Located in the Caribbean, Barbados may be a small island nation, but it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region.
Home to stunning beaches, friendly locals, and sunny skies year-round, Barbados is a popular holiday destination for many.
While it may be an island paradise, like most places, there are certain times when you should and shouldn’t visit Barbados.
So, when is the best time to visit Barbados?
Peak Season
The best time to visit Barbados is between mid-December and mid-April during the dry season.
During these months, you will experience less rainfall and average temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius.
When you visit during the dry season, you can spend your days swimming in the ocean, lying on the sand or discovering different areas of the island.
However, because this is the best time of year to visit Barbados, it’s the busiest and, therefore, the most expensive.
Thankfully, there are other times to visit Barbados when accommodation is cheaper, there are fewer people, and the weather is still good.
Low Season
The low season in Barbados runs from July to October.
Some people choose to travel at this time due to the more affordable rates and laid-back experience with fewer tourists.
Although the low season falls within the wet season, more often than not, your tropical beach holiday will be unaffected.
Shoulder Season
Don’t want to visit Barbados during peak season (December to April)? Are you worried about getting rained on during the low season? The best time for you to visit is during the shoulder season (May, June and November).
During shoulder season, you get the best of everything. With minimal crowds, fantastic weather and low prices, you don’t have to worry about the best spots on the beach being taken or resorts being sold out.
Best Things to do in Barbados
So now that you know when the best time to visit Barbados is, here are the best things to do in Barbados.
1. Horse riding along the coast
One of the best places to admire the rugged wilderness on the Atlantic coast of Barbados is from the back of a horse!
Horse riding is possible on beaches all around the island, with guided trips available for all riders with different levels of experience.
One of the best places to go horse riding in Barbados is Bath Beach. This beach is where you’ll find golden sands, clear running streams and a backdrop of forest inhabited by monkeys.
Although the beach may be beautiful, one of the most memorable things about horse riding here is heading into the ocean to cool off on your horse’s back!
If you love horses or want to experience something different on the island, horse riding is one of the best things to do!
2. Sail the Platinum Coast
Located on the western shores of Barbados, the Platinum Coast is one of the most beautiful spots on the island, perfect for sailing!
The area, extending north from Payne’s Bay, boasts some of the most breathtaking stretches of sand, home to extravagant beachfront villas.
Sailing trips depart from the capital of Bridgetown, with stops to snorkel with turtles or explore reefs and shipwrecks along the way. Exploring this part of the island by boat is one of the best things to do in Barbados.
3. Feast on seafood at Oistins Fish Fry
If you’re a fan of seafood, one of the best things to do in Barbados is head to Oistins on a Friday night.
Every Friday night, half of the island heads to this small village on the southwest coast for the legendary fish fry.
The island’s favourite feast comprises fresh fish, cold beer and great music.
Many kiosks serve a range of delicious food, from grilled fish and shellfish to chicken and port chops. Wash down your food with a cold beer or tasty cocktail and enjoy the live music.
If you love experiencing local activities, this is definitely an activity to remember while in Barbados.
4. Go snorkeling in Carlise Bay Marine Reserve
Surrounded by stunning ocean and coral reefs, one of the best things to do in Barbados is snorkel in Carlise Bay Marine Reserve.
Just offshore from Bridgetown, the marine reserve is home to five shipwrecks, coral reefs, and thousands of fish and sea turtles, making it a fantastic snorkelling spot!
One of the best spots to check out? The Berwyn, a 70ft-long French tugboat that sunk in 1919. Today, it’s home to many thriving ecosystems attracting thousands of colourful fish!
5. Explore Animal Flower Cave
While the more famous Harrison’s Cave in central Barbados draws crowds of tourists, the seaside grotto of Animal Flower Cave under the cliffs of St Lucy offers a more relaxed natural experience.
The only way down to the cave is via a set of stairs carved into a surging blowhole, adding to the fun!
The first chamber has shallow pools that contain the urchins that give the cave its name. It then opens out to the sea through a diamond-shaped hole in the rocks.
In the second cave, you’ll find a natural rock pool with calm waters protected from the crashing waves below the narrow opening.
If you love exploring natural wonders, visiting the Animal Flower Cave is one of the best things you can do in Barbados!
If you want sunshine, warm weather and days spent on the beach, the best time for you to visit Barbados is from December to April.
However, if you want to save money and explore the island without the crowds, visiting Barbados during the shoulder season is best for you.
Home to stunning beaches, beautiful marine life and lively locals, there is so much to love about this island nation in the Caribbean.
