What's the weather like in Antigua in December
Temperature
After January, December is usually the coldest month of the year for Antigua. At this time of year, the average temperature for the island starts off at 26.5°C (made up of highs of 29°C and lows of 24°C) at the beginning of the month and drops down to 25.5°C (highs of 28°C and lows of 23°C) by the end of the month.
With this in mind, if you want to visit the island when it's at its hottest, the best time to go is at the start of the month.
Even though it only happens on an average of 10% of days, temperatures can sometimes rise above 30°C and drop below 22°C in Antigua in December.
The hottest temperature ever recorded on the island at this time of year is 32°C, whilst the coldest temperature ever registered here at this time of year is 16°C.
Because December is one of the coldest months of the year for Antigua, it's a great time for holidaymakers who aren't fans of high temperatures but really want to visit the island to holiday there.
On the other hand, if you love the heat and want to visit Antigua when temperatures are at their highest, forget about December and holiday there in August when the island is usually at its hottest. However, if you do decide to visit Antigua in December, make sure you take suntan cream plus some light and airy clothing with you to protect you from the sunshine.
Rain
Over the course of a typical December, Antigua is subject to an average of 63mm/2 inches of rainfall spread out between 17 wet days that's significantly less than in November. With rainfall making an appearance on over 50% of days throughout the month, you're practically guaranteed to get rainfall, so be prepared to get wet or stay inside your hotel.
The likelihood of rainfall making an appearance begins at 55% on December 1st, rises up to 56% by December 17th and drops back down to 55% by December 31st. The most common forms of precipitation you can expect to experience during your holiday in December are moderate rain (64%), light rain (29%) and thunderstorms (5%).
Average Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover
Across the month, Antigua boasts an average of nine hours of sunshine each day that's the same as last month alongside median cloud coverage which ranges between 52% (partly cloudy) on December 1st and 49% (partly cloudy) by December 30th. On an average day, the sky is clear/mostly clear 25% of the time, partly cloudy 32% and mostly cloudy/overcast 17%.
Average Sea Temperature
The average sea temperature for the island remains pleasantly warm throughout the year. In December, it's 27°C that's 1°C cooler than in November which is definitely warm enough to go for a swim, in spite of the decrease in temperature.
Humidity
Because it enjoys a tropical climate, Antigua also stays humid all-year-round. In December, the relative humidity for the island varies between 66% (mildly humid) and 89% (very humid), rarely dropping down to 58% (mildly humid) or reaching as high as 98% (very humid). The air tends to be at its driest around December 26th, when the relative humidity falls below 70% (humid) three days out of four, whilst it's at its most humid around December 20th, when it rises above 85% (humid) three days out of four.
Wind
During an average December, typical wind speeds fluctuate between 3 m/s (light breeze) and 8 m/s (moderate breeze), rarely rising above 11 m/s (fresh breeze). The highest average wind speed of 6 m/s (moderate breeze) happens around December 31st, when the average daily maximum wind speed is 8 m/s, whilst the lowest average wind speed of 6 m/s occurs around December 20th, when the average daily maximum is 8 m/s.
Antigua Hotels in December
Carlisle Bay
If you can't decide between a beachside location and tropical garden surroundings, stay at Carlisle Bay. Nestled in between the white sandy beach and forest-clad mountains, this resort offers the best of both worlds, whether you're into water sports and beachside yoga classes or nature trails and panoramic views. Accommodation is provided in the form of 82 garden, ocean, beach and Carlisle suites, each of which comes with sea views, Caribbean décor, air conditioning, 24-hour room service and WiFi access.
Onsite you'll find seven bars and restaurants several of which are directly on the beach spa with facials, massages and scrubs, gym, tennis courts, fitness classes, library, gift shop, kids' clubs and swimming pool. There is a huge range of water sports and excursions available from the beach, such as sailing, diving, snorkelling, deep sea fishing, windsurfing and paddle boarding.
Antigua Village
For a cheaper alternative, try Antigua Village. Situated directly on the half-mile-long Dickenson Bay where you'll find beach bars, sun loungers, parasols and water sport opportunities, this resort provides accommodation in the form of houses, studios, suites and villages, each of which features air conditioning and a fully-equipped kitchen. Because of the cheap room rates, services and facilities are limited to swimming pool, free parking and free WiFi access, but you'll find loads of shops, supermarkets, spas, salons, bars, restaurants and attractions nearby.
are another option for holidaymakers on a budget holiday in Antigua. Boasting a prime location in English Harbour within easy walking distance of many bars, restaurants, shops and supermarkets, this resort provides accommodation in the form of spacious rooms, each of which comes with one double, two twins or one water bed, internet access and en-suite bathroom. Onsite you'll find a chill out terrace and room service, with a bus service to St Johns directly outside the hotel and the beach is only a short walk away where you'll find beach bars, restaurants and water sports,
Grand Royal Antigua
When it comes to family-friendly beachside accommodation in Antigua, Grand Royal Antiguan is a top pick. Built on a 40-acre space covered in tropical gardens and flanked by a half-mile-long beach, this four-star hotel provides guests with 265 rooms and 12 one-bedroom cottages. The rooms come with mountain, lagoon or ocean views and are where children under eight years old are permitted to stay, whilst the cottages are larger, located within the tropical gardens near the pool and aren't suitable for children to stay in. Onsite services and facilities include three restaurants, six bars, gym, water sports at the nearby beach, shopping centre, internet café, swimming pool, playground and tennis courts.
Antigua Beach for December
Morris Bay Beach
Morris Bay is a beach found on the south west coast of Antigua, close to Turners Beach, which provides the ideal environment for snorkelling.
The beach is made up of a long, thin stretch of soft golden sand, providing plenty of room for children to play, whilst the calm, shallow waters which line it are home to all sorts of exotic marine life.
There are no facilities on the beach, so make sure you take everything you'll need for the day with you.
The space around the beach is often used by local farmers to graze their animals, so families with young children could have some great fun looking at the cows and horses.
Rendezvous Bay Beach
If you enjoy hiking, make the trek to Rendezvous Bay.
The only way to reach this beach is by following a 30-40-minute trek after driving through Falmouth or an equally-long hike from Wallings Damn.
Due to its remote location, there are no services or facilities on this beach, although the large hill which lines one side of the beach provides some shade when the sun is in the right position.
The sea is almost always calm here, making it ideal for swimming, but there can be small waves from time to time which are small enough to enjoy splashing about in without being a danger.
Bars and Restaurants
La Bussola Restauran
Satisfy your pasta craving by spending an evening at La Bussola Restaurant. Situated on Runaway Bay in St Johns, this Mediterranean restaurant specialises in Italian cuisine, with classics such as bruschetta, lobster spinach dip, lobster risotto, spaghetti Bolognese and handmade gnocchi. For the second course, there is a variety of seafood, fish and meat options, including salmon, grouper, sea bass, calamari, lamb, veal and chicken. There is an equally great selection of homemade desserts and European wines available, too to really round off your meal.
Melinis
Melini's is another top pick when it comes to Italian restaurants in Antigua. Situated in Jolly Harbour, this restaurant specialises in typical Italian delicacies, including homemade pasta, stone-baked pizzas and scallops wrapped in parma ham, plus cocktails, wines and speciality coffees from all over the world. What really makes this restaurant stand out above the rest are its nightly live jazz band and fantastic seafront location.
Hemingways Caribbeans Cafe
If you'd rather somewhere that serves local Caribbean food in casual surroundings, don't miss Hemingways Caribbean Cafe. Situated in Lower St Mary's Street in St Johns, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy a laid-back lunch of exotic cocktails, soups, sandwiches, salads and seafood or a romantic dinner with international wines, typical Creole cuisine and US choice steaks. There is also a selection of Caribbean-inspired desserts such as tropical fruit flan and coconut pie plus loads of drinks to choose from, including wines, spirits, beers, soft drinks and rum-based cocktails.
Things to do in Antigua in December
are one of the most popular attractions in English Harbour. This natural site is made up of huge limestone rock formations which rise out of the ocean along the top of Charlotte Point.
There are loads of things you can do here, including following the various walks and hikes which take you along the top, take a boat trip which passes by the bottom of the pillars, or go scuba diving or snorkelling amongst the coral reefs which start growing just a few metres offshore and go as deep as 12 metres. The coral reefs are often teeming with blue tangs, trumpet fish and stingrays, making it a fantastic place for swimming, scuba diving and snorkelling.
Heritage Quay
When it comes to duty-free shopping in Antigua, Heritage Quay is the best place to do so.
This part of the island is made up of a shopping mall and several streets lined with duty-free shops and boutiques where you can pick up everything from cheap alcohol, cigars, electronics, jewellery and leather goods to designer clothing, souvenirs, cosmetics, artwork and perfumes.
Peppered amongst the stores you'll find loads of sports bars, cafes and speciality restaurants, serving up a selection of local delicacies and international dishes. There are no restrictions on the quantity of goods you can purchase here, but you will need to show proof of your traveller status, such as airline ticket plus identification.
Museum of Marine Art
For a glimpse of some interesting maritime artefacts and artwork, stop by the Museum of Marine Art in St Johns. This museum is full of maritime-related artefacts and trinkets, including more than 10,000 locally-found seashells and items which were scavenged from shipwrecks discovered in the waters around the island. It won't take much time for you to fully explore the museum, but there is another museum, plus loads of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants just a short walk away around the marina.
