What's the best time to visit Anguilla?
The best visit to Anguilla is from December to April, matching its dry season and peak tourist time. Expect superb beach conditions with temperatures in the low 80s, ample sunshine, and little rainfall, ideal for beach and water activities. Despite being the busiest period, Anguilla remains tranquil, with highlights including the Moonsplash Festival and Festival del Mar.
The Caribbean island of Anguilla is a great destination for a quiet beach vacation thanks to its pristine beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy white sandy shores like Meads Bay, go on different excursions like sailing trips, and enjoy amenities like great international cuisine, spas, and golf courses.
For a laid-back Caribbean getaway, Anguilla is a great choice. The only thing left to do is decide when you want to visit. Keep reading for a guide on the best times to park your beach towel in Anguilla!
Overall Best Time to Visit Anguilla
Anguilla’s Four Season Resort pools and gardens over cliffs with Barnes Bay view on December 3, 2015/Photostravellers/Shutterstock
The best time to visit Anguilla is from December to April, which coincides with the dry season in the Caribbean and the high season on the island.
The weather is your most important consideration when planning your trip to Anguilla since you’ll be planning to spend a lot of time on the beach. While temperatures are warm all year round in the tropical Caribbean, some months of the year can get very rainy.
December to April has the best weather on the island. Daily high temperatures are in the low 80s, perfect beach weather but not too hot.
More importantly, December to April marks the sunniest time of year, with 80% clear weather. January, February, and March have the driest weather, with only one rainy day per month on average.
This is ideal weather for lounging on Anguilla’s many beaches—warm air temperature, warm water temperature, and very little chance of rain to ruin your trip. Besides lounging on the beach, you can engage in other activities to take advantage of the great weather, like snorkeling and scuba diving.
Thanks to the dry weather, visibility at sites like El Buen Consejo is at its best. December to April is the island’s high season, which is actually a positive.
Anguilla never gets as crowded as other Caribbean islands, so the high season just means that things are a bit livelier around town. All businesses are open, like resorts and restaurants.
The crowds peak from mid-December to mid-January, known as the Festive Season. While some people avoid this time due to high prices, others enjoy it thanks to the packed clubs, many yachts, and plenty of activities on offer.
The high season isn’t the best season to visit for festivals (more on that later), but there are some interesting events that happen during this time.
Music lovers go to Moonsplash Festival, an independent reggae festival in March. Around Easter, villagers in the fishing town of Island Harbour put on the Festival del Mar, a celebration of seafood and fun.
Cheapest Time to Visit Anguilla
View of hotel and restaurant-lined Meads Bay with white sand on the Caribbean island of Anguilla on November 29, 2014/EQRoy/Shutterstock
The cheapest time to visit Anguilla is from the end of April to the end of August, the island’s shoulder season, when many hotels offer discounted rates.
After April, high season ends in Anguilla. The weather gets hotter and more humid, reaching temperatures of 86–88 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. In May, the rainy season also begins.
Although rains aren’t heavy, they are frequent enough to disturb the beach idyll, sending many visitors, including seasonal residents, away from this Caribbean island. Their departure means benefits for budget travelers as hotel rates drop along with demand.
The steepest savings come along with the height of summer when the weather is muggiest. Vacation rentals are discounted by $20–$30 per night. Luxury resorts offer even greater discounts, with off-season rates sometimes $300 cheaper than what you would pay for the same hotel in March or April.
The spring and summer shoulder season is also the best time to save money on flights. April–June usually has the most affordable flights compared to the rest of the year.
At no time of the year is Anguilla a true budget destination. This island is geared at luxury travelers first and foremost, so prices are always going to be higher than at other Caribbean destinations. However, some savvy timing can help you save at least some money.
Least Busy Time to Visit Anguilla
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The least busy time to visit Anguilla is from May to August, and you can also find empty beaches from November to mid-December.
Once the weather warms up, the crowds tend to go home, leaving fewer people around. The weather is a bit stickier than during the high season, but the worst of the seasonal rains don’t get started until the end of August.
That means you have prime conditions for enjoying the beach without many people around. Early summer is actually the best time to enjoy water sports in Anguilla because the seas are placid.
The beginning of the rainy season means that bad storms haven’t hit the Caribbean yet, but the dry season winds have calmed down. The waters are calm and steady, perfect for sailing and other water sports (especially if you have a delicate stomach).
Toward the end of summer, the island gets lively, but most crowds are made up of locals. That’s because July and August are peak festival season in Anguilla. The Anguilla Summer Festival, the island’s answer to Carnival, takes over from late July to August.
Expect costumed parades, street parties, and plenty of fun. If you want to avoid even the festival-going crowds, then the best time to visit is just before the high season, from November to mid-December.
Most hotels and businesses open for business in early November, but since that month still gets rain showers, the tourists aren’t in town until mid-December. You can enjoy the best of what Anguilla has to offer as businesses open up again, minus the crowds.
Worst Time to Visit Anguilla
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The worst time to visit Anguilla is during the off-season of September to October, when most of the island shuts down for business. In some ways, the quiet nature of tourism in Anguilla can be a negative.
Since there are fewer visitors, it makes no sense for businesses to stay open during the quietest months of September and October. Visitors may be disappointed to find shuttered restaurants, tour guides on vacation, and even top resorts closed for rest and repairs.
While quiet is a good thing, excessive quiet may make your vacation boring. The reason September and October get so few visitors is that these months have the worst weather in Anguilla.
September and October mark the peak of hurricane season in the Caribbean. While Anguilla doesn’t get as many storms as other islands in the region, hurricanes like Irma in 2017 have caused property damage and injuries.
Even if you don’t get unlucky and get caught in a hurricane during these months, the weather is far from ideal. October has the highest daily chance of rain, and instead of lounging on the beach, you may be trapped in your hotel room by downpours.
The only benefit of visiting during the off-season is discounted hotel rates, but even that may not be as good as it seems. You may not save as much money as you think because there are fewer choices.
Only a few hotels remain open, and the flight schedule decreases, so you may not find good discounts on getting to the island. Visiting during one of the shoulder seasons is better for saving money.
Anguilla by Month: Climate & Activities
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Still unsure about the best time to visit Anguilla? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
January in Anguilla offers warm, sunny weather, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 28°C (75-82°F). This month is ideal for enjoying the island’s stunning beaches like Rendezvous Bay, experiencing the vibrant nightlife, and trying water sports such as kite surfing.
February
February continues with similar beautiful weather, perfect for exploring Anguilla’s underwater marine life through snorkeling and scuba diving, visiting the Heritage Collection Museum for a dose of local history, and enjoying romantic beachfront dinners.
March
As the dry season continues, March temperatures in Anguilla range from 24 to 28°C (75-82°F). This month is great for sailing excursions, exploring the art scene in The Valley, and attending the Moonsplash Music Festival, one of the Caribbean’s premier music events.
April
April brings a delightful mix of sunny and breezy conditions, with temperatures around 24 to 29°C (75-84°F). Enjoy beach hopping to spots like Shoal Bay, visit the Wallblake House, and explore the island’s culinary offerings in local restaurants.
May
May sees slightly warmer temperatures from 25 to 30°C (77-86°F). It’s an excellent time for bird watching at places like the East End Pond Conservation Area, experiencing the Anguilla Regatta, and enjoying laid-back beach days.
June
June marks the start of the warmer and more humid season, with temperatures between 26 to 31°C (79-88°F). Explore the island’s cultural heritage, enjoy deep-sea fishing excursions, and relax in luxury beach resorts.
July
July is warm with temperatures from 26 to 31°C (79-88°F). Celebrate Anguilla’s Carnival with vibrant parades, music, and dance, enjoy snorkeling in Little Bay, and dine at beachside BBQs with live music.
August
August continues with warm weather, offering temperatures from 26 to 31°C (79-88°F). It’s a good time to visit the historic Fountain Cavern National Park, visit the Anguilla Summer Festival, enjoy boat racing – the national sport of Anguilla, and explore the island’s numerous secluded beaches.
September
As the off-peak season begins, temperatures in Anguilla range from 26 to 31°C (79-88°F). September is perfect for enjoying quieter beaches, experiencing world-class spa treatments, and exploring the island’s culinary scene without the crowds.
October
October sees the end of the hotter months with temperatures from 26 to 30°C (79-86°F). Visit the vibrant Sandy Ground Village, explore the island by bike, and enjoy tranquil sunsets on the beach.
November
The cooler season begins in November, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 29°C (77-84°F). This month is ideal for golfing at the CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa, exploring the Anguilla Arch, and participating in the Tranquility Jazz and Golf Festival.
December
December brings cooler and pleasant weather to Anguilla, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 28°C (75-82°F). The island is festive with holiday celebrations, perfect for a relaxing Christmas holiday on the beach and welcoming the New Year with beachside fireworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to planning a trip to Anguilla:
What is the rainy season in Anguilla?
The rainy season in Anguilla is from May to November. The rainiest months are September, October, and November, while the earlier part of the rainy season sees mostly sporadic showers.
What is the best time to travel to Anguilla?
The best time to travel to Anguilla is from December to April when all businesses are open for the high season and the weather is sunny and dry.
What is off-season in Anguilla?
Off-season in Anguilla is September–October. These months see the worst of the year’s rains, so many businesses shut down completely.
Is Anguilla expensive to visit?
Anguilla is fairly expensive to visit because most of its established visitors are luxury travelers. You can save some money by staying in rentals instead of resorts and visiting during the shoulder season.
Is it safe to swim in Anguilla?
Yes, it is safe to swim in Anguilla. The island is famous for its pristine beaches and great swimming opportunities.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Anguilla?
The best time to visit Anguilla is from December to April when you can get the best weather and the most amenities. To save some money, visit from May to August, when you can also enjoy calm seas and great festivals.
So, with so much to see and do and countless amazing times to visit, what are you waiting for — book your trip today and experience for yourself all that Anguilla has to offer. Happy travels!