When is it best to visit Barbados?
June – August is the second busiest season for tourism in Barbados, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly more. If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Barbados are March, February, and then May. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around late January and early February. For example, on the week of January 29th there is 1 day of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in early to mid August with an average of 3 days of significant precipitation the week of August 6th.
Barbados is a great destination for year-round sunshine and warm weather. The sunniest and driest part of the year is from December to April, which is Barbados’s high season – during this time, temperatures reach a maximum of 29-30°C on average. The arrival of the wet season from July to November brings heavy rainfall, with the least amount of sunshine and greatest humidity in September and October. These months also have a higher risk of hurricanes – these are unlikely due to Barbados’s easterly position in the Caribbean, but still worth keeping track of. Rather than non-stop rain, the wet season in Barbados tends to involve short downpours or storms, which are usually followed by hot and sunny weather again which dries everything quickly.
Soca Monarch Finals (July-end) – Held at the National Botanical Gardens in St Michael, this competition is a massive event attracting over 10,000 people to watch the world’s best soca artists. The event is part of the Crop Over Festival and admission starts at Bds$50. Celtic Festival (May 19-24) – A musical and culinary festival celebrating the shared history between the Celtic countries cliff jumping puerto rico of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Nova Scotia with Barbados. Visiting musicians including bagpipers, folk singers, dancers, and fiddlers perform with local musicians to celebrate Barbados’ musical history. Barbados Ninja Throwdown – A local sports entertainment competition that features some obstacles that are seen on the show “American Ninja Warrior” with a local twist.
That means you can expect good weather and lower rates, making this season the best time to visit Barbados for many travelers. December is drier and less humid than the autumn months, with a similar amount of rainfall to May at an average of around 112mm. Expect consistent sunshine and temperatures of around 29°C, but more people and higher prices around Christmas in particular. The peak/high season in Barbados runs from the month of mid-December until early the following year, in mid-April. This is a popular time for travel, particularly for travellers looking for an escape from the colder winter temperatures in Europe and the United States. The increased demand during this time means that you need to book accommodation, dining and other popular excursions before arriving to the island to ensure availability.
By May the amount of rain jumps to 111 mm on average and wind speed picks up to around 12 mph. Unfortunately, the rise in temperature comes with an increase in prices. You will pay up to double or even triple the price for accommodation, flights, and food, with everyone looking to make the most of the season.
August is the height of summer in Barbados – the higher humidity and rainfall continue but there’s also a joint-highest average of 9 hours of sunshine per day. It’s especially important to wear plenty of sun cream and keep hydrated during this time, and the weather may get too humid for more strenuous activities like hiking. 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.
We know that these are uncertain times right now so we are currently offering extra flexibly so you can book with total peace of mind. Our new flexible cancellation policies mean that you can reschedule or even cancel your stay for any reason, even if you are due to check in soon. We believe no two holidays should be the same and a human touch can make all the difference. Covering all seven continents, The world your way shows you how you can see the world with us. It features trip ideas from our specialists alongside hand-picked stays and experiences, and introduces our approach to creating meaningful travel experiences. With stunning beaches spread all around its tropical shores, Barbados has sand to spare.
Book reservations in advance whenever possible for visiting during this period, especially if you want to stay at some of the hottest resorts or are picky about your flights and activities. September through October is the worst time to visit the Caribbean because it is the peak of the hurricane season. Shoulder season, meaning they are on the shoulders of the peak season and the worst times to visit. In addition to lower rates, most travelers will find the atmosphere in Barbados more relaxed due to fewer crowds. If you’re keen to work on your tan in Barbados, you’re most likely to get the longest days between sun-up and sun-down around August.
To take a break from the summer heat, visitors can pop over to Brandons Beach which is next to the market. The festival kicks off with the Crop Over Launch and Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes and culminates with the Grand Kadooment Day. Errol Barrow Day – A public holiday to celebrate the birthday of Errol Barrow, the first Prime Minister of Barbados. It is celebrated on January 21st with celebrations and a picnic in Barclays Park. If January 21st falls on a weekend, the following Monday will be a public holiday.