The climate of Barbados
Barbados has a tropical monsoon climate (Köppen climate classification Am) that verges on the moderately tropical type due to habitual sea breezes. The climate is predominantly hot and humid throughout the year, with a slight drop in temperatures in the dry season. Barbados is an island country in the West Indies, in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean area of North America. The Windward Islands, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent lie to the east, Martinique to the north-west, and Trinidad and Tobago to the south-west of Barbados. The island's location at just 13°N of the equator blesses it with bright sunshine and an equal duration of days and nights. Northeast trade winds prevail throughout the year to reduce the effect of the tropical sun. The monsoon rains, proximity to the equator, the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, influence the climate.
Barbados forms the easternmost boundary of the Caribbean Sea with the North Atlantic Ocean. The island is relatively flat, with gentle rises in the Scotland District or the central highland region. Coral reefs surround the island, and the island itself comprises of coral formations more than 90 meters above the sediment. The land gradually inclines from west to east in a series of terraces. Swampland and scrubland with wild cattle and vegetation chiefly of small plants, grasses, and palm trees comprise parts of the island. The Scotland District has most of the streams that include an extensive system of aquifers and channels. The action of waves, currents, and winds continuously alter the relatively soft limestone composition on the Atlantic east coast. Rocky capes are standard along with many caves and gullies, especially in the north-eastern region. The coral reefs are a great attraction for divers, and the white, sandy beaches attract visitors from all over the world. Mount Hillaby is the highest point in Barbados at 340 meters above sea level.
The best time to visit Barbados
The best time to visit
Barbados is from
January to
April in the mild winter season. The temperatures are relatively mild, and the period is the least rainy of the year. The island resembles a tropical paradise with white sandy beaches and tranquil waters under blue skies. The days receive at least 8 hours of sunshine, even during the coldest time of the year. Moderate breezes with wind speeds of approximately 24.1km/h (15mph) make evenings pleasant on the beaches. Beach nights are enjoyable in the mild weather, absence of rain, and calypso music. The dry season is less prone to tropical storms and other extreme weather events.
The worst time to visit Barbados
The worst time to visit
Barbados is during the hot and humid summer from
June to
September. The sunshine is intense, and the humidity increases the heat index to uncomfortable levels. The heavy spells of rain make it challenging to sunbathe or engage in water-related activities. Barbados registers at least 152mm (5.98") to 178mm (7.01") of rain every month during the wet season. The interior receives more rainfall and is prone to higher temperatures than the coast. The tropical storm season adds to the uncertainty of the weather even though hurricane strength usually does not surpass category one or category two. Excursions on the sea are challenging when there is a high probability of storms and heavy rainfall.
Spring weather in Barbados
In
Barbados, the concept of 'spring' as known in temperate climates does not exist. However, the period from
February to
May, classified as the dry season, exhibits a few spring-like features. It sees a slight drop in temperature, reduced humidity, and lesser rainfall. The average daily temperature stays between 21.1°C (70°F) and 31.1°C (88°F), with each day enjoying at least 8 hours of sunshine. The low precipitation, ranging from 38mm (1.5") in February to 76mm (2.99") in May, makes this time ideal for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Barbados
The summer, from
June to
August, coincides with the start of the wet season in
Barbados. The season is characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and heavy rainfall. The average temperature reaches up to 31.1°C (88°F) in June, creating a hot and humid atmosphere. The rainfall amounts to at least 152mm (5.98") per month, with storms being a common occurrence. Despite the wet conditions, the summer days still manage to provide at least 8 hours of sunshine.
Autumn weather in Barbados
The 'autumn' months of
September to
November continue the wet season in
Barbados. The temperatures remain high, but the heat is somewhat offset by heavy rains. Monthly rainfall during these months averages 178mm (7.01"), with November being the wettest month. The temperatures range from 24.4°C (75.9°F) to 30°C (86°F). Despite the rainfall, there are still 8 hours of sunshine per day on average, providing ample opportunity to enjoy the island's attractions.
Winter weather in Barbados
The 'winter' period, from
December to
January, marks the transition from the wet to the dry season in
Barbados. The temperatures drop slightly during these months, ranging from 21.1°C (70°F) to 30°C (86°F). The weather becomes relatively dry, with the rainfall reducing to an average of 81mm (3.19") in December and 38mm (1.5") in January. The humidity also decreases during this time, making the atmosphere more pleasant. The winter days are relatively shorter but still manage to offer 8 hours of sunshine.
Weather in January
January in
Barbados, a part of the dry season, sees a slight drop in temperatures and humidity levels. The weather during this time is relatively mild, with average daily temperatures oscillating between 21.1°C (70°F) at night and 28.9°C (84°F) during the day.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
February,
Barbados continues to be under the influence of the dry season with a slight increase in temperature compared to
January. The weather remains pleasingly warm with average temperatures ranging from a comfortable 21.1°C (70°F) at night to a mild 29.4°C (84.9°F) during the day.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
March unfolds in
Barbados, the weather retains the mild and dry characteristics of the ongoing dry season. The average temperatures fluctuate between 21.1°C (70°F) during cooler nights and 30.6°C (87.1°F) in the warmth of the day.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As
Barbados transitions towards the end of the dry season in
April, the island experiences a gradual increase in temperature. During this time, average daily temperatures range from a comfortable 21.1°C (70°F) at night to a slightly warmer 31.1°C (88°F) during the day.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May,
Barbados experiences the final month of the dry season with a perceptible rise in temperature and rainfall. The average daily temperatures fluctuate between a mildly warm 22.2°C (72°F) during the nights and a hot 31.7°C (89.1°F) at the height of the day.
Weather in May »Weather in June
The onset of
June in
Barbados marks the beginning of the wet season, with a noticeable shift in weather patterns. Average temperatures during this month range from 23.3°C (73.9°F) during the cooler nights to 31.1°C (88°F) at the peak of the day.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Barbados brings the full intensity of the wet season with it, characterized by increased rainfall and consistently warm temperatures. The average daily temperatures persist between 23.9°C (75°F) at night to 31.1°C (88°F) during the day's peak.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the wet season trend in
Barbados with high temperatures and increased rainfall. The average daily temperatures persist within a comfortable range, from 23.9°C (75°F) at night to a hot 31.1°C (88°F) at the peak of the day.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Barbados is typically the peak of the wet season, marked by the highest rainfall of the year and persistently warm temperatures. The average daily temperatures fluctuate between a night low of 23.9°C (75°F) to a day high of 30.6°C (87.1°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Barbados marks the transition from the wet season's peak to slightly drier conditions, although rainfall is still significantly present. The island's average temperatures hover from a low of 23.9°C (75°F) during night to a high of 30.6°C (87.1°F) in the day.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks the end of the wet season in
Barbados, with a decrease in rainfall and relatively stable temperatures. Average daily temperatures range from a mild 23.3°C (73.9°F) at night to a warm 30.6°C (87.1°F) during the day.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Barbados signifies the onset of the dry season, characterized by a notable decrease in rainfall and pleasant temperatures. The average daily temperatures range from a comfortable low of 22.8°C (73°F) at night to a warm high of 29.4°C (84.9°F) during the day.
Weather in December » [Resources]