Best and Worst Times to Visit Anguilla

Carnival time is a major event, but many businesses close. © Anguilla Tourist Board

The best times to visit Anguilla are February through April when the risk of rain is lowest. Daytime temperatures average in the mid 80s Fahrenheit.

The worst times to visit are August through December when the risk of rain is highest.

This eastern Caribbean island doesn’t have a major cruise port, although smaller cruise ships are able to dock there. Visitors to nearby St. Maarten take ferries and excursion boats to reach its white sandy beaches and excellent snorkeling.

Anguilla averages about 70,000 hotel tourists each year, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

Being the typical Caribbean island, Anguilla weather conditions are inviting most of the year. Regardless, there are best times and worst times to travel to this beautiful Caribbean island.

Winter and Spring: Best Time to Go

Anguilla has the same monthly rainfall as nearby St. Maarten. ©  Scott S. Bateman

Anguilla’s peak season goes from early winter to late spring. Flight deals diminish and hotel rates rise because it is a popular time to go.

The winter and spring season, from mid-December through mid-April, has the most visitors. They are usually North American and European travelers looking to escape the cold winter weather.

December is the most popular month of the year with visitors, followed by March and April, reports the Caribbean Tourism Organization. That’s typical for many Caribbean destinations because families go on winter and spring breaks from schools.

During this period, tourists flock the island because of infrequent rain and average daytime temperatures in the mid 80s Fahrenheit and high 20s Celsius, according to the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten, which tracks weather for the area. Anguilla is only seven miles off the coast of St. Maarten.

• Anguila weather in January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - October - November - December.

Summer: Good Time To Save

Anguilla has the same temperatures as nearby St. Maarten. © Scott S. Bateman

Anguilla’s summer lasts from May through August. The summer season is quieter but has some of the best prices. The weather is slightly more humid and rainfall increases.

Still, for those interested in activities such as scuba diving or snorkeling, visiting in the summer months is best due to high water visibility during this period. During this low traffic period, the spindrifts flourish as hotel rates drop as much as 50 percent.

Carnival Season

Anyone who visits the island during Carnival week (the first week of August) may find many businesses are closed on Monday (August Monday), Thursday (August Thursday) and Friday (Parade of Troupes).

Some restaurants and other establishments may close entirely for the months of August through September because of poor weather and fewer visitors.

Fall: Certainly Not the Best Time

Tourism plunges from September through November because they are the worst months of the Caribbean hurricane season.

Travellers can get outstanding room deals at the few hotels open for business. As with the hotels, many restaurants also close during this slow period.

While temperatures are typically good during this period, heavy rain is normal. Moreover, this period is in the height of the hurricane season. Historically, November has the highest rainfall of the year, according to the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten.

When to Book

For those traveling during the peak season, it is best to book hotels at least several weeks if not months in advance. It will ensure availability even though reduced airfare is often available at the last minute.