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Antiqua is
a tropical island situated in the West Indies within the Leeward
Islands. Lying approximately 17 degrees north of the equator, Antigua
lies where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Antigua makes up one half of the island nation Antigua
and Barbuda (the other half obviously being Barbuda.)
Like most
locations which lie in the tropics, the proximity to the equator means that the
region doesn’t experience four distinct seasons, and there is infact very little seasonal variation. On the whole, the temperature in Antigua averages in the mid 20’s year round, with the
annual average minimum to maximum temperature range sitting at 21 degrees to 30
degrees and the temperature rarely falling below 20 degrees.
The average temperature range is very narrow, with the lowest average daily temperature of
25 degrees falling in January and February and the highest average daily temperature
of 28 degrees falling in August. Winter Time (December to March) sees
temperature hovering in the mid-20’s and cooling down slightly at night. Summer
in Antigua sees the region boasting some of the most amazing weather in the Caribbean.
Unlike many
islands in the tropics, Antigua experiences
relatively low humidity which makes the tropical weather mildly more bearable. It
is in fact drier than most Caribbean islands
and averages only 45 inches of annual rainfall. Most of this rainfall falls in
the months of July and October.
Like most of the Caribbean Islands,
Antigua receives a break from the sometimes
overwhelming heat when the ‘trade winds’ begin to blow. Situated in the Leeward
Islands, Antigua is subject to the prevailing
winds in the area which blow from the northeast. These winds temper the harsh
heat and add an enjoyable, soothing touch to the tropical climate.
Antigua is a great place to relax
and soak up the laid back Caribbean lifestyle.
The trade winds mean that it is a great location for sailing and various water
sports and the surrounding crystal clear water is great for diving and snorkeling.
Antigua has one of the most envied
climates in the West Indies, the low humidity; lower than average rainfall,
hours and hours of interrupted sun all combined with its location in the path
of the local trade winds means that Antigua is
a year round holiday destination.
May To November is classed as the ‘hot’
season and sees a slightly higher average (only by a few degrees) and a decline
in average precipitations. The months from June to November is classed as the
hurricane season so one must be wary of them if thinking of visiting during
this time. In 1995 much of the region was devastated by Hurricane Louis.
The weather is the most enjoyable from November to February,
when humidity is at its lowest and there is little rainfall.
As mentioned earlier, Antigua is
situated where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic.
At this point where the two seas crash together a natural phenomenon called the
‘Devil’s Bridge’ occurs. Devil’s Bridge is a natural arch which has been carved
by the sea out of soft and hard limestone ledges. The bridge was created when a
part of the softer limestone was eroded away by the action of the Atlantic surf
crashing against the Caribbean surf.
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