WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Antigua and Barbuda

Location

Climate

Antigua & Barbuda is a Caribbean country made up of two main islands and several smaller ones. It is renowned for its magnificent beaches, mild weather and numerous activities on land and sea.

Climate: dry and wet seasons

The climate in Antigua and Barbuda is tropical, with an average dry season and one wet season. The average annual temperature varies between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius, making these islands pleasant to visit all year round. However, some periods are more favorable than others for enjoying fine weather and avoiding potential bad weather.

Dry season: December to April

The dry season in Antigua and Barbuda generally extends from December to April. During this period, the weather is milder, with pleasant temperatures and low rainfall. It's the ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities, beaches and cultural and sporting events on the islands.

Wet season: June to November

The wet season runs from June to November. Rainfall is more frequent and tropical storms can sometimes occur. However, it is possible to visit Antigua and Barbuda during this period, as showers are often short and followed by sunny spells. However, you need to be prepared to adapt to changing weather conditions.

High and low tourist season

As with most tourist destinations, the number of visitors to Antigua & Barbuda varies according to the time of year. Here's an overview of the high and low seasons:

High season: December to April

High season coincides with the dry season, between December and April. During this period, accommodation and transport prices are generally higher, and tourist sites can be busier. It is therefore advisable to book in advance to benefit from the best offers and guarantee availability of the accommodation and activities you wish to do.

Low season: May to November

The low season, which corresponds to the wet season, is a less popular time for tourists. Accommodation and transport fares are often more affordable and the sites less crowded. If you're flexible about the climate and want to avoid the crowds, low season can be a good choice for your stay in Antigua & Barbuda.

Major cultural events and public holidays

Antigua & Barbuda boasts a rich cultural heritage and offers year-round events and celebrations that can make your stay even more interesting. Here are some of the major events not to be missed:

Antigua Carnival: late July to early August

Antigua's Carnival is the country's biggest cultural event, and usually takes place from late July to early August. During this period, the streets of Antigua come alive with parades, concerts, shows and culinary competitions. It's a unique opportunity to discover the local culture and take part in the festivities.

Antigua Sailing Week: late April to early May

Antigua Sailing Week is an international sporting event usually held between late April and early May. During this week, regattas and yacht races take place on the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, attracting sailing enthusiasts from all over the world. Spectators can enjoy the races from the shore and take part in the many festivities organized around the event.

Cricket Test Match: variable period

Cricket is a very popular sport in Antigua & Barbuda and throughout the Caribbean region. If you're a cricket fan, don't miss the opportunity to attend an international match at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium or Recreation Ground in St. John's, the capital of the island of Antigua.

Public holidays

• New Year's Day January 1st
• Labour Day First Monday in May
• Emancipation Day first Monday in August
• Independence Day November 1st
• Christmas December 25
• Boxing Day December 26

Immigration statistics for Antigua and Barbuda

As in many countries, immigration to Antigua & Barbuda is closely linked to the tourism sector. The local authorities grant various types of visa to foreigners wishing to stay in the country for professional or personal reasons. Let's take a look at some of the recent statistics concerning immigration to this country.

Number of foreigners living in Antigua and Barbuda

According to available data, the total population of Antigua and Barbuda was around 98,000 in 2020. Of these, an estimated 19% are immigrants, or nearly 18,500 people. This proportion confirms the importance of immigration to the economy and development of this small island state.

Immigrants by nationality

Immigrants to Antigua & Barbuda come from many different parts of the world. The main countries of origin of foreigners residing on the island are :

• Jamaica: about 20% of immigrants
• Dominican Republic: approx. 15%
• Guyana: approx. 10%
• Other Caribbean and Latin American countries also account for a significant share.

Most popular visas in Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda authorities issue several types of visa, depending on the length and purpose of the stay. Here are the most commonly requested visas:

Tourist visa

This is the most popular type of visa for travelers wishing to discover Antigua and Barbuda for a limited period. The duration of this visa generally varies between 30 and 90 days. Nationals of many countries, including the European Union, the United States and Canada, do not require a tourist visa for a stay of less than 90 days.

Work visa

This visa is intended for foreigners wishing to work in Antigua and Barbuda. It is generally granted for a period of one year, renewable under certain conditions. To obtain this visa, it is necessary to have a job offer from a local company and to submit a complete file to the relevant authorities.

Student visa

Foreign students wishing to study in Antigua and Barbuda must obtain a student visa. This document allows them to stay in the country for the duration of their studies, provided they are enrolled in a school recognized by the local authorities.

International tourism figures for Antigua and Barbuda

Tourism is one of Antigua & Barbuda's main economic drivers. The sector's figures testify to the destination's growing appeal to international travelers.

Number of foreign visitors

In 2019, Antigua and Barbuda welcomed over 280,000 international touristsThis represents an increase of almost 7% over the previous year. This growth can be explained in part by the diversification of the tourism offering and the development of our hospitality infrastructure.

Tourists by region of origin

The majority of foreign visitors come from North America (around 60%), particularly the USA and Canada. European tourists account for around 30% of arrivals, while other regions of the world account for the remaining 10%.

Revenue generated by the tourism sector

The tourism sector is a mainstay of Antigua and Barbuda's economy. In 2019, revenues generated by international tourism reached nearly $500 million, an increase of 8% over the previous year. These revenues contribute significantly to the country's development and local job creation.

Recent trends and comparisons with other destinations

Tourism growth in Antigua & Barbuda is part of a regional upward trend, driven in particular by the boom in Caribbean cruises. However, the destination is still less popular than neighboring islands such as Barbados and Saint Lucia.