What's the weather like in Antigua in January
Temperature
On average, January is the coldest month of the year for Antigua. At this time of year, the average temperature for the island is 25.5°C (created by highs of 28°C and lows of 23°C) a temperature which doesn't vary at all as the month progresses.
Even though it only happens on an average of 10% of days, temperatures can sometimes rise above 29°C and fall below 21°C in Antigua in January. The highest temperature ever registered on the island at this time of year is 34°C, whilst the lowest temperature ever recorded here during this month is 18°C.
Since this time of year is when temperatures are at their very lowest, January is ideal for travellers who want to visit Antigua but hate excessively high temperatures. If you love the heat and would rather visit the island when temperatures are at their highest, forget about January and travel to the island during August, when temperatures are usually at their highest. However, if you do decide to visit Antigua in January, make sure you take plenty of light and airy clothing, suntan lotion and some waterproofs with you to protect you from the elements.
Rain
Across January, Antigua is subject to an average of 48mm/2 inches of rainfall divided between 18 wet days. With some form of precipitation occurring on so many days throughout the month, there is a very good chance that you'll experience a shower during your holiday, so be prepared. The probability of precipitation making an appearance in January starts off at 56% on January 1st, drops down to 55% by January 10th and rises up to 57% by January 26th. The most common types of precipitation you can expect to see in Antigua in January are moderate rain (65%) and light rain (31%).
Average Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover
Throughout the month, Antigua enjoys an average of nine hours of sunshine each day, alongside median cloud cover which ranges between 49% (partly cloudy) at the beginning of the month and 48% (partly cloudy) by the end of the month. On an average day, the sky is clear/mostly clear 29% of the time, partly cloudy 32% and mostly cloudy 15% of the time.
Average Sea Temperature
The average sea temperature in Antigua remains consistently warm throughout the year. In January, it's 27°C which is certainly warm enough to go swimming.
Humidity
Thanks to its tropical climate, Antigua is also relatively humid all-year-round. In January, the relative humidity for the island fluctuates between 64% (mildly humid) and 89% (very humid), rarely dropping below 55% (mildly humid) or reaching as high as 96% (very humid).
The air tends to be at its driest around January 31st, when the relative humidity falls below 68% (mildly humid) three days out of every four, whilst the air is usually at its most humid around January 1st, when it rises above 85% (humid) three days out of four.
Wind
January can be a fairly breezy time for Antigua. During this month, typical wind speeds fall between 4 m/s (gentle breeze) and 8 m/s (fresh breeze), very rarely rising above 11 m/s (strong breeze). The highest average wind speed of 6 m/s (moderate breeze) occurs around January 10th, when the average daily maximum is 8 m/s, whilst the lowest average wind speed of 6 m/s happens around January 1st, when the average daily maximum is 8 m/s.
Antigua Hotels in January
Galley Bay Resort has been voted as one of the best hotels in Antigua on TripAdvisor. This boutique resort is located in a quiet, intimate part of the island, lining a golden, sandy beach. Accommodation is provided in the form of 98 guest rooms which all have beach or lagoon views and are nestled into tropical flora.
Guests can choose between premium beachfront suites, beachfront rooms and Gauguin cottages, each of which is covered by the all-inclusive package. There are three open-air restaurants and three bar-lounges which provide live entertainment, parties and barbecues, as well as free water sports on the nearby beach, swimming pool and fitness centre. The onsite spa offers three massage areas, open-air treatment pods, facial treatments, body therapies and in-room treatments.
Situated on the west coast of Antigua, nestled into the natural hillside which is bordered with sugar cane, Sugar Ridge is a luxury boutique hotel which offers guests panoramic views across the island and out to sea, thanks to its elevated position. Guests can choose between various apartments, each of which features a king-size four-poster bed and WiFi access, plus a private plunge pool for lower level rooms and large veranda for upper level rooms.
Onsite services and facilities include formal restaurant with panoramic views and Caribbean fusion dishes, casual restaurant and bar which overlooks the resort's swimming pool and spa which includes fitness centre with 30 pieces of equipment, four treatment rooms, hair salon, manicure and pedicure stations and yoga studio.
Antigua Yacht Marine Resort is perfect for travellers who love yachts and boats. Located in Falmoth Harbour, this resort is just a short distance away from Nelson's Dockyard, Pigeon Beach, English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour. Accommodation is provided in the form of single and double garden view studios, sea view studios, one-bedroom studios and hotel rooms, each of which comes equipped with ceiling fan, air conditioning, WiFi access, satellite TV and private balcony.
There's an onsite restaurant which offers close-up views of the harbour, plus a spa which provides a wealth of treatments, including head, foot and body massages, body wraps and facials. You'll also find a selection of shops, supermarkets, cafes, bars and restaurants available just a short walk away at the marina.
Holidaymakers who want to stay directly on the beach should check out Ocean Point Residence. Located on Hodges Bay where guests can sunbathe on the beach or practise water sports in the sea, this resort is made up of class studios and superior studios, each of which features sea views, kitchen, free WiFi access and air conditioning.
All guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, pool access, café and spa with massages, hair styling, manicures and pedicures, plus an Italian restaurant which also serves cocktails, fruit juices, wines and beers. Bed and breakfast packages are available, as well as golf + accommodation and spa + accommodation packages.
Antigua Beach for January
Valley Church Beach is one of the most highly regarded beaches in the whole of Antigua. Situated south of Jolly Harbour in the west of the island, this beach is made up of sugar-white sands and turquoise waters. There is a large drop as the sand gives way to the water and the waves can be quite rough, so be careful when swimming. There are sun loungers and parasols available for rent, plus water sports and a beachside bar which serves food, drinks and the popular beer buckets throughout the day.
Found in the north east of the island, Jabberwock Beach is a mile-long stretch of fine white sand lined by warm, clear waters. This beach is often breezy, making it ideal for practising kite surfing, although totally unsuitable for sunbathing. Although there are no facilities on the beach, there is a kebab shop and supermarket just beyond the northern side of the beach where you can grab cheap food and drinks.
Bars and Restaurants
Located within English Harbour, Catherine's Café Plage is one of the best places in Antigua to sample French cuisine. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this restaurant boasts a beachfront location and serves up classic French bistro food, including lobster, steak tartare and tarte tatin, alongside various Caribbean dishes, such as fresh mahi mahi and rum and raisin ice cream.
The drinks menu is extensive and includes freshly prepared cocktails made with local ingredients, local and international wines and beers, and soft drinks. The restaurant is equally suitable for couples, families and large groups celebrating special occasions and although it can be relatively pricey, the quality of the food and service make it worth it.
If you're in the mood for seafood, try Oceanos Seafood Restaurant. Located within Saint John's, this restaurant specialises in fresh fish and seafood, with lobster, clams, prawns, conk and snapper all appearing on the menu. For those who aren't fans of seafood, steaks and vegetarian options are also available upon request.
If you have special dietary requirements or would like your food cooked a certain way, simply mention it when you place your order and the chef will be happy to oblige. Because of its beachfront location, this restaurant is usually teeming with mosquitoes, so make sure you take some spray with you.
Grace Before Meals is a great place to enjoy cheap and cheerful local food. Found in Falmouth Harbour, this restaurant is set inside a brightly coloured bungalow and is known for its authentic Caribbean menu which features the classic fresh fish soup, roti wraps, chicken stews, curried pork and baked chicken, with extra daily specials, too. There is no alcohol available from this restaurant, but there is an extensive selection of freshly-squeezed fruit juices, including raspberry and lemon, plus ginger and brown sugar iced tea.
Things to do in Antigua in January
History buffs won't want to pass up the opportunity to visit the Admiral's House Museum. Situated in English Harbour, this museum features genuine artefacts which are used to tell stories about Admiral Nelson, the history of the dockyards and Antigua's early inhabitants. Exhibitions feature everything from trophies from recent regattas and paintings to old ships and documents. As well as the museum, the site also features a gift shop and there are several maritime-themed restaurants just a short walk away.
The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is another must for those who want to find out more about the history of the island. Found in St John's, this small museum is set inside a historical building and is made up of exhibitions which go into detail about the history of the islands and the lives and culture of the locals. All the displays are clearly labelled in English and the museum will only take between 30 and 60 minutes to fully explore, making it suitable for families with small children.
Get your hands on some unique jewellery by visiting Silver Chelles during your holiday in Antigua. Situated in St John's, this jewellery shop features a wide selection of original pieces made using local shells and stones. The prices are very reasonable and since each piece is handmade, you can be sure that there is no other one like it in the world. Necklace pendants, earrings, rings, bracelets, chains and chokers are all available to buy.
