Barbados is a classic holiday destination; a Caribbean island with a wonderfully warm climate, picturesque beaches and welcoming culture. It’s an ideal place to escape to if you’re seeking respite from cold and wet weather elsewhere in the world, offering a plethora of things to see and do including stunning scenery, fascinating historic attractions and a wide range of outdoor activities.
If you’re thinking about a trip to this Caribbean paradise then one of the first things to decide is the best time of year to go to Barbados. The good news is that it’s a year-round destination, so no matter when you visit, you’ll be greeted with great weather and a brilliant selection of holiday itinerary options.
In this article, we take you through each month of the summer and winter seasons and explore the weather, local events and things to do, helping you decide on the best time to travel to Barbados.
A benefit of visiting Barbados in summer is that this is the off-season for tourism in the country, which means that the island will feel quieter and you’ll be able to secure the best rates for villa rental. With seven months of summer to choose from, there are plenty of opportunities to plan a trip to Barbados at the best, and cheapest, time of the year.
Average temperatures in Barbados in May range between 25°C and 31°C, with around 8 days of rain. May is one of the best times to travel to Barbados if you’re looking for the perfect conditions to get out and about on the island without too much risk of rain, as it’s not overly hot but still nice and sunny.
One of the key cultural events that takes place in Barbados in May is the Barbados Celtic Festival, which celebrates the history of Celtic residents on the island and the connection that Barbados has with Scotland, Ireland, Nova Scotia and Wales with a food and drink festival. Another cultural highlight is the Barbados Gospelfest, which usually takes place in the last week of the month and is a wonderful opportunity to experience incredible gospel music performed live.
The weather in Barbados in June is warm and sometimes wet, with average temperatures between 25°C and 31°C. Any rain showers tend to pass over the island pretty quickly and the risk of storms is low, so you’ll still see plenty of sunshine if you visit at this time of year. As well as being an ideal time for relaxation, June is also a good month for snorkelling and swimming trips on days when the sea is calm.
July is one of the best times of year for Barbados holidays because the famous Crop Over Festival is held during the month. This colourful celebration began in the 1780s to mark the end of the sugar season and was revived in 1974 and became more of a celebration of Barbados culture, which includes the Bridgetown Market, the Foreday Morning music event and a huge carnival.
If you enjoy cultural experiences when you’re on holiday, August is the best time of year for Barbados because of Grand Kadooment Day, which is held on the 1st of August every year. The festival and celebration is part of the Crop Over Festival and marks the end of the sugar season as well as the end of the summer festival with a huge, colourful parade filled with music, dancing and vibrant costumes.
You can read our complete guide to visiting Barbados in August here.
Temperatures in Barbados in September are between 24°C and 29°C, with around 14 days of rain. When the sun is out it’s a great time to spend time on the beach, and whilst a handful of restaurants and hotels close for the month, it’s a great opportunity to explore popular places like Bridgetown and Saint Lawrence Gap without the crowds.
October is the best time of year to travel to Barbados if you’re a food lover, as the Barbados Food, Wine & Rum Festival is held over the month. Some of the finest flavours and chefs on the island are showcased at the festival, with cooking classes, food stalls, tasting sessions and recommendations across the island.
30th November is Independence Day in Barbados, which is a national holiday and cause for celebration around the island. One of the key events of the occasion is a parade at the Garrison Savannah, which is where the original independence ceremony was first held in 1966.
Plenty of places around Barbados put on events for Christmas and New Year's Eve, or Old Year’s Night as it’s referred to around the island, so there’s a lot on offer from the restaurants, hotels and nightlife venues in particular. As the weather gets drier, it’s also a great time to enjoy outdoor activities like taking a catamaran trip or going snorkelling off the coast of the island.
The weather in Barbados in January is hot and pretty dry, with temperatures ranging between 24°C and 30°C and only several days when rain is likely to be forecast. It’s prime sunbathing weather out on the beaches, but also a great time to explore the island or embark on boat trips around the coast.
A cultural highlight this month is the Round Barbados Sailing Week, which originates from boat races that were held in the 19th century and is now an exciting opportunity for all kinds of water crafts to race different routes around the island, with a programme of onshore events for spectators as well.
A significant event in Barbados in February is the Holetown Festival, which celebrates the first settlement of Barbados on the island. Over a week in the middle of the month, there are parades, performances, lectures and exhibitions in Holetown, which are definitely worth visiting for some cultural insight and entertainment.
If you’re a fan of equestrian sports then March is a fantastic month to visit Barbados, with one of the biggest Eastern Caribbean horse racing events, the Sandy Lane Gold Cup, taking place at the Garrison Savannah near Bridgetown. It’s also the middle of the polo season in Barbados, so you’ll likely be able to catch a couple of matches during the month as well.
Alongside trips to the beach, snorkelling excursions and sightseeing around the towns, April is also a month for fishing events! The Oistins Fish Festival is a significant cultural festival celebrating the history and impact of the fishing industry on the island with music, performances and plenty of food, whilst The Sir Charles Williams International Fishing Tournament is a competitive and well-regarded event held in St. Peter.
If you’re looking for the best deals on accommodation, or you prefer your travel destinations to be quiet and relatively empty, summer is the best time of year to book a trip. Don’t be put off by the reputation of the rainy season - there’s still a lot of sunshine on offer and any showers pass over relatively quickly.
If you’re thinking about visiting Barbados, The Villa Collection offers a hand-picked selection of luxury villas around the island that are perfect for an unforgettable holiday. Take a look at the villas we have available or get in touch to speak to our team about what you’re looking for.