Antigua Weather in January: Rain, Temperatures

Average rain and high temperature for Antigua in January. © 2016 Scott S. Bateman

January begins the dry season for many Caribbean islands, and Antigua is no different.

Antigua weather in January is both dry and one of the coolest months of the year. But don’t worry, it’s still warm enough for visiting, and it’s usually warm enough for swimming.

This eastern Caribbean island is part of a chain called the Leeward Islands and is a popular stop on cruise vacations. It lies west of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

The most popular months to visit Antigua are December through March plus July, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

Although March and July are the most popular, January attracts many visitors wanting to get away from the cold winters up north. They won’t be disappointed in the weather.

Average Temperatures

Antigua temperatures in January have averaged a daytime high of 83 degrees Fahrenheit and 28 degrees Celsius over a 30-year period, according to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorology Services.

The average low temperatures, which are mainly at night, are 72 degrees Fahrenheit or 22 degrees Celsius.

January and February have nearly identical temperatures and are the coolest months of the year.

Despite those low temperatures, it should be comfortable enough for swimming on most days with the water being warmest in the afternoons and coolest in the mornings.

By comparison, daytime temperatures reach into the upper 80s Fahrenheit during the summer.

Average Rainfall

Antigua is popular during this time of year not only because it is a getaway from northern winters but also because of the low chance of rain.

The average rainfall in January over 30 years is two inches, according to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorology Services.

This average is quite low compared to the average throughout the year and compared to other Caribbean islands. But it is not as low as February and March, which average 1.5 and 1.8 inches respectively.

Another way of judging the weather is by looking at the number of days it rains each month.

In the case of Antigua, the average number of rain days is 10, which again is below average for the year but not as low as February and March.

Still, the odds of good weather are high in January and make that month a good time to visit.

Anyone planning a vacation or cruise to Antigua will find the best weather in March and somewhat better in January.

But January is a low point for many people facing harsh winter weather and remains an attractive time to go to Antigua.

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