“When is the best time to travel to Barbados?” Is a question we are frequently asked. From our experience there is not really an unfavourable time to visit the island, the weather is very changeable even in the duration of one day. Barbados is located outside of the Caribbean’s hurricane belt, as a result the island experiences trade winds throughout the year, providing a steady breeze which you’ll appreciate on those sweltering hot days.

Generally speaking, the island escapes unscathed from hurricanes but experiences short periods of heavy rainfall and some spectacular storms. Consequently, the weather is relatively consistent and varies marginally from day to day with temperatures starting at around 26 degrees celsius and reaching up to 32 degrees celsius. There are however some variables with some months that are considered to be drier and more humid than others, and periods that invite more mosquitoes or higher visitor numbers to the island – I’m not sure which you consider to be the biggest deterrent?!!:) but we will endeavour to guide you to the best of our knowledge.

To touch on the latter, mosquitoes breed in areas with standing water which are plentiful on an island such as Barbados, where you are surrounded by sea and with many properties having pools. You may also witness some of the hotels and apartments smoking out the mosquitos which is a popular repellant. However, once the smoke has drifted away with the sea breeze, the mosquitoes are likely to return, so this method is only effective as an immediate deterrent. The Government have a long-term plan and intend to tackle the issue of mosquito-bourne illnesses in the most natural, environmentally friendly way as possible. They are planting more pyrethrum plants and citronella grass to repel mosquitoes. They will also be increasing the lizard population, especially the Barbados Leaf-Toed Gecko and Cane Toad as they are natural predators.

The real pests however are the sand fleas otherwise known as sandflies. There is no escaping these tiny undetectable crustaceans as they are prevalent all year round. Their bite, although not life threatening (as per a virus transmitting mosquito), cause significantly more discomfort and itching. The flea bites often remove the pigment of your skin to leave light white scarring. Try to use a a repellant such as Deet and a lounger or seat when perched on a sandy beach as the elevation from the ground should provide greater protection from sand fleas that are jumping around at your feet.

In our month by month guide for Barbados we have also included any key events that ordinarily take place. As it can be difficult to know about fun activities, as they are seldom promoted with very little marketing. This information should be useful for planning your vacation dates. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect…

January in Barbados

Weather: Average temperature: 30 degrees celsius
Mosquito Activity: Low
Season: Peak

January is part of the dry season with average temperatures of 29 degrees celsius, making it very warm and a great time to visit. It is considered to be peak tourist season so you may find prices a little higher and the island is generally busier, requiring you to make reservations should you be dining at the more popular restaurants on the island. There are some great deals to be had with the children returning to school, so it is still worth planning a getaway to avoid those January blues.

There are far fewer mosquitoes around in January, but it is still worth spraying yourself with a repellant such as Deet should you venture out early morning, late afternoons and evenings, as they are most prevalent at dusk and dawn. Mosquitoes can particularly be a nuisance when dining at the many beach-side restaurants.

KEY EVENTS

1st January: The Races

Why not celebrate New Year’s Day with glass of bubbly in hand, watching the 150 year tradition of the horse races at the historic Garrison Savannah. Its a great laid-back family atmosphere and bets can be placed on the nine or so races that are held – so its a perfect opportunity to get lucky! Children will enjoy being up close to the horses and exploring the grounds. An affordable fun day out for all.

The Barbados Turf Club is located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the 18th and 19th centuries the Garrison being one of the largest in the British colonies, would have officers race their horses competing against the wealthy plantation owners. There was an Anniversary Monument unveiled in 2016 to commemorate the 50th year of Barbados’ independence, so there is so much history to soak in on your visit.

Time: 12:30pm – 6pm.

Cost: Admission to the grounds is free. There is no charge to stand/sit around the track. Entrance fees for the stands are $20BBD per adult and $10BBD per child (12 years and under).

Where: Garrison Savannah, 62a Tudor St, Bridgetown.

21st January: Regatta

A public holiday celebrating the birthday of Errol Barrow, the first Prime Minister of Barbados is commemorated with the start of the annual Regatta. A week long sailing event sponsored by Mount Gay, displays the finest yachts and sail boats the island has to offer. Why not sit at one of the many bars and restaurants along the sea front to watch the impressive vessels race around the island.

Time: 10am – 5pm. Various other events and competitions run throughout the week. More details about the racing can be found here.

Cost: Free to watch. Note, there is likely to be a charge if you choose to dine in one of the coastal bars and restaurants.

Where: The main race on 21st January starts and concludes at the Barbados Cruising Club. Aquatic Gap, Bridgetown.

January to April: Cricket Season

Why not catch a cricket match? The Bajan’s are hugely passionate about the sport. As one of the international centres for cricket the Kensington Oval plays host to regular test matches with teams from around the globe such as the West Indies, England, Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan and South Africa. For more information and to book your tickets visit the Windies Cricket website here.

Cost: Tickets start from $40USD for seated stands and Caribbean fans are entitled to a 50% discount.

Where: Kensington Oval, Pickwick, Bridgetown, St. Michael.

February in Barbados

Weather: Average temperature: 28/29 degrees celsius
Mosquito Activity: Low
Season: Peak

February is considered to be part of the dry season, but over the last two years we have seen unprecedented conditions. The temperatures have been much cooler, with strong winds, big swells and monstrous waves and heavy rainfall. However, as these are very unusual weather patterns it may be worth the risk! It is still considered to be peak season, so the island is busy but it is not as crowded as the festive period.

KEY EVENTS

16 – 23 February: Holetown Festival

The Holetown Festival celebrates the anniversary of the first English settlement in Holetown on 17 February 1627. The week-long celebration includes a number of family friendly events and activities which showcase the culture and traditions of Barbados. You are likely to catch a steel band concert, folk singing and dancing, carnival-style street parades, pageants, night marches, sporting games, markets with traditional food stalls, bus and history tours, classic car parade and concert and karaoke competitions. Click here for the full schedule and more information about the event.

Time: The festival opening ceremony commences on Sunday 16 February at 3.30pm. Click here for a list of the scheduled events for the week-long festival.

Cost: Admission to the event is free. Tour tickets can be purchased for $25BBD at the festival information booth.

Where: Holetown Monument, Highway 1, Holetown, St James.

March in Barbados

Weather: Average temperature: 29/30 degrees celsius
Mosquito Activity: Low
Season: Mid

Generally speaking the driest months are considered to be January to April, although some precipitation can be expected throughout the year. March in my opinion is a perfect time to visit as the humidity and temperatures start to increase, but the heat remains pleasant. As it is the end of the peak season, visiting in spring will be more cost-efficient for the budget savvy traveller who is looking to avoid higher accommodation costs and expensive airfare but still looking to experience a busier island party vibe.

KEY EVENTS

4 March 2023: Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup

The Sandy Lane Gold Cup is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the Caribbean horse-racing calendar. The event with internationally renowned jockeys and trainers attracts visitors from all over the world. So for those enjoying a flutter or wanting to rub shoulders with the nobility, make sure you book your ticket. It is worth noting that a very strict, formal dress code operates – check the Barbados Turf Club website for more information.

When: 4 March 2023. From 12pm to 6pm.

Cost: Admission to the grounds is $50BBD. Entrance fees for the Gold Grandstands are $75BBD per adult.

Where: Garrison Savannah, 62a Tudor St, Bridgetown.

April in Barbados

Weather: Average temperature: 30 degrees celsius
Mosquito Activity: Medium
Season: Mid

The weather generally becomes much warmer and humid during April, with temperatures around 30 – 31 degree celsius. You are likely to see bursts of rain (mainly in the morning) but these are short-lived, leaving days filled with glorious sunshine. There are fewer tourists on the island so you are more likely to have quiet beaches, so its a great time of year to visit.

Note, that as a result of the Easter holidays with children on spring leave, the island will seem busier than usual; with families out and about entertaining the children. Also, some places will close over the bank holiday on the island so make sure you are prepared by getting in groceries or making restaurant reservations in advance.

Having had some relatively quiet months concerning mosquito sightings had lured us into a false sense of security; April marks the first month when the frequency of mosquito sightings and bites increase and the little blighters can become a real nuisance. Be sure to wear protection when outdoors, especially if dining in open restaurants or at the beach as they prey on you when you are at your most relaxed. Dawn and dusk however, is when mosquitoes are most active and you will see them in abundance. So get spraying!

KEY EVENTS

1-3 April 2023: WSL: Barbados Surf Pro Championships

You do not have to be surfer to enjoy watching world class athletes ride the swells that can rise over 15ft at the Soup Bowl in Bathsheba. We spent hours in this beautiful setting mesmerised by the sheer bravery and talent of these young surfing pro’s carving and flipping at high speeds, navigating the waves with such skill and style. Despite a friendly enthusiastic audience, it was an incredibly chilled vibe with a small number of stalls selling merchandise, food and drinks to keep you fuelled. It is definitely a sporting event that gets the spectators adrenaline pumping – not to be missed!

When: 1-3 April 2023. Start time is dependent on the conditions on the day. Check the WSL site to keep informed.

Cost: Free admission to Bathsheba beach.

Where: The Soup Bowl, Bathsheba, St Joseph.

27 April – 1 May 2023: Reggae Festival

The Reggae festival first opened in 2005 and has since grown in notoriety; receiving international acclaim to become one of the world’s most infamous reggae events with leading regional and local reggae artists performing.

The event has been cancelled the last two years due to COVID protocols but the week-long musicfest will be making a come back in 2023. The festival is ticketed and takes place at venues around the island. Keep up to date with the lineup of events and news here on the Barbados Reggae Festival official Facebook page.

When: 27 April to 1 May 2023. Check the Barbados Reggae Festival Facebook Page to keep informed about acts, times and charges.

May in Barbados

Weather: Average temperature: 30 degrees Celsius
Mosquito Activity: Medium
Season: Mid

Prepare yourself for the warm and humid temperatures during May, with temperatures around 30 – 31 degrees Celsius. There is more rainfall, but the rain spells are short and with the intense heat everything dries within moments. Mosquitoes are rife, so ensure you use a spray during dawn and dusk in particular. A great month to visit ahead of the official start to the the wet season in June and whilst tourist numbers are still low.

KEY EVENTS

May: The Agro Festival

Agrofest is a national agricultural event so popular that it attracts over 60k visitors. You will find Farmers of fruit, vegetable and livestock, fishermen, plus horticulturalists showcasing a variety of quality local produce. It is a family friendly event with live performances, livestock shows, petting zoo and a kid zone with activities to keep the little ones entertained. Click here for more updates on this event.

When: Date: TBC. 9am to 8pm. Click here for updates on this event.

Cost: Adults $18BBS / Children $8BBS.

Where: Queens Park, Bridgetown, St Michael, Barbados.

18 – 21 May 2023: Barbados Celtic Festival

Wherever your roots, you can be sure you will have a great time celebrating the rich history between the Caribbean and Celtic cultures at the Barbados Celtic Festival. There is a family-friendly programme where you can hear diverse music acts, from infamous Welsh choirs, Scottish pipers, Irish fiddlers and Bajan steel drums. Such musical fusion compliments the culinary fusion available here. There are street parades, historic talks and hikes, check the Barbados Celtic Festival website for more details.

When: 18 – 23 May 2023. Check the Barbados Celtic Festival website for more details.

Cost: Admission free. N.B. Some events at the festival may charge entry.

Where: Blakey’s on The Boardwalk, Hastings Rocks, Bridgetown, Barbados.

June in Barbados

Weather: Average temperature: 30 degrees celsius
Mosquito Activity: Medium
Season: Mid

June is warm and humid, it is the official start of the hurricane season so you will be relieved to experience some showers to cool down; everywhere becomes dry within moments from the glorious sunshine and warm winds. The sea will feel a few degrees warmer and the island is relatively quiet with low tourist numbers, so it is still a great month to visit. Be sure to use mosquito repellant, particularly at dawn and dusk.

KEY EVENTS

June: Pre – Crop Over Events

Crop Over is a celebration that acknowledges the yearly harvest. The Grand Kadooment takes place in August – it is a national festival to mark the end of the official end of Crop Over (harvest). There are a number of small events such as art exhibitions, music gigs, artisan pop ups that run in the lead up to Kadooment. It is worth checking the official website here to see what’s happening.

July in Barbados

Weather: Average temperature: 31 degrees celsius
Mosquito Activity: Medium
Season: Low

July is considered to be the early part of the hurricane season so there is a greater chance of showers, but they will quickly pass. The humidity is ramping up so if you enjoy the sunshine and want to leave with an impressive tan, it is a great month to visit. Once again, mosquitoes are a nuisance so please use adequate protection.

KEY EVENTS

July: Official Opening of Crop Over

There are many events happening this month in the run up to Grand Kadooment – with the finale being the carnival in August. The Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes is however, the official opening of the Crop Over Festival. You will witness the history of Crop Over told through dance, a performance – not to be missed. The parade showcases characters in their brightly coloured regalia, an adorned donkey cart is used in the Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes. Other transport such as decorated trucks, cars and bicycles can be seen. The King and Queen of the Sugar Cane Crop Season are crowned based on their ‘cane cutting’ performances. A family-friendly event with many stalls, visit the official website here for more information.

When: 2pm onwards

Cost: Admission is free of charge.

Where: Portvale Sugar Factory, Rock Hall, St Thomas.

August in Barbados

Weather: Average temperature: 31 degrees celsius
Mosquito Activity: Medium
Season: Low

August is the height of summer so be prepared for heat and humidity! For those sun worshippers out there, there’s no better time, with up to 9 hours of sunshine everyday. Again, expect some rain but this will be short and sweet and absorbed by the heat of the blazing sunshine within moments. Make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen and water, plus shading devices if you have them. With showers bring swarms of mosquitoes, so as per my advice each month – get spraying that repellant!

KEY EVENTS

7 August 2023: Crop Over Festival: Grand Kandooment 

The Grand Kadooment Carnival is the official closing ceremony celebrations concluding the Crop Over Festival, which also signifies the end of the harvest season. This is the biggest event on the island when you will see the streets come alive with a sea of vivid colours to the soundtrack of Soca beats.

You will see the traditional art form of masquerading unfold before you as Masquerade Bands fill brightly-coloured festival carts. With flamboyant sequinned costumes and colossal sparkling jewels, large feather headdresses, the dancers twerk and grind to the Calypso rhythms in the glorious sunshine. Crowds watch with glee as fifteen-thousand or so revellers join the parade, dressed in elaborate festival regalia dancing behind the music trucks as they drive slowly through the city for miles to the Mighty Grynner Highway and onto the capital Bridgetown.

At the National Botanical Gardens local families come out prepared in their masses to enjoy the spirited occasion, with a traditional Caribbean picnic of grilled fish and all the trimmings; with plenty of Deputy and rum to help wash it all down. A steel band starts up delighting the audience, hips start to sway, stages fill with performing artists and children run around at the funfair. It’s hard not to be captivated by the explosion of colour and infectious beats of Crop Over Festival. A grand finale not to be missed! Up to date event information can be found on the official website here.

When: 7 August 2023. The parade commences from 7.30am and concludes at approx 9.30pm. Up to date event information concerning times can be found on the official website here. It is worth noting that these events tend to run a few hours behind schedule.

Cost: Admission to watch the parade and enter the park is free. Rides at the fairground are chargeable.

Where: The parade starts as early as 7.30am. Event information and maps can be found on the official website here.

September in Barbados

Weather: Average temperature: 31/32 degrees celsius
Mosquito Activity: High
Season: Low

September is the height of hurricane season. It is unpredictable how much rainfall you may experience if you visit the island this month.

When we were here in 2021 we had glorious sunshine over the whole hurricane season, with very few showers and no storms. 2022 has been another story. We have never experienced such heavy rainfall and the storms have been frequent, but quite majestic when they happen. There have been many grey days and a lot of floods.

This weather however, has been interspersed with very warm days – the humidity is extremely high so it doesn’t take long to dry up those muddy puddles. So with there being an average of 7 hours of sunshine per day and consistent temperatures of around 31°C / 32°C, you will still be able to enjoy the beautiful beaches and get yourself nicely tanned. The greyer more mild days make it a great opportunity to be in nature and visit the stunning gardens, gullies and forests. And you can take yourself off to a museum, St Nicholas Abbey or have some retail therapy at Limegrove during the storms – you will enjoy your holiday regardless. With showers come swarms of mosquitoes, so don’t forget that repellant!

KEY EVENTS

September: Peak Hatchling Season

With it being a low season for tourists, there will be a number of restaurants that will close for a few weeks and no notable events scheduled. But for animal lovers, you may be in for a treat, as it is hatching season for hawksbill turtles.

This officially starts in July and runs through to October but in our experience we have helped numerous hatchlings to safety during the later months of September and October. They quite often emerge from their nests on the beach in the evening after 6pm and through to 6am and you will see them scurry towards light. So if you are at a beach restaurant you may spot a number of confused turtles heading your way rather than the sea. If there are several turtles, it is worth calling the Barbados Sea Turtle Project Hotline on +1 245 230-0142 and attempting to keep the turtles safe in a bucket of water, away from predators such as crabs waiting to feast on them. The BSTP team arrive and take the turtles away and release them into the sea when they are a little older – to increase their chances of survival. This is necessary as the sad stats reveal that only one in a thousand hatchlings survive to adulthood. It is such a magical experience, I only hope you are fortunate enough to capture this for yourself.

When: You are most likely to see hatchlings during the hours of 6pm to 6am during July to October.

Where: Most of the beaches on the west coast of the island are great spots to see and swim alongside turtles in Barbados.

October in Barbados

Weather: Average temperature: 31/32 degrees celsius
Mosquito Activity: High
Season: Low

October is considered to have the heaviest rainfall of all of the months, it is the very height of hurricane season. Our experience of 2022 is that there has been some storms but the weather has not been as humid or as wet as September. When we were here in 2021, we had glorious sunshine over the whole hurricane season, with very few showers and no storms. So I believe that October (should you secure some cheap flights) is still a good month to travel. Visiting museums and attractions is a good way to escape the more frequent showers, such as checking out the spectacular rock formations in Harrisons Cave – or one of the many rum tours! And you can bet your bottom dollar that the showers will have dried up by the time you have finished with plenty of sunshine to bask in.

KEY EVENTS

October: Peak Hatchling Season

October marks the end of the hatching season for hawksbill turtles. So you may be fortunate enough to see a hatchling, should you be on a beach following sunset. If you spot many turtles please contact the Barbados Sea Turtle Project Hotline on +1 245 230-0142 and attempt to keep the turtles safe in a bucket away from predators. The BSTP team will take the turtles away and release them into the sea when they are older to increase their chances of survival. (The sad statistics reveal that only one in a thousand hatchlings survive to adulthood).

When: You are most likely to see hatchlings during the hours of 6pm to 6am during July to October.

Where: Most of the beaches on the west coast of the island are great spots to see and swim alongside turtles in Barbados.

27 – 30 October 2022: Food and Rum Festival

The Barbados Food and Rum Festival brings to you a star-studded, four day gastronomic event to the soundtrack of top DJs. Showcasing the talents of top international chefs and culinary personalities and Barbados’ most acclaimed rum producers, wine experts and mixologists. Come and enlighten your senses with the capital’s finest flavours. Under the theme Feed the Future, proceeds from the event will go towards culinary development and feeding programmes in Barbados. Find out more about the lineup for this event and buy your tickets here.

When: 27 – 30 October 2022. This is a four day event. Find out more about the lineup and times here.

Where: This will vary dependent on the event itself. Find out more at the official Food and Rum site.

29 October 2022: Haunted Ridge Halloween Fun

When: 29 October 2022. From 5pm to 10pm.

Costs: Adults BBD$15 and Kids BBD$10. Rides BBD$7 – BBD$10

Where: Sweetfield Manor, Brittons Ridge, Upper Garrison UNESCO Historic Area, Bridgetown, Barbados.

November in Barbados

Weather: Average temperature: 30 degrees celsius
Mosquito Activity: Medium
Season: Low

November marks the end of the hurricane season. You can expect a mixture of sunshine and showers, but the rainfall will be reducing from the previous months and the sunshine can be expected for up to eight hours. And with tourists numbers low, flights relatively inexpensive ahead of next months hike, it is a great time to visit the island. The perfect place to unwind before the festive season. Make sure you pack plenty of suncream and mosquito repellant for your stay.

KEY EVENTS

1 November: Lighting Ceremony

On 30 November 1966 Barbados was granted independence from Great Britain – the fourth English-speaking nation in the West Indies to achieve such a status. The lighting ceremony on 1 November marks the beginning of the month-long independence festivities. Government and historic parliament buildings in the capital Bridgetown become resplendent with ultramarine and gold lighting.

November becomes a month-long celebratory feast indulging on Bajan delicacies such as conkies, sugar cakes, cassava pone, along with savoury dishes such as rice ‘n’ peas, pudding and souse, plus the national dish of Cou Cou and Flying Fish. Locals take to the street wearing national colours to watch the lights and folk performances in song, dance and drama. If you miss the light switch on, don’t worry as the lights will remain on nightly through to Christmas.

When: 1 November each year. Time TBC.

Where: Independence Square, Bridgetown.

30 November: The Independence Day Parade

Barbados achieved independence on 30 November 1966 and celebrated becoming a Republic in 2021 when they swore in their first President Sandra Mason as head of state. It marked 55 years of Independence from Britain’s 400-year rule. Read our blog post about the Republic celebrations here.

Independence Day is a national holiday, the country is filled with island-wide activities such as the grand parade – the highlight of a month-long celebration of all things Bajan. The national flag is raised and you will hear the national anthem sung with such passion and spirit. The streets become a sea of blue, yellow and black with Bajan’s dressed in their national colours, flying their flags with vigour.

The National Independence Festival of Creative Arts is a much-anticipated showcase, which serves as an artistic display of the local talent. The grand parade features the Boy Scout Association, Girl Guides, Royal Barbados Police Force and all Military Units. A number of religious ceremonies, sporting contests and community-based events are held on this national holiday in commemoration. It’s a real joy to see the local families spanning the generations, with their BBQs and impressive picnic feasts, swaying to the Soca beats at beaches and parks around the island.

When: 30 November each year. Time TBC.

Where: Garrison Savannah, 62a Tudor St, Bridgetown.

December in Barbados

Weather: Average temperature: 29/30 degrees celsius
Mosquito Activity: Medium
Season: High

December is the busiest month with the highest visitor numbers to the island. It is the start of the dry season, so there will be fewer showers compared to previous months. It is considered to be a cooler period with warm sunshine and cool breezes. In our experience it has been one of the warmer months with intense heat. So remember to pack a 50SPF suncream and prepare to beautifully brown on those sun loungers! Mosquito repellant will be needed particularly if frequenting beach bars and restaurants. It is a wonderful place to spend an ‘alternative’ Christmas. You can’t build a snowmen, but we loved sculpting sandmen on the beaches adorning them with sunglasses, sun hat and using Banks beer bottle caps as buttons. If you’re near to any of the larger hotels you may get the opportunity to see Santa arrive on a jet-ski handing out ice-pops to all on Christmas day,

KEY EVENTS

10 – 11 December: Run Barbados

For those sporty types amongst you, the Run Barbados event is not to be missed. Held on the east coast of the island, this picturesque course will have you captivated by its natural rustic beauty, whilst you can benefit from the cool ocean breeze that this coastline is well known for.

As with most events in Barbados, it is a wonderful party atmosphere; You will compete to the sounds of steel pans and local Tuk bands and crowds of spectators enthusiastically cheering you on. There is a choice of competing in a 10K or 5K run on the first day, and a 3K / 7K / Half Marathon or full Marathon race on the final day. The event is so inclusive that there is the option for a fun 5K walk or hike on both days, Everyone that enters is a winner here as Dri-Fit shirts are provided to all entrants and commemorative medals are given to all participants finishing their run. All races are incentivised with cash prizes.

The afterparty celebrations commence at 3pm at the Start/Finish line in Bathsheba Park with a DJ and various other entertainment such as MC Mac Fingall lined up to enliven the event. Food and drinks will be served from Uncle Joe’s Beach bar. Runners and supporters alike are all invited to join in with the festivities. So, if running isn’t your thing, its still a great excuse to party and soak up the atmosphere! Click here to register and for more event information.

When:

10 December: 10k Run @ 16.15 / 5k Run @ 16.20 / 5k Walk or Hike @ 16.30. After Party @ 15.00.

11 December: Marathon & Half Marathon @ 5.30 / 7k Run @ 6.00 / 3k Run @ 6.05 / 5k Walk or Hike @ 7.30.

Where: Bathsheba Park, St Joseph.