The Best Time To Visit Antigua: The Complete Guide

Planning a trip to Antigua ? Let’s talk timing. The best time to visit really depends on your vibe. Are you chasing sunshine, craving quiet beaches, or hoping to jump into the island’s biggest festivals? With seasons that move to their own rhythm and events full of color, Antigua truly has something for every kind of traveler.

Now before packing your bags, it helps to know when to go. This comes down to your personal travel style. Weather, crowd levels, and local happenings can all shape the experience, and choosing the right time to visit Antigua is no different.

Picture: You can dive into vacation mode faster—Sandals Grande Antigua is just 15 minutes from Antigua’s main airport!

So, just to help you get into vacation mode faster, here’s the breakdown. The sweet spot? Mid-December to mid-April. That’s peak season and the perfect escape from winter back home. May and June also shine, with fewer crowds and temps sitting pretty in the mid-80s.

And speaking as someone from the Caribbean—I can tell you, rain doesn’t show up much during peak season. That’s why so many folks book early (and trust me, rooms go quick!). But if you swing by in late July, you’ll catch Antigua’s Carnival in full motion—music, dancing, pure island spirit. May and June sit right in between the rush, giving you some flexibility without missing the fun.

But more on that later!

In this article on the Sandals Blog:

About Antigua & Barbuda
Interesting Facts
365 Beaches
Famous Faces in Antigua
Ready, Set, Pack!
The Wet Season
The Dry Season
Peak Season vs Low Season
Events in Antigua
When the Island Sets the Mood
Repeat Visits Likely
FAQS: Best Time to Visit Antigua

About Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda are a charming pair of islands tucked into the Leeward Islands, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. Ahead of your visit, you might hear that Antigua was once called “Wadadli,” the name given by the island’s first people, long before the days of colonization. Antigua stretches about 108 square miles, making it the larger of the two, while Barbuda is a smaller coral island just 68 square miles across. What’s special is that together, these two islands share coastlines with both the wild Atlantic and the calm Caribbean. It’s a contrast you’ll definitely feel once you’re there.

Interesting Facts about Antigua

Antigua isn’t just one of the most captivating Caribbean islands, it’s also one of the warmest, sitting just 17 degrees north of the equator. With steady tropical temperatures, this island is a much-needed escape from long, chilly winters. Even when cold air from the north reaches the Caribbean during winter, Antigua’s temperatures still hover around the mid-70s (Fahrenheit). In the summer, it climbs to the toasty 80s, a major plus for sun seekers!

Antigua is full of unique natural wonders too. This includes Devil’s Bridge, a dramatic natural arch that meets the sea. You’ll also find quite a few historic plantations, sugar mills, lush rainforests, and the beloved Nelson’s Dockyard. If you’re visiting from the U.S. or happen to be a fan of former President Barack Obama, you might be interested to know that in 2009, Antigua renamed its highest peak from Boggy Peak to Mount Obama!

Beyond its upscale duty-free shopping, Antigua also offers something a bit different from some other Caribbean islands — legalized gambling. So, if that’s your thing, you can find casinos and sports betting venues on the island.

365 Beaches!

Perhaps the most interesting fact about Antigua is that there are 365 beaches on the island. In addition to the favorites with powdery white sand and views for days, there are also hidden gems with soft, pink-hued sand—a rarity in the islands. With one beach for every day of the year, Antigua breezes past the competition when it comes to beach-hopping getaways.

Set apart from other islands in the region, which are mostly volcanic, Antigua is largely a coral island. That’s a big draw for visitors. Most of the beaches sit on the Caribbean Sea side, so you can expect calm waters year-round that are just right for snorkeling. Antigua is also surrounded by coral reefs, adding even more charm to its already striking coastline.

Famous Faces in Antigua

If you need a little more convincing, keep in mind that tons of writers, fashion designers, celebrities (including popular actors) and several famous cricketers (Antiguans love cricket!) have either built permanent or vacation homes in Antigua. Some of the more popular names include Giorgio Armani, Richard Branson, Oprah Winfrey and Jamaica Kincaid.

Ready, Set, Pack!

Now that you’ve got your heart set on Antigua, it’s time to figure out the best time to go based on what you love most. Are you chasing sunshine? Planning around high or low season? Maybe you’re all about Carnival vibes, or a sailor dreaming of taking part in the world-famous Antigua Sailing Week. Or maybe you just want to drop everything and soak up the sun on a beach with your name on it.

Whatever your travel style, it’s good to know what kind of weather you can expect when you touch down.

Antigua enjoys a tropical climate, with warm days and sun-kissed skies pretty much all year long. Temperatures dipping below the mid-70s? That’s rare here. While sunshine is the norm, the island does see some rain now and then. With its tropical-marine weather, Antigua experiences clear wet and dry seasons—something worth keeping in mind when picking your dates.

The Wet Season

Across the Caribbean, the wet season runs from June through November, covering the summer into fall months. It’s known for a slight uptick in rainfall and the occasional tropical storm. But most days? When it rains, it’s just Antigua’s way of saying, “Grab a drink, cuddle up, and wait five minutes.” Rainy days here feel more like a quick pause. A little break before you're back out exploring or kicking back in the sunshine.

There really isn’t a bad time to visit Antigua when it comes to weather. But if a few passing showers aren’t your vibe, or you’re hoping for a livelier scene, you may want to avoid the low season. If beach lounging is top priority, especially on one of Antigua’s famous 365 shores, then the dry season (December to May) is your best bet. Just expect a bit more buzz along the coastline.

Good to know: Many travelers love going to Antigua during the rainy season as there’s often less crowds on the beaches and around the swimming pools.

The Dry Season

Antigua’s dry season runs from December to May. These are the hard to resist winter-to-spring months when it feels like the sun doesn’t take a day off. If you’re looking to leave the cold behind, this is the best time to do it. The skies stay mostly clear, the days are warm, and rain hardly shows up. The weather's especially inviting during this stretch, and the Caribbean Sea stays calm and easy. You’ll find more visitors around too, which is ideal if you’re craving a bit of buzz with your beach days.

Insider Tip: Want to see Antigua at its most lush and green? Plan your trip between December and January. Cooler breezes roll in, and the landscape turns vibrant. It’s just the right mix of fresh air and tropical color.

Peak Season vs Low Season

As of 2025, Antigua and Barbuda's population is just around 94 095. Last year, more than 330,281 stay-over visitors arrived, bringing good vibes and energy during the peak season. The low season? It’s a whole different groove—quieter, more laid-back, and just right if you’re after a chill, low-key escape. Here’s a quick look at what each season feels like:

Peak Season

The peak tourism season in Antigua runs from mid-December to mid-April. This is a busy stretch with plenty to draw travelers in. Beyond the sunshine, there’s the Antigua Charter Yacht Show in December (big for sailing fans) and the Antigua and Barbuda International Kite Festival, which flies high from late March into early April. Kite flying is still a big part of Antiguan culture, especially when Easter comes around. Overall, peak season is ideal if you’re looking for an active vacation, or at least one where there’s plenty to do once you finally peel yourself off your beach lounger!

Shoulder Season

If you visit Antigua between May and June, you’ll land right in the shoulder season, an in-between time we like to call the best of both worlds in the Caribbean. It’s not too busy, but not too quiet either. These spring months still bring a good crowd, especially with Antigua Sailing Week making waves from late April into early May.

Low Season

If having the beach to yourself sounds like the dream, plan a visit between July and November. The only big event during this time is Carnival, which takes over July into August with music, color, and rhythm. After that, things settle down again, making late August a sweet spot to blend right in with local life. Fewer visitors also mean more options when it comes to finding beachside all-inclusive resorts, and often at better rates.

Events in Antigua

If you can tear yourself away from the pool at Sandals Grande Antigua for a moment, you’ll discover that Antigua’s event calendar is brimming with both traditional festivals and modern celebrations. Let’s explore some of these vibrant festivals that might just inspire the timing of your next flight to Antigua:

Antigua Sailing Week

April 26 to May 2, 2025

One of the Caribbean’s top sailing regattas, this high-energy event brings over 100 yachts and crews from all over the world. Expect exciting races along Antigua’s coast, plus parties and festivities that keep the vibe going onshore.

Peters & May Round Antigua Race

Held in late April

This standalone race kicks off the Sailing Week schedule with a bold, full-circle challenge: one thrilling lap around the island.

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta

April 16 to 21 (dates can vary annually)

Timeless beauty meets island breeze. Watch classic and vintage yachts take to the sea in a beloved event that’s all about style and sailing heritage.

Run in Paradise Half Marathon

Usually held in late May; exact date varies yearly

A scenic run with a Caribbean twist. This half-marathon draws runners from across the globe to cruise past Antigua’s historic landmarks and coastal views.

Jolly Harbour Yacht Club’s Annual Regatta

Typically held mid to late November

A community favorite featuring spirited races for seasoned sailors and first-timers alike, all set in the friendly harbor vibe of Jolly.

Antigua and Barbuda International Kite Festival

Typically held in April around Easter

Bright skies, big smiles. This cultural celebration fills the air with homemade kites, flying high in true island tradition.

Antigua Summer Carnival

Late July to early August (dates can vary annually)

Caribbean carnivals can be hard to resist! Antigua’s celebrations feature a host of pageants, concerts, street fairs, and the grand finale parade. The J’ouvert and the jump-up at Carnival City are popular events on this island’s carnival calendar.

Find out more about Antigua Carnival, and other carnivals in the region by checking out our complete Caribbean Carnival calender.

Antigua and Barbuda Independence Food Fair

November 1, 2025

Held at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, this flavorful fest dishes out local street eats in celebration of Independence Day.

Gemonite Moods of Pan Festival

Dates TBA for 2025

Feel the rhythm. The Antigua Moods of Pan Festival is one of those events you won’t want to miss for a taste of island rhythm. This steelpan showcase brings together top local and international musicians for a celebration of Caribbean soul and sound.

When the Island Sets the Mood

Antigua is a Caribbean gem where natural beauty meets laid-back island charm, making it a top spot for romance. Whether you’re dreaming of a destination wedding or planning a honeymoon getaway, this island checks all the right boxes. Resorts like Sandals Grande Antigua bring the love with carefully curated wedding and honeymoon packages that let you relax and just be in the moment.

Good to know: Sandals Grande Antigua has been voted the “World’s Most Romantic Resort” for multiple years in a row, and for good reason!

Repeat Visits Likely…

A trip to Antigua means you’re soaking in the best of both worlds: easygoing beach days and spots that’ll spark your sense of adventure. With an all-inclusive island vacation, you’ll have every reason to keep coming back for more. Between the soft sand, the sea breeze, and the pulse of island life, one visit just won’t be enough.

Picture: Made for romance and pure relaxation, your all-inclusive Antigua vacation includes everything you need for a dreamy island escape—plus a little extra indulgence!

FAQs: Best Time to Visit Antigua

When is the best time to visit Antigua?

A: The sweet spot is from mid‑December to mid‑April—classic dry season with sunny skies and warm temps in the mid‑70s to mid‑80s. Want quieter vibes with great weather? Consider the shoulder season in May or June when it’s slightly less crowded and still beautifully warm, around mid‑80s.

Is there a rainy season in Antigua?

A: Yes, Antigua’s wet season runs June through November. But don’t fret—the showers are usually brief and tropical. Plus, fewer crowds mean beach days feel more intimate and low‑key.

When is Antigua’s Carnival?

A: Antigua Summer Carnival pops off each year from late July through early August, capping in early August with J’ouvert street parties and parades. It’s a full-on celebration of music, dance, and island life!

What are the peak and low tourism seasons in Antigua?

A: Peak: Mid‑December to mid‑April—high season with lively crowds, top resort bookings, and events like Yacht Shows and Kite Festival.

Shoulder: May–June—calm yet engaged, with sailing events and moderate prices.

Low: July–November—more peace, fewer travelers, and good deal alerts—just watch for Carnival and the lazier shoulder stretch around August.

What major events should I plan around?

A: Antigua Sailing Week – late April to early May

Kite Festival – late March/early April

Super Yacht Challenge – January

Valentine’s Regatta – mid‑February

Summer Carnival – late July to early August

Independence Food Fair – November 1st

How’s the weather by season?

A: Dry season (Dec–May): Sun, sea breezes, and calm waters—perfect for tanning and swimming.

Wet season (Jun–Nov): Short bursts of tropical rain, warm temps, lush greenery, and a more peaceful atmosphere.

How busy is Antigua year-round?

A: High season (Dec–Apr): Buzzing beaches and booked‑out resorts—book ahead!

May–June: Still lively, but with more room to breathe.

Low season (Jul–Nov): Best chance for uncrowded beaches and bargain stays, though Carnival draws a lively crowd.

Is it easy to get to Sandals Grande Antigua?

A: Absolutely! Sandals Grande Antigua is just a 15‑minute drive from VC Bird International Airport, so you’ll be kicking back in paradise in no time.

Is Antigua romantic for couples?

A: You bet—Sandals Grande Antigua has been crowned one of the most romantic resorts. With lush beaches, luxe wedding/honeymoon packages, and Caribbean sunsets, romance is always in the air.

Is Antigua a good choice for an all-inclusive vacation?

A: Absolutely—Antigua is one of the most captivating island destinations there is. This island offers a handful of all-inclusive resorts with bottomless drinks, tasty dining options, beach bars, and water‑sports all wrapped into one effortless stay. Whether you’re after a chill beachfront escape or a lively resort vibe, you’ll find just what you're looking for in Antigua.

Picture: A quiet table set just for two, the sea just steps away, and that look that says you picked just the right destination, at the perfect time. Beachfront dining at Sandals Grande Antigua.