Antigua weather by month

When to go to Antigua

For beach weather, look at months where the daytime average clears 25°C and rainy days stay low: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. October is the wettest month (132 mm, about 19 rainy days) and February the driest (24 mm). The sea is warmest in September at 28.9°C and coolest in February at 26.1°C.

Getting there

A direct flight from London Gatwick to V. C. Bird International Airport (ANU, 6 km from Saint John’s) takes roughly 9 h - long-haul (7 h+) by UK standards. Time-zone: America/Antigua.

Records and extremes, 1991-2020

The hottest day recorded in Antigua between 1991 and 2020 reached 32.0°C on 1 October 2019; the coldest fell to 20.1°C on 21 January 2017. In August one day in ten tops 29.9°C and about 9% of days pass 30°C; in January one night in ten drops to 23.2°C or below. The wettest single month of the period was September 1995 with 397 mm, against a September average of 124 mm.

January to April: the best balance for outdoor days

This is the strongest period for travellers who want warmth without Antigua's highest temperatures. January is the coolest month, though its 26°C daytime average still suits light clothing; the catch is more rain days than in February or March. Those months offer the driest balance, while April stays appealing despite a slight increase in rain. Sunshine averages 8 hours daily throughout this period, so shade and sun protection still matter around midday. Nights average 24°C, making evenings warm rather than cool. The sea holds at 26°C until March and reaches 27°C in April, so choosing the cooler part of the year need not mean giving up swimming.

May to August: warmer water, more frequent rain

May brings a noticeable trade-off: warmer days and nights, but more rain days and less sunshine than April. June reaches a daytime average of 29°C, which continues through July and August, so plan more active outings away from midday and keep clothing light. June has slightly fewer rain days than May, but the pattern turns wetter through July and August. July offers a little more sunshine than its neighbouring months, though it is not a return to the drier conditions earlier in the year. For swimming, the appeal grows as sea temperatures rise from 27°C in May to 29°C in August. Expect warm evenings, with nights averaging 26°C from June onwards.

September to December: a wetter spell, then gradual improvement

September and October suit travellers who value very warm seawater and can keep outdoor plans flexible. Both average 19 rain days and 5 hours of sunshine daily, so they are less dependable choices for a holiday centred on dry weather. October is the wettest month, although its daytime average eases to 28°C. November improves slightly for rain frequency and sunshine, but remains among the weaker months overall. December makes a clearer move towards the more favourable early-year pattern, with 27°C days and 7 hours of sunshine. It is still rainier than February or March, so do not expect the same balance. Evenings remain warm throughout this period.