Antigua and Barbuda in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February 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 February Right for You?

Advantages

Prime dry season with minimal rainfall - only 10 rainy days averaging 20-minute afternoon showers, perfect for beach activities and water sports
Carnival season peaks in February with authentic cultural celebrations, street parties, and steel drum competitions that showcase real Antiguan heritage
Trade winds at 15-20 knots create ideal sailing conditions - this is when locals take their boats out and when international sailing events occur
Tourist season momentum means full restaurant and activity schedules, but crowds haven't reached March spring break levels yet

Considerations

Accommodation prices peak at 40-60% higher than low season rates, with minimum 7-night stays required at many resorts
Rental car availability becomes scarce - book 6-8 weeks ahead or expect to pay premium rates for whatever's left
Popular beaches like Antigua and Barbuda and Runaway Bay fill up by 10am with cruise ship passengers on port days

Best Activities in February

Sailing and Catamaran Tours

February's consistent 15-20 knot trade winds create perfect sailing conditions that locals have relied on for generations. The calm seas and minimal rainfall make this the ideal month for full-day sailing trips, sunset cruises, and learning to sail. Visibility underwater reaches 30m (98 feet) during this period.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through certified marine operators. Full-day trips typically cost US$80-120 per person, half-day trips US$45-75. Look for operators with Coast Guard certification and recent vessel inspections. See current sailing tours in the booking section below.

Beach Hopping and Snorkeling

February's calm seas and excellent visibility make this prime time for exploring Antigua's 365 beaches. Water temperature holds steady at 26°C (79°F), and the reduced chance of afternoon storms means you can plan full beach days. Locals recommend starting early to claim spots before cruise passengers arrive.

Booking Tip: Snorkeling tours cost US$35-60 for half-day trips. Independent beach hopping works well with rental cars booked far in advance. Equipment rental runs US$15-25 per day. Check cruise ship schedules to avoid the busiest beach times.

Carnival Events and Cultural Tours

February marks the height of Antigua's Carnival season, featuring competitions, street parties, and authentic cultural experiences that happen nowhere else in the Caribbean during this period. Local calypso and soca artists perform throughout the month, building to the main Carnival weekend.

Booking Tip: Many Carnival events are free public celebrations. Cultural tours including Carnival elements cost US$40-80 per person. Book accommodations early as locals travel from other islands for these celebrations. Costumes for participation can be rented for US$75-150.

Historical Site Exploration

February's lower humidity at 70% makes walking tours of Antigua and Barbuda and plantation ruins more comfortable than in summer months. The reduced rainfall means dirt roads to remote historical sites like Betty's Hope remain accessible. Early morning and late afternoon temperatures of 20-22°C (68-72°F) are perfect for exploring.

Booking Tip: Self-guided site visits cost US$5-15 entrance fees. Guided historical tours typically run US$30-55 per person for half-day experiences. Start early morning or after 4pm to avoid midday heat. Transportation to remote sites requires 4WD during rainy periods.

Sport Fishing Charters

February brings marlin, mahi-mahi, and wahoo closer to shore as water temperatures stabilize. Local fishing captains report this as one of the most consistent months for deep-sea catches. Calm seas mean less motion sickness and better fishing conditions for beginners.

Booking Tip: Half-day fishing charters cost US$400-600 for up to 6 people, full-day trips US$800-1200. Book 3-4 weeks ahead for prime fishing boats. Look for captains with 10+ years local experience and current fishing licenses. Fuel surcharges may apply.

Rainforest Hiking and Nature Tours

February's moderate rainfall keeps rainforest trails accessible while maintaining lush vegetation. The Wallings Conservation Area and this destination trails offer cooler temperatures under canopy cover. Bird watching peaks as migratory species are present alongside year-round residents.

Booking Tip: Guided rainforest tours cost US$35-65 per person including transportation. Self-guided hiking is free but requires reliable transportation to trailheads. Bring insect repellent and water - trails take 2-4 hours depending on route and fitness level.

February Events & Festivals

Late January through early February, culminating first week of February

Antigua Carnival

The pinnacle of Antiguan culture featuring calypso and soca competitions, elaborate costume parades, street parties, and steel drum performances. This authentic celebration showcases local traditions passed down through generations, with competitions judged by community elders and performances by island-born artists.

February 14th and surrounding weekend

Valentine's Day Beach Parties

Local beach bars and restaurants host special events combining romantic dining with live music. Many venues offer traditional Antiguan cuisine alongside international menus, creating a unique cultural dining experience different from typical resort offerings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry clothing in light colors - 70% humidity makes cotton feel damp, synthetic blends dry faster between brief showers

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index of 8 means burns happen in 15-20 minutes, and coral protection laws are enforced

Water shoes or reef walkers - many beaches have coral fragments and sea urchins that flip-flops won't protect against

Light rain jacket or packable poncho - afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but can be intense, umbrellas are useless in wind

Insect repellent with DEET - evening mosquitoes are active, especially near mangrove areas and after rainfall

Snorkeling gear if you have it - rental quality varies widely and costs US$15-25 daily, your own gear ensures proper fit

Dry bag for electronics - sea spray on boats and brief rain showers can damage phones and cameras quickly

Comfortable walking sandals with ankle support - coral stone paths around historical sites are uneven and can be slippery when wet

Cash in small bills - many local vendors, beach bars, and taxi drivers prefer cash, ATMs can run empty on busy cruise ship days

Waterproof watch - helpful for timing snorkeling safety stops and knowing when transportation returns, phones aren't always accessible

Insider Knowledge

Check cruise ship schedules before planning beach days - when 2-3 ships dock simultaneously, popular beaches become overcrowded by 10am, but are empty again by 4pm

Local fishing boats sell fresh catch directly at Jolly Harbour and Heritage Quay around 3-4pm - prices are 50-70% less than restaurant rates for the Easttimor fish

February's Carnival mas bands practice in public spaces Wednesday and Thursday evenings - free authentic cultural experiences that most tourists miss

Rent cars from local operators rather than international chains - they know which vehicles handle dirt roads to remote beaches and often provide better local knowledge

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodations less than 8 weeks ahead - February demand pushes good properties to capacity and drives remaining options to premium pricing

Planning only resort activities - missing Carnival season means missing the most authentic cultural experience available during February visits

Underestimating sun exposure during sailing and snorkeling - reflected sunlight off water and white sand beaches causes severe burns even on partially cloudy days