Best Time to Visit Saint John's

December to April: the dry, easy season

This is the stretch to pick if you want reliable beach weather. Days sit around 26 to 27°C, the breeze keeps things comfortable, and showers are short. February is the driest month, though March is close behind. December is rated Good rather than Excellent because it's a bit wetter and busier.

It's also high season. Flights and hotels fill up, especially over Christmas and New Year. Travelling with kids? The school holidays make the beaches and restaurants around Dickenson Bay busier. Some visitors come on cruise ships, so Heritage Quay and the Redcliffe Quay area in Saint John's can get packed on port days. Walk up to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine early or late to avoid the crowd.

Sailing fans should look at Antigua Sailing Week, held in late April or early May at English Harbour and Falmouth. Nelson's Dockyard, a restored Georgian naval base, is worth a visit whenever you come.

May to July: warmer, quieter, still fine

Things heat up and get stickier. Rain falls on more than half the days, yet it often comes as a quick burst, then the sun's back. May and June are rated Fair, and that's a fair summary.

If you hate crowds, this is a good compromise. Hotels drop their rates, and beaches like Half Moon Bay and Darkwood are easy to find space on. Carnival is the big one. It runs from late July into early August, with steel bands, costumes and street parties. Expect the island to be loud and joyful, and accept that the weather will be damp. Rooms can still be tight around the main parade days.

August to November: wet, and hurricane season

August, September and October are rated Poor. October is the wettest month, with plenty of rain on most days. Skies can stay grey for long stretches, and the sea can turn rough. This is also the peak of hurricane season, so keep your travel plans flexible and think about insurance that covers storms.

You'll get the lowest prices and the quietest island. Some smaller restaurants and guesthouses close for a break. If you're happy with a few days of indoor time, you can still enjoy museum visits and long rum-punch lunches. But if you want to swim, snorkel or hike up Shirley Heights for the sunset, don't pick these months.

November is a turning point. It's still Fair, but rain eases and the island starts to wake up again before the winter crowds arrive.