What's the weather like in Antigua in October
Temperature
The weather in Antigua in October is fairly similar to that of September. During this month, the average temperature for the island starts off at 27.5°C (made up of highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C) and stays constant as the month develops.
Even though it only happens on an average of one in ten days, temperatures have been known to rise above 31°C and fall below 23°C in Antigua in October. The highest temperature ever registered on the island during this month is 40°C, whilst the lowest temperature ever recorded here at this time of year is 20°C.
Since October can be one of the warmest months of the year for Antigua, it's best reserved for holidaymakers who love high temperatures and sunshine. If you're not big on intense heat, forget about October and plan your Antigua holiday for January instead, when temperatures are usually at their lowest. However, if you do decide to visit Antigua in October, make sure you take waterproofs, suntan lotion and light clothing to protect you from the rain and sunshine.
Rain
Over the course of an average October, Antigua is subject to 132mm/5 inches of rainfall spread out between 16 rainy days, making it the wettest month of the year for the island. With precipitation making an appearance on over 50% of days throughout the month, you're almost guaranteed to see a shower or two, so be prepared. The likelihood of precipitation falling starts off at 57% on October 1st and gradually drops down to 56% by the end of the month. The most common forms of rainfall you can expect to see during your holiday in Antigua in October are moderate rain (53%), light rain (25%) and thunderstorms (19%).
Average Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover
Across the month, Antigua boasts an average of eight hours of sunshine each day that's one hour less than last month alongside median cloud coverage which fluctuates between 59% (partly cloudy) at the beginning of the month and 56% (partly cloudy) by the end. On an average day, the sky is clear/mostly clear 20% of the time, partly cloudy 31% and cloudy/overcast 25%.
Average Sea Temperature
The average sea temperature in Antigua remains pleasantly warm throughout the year. In October, it's 29°C that's the same as last month which is definitely warm enough to go for a swim, in spite of the decrease in sunshine hours.
Humidity
Because of the island's tropical climate, Antigua also stays relatively humid throughout the year. In October, the relative humidity for the island falls between 68% (mildly humid) and 91% (very humid), rarely dropping below 62% (mildly humid) or reaching as high as 100% (very humid). The air tends to be at its driest around October 1st, when the relative humidity drops below 71% (humid) three days out of four, whilst is usually at its most humid around October 15th, when it rises above 87% (very humid) three days out of four.
Wind
Throughout an average October, typical wind speeds range between 1 m/s (light air) and 7 m/s (moderate breeze), rarely going over 9 m/s (fresh breeze). The highest average wind speed of 5 m/s (gentle breeze) happens around October 31st, when the average daily maximum is 7 m/s, whilst the lowest average wind speed of 5 m/s occurs around October 16th, when the average daily maximum is 7 m/s.
Antigua Hotels in October
The Villas at Sunset Lane is an all-inclusive boutique hotel nestled into tropical gardens of the side of a mountain looking out over the Caribbean Sea. Here guests can choose between premium suites, poolside suites and small villas, each of which comes with WiFi access, air conditioning and sea views. Onsite services and facilities include fitness centre, massages, swimming pool and Caribbean restaurant, with more bars, restaurants and shops available nearby.This hotel is for adults only, making it ideal for couples looking for a romantic escape, and the staff pride themselves on true Caribbean hospitality, so you're sure to feel right at home.
If you'd rather stay directly on the beach, check out Keyonna Beach. Situated on Johnson's Point in the south west of the island, this all-inclusive boutique resort is made up of standard rooms, superior rooms, cottages and superior plunge pool cottages, all of which come under the all-inclusive package and offer Caribbean-style four poster beds, air conditioning and beach views. Onsite you'll find a Caribbean restaurant which serves up dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients, bar, swimming pool, free WiFi access and a beach with Balinese beds. The airport is just a 30-minute drive away, St Johns only a 20-minute drive and Jolly Harbour just a five-minute drive where you'll find supermarkets, shopping centre, bars and restaurants.
For something more affordable, consider staying at Joe Mike's Hotel Plaza. Located in St Johns just a short walk away from all sorts of shops, supermarkets, cafes, bars and restaurants, this hotel provides guests with a choice of small double or twin rooms, each of which features a TV, air conditioning and private bathroom. Due to the cheap prices, there aren't many services or facilities available only one restaurant which serves food between 7am and 11pm and a common room where you can enjoy coffee, tea, bottled water and free WiFi access.
Another cheap alternative for holidaymakers on a budget is Paige Pond Country Inn. Located in an eco-friendly location overlooking the rainforests of Body Ponds, this resort provides accommodation in the form of 18 self-contained suites, each of which comes with a well-equipped kitchenette, air conditioning and WiFi access. The hotel is located just a short walk away from the bus stop from which you can get to St Johns and several beaches. Although there is no restaurant within the hotel grounds, there is room service and a great choice of bars and restaurants only a bus ride away.
Antigua Beach for October
If you're after a remote and secluded beach, try Great Bird Island. This 20-acre island is located 3km north of Antigua and can be reached by taking a short boat trip from several of the harbours, including English Harbour and Jolly Harbour. On the island you'll find two whilte sandy beaches, each of which is lined by coral reefs that are home to all sorts of tropical species, making snorkelling a popular pastime. Because the sandy parts of the beaches are so narrow, you won't find any sun loungers, shades or bars here, so make sure you take everything you'll need for the day with you.
For even more water sport opportunities, spend the day at Jolly Beach. Found on the west coast of the island, this beach is made up of a mile-long stretch of powder-white sand lapped by gentle, warm waters which create the ideal environment for scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing and kayaking. There are also sun loungers and parasols to rent, plus various bars and restaurants located along the beach. Since it's located in such a popular resort, you'll also find even more bars, restaurants, shops, supermarkets and hotels just a short walk away.
Bars and Restaurants
If you're craving something exotic, consider dining at the Larder. Situated in St Johns and open Monday to Saturday from 7am until 9.30pm, this restaurant offers a daily-changing menu made up of salads, party platters, barbecue dishes, Creole choices and Mediterranean options, plus a sushi menu complete with California rolls, Philadelphia sushi, crispy California sushi and veggie rolls. The Larder focuses on gourmet-to-go style food and only uses the finest fresh and locally-sourced ingredients.
Whatever you're in the mood for, you're bound to find it at Trappas Restaurant & Bar. Open for bar snacks and drinks between 4pm and 6pm and for dinner between 6pm and 10pm, this eatery is situated in English Harbour and provides diners with a menu full of everything from sautéed mussels, breaded calamari and grilled grouper to homemade hummus, West Indian curries and hand-cut Angus steaks, providing something for everyone. There is a great selection of European and New World wines available, too, plus cocktails, spirits and beers.
For an evening meal alongside some traditional Caribbean entertainment, try Shirley Heights Lookout. Tucked into the Shirley Heights mountain with views overlooking the beach, this restaurant is open every day from 9am to 10pm (except Mondays when it closes at sunset) and offers a menu loaded with Caribbean specialities, including freshly-caught seafood, jerk meats and West Indian curries. Sunday evening is the most popular time to visit, when the restaurant hosts its iconic sunset party from 4pm onward whilst a steel drum band plays in the background.
Things to do in Antigua in October
For a bit of history during your holiday in Antigua, check out Fort Barrington. Located on the northern side of the beach of Deep Bay in an area known as Goat Hill, this fort was built in 1779 to protect the island from the French and today the ruins which were left behind are still in fantastic condition. You need to follow a fairly strenuous hike to reach the fort, making it unsuitable for those unsteady on their feet, and when you arrive at the top of the hill, not only will you be able to admire the fort, but you'll also get to enjoy panoramic views of the tropical gardens and beaches below.
If you're suffering from island sickness, hop onboard the Barbuda Express and spend a day in Barbuda. The ferry service departs from St Johns Harbour at 9am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and at midday on Sundays and returns from Barbuda at 4pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2.30pm on Sundays. You can purchase a ticket to travel there and back on the same day or extend your visit and stay in Barbuda for several days. The high-speed catamaran only takes 90 minutes to make the journey and travels in almost all weather conditions.
Located in St Johns, Victoria Park is a great place to while away a few hours and relax. Often referred to as a 'botanical garden', but more similar to ordinary parks that you'd find throughout Europe, this park was established in 1888 and is made up of an assortment of flowers, plants, trees and bushes. In addition to the flora, there are also walkways, benches, playground, ponds, bird feeding zones and parking. Although it's not really worth going out of your way to see, Vitoria Park is a great place for a leisurely stroll if you're in St Johns and have had your fill of white sandy beaches.
