The Best Time to Visit Barbados

January in the Caribbean is generally warm and dry with refreshing tradewinds providing relief from the heat. Considered high season, January is the perfect time of year to visit Barbados for some winter sun. Temperatures average between 26°c to 28°c

• • • Average temperature: 26°c
    • Sea Temperature: 27°c
    • Sunshine hours: 9
    • Rainfall: 66mm

Open gardens programme

Organised by the Barbados horticultural society, a number of private gardens open up to the public. It’s an event eagerly awaited by tourists and locals with an opportunity to see some show-stopping gardens and a range of flora and fauna.

The Poinciana flower found in Barbados

Open house programme

From January to March the open house programme allows access to private homes across the island. These include some historic buildings, plantations and newer luxurious Bajan-style villas. Explore the ornate trim of historical houses and the range of antique and artistic sculptures that the owners have collected. The festival is a great way to learn about local history and Bajan culture.

Typical chattel style house

Mount Gay rum round Barbados race

First held in 1936, the Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados Race was set up so sailors could win bragging rights. A consolation prize of a barrel of Mount Gay rum was given to the slowest racer (this was discontinued after 2 boats remained at sea for days attempting to win the rum). It’s now a popular event with a 60 mile race and three days of open sailing.

February falls within Barbados’ peak tourist season. You’ll find warm seas, long sunny days and refreshing tradewinds. February is the driest month with as little as 28mm of rain, perfect to escape the British winter.

• • • Average temperature: 26°C
    • Sea Temperatures: 27°C
    • Sunshine Hours: 9
    • Rainfall: 28mm

Holetown festival

Holetown festival celebrates the anniversary of first British settlement of Barbados in 1627. The streets fill with parades, theatrical presentations and sporting events. Spot gospel choirs blurting jovial tunes, beautiful Barbadians competing in the beauty pageant and locals celebrating the heritage of the island and its people.

Dancers enjoying Holetown festival

Temperatures average at 26°C but the sea temperatures and night temperatures begin to increase. March is a highly pleasant time to visit Barbados but a few humid days can be expected.

• • • Average temperature: 26°C
    • Sea Temperature: 28°C
    • Sunshine hours: 10
    • Rainfall: 33mm

Barbados in April sees temperatures begin to increase with averages of 27°c. Evenings in April are pleasantly warm and cooling tradewinds still prevent the heat from feeling unbearable. For Barbados family holidays the Easter holidays are a great time to visit.

• • • Average temperatures: 27°C
    • Sea Temperatures: 27°C
    • Sunshine Hours: 9
    • Rainfall: 36mm

Reggae festival

Hugely popular in the Caribbean this relaxing style of music has its own festival. The largest names in Reggae, local and international, come together for this fun event. (April 22nd-29th 2018)

Oistins Fish Fry

Oistins Fish Fry celebrates the contributions of those in the fishing industry. Delicious fresh seafood is served and calypso music plays encapsulating the spirit of the Caribbean. It’s a great opportunity to speak with local fisherman and hear their fascinating stories.

Barbecue stall at Oistins fish fry

Blissful warm days are met with a refreshing breeze. Long warm days can be filled with dips in the warm sea and long relaxing evenings. There are still a few days of rain but it’s is mostly dry in May.

• • • Temperature: 27°C
    • Sea Temperatures: 28°C
    • Sunshine Hours: 9
    • Rainfall: 58mm

Gospelfest

Sweet sounds of gospel music and artists alike fill venues across Barbados. Catch a gospel addition of the Lion King, traditional hymns and special musical services.

Although this is the first month of the rainy season there is still an abundance of sunshine. Spend long warm days on the beach, explore the culture in the capital and simply soak up the Caribbean atmosphere. As the end of ‘high season’ hotel rates tend to be more favourable.

• • • Temperatures: 27°C
    • Sea Temperatures: 28°C
    • Sunshine Hours: 9
    • Rainfall: 112mm

Although this is considered wet season the rain falls in short and brief bursts, you can still expect long, warm sunny days. The rain is often a welcome retreat from the humidity.

• • • Temperatures: 27°C
    • Sea Temperatures: 28°C
    • Sunshine Hours: 9
    • Rainfall: 147mm

You may encounter a shower or two but it will not disrupt your holiday. Showers are brief and pass quickly. August in Barbados is all about Crop Over, locals and tourists alike gear up for this festival. Weather conditions are pleasant with temperatures up to 30°C.

• • • Temperatures: 27°C
    • Sea Temperatures: 29°C
    • Sunshine Hours: 9
    • Rainfall: 147mm

Crop Over

Crop Over festival took place to celebrate a successful harvest of sugar cane. It originates as early as the 1780’s when Barbados was the world’s largest sugar producer. Today the festival is a magnificent display of Bajan culture. There’s colourful costumes and calypso music as well as stalls selling local food and souvenirs. Witness the crowning of king and queen of the festival (this was traditionally the most productive cane growers) and a range of celebrations. The festival ends with an all-out colourful parade with visual and musical performances called Grand Kadooment.

Dancer celebrating Crop over

September is one of the hottest months in Barbados. Temperatures reach 30°C with high humidity. Although it can feel very hot, short showers provide relief and a dip in the sea can be the perfect remedy.

• • • Temperatures: 27°C
    • Sea Temperatures: 29°C
    • Sunshine Hours: 9
    • Rainfall: 170mm

Barbados beach and wellness festival

On the Hilton peninsular a wide range of physical activities take place including beach workouts, yoga and meditation workshops. An offering of healthy cuisine and refreshments are served in an open-air market. Free to attend, this festival captures the active spirit of the island.

Paddle boarding in Barbados

Summer may be coming to a close at home but it continues in Barbados. With average temperatures of 27°C and long warm evenings, Barbados in October is a welcome sanctuary from oncoming winter.

• • • Temperatures: 27°C
    • Sea Temperatures: 29°C
    • Sunshine Hours: 8
    • Rainfall: 178mm

In November the rainy season is coming to an end but rainfall is at its highest. You’ll unlikely be affected by the rain as it tends to fall in quick brief showers meaning you can enjoy hot sunny days.

• • • Temperatures: 27°c
    • Sea Temperatures: 28
    • Sunshine Hours: 8
    • Rainfall: 206 mm

Food and rum festival

Food and rum are probably the 2 best things about Barbados (including beaches and locals of course). This festival combines them all. Experience sophisticated, high-quality cuisine and beautiful gastronomic art. Stop by mixology shows, rum extravaganzas and the anticipated feet in the sand beach party. See our list of Caribbean food you must try.

Cooking presentation, food & rum festival Barbados

Independence celebrations

On the 30th of November, Barbados celebrates it independence from the UK in 1966. Filled with Bajan traditions a range of ceremonies and events take place.

Temperatures begin to cool from the summer heat but being in the Caribbean, Barbados remains blissfully warm. The evenings are highly pleasant with warm air to comfortably dine out and watch sunsets.

• • • Temperatures: 26°c
    • Sea Temperatures: 28°c
    • Sunshine Hours: 9
    • Rainfall: 97 mm

Christmas

Christmas is an important time in Barbados. Families spruce up their homes and spend time together. There are some familiar traditions such as a morning church service as well as local traditions such as Jug Jug and Great Cake.