What's the weather like in Antigua in August
Temperature
On average, August is usually the hottest month of the year for Antigua. During this month, the average temperature for the island is 28.5°C (created by highs of 31°C and lows of 26°C) which doesn't vary at all as the month develops.
Although it only happens on an average of 10% of days, temperatures can sometimes rise above 32°C and fall below 24°C in Antigua in August. The hottest temperature ever registered on the island at this time of year is 36°C, whilst the coldest temperature ever recorded during this month is 20°C.
Since August is the hottest month, this time is best reserved for holidaymakers who love the sunshine and the heat. If you're not a fan of high temperatures, you're better off forgetting about Antigua in August and visiting in January instead, when temperatures are usually at their lowest. However, if you do choose to visit Antigua in August, make sure you take enough suntan lotion, light and airy clothing and waterproofs to protect you from the sunshine and from the rain.
Rain
Throughout August, Antigua is subject to an average of 78mm/3 inches of rainfall spread out between 18 rainy days that's slightly more than in July. With rainfall occurring on almost 2/3 of days during this month, you're almost guaranteed to see a shower or two during your holiday, so be prepared. The likelihood of precipitation falling during this month starts off at 61% on August 5th and drops down to 59% by August 30th. The most common forms of precipitation you can expect to see in Antigua in August are moderate rain (57%), light rain (25%) and thunderstorms (15%).
Average Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover
Across the month, the island boasts an average of nine hours of sunshine each day that's the same as last month alongside median cloud coverage which ranges between 54% (partly cloudy) at the start of the month and 57% (partly cloudy) by the end of the month. On an average day, the sky is clear/mostly clear 23% of the time, partly cloudy 35% and mostly cloudy/overcast 22%.
Average Sea Temperature
The average sea temperature for Antigua remains pleasantly warm all-year-round. In August, it's 29°C that's 1°C warmer than last month which is definitely warm enough to go swimming, despite the intense cloud coverage.
Humidity
Because of Antigua's tropical climate, the island also stays humid throughout the year. In August, the relative humidity for the island fluctuates between 67% (mildly humid) and 90% (very humid), rarely dropping below 61% (mildly humid) or reaching as high as 97% (very humid). The air tends to be at its driest around August 13th, when the relative humidity falls below 70% (mildly humid) three days out of four, whilst it's at its most humid around August 31st, when it rises above 84% (humid) three days out of four.
Wind
Over the course of a normal August, average wind speeds range between 3 m/s (light breeze) and 9 m/s (fresh breeze), rarely rising above 10 m/s (fresh breeze). The highest average wind speed of 7 m/s (moderate breeze) happens around August 1st, when the average daily maximum is 9 m/s, whilst the lowest average wind speed of 6 m/s (moderate breeze) occurs around August 31st, when the average daily maximum is 8 m/s.
Antigua Hotels in August
Located on the north western coast of Antigua directly on the beach and surrounded by 17 acres of tropical gardens, Blue Waters Resort is an all-inclusive resort ideal for families and couples alike. Accommodation is provided in the form of rooms, suites and villas, each of which boasts sea views, air conditioning and free WiFi access. Onsite services and facilities include three restaurants and three bars all of which are covered by the all-inclusive package spa which offers massages, facials, body therapies and salon treatments, gym, tennis courts, nightly entertainment, swimming pools and several secluded beaches where guests can practise jet skiing, water skiing, snorkelling, windsurfing and kayaking.
For something more romantic, try Siboney Beach Club. Located in St Johns on Dickenson Bay which was voted one of the best beaches in the world, this resort is set amongst tropical gardens and provides guests with a choice between one-bedroom suites and one-bedroom suites with ocean views. All suites are air-conditioned and feature free WiFi access, well-equipped kitchenette and balcony or terrace. Within the hotel's grounds you'll find an award-winning restaurant open from 7am until 11pm serving local cuisine, swimming pool, spa treatments and fitness classes. You'll also find plenty of shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and attractions available just a short walk away from the hotel.
If you're travelling as a group or large family and need a bit of space, consider staying at Jolly Harbour Villas. Based in Jolly Harbour, the villas are available in one-, two- and three-bedroom varieties, each of which is individually styled. Although all the villas are different, almost all of them feature well-equipped kitchens, providing you with everything you could need to prepare all your own meals during your holiday in Antigua. Onsite you'll find a swimming pool, bar and restaurant, with loads of supermarkets, shops, beaches, water sport opportunities, bars, restaurants and attractions available in the local area.
Situated in English Harbour, the Ocean Inn is tucked away into a tropical garden and overlooks Nelson's Dockyard and the Caribbean waters behind it. Here guests can choose between private cottages, top-floor gallery rooms, budget rooms and ocean-view budget rooms, each of which comes with air-conditioning and free WiFi access. Onsite services and facilities include complimentary daily breakfast, swimming pool, honesty bar, and gym, with bars, restaurants, spas, shops and beaches within easy walking distance of the hotel. Although there aren't many amenities within the hotel's grounds, this is reflected in the price, making it a great value hotel.
Antigua Beach for August
Long Bay Beach is ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. Located just five minutes away from Willikies on the eastern coast of Antigua, this beach has clear and shallow waters which are home to a very impressive coral reef that is regularly teeming with tropical fish. The sands which line the sea are white, soft and peppered with sun loungers and shades which are available to rent. In addition to snorkelling and scuba diving, you can also practise sailing and jet skiing here. There is a beach bar onsite, as well as toilets which you have to pay to use.
Ffryes Bay is another beach ideal for water sport enthusiasts. Located on the south western coast, this beach is lined by tropical trees and is made up of a narrow stretch of fine white sand and clear waters which hardly ever see any waves, making them perfect for swimming. Here you can enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing and kayaking and there is also a restaurant just a short walk away from the beach where you can rest if the sun gets too much for you.
Bars and Restaurants
If you're in the mood for some Italian food and a lively party atmosphere, head to Abracadabra. Located in English Harbour, this restaurant serves up traditional Italian cuisine, including antipasto misto, meat and fish carpaccio, tuna tartar, homemade pasta, fresh lobster and roast suckling pig. There is also a selection of freshly-prepared desserts available, such as cheesecake with strawberry coulis and the iconic 'Death by Chocolate'. After you've enjoyed your meal, you can head to the Abracadabra Disco next door for live music and DJ sets.
Wine lovers won't want to miss C&C Wine House. Based in St Johns, this bar-restaurant serves a wide range of wines from South Africa in a sophisticated yet casual atmosphere. If you're on a tight budget, take a look at their wines of the month and recommended wines which are available by the glass. For non-wine drinkers, there is also a good selection of other spirits, coffees and light snacks.
Diners who want to enjoy a meal by the sea should consider Sun Ra. Located at Dockyard Drive in Falmouth Harbour, this restaurant is open Monday to Saturday from 6pm until 10pm and serves a variety of Caribbean, Italian and vegetarian dishes, such as steak tartar, local clams, mahi-mahi and lobster spaghetti. What really makes this restaurant stand out is its stunning harbour location from which you can watch fantastic sunsets if you're there at the right time.
Things to do in Antigua in August
One of the best ways of getting to see Antigua's scenery is to sign up for an excursion with Trek Tours. This excursion company organises various treks around the island which are suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. Treks take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 8am and midday and are divided into three different itineraries according to difficulty, plus an extra sunset trek on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 5pm. Each trek includes free transportation, water, water pouch, head lamps and tour guide.
History buffs won't want to miss the chance to visit Monk's Hill. Often referred to as Fort George, this fort is located in English Harbour and was built in 1689 when it was used to defend the British settlers from the French invaders. You'll need to follow a rather challenging hike in order to reach Monk's Hill, so make sure you take suitable walking shoes and some water with you. Despite the effort to get up there, the trek is more than worth it because not only will you be able to admire the fort, but you'll also get to enjoy panoramic views of English Harbour.
The Shakerley Mountains are another picturesque point worth visiting during your holiday in Antigua. This mountain range stretches on for 15km and is where you'll find the very highest points of the island, making it only really suitable for experienced hikers. The most prominent and well-known peaks here are Mount Obama, Signal Hill, Sage Hill and Monk's Hill. Make sure you take your camera because whichever part you decide to climb up, you'll see amazing views when you reach the top.
