Antigua Weather

Antigua Weather

Antigua is located in the tropics, close to the Equator. As such, Antigua weather does not vary much even as seasons change. Summertime sees Antigua weather in its most pleasant at mid-eighties. In the winter, however, the mercury plunges down slightly, reaching almost mid-seventies, providing for much cooler nights.

Antigua weather is classified as the sunniest and driest in the Eastern Caribbean. Annual rainfall is only about 45 inches, with varying frequency so that the island often experiences drought. Brief spurts of rain often occur between the months of July and October, lasting very shortly, rarely for long. In addition, the rain seldom falls over consecutive days. To make up for the frequent droughts, Antigua practices desalination of seawater.

Antigua weather is dry for the most part, year round. The island rarely experiences the stifling humidity common in most of the Caribbean Islands due to the tropical heat. This means that even on the hottest days, Antigua weather remains bearable and pleasant even as the rest of the West Indies are wilting under the heat.

Because of the island's nearly constant Antigua weather, many consider this Caribbean destination as a year-round spot with something for everyone no matter what time of the year. July and August are the hottest months even as these are also the months when Antigua's rainy season sets in.

The winter months between December and April are often the driest and considered as the peak tourist season. Hotels and resorts will become crowded around this time but this shouldn't stop you from coming to the island, if only to check out what this laidback island in the West Indies has to offer.

Hoteliers tend to offer more services and better rates in order to accommodate the upsurge of guests so it's definitely good value traveling in-season. Not only is Antigua weather at its best but these months, particularly in late April, traditionally see the world famous Sailing Week when thousands of sailboats and racing boats converge in Antigua's English Harbor. Also, festival season starts in the month of January lasting until Sailing Week in late April.

While Antigua weather is dry and sunny for the most part, it is not however free from the trade winds that blow southeast to northwest off the water. The weather in most Caribbean islands includes a near constant dose of these trade winds that provide cooling relief from even the worst weather conditions.

The same is true with Antigua weather. In fact, many shore side restaurants on the islands have terraces that face the shore, an ideal place to catch this element of Antigua weather. Also, if you go higher up land, the soothing effects of these trade winds are better felt.