Weather in Barbados

climate and weather in BarbadosSituated just north of the Equator, the geographical position of Barbados, and the island’s tropical climate, mean that weather in Barbados is warm and sunny the year. The island of Barbados is situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, north of the coast of Venezuela and northeast of Trinidad and Tobago. Barbados is part of the Lesser Antilles chain of islands. Barbados has a moderate tropical climate with more or less constant temperatures and humidity levels throughout the year. The wet season in Barbados lasts from June to November and the dry season is from December to May. The northeast trade winds influence the weather in Barbados, providing a tropical maritime climate. This relatively small nation is the perfect island getaway with beautiful sun-soaked beaches and warm tropical waters.

Being so close to the equator, Barbados doesn’t have four distinct seasons but rather a wet season and a dry season. The dry season in Barbados lasts from December, through January, February, March, April and May. The average temperature in Barbados during the dry season is between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius (75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). Humidity levels in Barbados range between 70 and 76% throughout the year. A key feature of Barbados weather, particularly in summer, is the cool and refreshing northeasterly trade wind, which can make nights a little chilly.

The rainy season in Barbados runs from June through July, August, September, and October to November. Average temperatures in Barbados during the rainy season are 24 to 28 degrees Celsius (75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). Humidity levels peak at 76% during this time of year, with September and October being the most humid months. November tends to experience the most rain with tropical rainstorms being the norm. Barbados lies just south of the main hurricane belt, so the storms that tend to move across the Caribbean don’t make landfall in Barbados. 

 

When is the best time to go to Barbados

The weather in Barbados is constant throughout the year, but the dry season is more suitable for those in search of a tropical beach holiday. The best time to visit Barbados is in December, January, February, March, April or May. The summer, or rainy season is off-season in Barbados, tropical storms are common but it is still possible to enjoy the beaches and island weather. Peak season lasts from December to April, when it is cheapest to book an all-inclusive holiday deal rather than individual costs. There are a number of Barbados deals out of season between June and October. 
 

What to pack for a holiday in Barbados

A typical tropical paradise, clothing in Barbados is neither too formal nor casual, so it's an easy place to blend in with the island vibe. Khaki shorts and T-shirts at the resorts, board shorts and bikinis at the beaches and a light shirt and decent shorts for a special meal are enough for the holiday; use light coloured and lightweight clothing, with materials that dry quickly. Take at least one change of swimwear and some light coverings for those scorching days, cool evenings and a chilly wind– a sarong, light and loose long sleeved shirt, or lightweight jersey will do. Sandals are standard and some people walk barefoot, especially at the beach, but take a pair of amphibian walking shoes or trainers for island adventures and treks.    

Climate and Weather in Barbados in January

Average temperature in Barbados in January: 21 to 28°C, 70 to 82°F
Sea temperature in Jamaica in January: 27°C, 81°F
Average rainfall in January: 80mm and 3.1in
Events: The highlight of January in Barbados is the annual Barbados Jazz Festival. The festival is held in a number of venues such as the open-air Farley Hill National Park, Sunbury Plantation House and the Sir Garfield Sports Complex. The Barbados Jazz festival showcases the best in local and international jazz talent. 
 

Climate and Weather in Barbados in February

Average temperature in Barbados in February: 21 to 29°C, 70 to 84°F
Sea temperature in Jamaica in February: 26°C, 79°F
Average rainfall in February: 45mm and 1.8in
Events: Holetown is the place to be in February in Barbados. Holetown, the first settlement on Barbados, is located north of Brigetown on the west coast of the island. The week long Holetown Festival celebrates the history of the town as well as more contemporary trends such as tattoo shows, concerts, sporting events and even an antique car parade. 
 

Climate and Weather in Barbados in March

Average temperature in Barbados in March: 21 to 29°C, 70 to 84°F
Sea temperature in Jamaica in March: 27°C, 81°F
Average rainfall in March: 40mm and 1.6in
Note: A popular event in Barbados in March is the annual Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup – a horse race attracting jockeys and racehorse owners from across the world. The cup is an excuse to wear large and outrageous hats for a fabulous day spent at the races. 
 

Climate and Weather in Barbados in April

Average temperature in Barbados in April: 22 to 30°C, 72 to 86°F
Sea temperature in Jamaica in April: 27°C, 81°F
Average rainfall in April: 50mm and 1.9in
Events: The key event in May on the island of Barbados is Heroes Day on 28 April. Parades are held across the island with Bridgetown and Saint Michael attracting large crowds. 
 

Climate and Weather in Barbados in May

Average temperature in Barbados in May: 23 to 30°C, 73 to 86°F
Sea temperature in Jamaica in May: 28°C, 82°F
Average rainfall in May: 71mm and 2.8in
Events: Kite surfers flock to the island of Barbados in May for the annual Barbados Windfest. The three-day kite surfing festival is held at Accra Beach over the Whitsun weekend. 
 

Climate and Weather in Barbados in June

Average temperature in Barbados in June: 24 to 30°C, 75 to 86°F
Sea temperature in Jamaica in June: 28°C, 82°F
Average rainfall in June: 120mm and 4.7in
Note: June is the perfect time to book a cheap flight to Barbados as it is the beginning of off-season. For islanders, June is a month of sport culminating in the Bajan Unifest University Sporting Festival, which attracts sports teams from the UK as well as other regional universities. 
 

Climate and Weather in Barbados in July

Average temperature in Barbados in July: 23 to 30°C, 73 to 86°F
Sea temperature in Jamaica in July: 28°C, 82°F
Average rainfall in July: 157mm and 6.2in
Events: In July, Bridgetown hosts a huge street party in Independence Square on the last Saturday of the month.
Note: July marks the beginning of ‘cropover season’ (sugarcane harvesting time) on the island of Barbados.
 

Climate and Weather in Barbados in August

Average temperature in Barbados in August: 24 to 30°C, 75 to 86°F
Sea temperature in Jamaica in August: 28°C, 82°F
Average rainfall in August: 155mm and 6.1in
Events: Visitors booking cheap flights to Barbados in August should be sure to arrive in time for the Kadooment Day celebrations in Bridgetown. Kadooment Day takes place on the first Monday of August and is celebrated with colourful costumes, bands and parades. 
 

Climate and Weather in Barbados in September

Average temperature in Barbados in September: 23 to 30°C, 73 to 86°F
Sea temperature in Jamaica in September: 29°C, 84°F
Average rainfall in September: 181mm and 7.1in
Note: September marks the beginning of the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) – a three-month festival that culminates in Bridgetown on Independence Day in November. 
 

Climate and Weather in Barbados in October

Average temperature in Barbados in October: 23 to 30°C, 73 to 86°F
Sea temperature in Jamaica in October: 28°C, 82°F
Average rainfall in October: 201mm and 7.9in
Events: The island of Barbados is a tropical island paradise; one way of showcasing its natural beauty is through a surfing competition and a music festival. The month of October in Barbados kicks off with the Barbados National Surfing Championship and concludes with the popular Virgin Atlantic Barbados Music Festival in Christ Church. 
 

Climate and Weather in Barbados in November

Average temperature in Barbados in November: 23 to 29°C, 73 to 84°F
Sea temperature in Jamaica in November: 28°C, 82°F
Average rainfall in November: 201mm and 7.9in
Note: For those booking flights to Barbados in November, the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts is not to be missed. The festival is held throughout November and islanders perform and exhibit traditional dance, culinary skills, music and literary talents. 
 

Climate and Weather in Barbados in December

Average temperature in Barbados in December: 22 to 29°C, 72 to 84°F
Sea temperature in Jamaica in December: 27°C, 81°F
Average rainfall in December: 112mm and 4.4in
Events: The Run Barbados Marathon is a perfect, and healthy, way to begin the month of December. It’s also a great way to see the island as the various events span the coast of Barbados from Bridgetown to Holetown and Speightstown.
Note: December is the most festive month and the beginning of peak season in Barbados.