Wanderlust World Wanderlust World In Barbados, the weather is best from December through April. But many travelers like to plan their trips to correspond with the lower off-season rates or one of the island's many festivals and events. Along with its warm, sunny weather, Barbados' azure sea, brilliant white beaches and host of cultural and sports activities make the island one of the Caribbean's most sought out destinations.
Barbados provides travelers a hot and sunny climate year-round, but most people visit from December through May. Those months coincide with the dry season, and northeasterly trade winds provide cool breezes. Hurricane season can be factor in planning your trip. Residents follow the Barbados maxim "June too soon, October all over." September tends to be the peak month for hurricane risk, although Barbados historically has been spared direct hits. The last major hurricane to strike Barbados was Hurricane Janet, on Sept. 22, 1955.
The high season throughout the Caribbean begins in mid-December and lasts through mid-April. This is when travelers to Barbados will pay the highest rates for airfare, accommodations, car rentals and other expenses. You will need to make hotel reservations well in advance of your trip if you travel during the peak tourist time. Traveling during the off-season can mean savings of up to one-third on hotels and travel costs. Consider visiting Barbados during May and June or during early December. Avoid Christmas and New Year's holidays and Easter, when demand -- and rates -- are highest.
Special events and festivals occur throughout the year. In January there's the Barbados Jazz Festival. In February, the Holetown Festival at St. James commemorates the founding of Barbados' first European settlement in 1627.
The Oistins Fish Festival in April marks the signing of Barbados' charter with boat racing, fish-boning and other competitions. Another popular musical event is Gospelfest, held in May all around the island. The Crop Over Festival in late July and early August attracts thousands of visitors each year. Crop Over culminates with Kadooment Day, a combination national holiday/street carnival held on the first Monday in August.