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Bathsheba in Barbados

When is the best time to visit Barbados?

Bathsheba in Barbados

The best time to visit Barbados is between December and June, when the weather is driest. The island has a warm, tropical climate year-round, with temperatures averaging highs of 30°C and humidity levels of 70% to 75%. Thanks to the prevailing trade winds, a cool breeze usually provides a respite from the midday sun and evenings can feel cooler.

Official hurricane season in Barbados is from July to November. The rain usually consists of brief, heavy showers, but there is lots of sunshine during the rest of the day. The risk of hurricanes is very small, as they normally pass to the north. However, they can affect the weather on the island and there are also tropical storms at this time of year.

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Month-by-month guide for travelling in Barbados

Beach, East Coast Barbados

Visiting Barbados in January

January has an average high of 28°C. Although there are rainy days, it is still one of the driest months; with brief, tropical showers giving way to sunshine for the rest of the day. It is a very popular month to travel and we recommend booking well in advance.

Bathsheba, East Coast Barbados

Visiting Barbados in February - April

These are the driest months, making this the most popular time to travel, so we recommend booking as far in advance as you can.

Events & Festivals

  • Holetown Festival (February): Commemorating the anniversary of the first settlement of Barbados by the British, this event highlights Barbadian culture and history, as well as promoting local crafts.
East Coast Barbados

Visiting Barbados in May

May can be a great time to travel as prices are lower, and while there is a little more rain, it is still usually drier than in January, with plenty of sunshine.

St Nicholas Abbey, Barbados

Visiting Barbados in June

Temperatures and the number of hours of sunshine remain consistent with the rest of the year, but the chance of short, tropical showers increases. Lower prices make it a great time to travel.

Local fishing boat, Barbados

Visiting Barbados in July - November

Attractive offers make prices a fraction of those offered during the high season. Rainfall is highest at this time, but this usually consists of relatively short showers. Although there are heavy tropical showers, there are still plenty of sunshine hours and the island landscape becomes more lush with rich green vegetation and beautiful tropical flowers. The official hurricane season falls between July and November, and although the risk of hurricanes is very small, you might encounter tropical storms.

Events & Festivals

  • Barbados Independence Surf Festival (November): An event that brings top international surfers to the Atlantic east coast's great waves, creating entertainment for spectators on the shoreline.
  • Crop Over Festival (August): Traditionally celebrating the end of the sugar cane harvest, this is one of Barbados' most popular festivals, with carnival parades, calypso competitions and colourful costumes.
  • Independence celebrations (November): The island celebrates independence with a series of events, including fairs and community activities, culminating in a grand parade on 30th November.
Purple-throated Carib

Visiting Barbados in December

December is drier and the island has regained its lush and colourful vegetation after the rain. Christmas is a very popular time to visit, with many people booking a year or more in advance.

Barbados Climate Guide

Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Bathsheba 28°C 69mm 28°C 49mm 29°C 40mm 30°C 48mm 31°C 62mm 30°C 110mm 30°C 135mm 30°C 159mm 30°C 174mm 30°C 179mm 29°C 188mm 29°C 97mm
Bridgetown 28°C 63mm 29°C 39mm 30°C 37mm 30°C 45mm 31°C 57mm 31°C 98mm 30°C 135mm 31°C 154mm 30°C 159mm 30°C 178mm 29°C 177mm 29°C 96mm
Oistins 28°C 63mm 29°C 39mm 30°C 37mm 30°C 45mm 31°C 57mm 31°C 98mm 30°C 135mm 31°C 154mm 30°C 159mm 30°C 178mm 29°C 177mm 29°C 96mm
Speightstown 28°C 69mm 28°C 49mm 29°C 40mm 30°C 48mm 31°C 62mm 30°C 110mm 30°C 135mm 30°C 159mm 30°C 174mm 30°C 179mm 29°C 188mm 29°C 97mm

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Travel advice

Practical tips for travelling to Barbados, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest FCDO travel advice.

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