WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Barbados

Location

Climate

When to go to Barbados: low season, mid season or high season?

Barbados enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures all year round. It is therefore possible to visit the island at any time. However, some periods are more favorable than others, depending on weather conditions and tourist numbers. There are generally three seasons: low season, mid season and high season.

Low season (June to November)

There low season corresponds to the rainy period, from June to November. Visit precipitation are more frequent and intense during this season, but they generally don't last long and soon give way to sunshine. The heat can be stifling at times, but prices for accommodation and activities are generally lower. If you're on a budget and don't mind a few showers, low season can be a good time to visit Barbados.

Mid-season (May and December)

There middle season is a transition period between the low and high seasons. In May, rains become scarcer and temperatures milder. December marks the start of the dry season, with a pleasant climate and fewer tourists. The mid-season is an excellent option for those looking to take advantage of favorable weather conditions while avoiding the crowds.

High season (January to April)

There high season is the dry season, from January to April. Temperatures are warm but pleasant, and rainy days are rare. This is also the period when the island welcomes the greatest number of visitors, resulting in higher prices for accommodation and tourist activities. Despite this, if you're looking for ideal weather to enjoy the beaches and water sports to the full, high season is still the best time to visit Barbados.

Major cultural events in Barbados

Barbados is an island rich in cultural events that allow you to discover local traditions and know-how. Here are some of the major events not to be missed during your stay:

• The Holetown Festival The "Folklore Festival" takes place every year in February, and celebrates the arrival of the first British settlers on the island. The program includes costume parades, dance performances, concerts, craft exhibitions and local food tastings.
• La Crop Over The festive event takes place between June and August and marks the end of the sugarcane harvest. Festivities include calypso competitions, colorful parades and street parties.
• Independence Day Barbados Day: Every November 30, Barbados celebrates the independence it gained in 1966. Parades, concerts and fireworks are organized for the occasion.
• Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival The Barbadian Culinary Festival: this gastronomic festival takes place in November and celebrates local and international flavors. Enjoy culinary demonstrations, workshops and tastings of Barbadian specialties.

Holidays in Barbados

In addition to cultural events, it's important to take public holidays into account when planning your stay in Barbados. Here's a list of the main public holidays:

• New Year's Day January 1st
• Errol Barrow Day January 21, in tribute to Barbados' first Prime Minister and father of independence.
• Good Friday Good Friday: the Friday before Easter Sunday
• Easter MondayEaster Monday: the Monday following Easter Sunday
• Labor DayLabour Day: May 1
• Whit MondayWhit Monday: the Monday following Whit Sunday
• Kadooment Day August: the first Monday in August, marking the end of the Crop Over festival
• Independence Day November 30, as mentioned above
• Boxing DayBoxing Day: December 26

Barbados, located in the Caribbean, is a popular tourist destination thanks to its paradisiacal beaches, rich culture and tropical climate. Immigration and international tourism are two key factors contributing to the economic development of this small island nation.

Barbados immigration statistics

The number of immigrants increases every yearThis is mainly due to the growing demand for skilled jobs in sectors such as healthcare, education and information technology. According to data published by the government, the number of immigrants legally residing in Barbados increased by almost 10% between 2010 and 2020. The main sources of immigration come from countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and the United States. Canadathe Jamaica And Trinidad and Tobago.

Most popular visas in Barbados

Among the different types of visas available to enter Barbados, some are more popular than others. Here is an overview of the most popular visas:

• Tourist visa This visa is intended for people wishing to visit Barbados on vacation or to visit friends and family. This visa is generally valid for up to 6 months.
• Work visa This visa is intended for people who have received a job offer from a Barbadian employer. Applicants must obtain a work permit before applying for this type of visa.
• Student visa The program is designed for foreign students wishing to study at an educational institution in Barbados.
• Business Visa Barbados: for entrepreneurs and investors wishing to set up or expand a business in Barbados.
• Permanent residence visa This program is intended for people wishing to settle permanently in Barbados. Eligibility criteria include proof of stable income, ownership of local real estate and no criminal record.

International tourism figures for Barbados

International tourism is Barbados' main source of foreign exchange, accounting for approximately 40% of the country's total revenue. Here are some key figures on the tourism sector:

International visitor arrivals

According to data published by the World Tourism Organization, Barbados welcomed nearly 700,000 international visitors in 2019. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of tourists dropped considerably in 2020.

Where visitors come from

The majority of tourists coming to Barbados come from the following countries:

• United Kingdom (approx. 30%)
• United States (approx. 25%)
• Canada (approx. 15%)
• Other Caribbean countries (approx. 10%)
• Rest of the world (approx. 20%)

Tourism revenues

In 2019, revenue generated by international tourism reached around US$1 billion, an increase of 3% on the previous year. The main sources of revenue came from travelers' spending on accommodation, catering, transportation, immigration agent services and recreational activities.

Trends in tour operating

To promote tourism, Barbados has embarked on a number of initiatives to attract travelers. For example, the country regularly organizes cultural events and festivals such as the Crop Over Festival and the Barbados Food and Rum Festival. In addition, the government has introduced incentive programs to encourage investment in the tourism sector, such as tax breaks and subsidies for local entrepreneurs.