Antigua and Barbuda in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Antigua and Barbuda

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 51mm (2.0 inches) across 10 days means most days are completely sunny and perfect for beach activities
Trade winds are strongest in December, keeping temperatures comfortable at 20-25°C (68-77°F) and making sailing conditions absolutely perfect
Sea visibility reaches its annual peak of 30m (98 feet) due to calmer waters, making December the premier month for snorkeling and diving
Tourist season is just beginning, so you get perfect weather without February-March crowds and can still book premium accommodations at shoulder-season rates

Considerations

Accommodation prices increase 30-40% from November as high season approaches, with beachfront resorts reaching peak rates by mid-December
Harmattan winds from the Sahara can create occasional hazy conditions lasting 2-3 days, reducing photograph quality and distant views
Some local restaurants and small businesses close for 1-2 weeks during Christmas period as owners visit family abroad

Best Activities in December

Circumnavigation Sailing Expeditions

December's consistent 15-20 knot trade winds create ideal conditions for multi-day sailing adventures around both islands. Seas are calmest with 1-2m (3-6 foot) swells, and you can access remote anchorages on the windward side that are too rough other months. The steady northeast winds mean you'll actually sail rather than motor.

Booking Tip: Book catamaran charters 3-4 weeks ahead for December, typically EC$800-1200 per person for day trips. Look for operators with local captains who know seasonal wind patterns. Multi-day charters run EC$2500-4000 per person. See current sailing options in booking section below.

Devil's Bridge Coastal Hiking

December's lower humidity (70% vs 85% in summer) and cooler morning temperatures make the exposed coastal trails around Antigua and Barbuda actually enjoyable. The limestone formations are most dramatic when trade winds create spectacular spray shows, happening consistently in December. Start at 7am when it's 20°C (68°F) rather than mid-day heat.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hikes are free, but guided geological tours cost EC$150-250 per person and explain the island's formation. Bring reef-safe sunscreen - UV index hits 8 even in December. Book guided tours 1 week ahead through certified nature guides.

Nelson's Dockyard Heritage Walking

December's pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall make this UNESCO World Heritage site perfect for extended exploration. The museum and restored buildings tell the story of British naval power, and December's clear skies provide impressive photos of Georgian architecture against blue backgrounds. The site stays open until 6pm with comfortable evening temperatures.

Booking Tip: Entry is EC$15 for adults, guided tours EC$40-60 per person. Book audio guides on arrival - no advance booking needed. The site is busiest 10am-2pm, so visit early morning or after 3pm for smaller crowds. Museum shops close at 5pm.

Barbuda Frigatebird Colony Expeditions

December marks peak nesting season for the Western Hemisphere's largest frigatebird colony. Males display bright red throat sacs to attract mates, creating incredible photography opportunities. The 30-minute flight or 90-minute ferry to Barbuda operates most reliably in December due to calmer seas and consistent visibility.

Booking Tip: Day trips to Barbuda cost EC$450-650 per person including flights, EC$280-380 by ferry. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as December is prime birding season. Tours include Antigua and Barbuda Lagoon boat trips. Ferry operates weather permitting - flights are more reliable.

Stingray City Snorkeling Adventures

December's crystal-clear waters with 30m (98 foot) visibility make encounters with southern stingrays unforgettable. Water temperature stays comfortable at 26°C (79°F), and calmer seas mean less seasickness on boat rides. The rays are most active during December's cooler water temperatures.

Booking Tip: Half-day snorkel trips cost EC$200-300 per person, full-day with multiple stops EC$350-450. All gear included. Book through PADI operators for safety standards. Morning trips (8am-12pm) offer best visibility and calmer waters. See current snorkel tours in booking section below.

Rainforest Canopy Zipline Courses

December's drier conditions mean ziplines in the rainforest operate daily without weather cancellations common in wet season. The forest canopy is lush from previous months' rain but platforms are dry and safe. Views extend 15km (9 miles) to neighboring islands on clear December days with excellent visibility.

Booking Tip: Zipline adventures cost EC$250-350 per person for 2-3 hour experiences. Weight limits 250 lbs (113kg). Book 1-2 weeks ahead for preferred times. Morning slots fill first due to cooler temperatures. All safety equipment provided by certified operators.

December Events & Festivals

Early December

Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting

Caribbean's premier yacht show featuring 50+ luxury vessels available for charter, with special December preview rates for following year bookings. Industry professionals and charter guests mingle at Antigua and Barbuda with boat tours, rum tastings, and Caribbean maritime demonstrations.

Throughout December

Independence Festival Warm-up Events

Community calypso and steelpan competitions begin in December leading up to November independence celebrations. Local community centers host weekly competitions where visitors can experience authentic Antiguan music culture without tourist markup pricing.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Reef-safe zinc sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 even in December and regular sunscreen damages coral reefs

Quick-dry hiking pants - for Antigua and Barbuda trails and rainforest walks where shorts leave legs exposed to thorns

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - December showers are brief but intense, lasting 15-20 minutes

Water shoes or reef shoes - essential for rocky beach entries and snorkeling, many beaches have sea urchins

Polarized sunglasses - critical for boat trips and beach glare, also improves underwater visibility while snorkeling

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes are active during December's evening hours, especially near mangroves

Light cotton long-sleeves - for evening dining when trade winds can feel cool at 20°C (68°F)

Waterproof phone case - for snorkeling photos and protection during brief rain showers

Comfortable walking sandals - for beach-to-town transitions, many restaurants require covered feet

Small daypack - for hiking Antigua and Barbuda trails and carrying water during 6-8 hour sailing trips

Insider Knowledge

December grocery prices increase 15-20% due to holiday demand and reduced cargo frequency - stock up on snacks and drinks at supermarkets early in your stay rather than buying from resort shops

Local fishermen return to shore between 6-7am daily - head to Jolly Harbour or Antigua and Barbuda early morning for freshest fish purchases directly from boats at 60% below restaurant prices

Trade winds in December blow strongest between 10am-4pm from northeast - book afternoon sailing trips rather than morning for best wind conditions, but choose morning snorkel trips for calmest waters

Many Antiguans travel abroad for holidays mid-December through early January - book services like taxis, tours, and restaurant reservations before December 15th when availability drops significantly

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodations only 2-3 weeks ahead in December - rates increase weekly as high season approaches and beachfront properties sell out by early December

Planning outdoor activities for midday without considering 30°C (86°F) heat index - despite cooler temperatures, Caribbean sun intensity requires morning or late afternoon scheduling

Assuming all restaurants and attractions maintain regular hours during Christmas week - many locally-owned businesses close December 23-27 for family celebrations