Barbuda at 402 meters above sea level.

The best time to visit Antigua and Barbuda

From January to April during the dry season, Antigua and Barbuda present the most inviting conditions for tourists. This period, particularly between the third week of January and the first week of February, offers the best conditions of the year. With numerous rainless days and temperatures fluctuating between 18.3°C (64.9°F) and 32.2°C (90°F), this time is ideal for visitors. Moderate winds blowing at speeds from 19.3km/h (12mph) to 22.5km/h (14mph) create a pleasant atmosphere, and the daily sunshine lasts for 8 hours, making it an excellent period for outdoor activities. This time is devoid of tropical storms, and the seawater remains calm, further enhancing the attractiveness of the island country for tourism.

The worst time to visit Antigua and Barbuda

Tourists should avoid visiting Antigua and Barbuda from June to September, which is the hot and humid summer period. The sun's ultraviolet index peaks at 12, resulting in potentially harmful radiation. The humidity reaches its highest, and days remain muggy, leading to discomfort due to excessive sweating. Heavy rainfall, often coupled with thunderstorms, makes sunbathing or participating in water-related activities challenging. Tropical storms increase during this period, adding to the weather uncertainty.

Spring weather in Antigua and Barbuda

In Antigua and Barbuda, the spring months from March to May transition the climate from the relatively cool and dry winter to the humid and wet summer. Average temperatures range from 25°C (77°F) in March to 27.2°C (81°F) in May. This period also marks the end of the dry season with an increasing likelihood of precipitation as May approaches. Average daily sunshine during spring lasts between 7 to 9 hours, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. The wind speeds typically vary from 20.5km/h (12.7mph) to 25km/h (15.5mph) during this period.

Summer weather in Antigua and Barbuda

Summer in Antigua and Barbuda from June to August is hot, humid, and wet. Average high temperatures reach 31.1°C (88°F), and the skies are usually cloudy more than 60% of the time. Despite the heat, temperatures rarely exceed 33.3°C (91.9°F). This period also marks the onset of the rainy season, contributing to 80% of the annual rainfall. Storms often occur in the form of downpours or thunderstorms but do not usually last for extended periods.

Autumn weather in Antigua and Barbuda

Autumn, from September to November, continues the wet season in Antigua and Barbuda. These months are the wettest period of the year, with rainfall occasionally intense but typically short-lived. Daily temperatures range from 26°C (78.8°F) to 30°C (86°F), while nights are a bit cooler. Winds during this period register from 19.3km/h (12mph) to 29km/h (18mph), providing some relief from the humidity. Despite the rainfall, sunshine hours remain relatively high, ranging from 6 to 8 hours daily.

Winter weather in Antigua and Barbuda

Winter, from December to February, is characterized by relatively dry and cool to warm conditions. January sees the lowest average temperature of the year at 25°C (77°F). The northeastern trade winds blow strongly during this time, decreasing humidity levels and the heat index. Despite being the coolest time of the year, sunshine hours remain between 7 to 9 hours daily, allowing for various outdoor activities. The seawater temperature remains suitable for swimming, ranging from 26.1°C (79°F) to 27.2°C (81°F).

Weather in January

January in Antigua and Barbuda signals the height of the dry season with relatively cool to warm and less humid conditions. This month experiences the lowest average temperature of the year at 25°C (77°F). Saint John's, the capital of Antigua, and Codrington, the capital of Barbuda, both experience similar temperatures, given their geographical proximity and similar topography. Compared to the preceding month of December, January observes slightly lower temperatures and reduced precipitation. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February continues the trend of the dry season in Antigua and Barbuda, with a slight increase in both temperature and rainfall from the preceding month. The average daily temperature in February rises marginally to 25.4°C (77.7°F), maintaining a pleasant atmosphere across the two main islands, Antigua and Barbuda, as well as in the capital cities, Saint John's and Codrington. The most notable distinction of February's climate compared to January is the slight rise in precipitation levels. Weather in February »

Weather in March

In Antigua and Barbuda, the transition from the dry to the wet season commences in March. Average temperatures rise slightly compared to February, reaching around 25.7°C (78.3°F). Saint John's and Codrington, as the primary urban centres, experience similar weather patterns due to their geographical proximity and uniform terrain. Rainfall in March increases somewhat, albeit moderately, compared to February. Weather in March »

Weather in April

The month of April in Antigua and Barbuda marks the culmination of the dry season and the onset of the wet season. Average temperatures rise a little more, reaching approximately 26.2°C (79.2°F). This is observed across the islands, including in the capital cities of Saint John's and Codrington. The onset of the wet season is marked by an increased frequency of rainfall in April, although it is not as intense or frequent as in the peak wet months. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May in Antigua and Barbuda signals the definitive end of the dry season and the onset of the wet season. Average temperatures continue their upward trend from the previous months, reaching approximately 26.7°C (80.1°F). This is reflective of the overall climate across the islands, including the cities of Saint John's and Codrington. The increase in rainfall becomes more pronounced in May, marking the arrival of the wet season. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June is when the wet season in Antigua and Barbuda firmly takes hold, with climatic conditions undergoing a significant shift from the dry season's traits. Average temperatures rise to approximately 27.6°C (81.7°F), noticeable across the country, including Saint John's and Codrington. Rainfall in June sees a substantial increase compared to May, as the wet season becomes more established. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July continues the wet season in Antigua and Barbuda with higher rainfall levels and warmer temperatures than earlier months. Throughout the islands, including key areas such as Saint John's and Codrington, the average temperatures hover around 28.1°C (82.6°F). Rainfall in July remains at a high level, with intense showers becoming more frequent, reflecting the ongoing wet season. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August, in the heart of the wet season, is typically the hottest month in Antigua and Barbuda. The average temperatures reach their annual peak at 28.1°C (82.6°F), affecting all regions of the islands, including Saint John's and Codrington. In terms of precipitation, August maintains the high rainfall patterns established in July, marking the apex of the wet season. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September is one of the wettest months in Antigua and Barbuda, witnessing the progression of the wet season with high rainfall and continuing warm temperatures. Across the islands, including primary locations like Saint John's and Codrington, average temperatures linger around 28°C (82.4°F). September sees some of the highest rainfall levels of the year, with heavy downpours and potential thunderstorms being common occurrences. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Antigua and Barbuda signals a slight retreat from the intensity of the wet season. The month sees a subtle decline in average temperatures, with readings across the islands, including Saint John's and Codrington, resting around 27.8°C (82°F). The rainfall in October shows signs of lessening, although it remains relatively high, signifying the tapering off of the wet season. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Antigua and Barbuda brings a noticeable shift in climate as the islands transition from the wet to the dry season. Average temperatures across the islands, including key areas like Saint John's and Codrington, drop to about 27.5°C (81.5°F). While November still experiences rainfall, there is a significant decrease compared to the preceding wet months. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Antigua and Barbuda marks the commencement of the dry season, offering relatively cooler and less humid conditions. Average temperatures across the islands, including central areas like Saint John's and Codrington, hover around 26.5°C (79.7°F), making it one of the cooler months of the year. Rainfall in December continues to decrease from the levels observed in the wet season. Weather in December »

Antigua and Barbuda

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