Bridgetown in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Bridgetown
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect beach weather with minimal rainfall - December is historically the driest month with only 0.0 mm (0.0 inches) total precipitation despite 10 brief shower days
- Optimal sailing conditions with consistent trade winds at 15-20 knots (28-37 km/h) and calm seas - yacht charters run at 85% capacity vs 40% during hurricane season
- Peak turtle nesting season at Antigua and Barbuda - hawksbill turtles nest November through February, with December offering the highest success rates for guided night watches
- Crop Over preparation season means authentic cultural experiences - locals practice steel pan music and prepare costumes for the following year's festival, with workshops open to visitors
Considerations
- Peak tourist season means accommodation rates increase by 40-60% compared to September, with luxury resorts reaching $400-600 USD per night
- Afternoon humidity peaks at 85% between 2-4pm, making midday walking tours uncomfortable - most locals take afternoon breaks indoors
- Cruise ship crowds triple on port days (typically Tuesdays and Fridays) - Broad Street becomes congested and restaurant wait times double
Best Activities in December
Carlisle Bay Marine Park Snorkeling Tours
December offers the clearest underwater visibility of the year at 25-30 m (80-100 ft) due to minimal rainfall and calm seas. Water temperature holds steady at 27°C (81°F), perfect for extended snorkeling sessions. Four shipwrecks lie in shallow water 3-6 m (10-20 ft) deep, and December's gentle currents make this ideal for beginners. Turtle sightings peak at 80% success rate during December morning tours.
Harrison's Cave Tram Tours
December's dry season means stable limestone conditions and optimal lighting inside the cave system. The constant 27°C (81°F) temperature provides perfect relief from afternoon humidity. December crowds are manageable if you book 9am or 4pm time slots, avoiding cruise passenger peak times. The 2.3 km (1.4 mile) underground tram route showcases stalactites and underground pools at their seasonal best.
Catamaran Sailing to the West Coast
December delivers perfect sailing weather with consistent 15-20 knot trade winds and 1-2 m (3-6 ft) swells on the leeward coast. Water clarity reaches seasonal peaks for swimming and snorkeling stops. The 5-hour sunset sails include stops at coral reefs with 20 m (65 ft) visibility. December's positioning means golden hour begins at 5:45pm, creating optimal lighting for the return journey.
Mount Hillaby Hiking and Island Views
December's lower humidity makes the 2.5 km (1.6 mile) ascent to Barbados' highest point at 340 m (1,115 ft) comfortable for morning hikes. Clear skies offer panoramic views across the island and to neighboring St. Vincent 160 km (100 miles) south. December trade winds provide natural cooling during the climb. The trail passes through seasonal fruit trees bearing golden apples and sugar apples during December harvest.
Bridgetown Historic Walking Tours
December's relatively lower humidity (70% vs 85% in rainy season) makes exploring UNESCO World Heritage Bridgetown manageable on foot. The 2 km (1.2 mile) historic district tour covers 17th-century architecture, the Careenage waterfront, and Parliament Buildings. December's position means comfortable evening walks starting at 4pm when temperatures drop to 26°C (79°F) and trade winds increase.
Rum Distillery and Sugar Plantation Tours
December coincides with sugar cane harvest season, making distillery tours particularly authentic with active production visible. Mount Gay and other distilleries operate at full capacity, offering tastings of fresh-distilled rum. The 90-minute tours include transportation through 3-4 km (2-2.5 miles) of active plantation areas. December's dry conditions mean dusty but scenic rides through cane fields at peak growth.
December Events & Festivals
Barbados Independence Day Celebrations
November 30th celebrations extend into early December with cultural events, steel pan competitions, and local food festivals in Accra and Queen'S Park. Street parties feature traditional flying fish and cou-cou alongside local Banks beer and rum punch. Locals dress in national colors and the celebrations offer authentic cultural immersion beyond typical tourist experiences.
Christmas and Boxing Day Festivals
December 25-26 brings island-wide celebrations with beach parties, cricket matches, and family gatherings that welcome visitors. Traditional Christmas ham with rice and peas served alongside seasonal sorrel drink. Boxing Day features horse racing at Garrison Savannah and community fetes across the island with live calypso and soca music.