Barbados is a popular Caribbean vacation destination because of the island’s stunning scenery, excellent cuisine, and exciting events. To make the most of your time in Barbados, it is important to be aware with the island’s climate, annual events, and seasonal changes. Find out when is the ideal time to visit Barbados in 2023 and how to avoid the most expensive and worst dates.
Best Time to Visit Barbados
When is the ideal time to visit Barbados? That totally depends on your plans. Late April to early June and late October to early December provide the best of all worlds: nice weather and fewer tourists. Since these times of year fall between the busiest summer and winter vacation seasons, you may save money and time by travelling then. There is less humidity and cooler weather on the island during these months.
Some of Barbados’ best-known celebrations, such as the Crop Over festival (held in August), the Oistins Fish Festival (held in April), and the National Independence Festival (held in November), take place during these shoulder months. Music, dancing, and wonderful island cuisine are just a few of the ways that these celebrations shed light on the island’s rich heritage.
Cheapest Time to Go to Barbados
Barbados’ low season (when prices are at their lowest) is between the months of June and October. While the island’s rainy season might dampen the fun of certain excursions, it also means that lodging and transportation costs will be reduced. The likelihood of sunny days is lower and showers are more common at this time of year.
Additionally, the island may be less crowded at this time of year as a result of the weather, making for a more private and tranquil experience. Don’t forget that many of the island’s eateries and watering holes may have reduced hours at this time.
Worst Time to Visit Barbados
Keep in mind “worst” is a relative term… as it’s ‘always a good time in Barbados. That being said Hurricane season, which occurs between June and November, is the relatively the least popular time to visit Barbados. Even though a hurricane is unlikely to make landfall on Barbados at this period, the island may still experience storms and heavy rains.
When is Hurricane Season in Barbados
Barbados has a hurricane season from June to November annually, with the most active months being August and October. Before making travel arrangements, it’s crucial to check the weather forecast and learn about any alerts or warnings issued by local authorities.
Things to Do in Barbados during the ‘shoulder/low’ season
It may not be the best time to visit Barbados for the weather, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t activities to do while you’re there. Festival-goers visiting Barbados may choose from events like the Round Barbados Race in December and the Holetown Festival in February. The island’s capital, Bridgetown, is steeped in history, and the island’s craggy east coast is a sight to see.
Main Annual Events
Each and every one of Barbados’ numerous yearly events serves as a reminder of the island nation’s vitality and cultural wealth. The following are examples of highly attended events:
One of Barbados’ largest and most well-attended celebrations is the annual Crop Over Festival. This summer event celebrates the conclusion of the sugarcane harvest. Calypso and steel pan music, traditional garb, and dance parties fill the streets during this celebration. Foreday Morning Jam is the culminating event, an all-night street celebration that begins at 4 am and lasts till daybreak.
The Holetown Festival is held every year in February to commemorate the arrival of the first English immigrants in Barbados in 1627. The event celebrates the arrival of the first settlers and includes a historical recreation of the landing as well as various acts.
In November, Barbados hosts the annual Food and Rum Festival, a celebration of the island’s culinary history and rum culture. Live music and other performances fill the event with food demos, tastings, and seminars.
Every year in April, Oistins hosts the Oistins Fish Festival, a celebration of Barbados’ rich fishing history. There will be fresh fish to try, as well as live music, street vendors, and more during this year’s event.
The Barbados Reggae Festival is an annual event held on the Caribbean island country during the month of April. The festival honours Jamaican culture by showcasing both local and international reggae musicians.
Barabdos Event Schedule 2023
January 2023
| 1 | Bank Holiday New Year’s Day |
| 6 | Full Moon |
| 13-17 | Flower & Garden Festival St. Peter’s Parish Church |
| 14 | Polo: Villages vs Barbados, Barbados Polo Club. Young Barbados/UK, club match, Barbados Polo Club |
| 14 | Art Exhibition: Showcasing Catherine Forter-Chee-A-Tow, Jeena Chatrani, Brandon Best, Neville Legall, Gallery of Harvest Garden Party: |
| 17-22 | Sailing: Mount Gay Round Barbados Sailing Week |
| 21 | Bank Holiday |
| Errol Barrow Day Polo: Denmark vs Barbados, Apes Hill Polo Club Music Festival: Naniki Barbados, 11-12 Artists Sailing: Mount Gay Round Barbados Race Bus Tour: Barbados Museum gala and steel band concert; and Historical Society – “The Life & legacy of the Excellent Errol Barrow” | |
| 22 | Classic Car Revival Show Content St Thomas 12-6pm |
| 28-29 | Annual Flower Show Barabdos Horticultural Society Music Festival Nanki Barabdos |
February
| TBA | Music Festival Vujuday |
| 4 | Harvest Garden Party St James Polo: Villages vs. Barabdos Barabdos Polo Club |
| 5 | Full Moon |
| 9 | Polo: Villages vs Barbados, Apes Hill Polo Club |
| 11 | Polo: Villages vs. Barabdos Barabdos Polo Club |
| 11-12 | Artist Studio Tours 11am – 4pm artiststudiotoursbarbados.com |
| 12-19 | Holetown Festival Opening gala steel pan band concert, nightly shows , street fair |
| 13-18 | Bridge Tournament : International Sun sea and slams tour Barabdos Beach Club |
| 18 | Art Exhibition: showcasing Tracey Williams Gallery of Caribbean art Spightstown |
| 24-26 | Agricultural Exhibition: Agrofest , Queens Park |
| 25 | Bus Tour: Barbados museum and historical tour Polo: Cheshire vs Barabdos at Barbados Polo Club |
March
| 2 | Polo: Cheshire vs. Barbados at Apes Hill Polo Club |
| 4 | Horse Racing BTC Sandy Lane Gold Club |
| 5 | Polo: Cheshire vs. Barbados at Barbados Polo Club |
| 7 | Full Moon |
| 11 | Concert: Broadway to Barbados, Frank Collymore Hall |
| 11 | Polo: Canada vs Barbados, Barbados Polo Club |
| 11-12 | Artists Studio Tours: 11am-4pm artistsstudiotoursbarbados.com |
| 16 | Polo: Canada vs Barbados, Apes Hill Polo Club |
| 16-18 | Concert: Broadway to Barbados, Frank Collymore Hall |
| 18 | Polo: Canada vs Barbados, Barbados Polo Club Art Exhibition: Showcasing Heidi Berger, Julia Seymour Gallery of Caribbean Art, Speightstown |
| 19 | Dog Show: BKC’s All Breed Championship, Waterford (Judge: Paul Harding, UK) |
| 23 | Football: Concacaf Nations League – Barbados vs Cuba |
| 25 | Bus Tour: Barbados Museum and Historical Society – “Flora & Fauna of Barbados” |
| 25 | Polo: Hickstead vs Barbados, Apes Hill Polo Club |
| 27-31 | Surfing: Barbados Junior Surf Pro/Live Like Zander Soup Bowl, Bathsheba |
| 30 | Polo: Hickstead vs Barbados, Barbados Polo Club |
| TBA | Barbados independent Film Festival. A week of local, regional and international film events from premiers with elegant receptions to picnics watching movies on the beach barbadosfilmfest.org |
April
| 1 | Polo: Hickstead vs Barbados, Apes Hill Polo Club |
| 1-2 | Surfing: Barbados Junior Surf Pro/Live Like Zander Soup Bowl, Bathsheb |
| 7-10 | Oistins Festival: Oistins, Ch. Celebrating Oistins’ fishing industry with 4 days of streetfair fun and festivities. |
| 11-16 | Fishing Tournament: Sir Charles Williams Barbados International Fishing Tournament, Port St. Charles Marina |
| 15 | Concert: BMHS & Barbados Police Band Big Band & Jazz, Codrington College, St. John For The Love of Art Paint Group’: Lead by Tracey Williams Gallery of Caribbean Art, Speightstown |
| 22 | Polo: Wascosa vs Barbados, Apes Hill Polo Club |
| 27 | Polo: Wascosa vs Barbados, Barbados Polo Club |
| 27-30 | Golf Tournament: Sir Garfield Sobers Festival of Golf held at The Barbados Golf Club, The Country Club at Sandy Lane and Royal Westmoreland |
| 28 | Bus Tour: Barbados Museum and Historical Society – “Barbados’ Heroes Story” |
| 29 | Polo: Wascosa vs Barbados, Apes Hill Polo Club |
May
| 18-21 | Celtic Festival Barbados: A gathering of Celts and friends from around the world enjoying a line up or some amazing visiting performers. Always great fun! |
| 21 | Concert: Barbados Police Band “Sounds of the Caribbean, Walled Garden Theatre, Barbados Museum and Historical Society |
| 21-28 | Gospelfest: 30th Anniversary. A week of uplifting performances by local and international gospel artistes. |
| 26-29 | Football Festival: Barbados Invitational Masters Football Classic (BIMFC) bdsmfc.org |
| 27 | Bus Tour: Barbados Museum and Historical Society – “Cities & Towns South’ |
July
| TBA | Car Rally: Sol Rally Barbados. |
| 5-11 | Beach Festival: Waterman festival. Watch windsurfing, stand up paddle board and surfing at silver sands. |
| 24 | Bus Tour: Barbados Museum and Historical Society |
| 29 | Whit Monday public holiday |
July
| 29 | Bus tour Barabdos museum and historical society “Riots in the land” |
| TBA | Dive Festival 2023 |
| TBA | Junior Monarch Calypso Competition |
| TBA | Steelpan Concert Pandemonium at the national botanical gardens |
| TBA | Soca on de Hill at Farley Hill Point |
| TBA | Peoples choice Soca Monarch |
August
| 1 | Bank Holiday Emancipation Day |
| TBA | Junior kadooment |
| 5 | Foreday Morning |
| 7 | Bank Holiday Grand Kadooment Day |
| 12 | Bus Tour “Bajan Bites and delights” Barabdos Historic society. |
| 20-26 | Field Hockey: 38th Annual Barbados International Hockey Festival, Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex |
September
| 24 | Concert and Chorus (Gospel) Barbados Police Band. Codrington College, St. John |
| 30 | Bus Tour: Barbados Museum and Historical Society – “Ruins” |
October
| 8 | Dog Show: BKC’s AIl Breed Championship Dog Show, Waterford (Judge: Graham Hill, UK) |
| TBA | Barbados Food & Rum Festival |
| 22 | Triathlon: 33rd Barbados National Triathion Championships |
| 28 | Bus Tour: Barbados Museum and historical Society – “Bajan Duppy Night Tour” |
November
| 1 | Independence Lighting Ceremony, Bridgetown |
| 1-5 | Open Water Swimming: Barbados Open Water Festival, Carlisle Bay |
| TBA | Barbados Adventure Race, East Coast |
| 19 | Dog Show: BKC’s All Breed Championship Dog Show, Waterford (Judge: Patsy Hollings, UK) |
| 25 | Bus Tour: Barbados Museum and Historical Society – “Independence Bajan Bites” |
| 30 | Bank Holiday: Independence Day – 57th Anniversary Parade |
| TBA | Christmas Craft Fair: Providence School, St. George |
December
| 9-10 | Run Barbados Marathon Weekend.This series of events hosts runners from across the globe and is all about having fun in a safe environment. |
| TBA | Christmas Craft Fair: Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, Holetown. |
| TBA | Carols by Candlelight, Ilaro Court, Two Mile Hill, St. Michael |
| 25 | Bank Holiday: Christmas Day |
| 25 | Concert: Barbados Police Ban Queen’s Park, Bridgetown |
| 26 | Bank Holiday: Boxing Day Horse Racing: Boxing Day Races, Garrison Savannah |
Is Barbados Warm All Year?
The island of Barbados has a year-round average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit), thus the answer is yes.
Humidity is often highest in the summer months (June–October) and lowest in the winter months (December–February) and spring (late April to early June and late October to early December). There is little seasonal variation in the water temperature, which hovers between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius (79 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit) year-round.
Packing the right clothes and staying hydrated are essential whether you want to spend your days relaxing on the beach or seeing the island’s numerous attractions.
So when is the best time to visit Barabdos?
Ultimately, the ideal time to visit Barbados is when you can make the most of your stay. If you’re searching for favourable weather and less people, the shoulder seasons (late April to early June and late October to early December) are the best bet, while the low season (June to October) might be a decent alternative for those seeking for lower pricing. There is a hurricane season, therefore be aware that the island might be impacted by storms and severe rains at that time. Because of the current COVID-19 epidemic, prospective travellers should also verify any certification requirements and travel restrictions in place.
Be sure to try the world famous, Blue Light Caribbean Gin while you’re in Barbados!
Made using the finest Caribbean botanicals and crafted using Barbados cane, our award winning gin is available in most bars & restaurants on the west coast of Barabdos. You can also find it in a variety of retail outlets.
Click here to find Caribbean Gin in Barabdos.
Gin enthusiast and Caribbean Dreamer.