Best Time To Visit Barbados Seasonality, Weather & Events

At simply 166 sq. miles, Barbados could also be a small dot on the map, but it surely shines as one of many Caribbean’s prime journey locations. The former British colony is understood for its laid-back vibe, engaging seashores, and placing pure wonders like Harrison’s Cave. Events just like the Barbados Meals & Rum Competition and Crop Over (the island’s annual carnival celebration) appeal to thousands of visitors annually, all eager to get pleasure from some good ol’ Bajan leisure and delicacies.

Barbados is characterised by sunny skies all year long, with only a few exceptions. It is simply the type of escape you could have envisioned from chilly US winters (in the event you even want another excuse to go!).

On this publish, we have got all that you must know in regards to the greatest time to journey to Barbados!

On this article on the Sandals Weblog:

The best time to visit Barbados
Seasonality & crowds
Climate

Tourist arrivals
Best annual events
Best time to go snorkeling

Spring break
Dry season essentials
Where to stay

FAQ’s

What’s the Best Time to Visit Barbados?

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In the event you’re planning a trip on this paradise island, it helps to know when it’s a very good time to go to. One of the best time to go to Barbados is between mid-December and mid-April, throughout dry season. You’ll expertise much less rainfall and temperatures common round 86 levels Fahrenheit.

Fortunately, Barbados is a kind of islands you may go to at any time of the yr. Rainfall typically makes manner for solar, even within the moist season. Reserving your journey throughout August, for instance, might help you get extra worth for cash, as you’ll arrive on island proper in time for the annual Kadooment Day, which culminates the Crop Over Competition. That is good in the event you’re in search of a spot to unwind, the place you’ll additionally discover worthwhile leisure. You could even get an opportunity to see Rihanna, the richest feminine musician who simply so occurs to be from Barbados!

Seasonality & Crowds

Low Season

Image: With fewer crowds, the off-season is a superb time to get pleasure from one of the best Island Routes excursions in Barbados!

The months of July to October are acknowledged because the off-season in Barbados. Some folks select to journey presently for extra reasonably priced charges and a extra laid-back expertise. The off-season falls inside the moist season, however most of the time, your tropical seaside trip throughout this time shall be unaffected.

Shoulder Season

The shoulder season (Could, June and November) is commonly neglected when deciding on one of the best time to journey to Barbados, or another vacation spot. Throughout shoulder season, you get one of the best of each worlds. With crowd quantity someplace within the center, you received’t have to fret a lot in regards to the greatest beachside spots being taken, or resorts being fully offered out.

Peak Season

Image: Soak up Barbados’ pure magnificence with a drink in hand on a non-public catamaran cruise.

The height/excessive season in Barbados runs from the month of mid-December till early the next yr, in mid-April. This can be a fashionable time for journey, significantly for vacationers in search of an escape from the colder winter temperatures in Europe and the US. The elevated demand throughout this time implies that that you must e book lodging, eating and different fashionable excursions earlier than arriving to the island to make sure availability. A serious plus within the peak season is that temperatures within the Caribbean are usually milder, and quite a bit much less humid.

Local weather: Moist vs Dry Season Variations

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Not like different components of the world which acknowledge Spring, Summer time, Fall and Winter as the principle seasons, the Caribbean has solely two – moist and dry. In Barbados, the dry season runs from December to Could. This implies that you may get to get pleasure from heat sunshine and funky breeze on the island, lounging on tropical seashores like Browne’s Seaside and Backside Bay.

When is the moist season in Barbados?

When visiting a tropical island like Barbados, guests ought to count on some showers in the course of the moist season, which runs from June to November, simply because the dry season has come to an finish. This season coincides with the much-anticipated summer season holidays, however regardless of the label, you may nonetheless stay up for loads of sunshine throughout his time. The wet durations are normally transient and customarily do not intervene together with your seaside trip plans.

Tip: The most well liked months in Barbados are Could, June and August. Drink loads of water if you’re on island throughout this time.

Different details in regards to the climate

Most day temperatures in Barbados fall inside the 82 to 88-degree vary and solely fluctuates barely in the course of the yr. The bottom temperatures are inside the months of December and February which fall inside the dry season.

Vacationer Arrivals

In 2018 alone, Barbados noticed greater than 820,000 guests, a lot of which got here from the US, which accounted for greater than 200,000 guests, a progress of about 8.4% in arrivals from the earlier yr. Carefully following had been different Caribbean islands (4.6%) and Canada (1.8%), which accounted for greater than 85,000 guests. That is absolutely excellent news too, as a result of tourism is without doubt one of the primary contributors to the financial system of Barbados. To this point, the island seems to be a favourite for guests from the UK and the US, who typically go to in the course of the peak season interval of December to April.

Best Annual Events in Barbados

January

Mount Homosexual Spherical Barbados Race Collection

This annual occasion is a ship crusing race which takes place in Barbados, particularly in January of yearly. It’s also a particular time in Barbados, as a result of January twenty first is acknowledged as Errol Barrow Day, in commemoration of the island’s first prime minister.

The boat sail happens over a three-day interval and attracts native and international sailors alike, who’re keen to indicate off their navigation expertise on the Caribbean waters. This sail features a race round Barbados and one other one to Antigua.

February

Holetown pageant

Holetown was the primary a part of Barbados that was occupied by the English after they got here to Barbados on February seventeenth, 1627. In recognition of this, a group got here collectively in 1977 to host this distinctive week-long pageant. In celebration of the cultural traditions of Barbados, a variety of actions get underway. These embrace actions just like the Opening Gala and Metal Band Live performance and the Avenue Truthful and Parade and different actions reminiscent of sports activities, conventional dances, singing of folks songs and wonder contests. The Holetown pageant normally takes place across the second week of February.

March

Oistins Fish Competition

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Each Easter weekend, the fishing village of Oistins comes alive for its annual Fish Competition. The sound of Caribbean music fills the air as guests feast on delectable fried fish reminiscent of mahi-mahi and tuna. Although fish is the principle dish for the weekend, different kinds of meat are additionally ready and offered together with aspect dishes and native drinks. Usually, Oistins is a well-liked spot that’s typically frequented by younger folks on weekends so don’t let the fish pageant be the one purpose you go to!

August

Crop Over

Barbados’ Crop Over pageant is without doubt one of the greatest occasions happening in Barbados yearly. All of it started in the course of the slavery interval, when the slaves celebrated the top of the sugar cane harvest by singing and dancing. Since then, it has advanced considerably and has been reworked into six weeks of carnival occasions, filled with events, contests and singing competitions.

Photograph credit score: eustonmedia/Shutterstock.com

Probably the most anticipated facet of Crop Over is the end result of all of it; the final occasion is Grand Kadooment Day, which takes place on the primary Monday in August. Throughout Kadooment, masquerade bands parade by the streets of Bridgetown, as an emblem of the island’s tradition and heritage. Guests and locals actively take part in Kadooment by adorning their our bodies with vibrant feathers and jewels as they dance to the Caribbean music pulsating all through the city.

Photograph credit score: Perris Tumbao/Shutterstock.com

Wish to go to one of the best carnival occasions? There are different carnival celebrations in the Caribbean you may be taught abot too!

October

Barbados Meals and Rum Competition

This late October pageant provides a wide range of native and worldwide delicacies and drinks ready by the consultants within the enterprise. Barbados’ Meals and Rum Competition takes off in October from the Twenty fourth-Twenty seventh. Because the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean” Barbados acknowledges that good meals absolutely isn’t full with out some nice drinks to associate with it. In the event you plan on attending the Competition whereas in Barbados, you can even look forward to finding wine consultants and mixologists from throughout the area and past including their hand to the festivities!

November

Barbados Independence Surf Competition

Photograph credit score: Alex Borderline/Shutterstock.com

This surf pageant happens as a part of the celebrations for the anniversary of the island’s independence, which is acknowledged in the course of the month of November. Surfers from all around the world come collectively for this thrilling competitors on the waters. The occasion contains stay music and plenty of meals and drinks to maintain you entertained as you cheer in your favourite rivals.

Independence celebrations

Photograph credit score: John B Hewitt/Shutterstock.com

On November thirtieth, 1966, the island of Barbados gained independence from the UK. The primary celebration of this momentous event was marked by two issues: the nationwide flag being raised, and the nationwide anthem being performed and sung. On this nationwide vacation, the nation is full of island extensive actions being held in recognition of the day. You will note the grand parade at Garrison Savannah, spiritual ceremonies, sporting contests and community-based occasions. The Nationwide Independence Competition of Inventive Arts is a much-anticipated showcase, which serves as an inventive show of native expertise.

At night time, guests can admire the city because it comes alive with the signature blue and gold coloured lights strung alongside buildings all through Bridgetown. With their celebratory glow, you’ll simply be capable of acknowledge buildings of nationwide significance just like the Parliament Constructing and Independence Sq.. Different enterprise house owners take part and enhance their companies with these nationwide colours (blue & gold), all leading to a gorgeous show of shade.

December

Run Barbados Marathon

When Sir Austin Sealy and Carl Bayley started the Run Barbados Marathon, that they had no thought it will develop into the main occasion that it’s right this moment, attracting hundreds of tourists and contributors. Come for the Run, Keep for the Enjoyable!” is the theme for the three day marathon which happens at 4 totally different ranges: a enjoyable race, 5 and 10k and a full marathon on the final day. The route navigates the historic city, and contributors could have an opportunity to discover Bay Avenue Esplanade, the Parliament constructing space, and different notable places.

Best Time to go Snorkeling in Barbados

By no means tried snorkeling? Barbados is simply the place to begin! The island’s spectacular coral reefs shield the shoreline and supply a vibrant dwelling for marine life. There is no such thing as a particular time to go snorkeling whereas in Barbados – the waters are clear and calm and supply nice visibility so that you’ve the proper view of the numerous totally different types of underwater life.

Whereas snorkeling in Barbados, you will not must enterprise far to see various marine life. Most snorkeling places in Barbados provide alternatives to view tropical fishes, turtles, rays, and even barracudas. A few of the greatest snorkeling places are alongside the south and west coast of Barbados, the place the temperature of the water is hardly decrease than 79°F.

Knowledgeable Tip: By no means snorkeled earlier than? Try these nice snorkeling tips for beginners that can get you began.

Spring Break

Touring for Spring Break or simply wish to really feel like you’re? Barbados has one thing for everybody, whether or not you are absorbing the solar or diving into journey. Spring Break runs from early March to early April, and there’s no scarcity of how to get pleasure from it! Spend your days on radiant seashores, discover historical past, or take a submarine tour beneath the waves. When the solar units, savor unbelievable delicacies or dance the night time away in St. Lawrence Hole, the island’s nightlife hotspot.

The place to Keep

Image: Pristine white sand meets azure blue waters at Sandals Royal Barbados.

Wherever you determine to remain throughout your trip, it must be a “dwelling away from dwelling” – someplace that makes you are feeling comfy and meets all of your wants. An all-inclusive resort does simply that and there are a number of choices to select from in Barbados. Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados are prime selections, as they’re positioned close to the recent spots on the island reminiscent of St Lawrence Hole in Christ Church. St Lawrence Hole is on the southern coast of Barbados and the world is most identified for its distinctive eating choices, beachfront lodging, full of life nightlife and nice buying.

Image: Sandals Royal Barbados‘ South Seas Hideaway Crystal Lagoon Outsized Butler Suite.

At Sandals Royal Barbados, your all-inclusive trip can come to life in a scenic Skypool Suite, a Millionaire Suite, or in one of many resort’s trendy and handy Swim-up Suites. And whether or not you keep at Sandals Barbados or Sandals Royal Barbados, you’ll have 21 eating places serving up flavors from around the globe—so deciding the place to dine isn’t a fear!

FAQ’s

What’s the hottest month in Barbados?

Photograph credit score: Filip Fuxa/Shutterstock.com

On common, in the course of the month of June, the temperature within the capital metropolis of Bridgetown is 81°F. This makes June the most popular month on island, so guests ought to pack the suitable gentle weight clothes when travelling and drink loads of water.

What’s the driest month in Barbados?

In Barbados, the driest months are from February to April. March is the driest month, recording simply 1.4 inches of precipitation. February follows carefully with 1.6 inches, and April with 2 inches.

You Resolve the Time that Works for You!

You will have already guessed that one of the best time to go to Barbados actually depends upon you, who you’re travelling with, how a lot time you’re planning on spending there, and what you’d love to do whereas on the island. There’s actually no dangerous time to journey to Barbados, so no matter time of yr you select; you’re certain to have an incredible trip!

Image: Get up to the sound of the ocean then dive into your swim-up pool out of your Millionaire Suite at Sandals Royal Barbados.