EXPLORE
Antigua
There’s something for everyone here, including 365 gorgeous beaches, one for each day of the year. The island, with 95 miles of stunning coastline, is ideal for family all-inclusive breaks. If sipping cocktails on the beach isn’t enough, Antigua is a hotspot for water sports, snorkelling, and yachting, with the Antiguan boat show drawing sailing enthusiasts from all over the world to this ethereal island. And for those who love sundowner parties, the famous Shirley Heights Jump Up offers vibrant live music and BBQs with panoramic ocean views.
Travelling in Antigua
Ground Transportation
Visitors can navigate Antigua using ground transportation, including private transfers, rental cars or taxis to explore the island's beautiful beaches and attractions at their own pace.
Weather
The late winter months are some of the coldest in Antigua – but don’t worry, cold here is 26°C! The island is also at its driest around this time.
Best Time for Sailing and Water Excursions
25-27°C
AVG Temperature
8-10 HRs
Sunshine
1-2"
AVG Monthly Rainfall
26-27°C
AVG Sea Temperature
Temperatures increase in late spring and early summer, rising to an average of 28°C by June, where it stays for several months. By June, the monthly rainfall has increased, and there are an average of 14 rainy days as Antigua enters the wet season.
Best Time for Nature Hikes and Bird Watching
28°C
AVG Temperature
7-9 HRs
Sunshine
3-5"
AVG Monthly Rainfall
28°C
AVG Sea Temperature
The average temperature remains at 28°C from July to September. However, there’s more rainfall in the later summer and autumn months, with around 16-18 rainy days per month.
Best Time for Cultural Festivals and Events
28°C
AVG Temperature
6-8 HRs
Sunshine
5-7"
AVG Monthly Rainfall
28°C
AVG Sea Temperature
Storm risks peak at the end of October, with the wet season officially ending in November. As we head into December, the rainfall decreases, and temperatures return to their lowest at 26°C.
Best Time for Photography Enthusiasts
24-30°C
AVG Temperature
6-8" HRs
Sunshine
4-6"
AVG Monthly Rainfall
26-28°C
AVG Sea Temperature
Geography
Part of the Lesser Antilles volcanic island arc, Antigua is a limestone ‘cap’ formed from now inactive volcanoes, surrounded by stunning beaches like Valley Church Beach, Darkwood Beach and UNESCO heritage site Nelson’s Dockyard. This culturally significant site overlooks the numerous island rock formations rising from the sea. Barbuda – a quick boat ride away – is formed from coral and has an array of beautiful lagoons and reefs.
History
Though the Guanahatabey people first inhabited it – the indigenous people of western Cuba – the first well-documented settlers were the Arawak. These indigenous Americans paddled from Venezuela to make their home on the island and began using the land for agriculture, growing food crops, tobacco, and cotton. By 1100 AD, most of these settlers had left, and a few hundred years later, Christopher Columbus made his way to the Caribbean Islands. In 1493, he named the island ‘Antigua’ after the “Virgin of the Old Cathedral” painting found in Spain’s Seville Cathedral.
