Barbados, Barbados: When to Go and Weather

Weather: Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the island of Barbados enjoys some of the best weather in the region. Trade winds keep Barbados beachgoers cool on the sand, where the sun shines every day, and temperatures usually only vary between 75 and 85 degrees F during the day. Hurricanes can hit the area in the second half of the year, especially during the months of August and September, but for much of the year, Barbados, the easternmost island in the Caribbean Sea is a paradise-like getaway with reliably calm, sunny weather. Though Barbados weather can't be categorized into traditional seasons, the island does experience a 'dry season' (December through May) and a 'wet season' (June through November.) During the first half of the year, monthly rain averages vary between 1.5 and 2.5 inches, but entering June, precipitation is more frequent, often exceeding 6 inches per month in August, September, and October. The rainfall is often correlated to a tropical storm or hurricane. While these weather events don't usually hit Barbados directly, as the island is slightly separated from the Caribbean island chain, they often bring periods of heavy rain and strong wind to Barbados. Hurricane-related weather activity can affect Barbados anytime in the second half of the year, but storms are often predicted and prepared for - check the latest information through the National Hurricane Center. before planning a trip. If you travel after September, you're unlikely to be affected by tropical storms, but be wary if your travel plans involve staying anywhere in the Caribbean islands during August and September.

Pick up the Barbados Advocate. newspaper for local news and weather reports.

When to Go: Peak Season
Tropical weather graces Barbados year-round, but the peak season occurs in the months of December through May. This is the driest time on the island, and there's no risk of hurricane-related weather conditions, so visitors can enjoy warm, sunny days with an average temperature of 80 degrees F and cool, clear island nights. Hotels and resorts can be packed at this time of year, especially in January and February, when vacationers are eager to escape the winter chill back home. Though beaches can be crowded with tourists during the peak season, the weather is so spectacular that you might not even care.

When to Go: Off Season

From August onwards, Barbados stands a high chance of being affected by tropical storms and hurricane weather. It's no surprise, then, that this is the island's off season. Though fewer travelers want to take the risk involved in Caribbean island-hopping during the volatile hurricane season, there are plenty of hot, sunny days and empty beaches to attract adventurous visitors. Hotel rates are way down at this time, and travel agencies often run deeply discounted getaway specials during these months - if you can book a last-minute trip to Barbados at a time when no tropical storms are predicted, you can beat the crowds and save a lot of money.

When to Go: Shoulder Season

June and July form the island's shoulder season. During these months, Barbados weather is slightly less perfect than in the peak season, and there's a possibility that hurricane weather in the Atlantic or Caribbean could affect travelers' plans. But hotel rooms are much cheaper now than during January and February, and an afternoon cloudburst doesn't exactly ruin a beach day - summer rains are usually quick and cooling, followed by bright sunshine. Barbados' shoulder season is much less crowded than usual and it's not a bad time to travel if you like a calm, unpopulated beach.