When to Go to Antigua and Barbuda

The high season runs from mid-December through April; after that time, you can find real bargains, as much as 40% off the regular rates, particularly if you book an air-hotel package. A fair number of the restaurants and properties close for part of the time between August and October.

Festivals and Events

The year's big event is Antigua Sailing Week, which draws some 300 yachts for a series of races in late April and early May. The Back II Life Music Festival usually overlaps.

Mid-April sees the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, a five-day event that includes a tall-ships race.

Antigua Tennis Week, usually the second week of May, has exhibition games by former greats plus a pro-am tournament.

June brings the Antigua & Barbuda Sports Fishing Tournament in Falmouth.

Summer Carnival runs 10 days from the end of July to early August and is one of the Caribbean's more elaborate, with eye-catching costumes and fierce music competitions.