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When is the best time to visit Barbados?

Planning a Barbados escape? Here's when to go.
The best time to visit Barbados is between December and early April. Not only is it the driest part of the year on this sun-drenched island, but the temperatures are also balmy – it’s around 30 degrees every day. Although these months are great if you’re just after sun, sea and sand, beaches are only part of the story on a holiday to Barbados.

This Caribbean island combines award-winning beaches, huge luxurious resorts, and sweet-yet-spicy cuisine. Away from the beach, there are Colonial towns and sugarcane fields to explore, plus unique attractions like Harrison’s Caves – an underground network of limestone stalactites and natural pools. Barbados also boasts British influences. So, if you love a home-from-home holiday, you can expect cricket matches, afternoon tea on the terrace and elegant old houses. They even drive on the same side of the road as us in Barbados, so you’ll have no trouble getting your bearings. And that’s not all. There are a bunch of festivals to keep you busy, including Holetown Festival and Crop Over Festival, where you can shimmy with the locals. Once you've decided when to go, check out our deals on holidays to Barbados.

WHEN IS BARBADOS’ DRY SEASON?

December to April marks Barbados’ dry season. So, you can expect warm dry temperatures, sunshine and cloudless blue skies – basically, everything you’d want from a winter sun escape. Not only does Barbados line up some of the world’s best beaches – the award-winning Crane Beach and Silver Sands included – activities like catamaran cruises and jet-skiing are geared towards perfect weather. If you’re travelling at the peak holiday season in January, stay near Sandy Lane and you’re more than likely to spot some famous faces, as loads of celebs seem to congregate on the island post-Christmas.

 

WHEN IS BARBADOS’ RAINY SEASON?

Rainy season in Barbados runs from June to November. But, the good news is, the rain isn’t a gloomy all-day affair like it tends to be in the UK. Rather than constant grey clouds, mud and endless drizzle, the showers are short and sharp, punctuating an otherwise hot and sunny day. They usually happen mid-afternoon, so you’ll be able to plan your day around the potential showers. In fact, you might even find that they’re a reprieve from the humid, muggy weather, and will help to cool down the temperature considerably just in time for those evening cocktails.

Check out where’s hot all year round

WHEN IS BARBADOS’ OFFICIAL HURRICANE SEASON?

Along with the rest of the Caribbean, Barbados’ official hurricane season can start as early as June and end around October. The Met Office states that the highest risk of hurricanes is between September and October, due to the higher sea temperatures, however, this usually just means high winds and the occasional storm.

Are you all about sun, sea and sand? Take a peek at the best beach holiday destinations

WHEN IS IT QUIETEST IN BARBADOS?

If you want to avoid the crowds in Barbados, then June to August is the perfect time to go to avoid the peak holiday season. You’ll have the perfect white-sand stretches (almost) all to yourself and be able to really unplug. Combine relaxation and luxury at the Ocean Two Resort & Residences from our Platinum collection, which comes with a beachfront setting, waiter service on the sand and a choice of stylish suites.

Tempted? Discover which Caribbean island’s best for you…

TOP EVENTS IN BARBADOS

Want to plan your holiday around a top event? Check out what’s happening this year…
 

Mount Gay Round Barbados Race Series
January
The Round Barbados Race Series features three days of open-water sailing, including a race to Antigua and the Round Barbados race, so you can catch the impressive boats sailing past mid-sunbathing session.

Holetown festival
February
Barbados’ most famous festival kicks off in February. Shimmy along with the street parades, watch the queen of the festival be chosen and crowned, then grab a seat for the nightly concerts.

Crop Over festival
August
Crop Over is the island’s annual six-week carnival, marking the end of the sugarcane harvest. It involves street parties, singing competitions and a costumed parade through the Bridgetown.

Barbados Food and Rum Festival
Mid-November
Tuck into cuisine prepared by international chefs across the island in renowned restaurants, plus cocktails made with Bajan rum.

Independence celebrations
30 November
This ceremony marks Barbados’ independence from the UK back in 1966. You can expect marching troops and military bands at this event.

Run Barbados Marathon
Early December
This weekend of running events includes a fun run, a 5k, a 10k and a full marathon. Sign up and you can swap the London streets for a marathon on the beach. After the event there’s usually a party, that everyone is welcome to join, so you can celebrate your win.

Ready to book your Barbados holiday?

Browse through our holidays to Barbados. Looking for more Caribbean holiday inspiration? Find out the best time to visit Mexico, Jamaica and Cuba.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

 Author: Selina Akhtar

Last updated: 04.04.2019

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