Weather Locations in Barbados

Barbados Weather Overview

Barbados is an independent island nation situated near where the western Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, about 250 miles north-east off the South American mainland. The name Barbados comes from the Portuguese, meaning ‘bearded ones’.

It is the most easterly of the Caribbean Islands and makes up part of the Windward Islands that include Martinique, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Barbados, Grenadines, Grenada and Dominica.

Barbados has become justifiably famous as a world class tourist destination thanks to its incredible beaches and fantastic climate. Bridgetown, on the south-west coast, is the capital city and largest town on the island. The popular town of St. Lawrence is a little further down the coast. Other popular tourist spots include Speightstown and Holetown on the west coast and Bathsheba on the east coast.

Lying just 13° north of the equator, Barbados enjoys a hot tropical climate with two distinct seasons – wet and dry. The wet season begins in May/June and runs though until November/December. Very little rain falls during the rest of the year, especially in the driest period between February and April.

Temperature is very steady throughout the year with monthly averages at 26C or 27C. The wet season is slightly warmer on average but it is a very small difference. The surrounding seas are warm all year round, and always a great temperature for swimming.

Daily highs can reach into the 30s but relief comes from the local trade winds that bring cooling breezes to the island, especially the coastal regions.

Barbados is a relatively flat island, with just a few hills in the middle the tallest of which, Mount Hillaby, stands at 336m above sea level. Therefore a fairly standard tropical climate is found all over the island with little evidence of significant micro-climates occurring across the island.

Although the first heavy downpours can arrive in May, June is when the rainfall really picks up and the wet season begins in earnest. June’s average precipitation is 112mm, more than doubling that of May. Rainfall is between 100mm- 200mm per month until November with rain falling on around half of the days each month. November, at the end of the rainy season, is the wettest month with over 200mm of rain falling across the island.

Even during the wet season there is still a good amount of sunshine, with about 8hrs on average. Most of the rain falls in short and sharp tropical downpours that quickly clear up. A lot of the rain also falls in the evening, night or early morning leaving the days sunny. So it’s still a good time to visit, and for some it’s the best time as it’s quieter and cheaper on the island – just remember to pack your brolly and don’t be afraid to get caught in a sudden downpour, they’re actually quite refreshing especially on a hot day!

One of the factors of Barbados’ climate is that it lies in the hurricane belt. Hurricane season runs from June to October. Barbados, however, being south-easterly in location lies out of the path of the majority of hurricanes that tend to strike the islands further north more frequently. On average Barbados is struck by a hurricane only once every 25 years. The last one to strike was quite recent – Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Although not at its strongest, it was still a category 3 hurricane when it passed Barbados and claimed one life on the island.

Hurricane season shouldn’t deter you from travelling; things are cheaper and quieter and many hotels offer cancellation deals in the event of a hurricane. Also the islanders are well experienced on what to do in the case of a hurricane.

What you are a little more likely to get in Barbados is a tropical storm – like a hurricane only not as strong. Still, these are pretty infrequent. Don’t be surprised to see heavy rains and strong winds during rainy season; but at the same time you might get a week of sunshine.

In short Barbados has a fantastic climate and visitors can enjoy plenty of sunshine throughout the year. December through to April is the peak times to visit as its driest and a touch cooler. The wet season can still offer great weather, however, it’s just less guaranteed. Temperatures are hot without being scorching, thanks to the cooling trade winds. The sea is always a perfect temperature – hence the island is such a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts.

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