What's the weather like in Antigua in July
Temperature
After August, July is usually the hottest month of the year for Antigua. During this month, the average temperature for the island starts off at 28°C (created by highs of 30°C and lows of 26°) and rises up to 28.5°C (made up of highs of 31°C and lows of 26°C) by the end of the month.
Even though it only occurs on an average of 10% of days, temperatures have been known to rise above 31°C and fall below 25°C in Antigua in July. The highest temperature ever recorded on the island during this month is 34°C, whilst the lowest temperature ever registered here at this time of year is 20°C.
Because July is one of the hottest months of the year, this time is best suited to travellers who love high temperatures and lots of sunshine. If you're not a fan of the heat, you're best off forgetting about visiting in July and travelling in January instead, when the island is usually at its coolest. On the other hand, if you decide to visit Antigua in July, you'll need to pack plenty of suntan lotion, light and airy clothing and waterproofs to protect you from the sun and the rain.
Rain
Across July, Antigua receives an average of 72mm/3 inches of rainfall divided between 18 wet days that's an increase compared to June. With rainfall making an appearance on almost 2/3 of days during this month, you're practically guaranteed to experience a shower or two during your holiday, so be prepared to get wet or stay inside your hotel. The probability of rainfall making an appearance at this time of year begins at 56% on July 1st and rises up to 58% by July 11th and 60% by July 25th. The most common types of precipitation you can expect to see at this time of year are moderate rain (59%), light rain (26%) and thunderstorms (12%).
Average Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover
Throughout the month, Antigua enjoys an average of nine hours of sunshine every day that's one hour less each day than last month along with median cloud coverage which fluctuates between 56% (partly cloudy) at the beginning of the month and 54% (partly cloudy) by the end of the month. On an average day, the sky is clear/mostly clear 22% of the time, partly cloudy 35% and mostly cloudy/overcast 22%.
Average Sea Temperature
The average sea temperature for Antigua stays pleasantly warm all year long. In July, it's 28°C that's the same as last month which is certainly more than warm enough to go swimming, despite the decrease in sunshine hours.
Humidity
Thanks to Antigua's tropical climate, the island also stays humid throughout the year. In July, the relative humidity for the island falls between 67% (mildly humid) and 88% (very humid), rarely falling below 61% (mildly humid) or exceeding 95% (very humid).
The air is at its driest around July 1st, when the relative humidity falls below 70% (humid) three days out of four, whilst the air is at its most humid around July 23rd, when the relative humidity rises above 84% (humid) three days out of four.
Wind
During an average July, normal wind speeds range between 5 m/s (gentle breeze) and 9 m/s (fresh breeze), rarely exceeding 11 m/s (strong breeze). The highest average wind speed of 7 m/s (moderate breeze) happens around July 1st, when the average daily maximum is 9 m/s (fresh breeze), whilst the lowest average wind speed of 7 m/s (moderate breeze) happens around July 31st, when the average daily maximum is 9 m/s.
Antigua Hotels in July
If you're looking for beachfront accommodation for your holiday in Antigua, consider staying at the Verandah Resort & Spa. Located on the north eastern coast of the island with 30 acres of beachfront stretching out before it, this resort offers guests a variety of water sports, including snorkelling, scuba diving, wind surfing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, pedal boats and sailing.
Accommodation is provided in the form of suites and villas, each of which comes with air conditioning and sea views. Onsite services and facilities include three restaurants which serve local and international cuisine as well as fresh sea food, three bars serving tropical cocktails, beers, wines and soft drinks, nightly entertainment, mini golf, fitness centre and two 18-hole golf courses just a short distance away. There is also a spa within the hotel's grounds which offers facials, massages, body therapy and salon services.
For an all-inclusive hotel in Antigua, take a look at Hawksbill by Rex Resorts. Set amongst 37 acres of landscaped tropical gardens, this resort boasts four secluded beaches, including one which is designed for nudists. Accommodation is provided in the form of garden and sea view bungalows, superior sea view and beachfront club rooms, and the great house, each of which faces the beach and comes complete with a fan, tea/coffee making facilities and a private bathroom. The all-inclusive package covers buffet breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, Caribbean cocktails, local beers, soft drinks, house spirits, house wines, daytime tennis, evening entertainment, taxes, tips, sailing, pedalo hire and waterskiing.
For something more affordable, check out Reefview Apartments. Situated in Cades Bay, this resort is made up of three self-contained apartments, each of which comes with full kitchen, WiFi access and air conditioning. The focus is on top quality service here you'll be picked up directly from the airport and transferred to the hotel where you'll be treated like family for the entire duration of your stay.
Onsite facilities are limited to one restaurant, with personalised catering packages, excursions, island tours, yacht charters and wedding planning available to book from reception. Reefview Apartments' prestigious location means that the white sandy beach is only footsteps away where you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving.
Wind Chimes Inn Antigua is another option for families and couples travelling on a budget. Located just three minutes away from the airport, five minutes away from Jabberwock beach, restaurants and bars, and ten minutes away from downtown St Johns, this resort is ideally positioned for those who want to get out and about during their holiday in Antigua.
Accommodation is provided in the form of spacious rooms which include a daily complimentary breakfast and children under the age of ten can stay for free. Due to the cheap price tag, facilities and services are limited to complimentary mobile phone rental, daily maid service and car rentals.
Antigua Beach for July
If you're after a lively beach with a great atmosphere, spend a few hours at Dickenson Bay. Located on the north western coast of Antigua, this beach features soft white sands which are perfect for sunbathing and calm, clear waters ideal for swimming and water sports, such as sailing, kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving. Sun loungers and parasols are available to rent here and there is also a huge selection of cocktail bars, cafes and restaurants located along the promenade.
Windsurfing enthusiasts should head to Dutchman's Bay if they want to practise their sport. Found in the north of the island close to the airport, this beach is almost always breezy, creating the ideal environment for wind-based water sports, such as windsurfing. There is a protective reef located just offshore which stops the sea from getting too rough, so it isn't dangerous to be in the water. There are no sun loungers or parasols here, but there is a restaurant located just a few steps away.
Bars and Restaurants
For a relaxing dinner or lunch at the beach, try Jacqui O's Beach House. Located at the seafront in Crabbe Hill, this restaurant has a very relaxed atmosphere with white washed walls, splashes of turquoise and chilled out Ibiza-style music. The menu is made up of a wide selection of local and international dishes, with special attention paid to fresh seafood. Drinks range from spirits and cocktails to beers and wines and guests can choose to sit on chairs on the terrace or lounge on cabanas on the beach.
If you're in the mood for Asian, pop into Touloulou Bar & Restaurant. Located at English Harbour, this restaurant is only open on Sunday nights from 6.30pm until 10pm, making reservations a must. The cuisine is Asian fusion and the menu features classics such as spring rolls, Thai beef salad and stir-fried tofu, as well as Caribbean-inspired dishes, such as mahi-mahi and seared tuna.
For friendly service, delicious cocktails and great food, it's got to be Smiling Harry's. Situated directly on the beach at Half Moon Bay, this casual eatery serves up a great selection of Caribbean-inspired dishes, including burgers, chicken wings, pasta, salads and fresh seafood. There is no menu to choose from instead your server will come over and tell you what is being prepared that day, so you can be sure your meal is fresh and made with seasonal ingredients.
Things to do in Antigua in July
Located within Indian Town, Devil's Bridge is a natural attraction situated at the very end of the coast in the sea. The bridge is made entirely out of rock which has been shaped thusly over many years by erosion from the waves and wind. The best time to visit the site is when the sea is really rough that's when water will be battering the bridge and spouting out through the holes which have formed it in, almost like a volcano. Many visitors attempt to walk over the bridge, but due to the slippery nature of the wet rock and the often fierce intensity of the waves, this can be very dangerous, so be careful!
If you're into history, stop by Fort James during your holiday in Antigua. Named after King James II who reigned when the fort was built, this structure began to be constructed in 1706, although most of the buildings there today date back to 1739. There are no guided tours available, but visitors can freely wander the site, admiring the intact cannons and ruined buildings which have seen loads of battles. When you're finished exploring, you can stop for something to drink at the onsite Fort James Bar.
The VC Bird Monument is one of the most unusual attractions in Antigua. Located on Thames Street in St Johns, this monument is the biggest statue in the city and commemorates the late VC Bird who played a major role in Antigua's history and is depicted wearing a black suit, white shirt and red tie with his hand on his chest. Other points of interest in the immediate area include restaurants and markets which sell everything from souvenirs to local produce.