Bridgetown in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Bridgetown

29°C (84°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect swimming conditions with calm seas and 28°C (82°F) water temperatures - ideal for Antigua and Barbuda snorkeling and beach activities
Dry season means only brief 15-20 minute afternoon showers on about 10 days, leaving most of your day sunny and clear
Trade winds keep humidity bearable at 70% compared to summer months, making walking tours and outdoor exploration comfortable
Peak whale watching season - humpback whales migrate through Barbadian waters February-April, with 80% success rates for sightings

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices are 40-60% higher than summer months and popular attractions get crowded by 10am
Strong trade winds (25-30 km/h or 15-18 mph) can make east coast beaches choppy and uncomfortable for swimming
Limited rainfall means dust levels are higher, which can irritate allergies and make morning walks less pleasant until afternoon showers clear the air

Best Activities in February

Carlisle Bay Marine Park Snorkeling

February offers the clearest underwater visibility of the year (30+ meters or 100+ feet) due to calm seas and minimal rainfall runoff. Six shipwrecks lie in shallow waters perfect for beginners. Water temperature stays comfortable at 28°C (82°F) all day. Morning sessions (8-10am) avoid both crowds and afternoon wind pickup.

Booking Tip: Book snorkel tours 7-10 days ahead during February peak season. Half-day trips typically cost BDS$120-180 ($60-90 USD). Look for operators with marine park permits and gear included. Morning departures offer best visibility before trade winds strengthen.

Harrison's Cave Underground Tours

February's dry conditions make cave access roads safer and eliminate flooding concerns that can close sections during rainy season. Constant 27°C (81°F) cave temperature provides relief from midday heat. February crowds mean advance booking is essential, but you'll experience the cave at its most accessible.

Booking Tip: Reserve tram tours at least 14 days ahead in February - slots fill quickly during peak season. Tours run BDS$60-80 ($30-40 USD) for adults. Book 9am or 3pm slots to avoid cruise ship rushes. Walking tours available for more adventurous visitors.

Whale Watching Expeditions

February is prime humpback whale migration season with 80% sighting success rates. Calm morning seas (before 11am trade winds) provide comfortable boat rides and better whale spotting conditions. Mothers with calves frequently surface in shallow waters 2-5 km (1-3 miles) offshore.

Booking Tip: Book whale watching tours 10-14 days ahead for February peak migration. Half-day tours cost BDS$160-220 ($80-110 USD). Choose morning departures (7-8am) for calmest seas and highest whale activity. Look for operators with hydrophones and marine biologist guides.

West Coast Beach Hopping

February's dry weather and calm Caribbean Sea make west coast beaches ideal for swimming and water sports. Paynes Bay, Mullins Beach, and Sandy Lane offer protected waters perfect for families. Trade winds stay offshore, keeping beaches comfortable while providing cooling breezes.

Booking Tip: Beach chair and umbrella rentals run BDS$30-50 ($15-25 USD) per day. Arrive by 9am to secure prime spots during February crowds. Water taxis between beaches cost BDS$20-40 ($10-20 USD) and run every 30 minutes. Avoid weekends when local crowds peak.

Rum Distillery Heritage Tours

February's dry season means Mount Gay and Foursquare distilleries run full production schedules with active distillation processes to observe. Comfortable humidity levels make warehouse tours pleasant, and outdoor tasting areas are perfect with trade wind breezes.

Booking Tip: Distillery tours book quickly in February - reserve 5-7 days ahead. Standard tours cost BDS$40-80 ($20-40 USD) including tastings. Afternoon tours (2-4pm) offer best lighting for photos and avoid morning cruise ship groups. Premium tours include rare rum tastings.

Hiking Gun Hill and Flower Forest

February's lower humidity (70% vs 85% in summer) makes uphill hiking comfortable, especially on shaded forest trails. Morning hikes before 10am avoid peak heat while afternoon options benefit from cooling trade winds. Clear weather provides excellent views from Gun Hill Signal Station at 255m (837ft) elevation.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is free, but guided nature tours cost BDS$80-120 ($40-60 USD) including transport. Start early (7-8am) to avoid crowds and heat. Bring 2 liters (68 oz) water per person - February sun is deceptive. Flower Forest entry is BDS$30 ($15 USD).

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Holetown Festival

Week-long celebration of Barbadian culture featuring local food vendors, craft displays, and nightly entertainment. Street stalls offer authentic dishes like flying fish and macaroni pie. Live calypso and reggae performances happen nightly from 7pm. Free admission to most events with authentic local atmosphere.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and Caribbean sun reflects intensely off white sand and water

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts for temple visits and air-conditioned spaces that blast AC during peak tourist season

Quick-dry swimwear (2-3 sets) - you'll be in and out of water multiple times daily with humidity at 70%

Waterproof phone case - essential for snorkeling and brief afternoon showers that arrive without warning

Comfortable walking sandals with grip - coral stone paths become slippery when wet from morning dew or brief showers

Light rain jacket or packable umbrella - afternoon showers last 15-20 minutes but can be intense

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which becomes uncomfortable in 70% humidity

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - trade winds can be strong (25-30 km/h or 15-18 mph) especially on boat trips

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes are active after afternoon showers, particularly near wetlands

Cash in small bills (BDS$ and USD) - many beach vendors and local attractions don't accept cards

Insider Knowledge

Local buses (ZR vans) run frequently during February tourist season but avoid them 3-5pm when school children crowd routes - use this time for beach or pool activities instead

Fish markets in Oistins and Bridgetown receive fresh catches 6-8am daily - arrive early for best selection and prices before tourist restaurants buy premium fish

Locals escape February crowds by visiting east coast beaches like United Kingdom Beach and Shark Hole - rough for swimming but perfect for dramatic photos and solitude

Many Bajans take vacation during February to avoid tourist season - book local services like taxis and hair braiders early as availability decreases

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating trade wind strength - swimmers get pushed offshore on east coast beaches, and lightweight beach items blow away easily

Booking accommodation in Bridgetown thinking it's beachfront - the capital is 2 km (1.2 miles) inland and requires transport to reach swimming beaches

Assuming all beaches are swimmable - east coast beaches have dangerous currents and undertows that intensify with February trade winds