With 365 days of sunshine, Barbados offers the very best of the Caribbean lifestyle, year-round. With no temperate climate, the island has just two seasons: dry season and wet season, with the wet season being only marginally wetter than the dry. Even better, the island has historically been largely spared the worst of hurricanes due to its location just south of the upswing of the usual Atlantic path of hurricanes. This makes it an ideal island to visit at any time of the year.
Still, depending on the type of traveller you are, or why you are travelling to the island, you may want to know when is the best time to visit Barbados. This destination is ideal whether you are simply fleeing to warmer climes in the winter time, or a young traveller looking for entertainment and parties, or travelling with a specific sport in mind.
For the traveller fighting winter blues
If you are visiting from a country with a long, dark winter - a “snowbird” looking to escape the short, gloomy days - then undoubtedly December to February is the best time to avoid the coldest days of the year. Unsurprisingly, this is typically the most popular season of the year for visitors, and hotspots like the Oistins Fish Fry, Second Street in Holetown and St. Lawrence Gap are alive with activity, creating a wonderful atmosphere.
For the traveller interested in nightlife
While the island has various events year-round, if you enjoy nightlife and the very best of parties and entertainment, then summer is the best time to visit for Crop Over, the island’s major festival which celebrates the sugar cane harvest and dates back centuries. This festival lasts months, but the very best of the events and parties can be found towards the end of the season, from mid-July to Kadooment Day, which always falls on the first Monday of August. The entire island is a-frenzy with “fetes” or parties including early morning ‘sunrise’ or ‘breakfast’ events, mid-day cooler fetes, and of course late-night parties which last until the early hours of the next morning.
For cricket fans
For cricket fans, the England team typically plays their winter cricket season in warmer climes like the Caribbean each year during the winter months. Most recently the England v. West Indies series was played at the renowned Kensington Oval in Barbados, long acknowledged as the home of cricket in Barbados. International cricket matches at Kensington Oval are especially known for its festive atmosphere with the Party Stand being a great hit, usually styled like a beach complete with golden sand, a pool, and even a jet-ski!
For the weather-weary traveller
Although serious inclement weather in Barbados is infrequent, if worried about the occasional hurricane or tropical storm, then December - June is the best time to visit as these months fall outside of the hurricane season. Indeed, there’s nothing quite as beautiful or serene as a December sunset in Barbados, where crystal clear skies are painted with shades of pink, orange and purple. The days are mostly cloudless and the weather is never better. In fact, for those worried about the tropical heat, the days of December and January are also slightly cooler as well, with some January nights feeling particularly cool with temperatures falling from the typical 30 degrees celsius to as low as 24 degrees celsius on some nights.
So the answer to the question ‘when is the best time to go to Barbados?’ The answer is any time! The island is home to sensational tropical weather and sun-soaked beaches all day every day, giving a Barbados vacation year-round appeal. But of course, if you’re interested in certain activities like cricket or carnival activities, then some times of the year are better than others and your trips should be planned accordingly.
Ready for your Barbados vacation? The perfect escape is a stay at The Crane Resort, located on the tranquil southeast coast of Barbados. Contact us at +1 246 423 6220 or via email at reservations@thecrane.com for special offers and more.
