Barbados belongs to a tropical maritime climate, which can be divided into two main seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the rainy season (May to November). The island experiences high temperatures and humidity throughout the year, but the amount of rainfall and wind varies by season, deeply intertwining with its culture and events. Below is a summary of the climatic features and main events for each season.
Spring (March to May)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Averaging 27 to 29°C, stable
- Rainfall: March sees little rain as the end of the dry season, with increased rainfall in April and May as the rainy season approaches
- Features: Rising humidity, short afternoon showers
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relationship with Climate |
| April |
Easter Festival |
Traditional foods and parades. Outdoor events are easier to hold at the end of the dry season. |
| April-May |
Oistins Fish Festival |
Celebrating fishing culture. Held before the rainy season, with pleasant sea breezes. |
| May |
Memorial Day |
Commemorative ceremony for fallen soldiers. Takes advantage of sunny days before the rainy season. |
Summer (June to August)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: 27 to 31°C, the warmest
- Rainfall: Peak of the rainy season (especially in June and July), frequent tropical depressions and showers
- Features: Humidity over 80%, start of hurricane season
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relationship with Climate |
| June |
Crop Over Season Opening |
Sugar harvest festival. With the start of the rainy season, vegetation flourishes, creating a festive atmosphere. |
| July |
Barbados Reggae Festival |
Outdoor concerts. Held in between showers. |
| August |
Kadooment Day |
Culmination of the Crop Over. Parades in traditional costumes amid the tropical heat. |
Autumn (September to November)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: 27 to 30°C, still warm
- Rainfall: Most rain occurs in September and October, high risk of typhoons/hurricanes (September to November)
- Features: Influence of tropical depressions, short but intense rainfall
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relationship with Climate |
| September |
Food & Rum Festival |
Enjoying local food and rum. Indoor and outdoor events scheduled around heavy rains. |
| October |
Barbados Birthday/Tea Day |
Celebration. The weather is relatively calm towards the end of the rainy season. |
| November |
Independence Day (November 30) |
Independence commemorative events. Held in anticipation of sunny days as the rainy season ends. |
Winter (December to February)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: 25 to 28°C, most comfortable
- Rainfall: Peak of the dry season, least rainfall
- Features: Trade winds feel refreshing, peak tourist season
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relationship with Climate |
| January |
Barbados Reggae Festival |
Held again. The cool night breezes during the dry season enhance music events. |
| February |
Holetown Festival |
Commemorating early settlement. Clear weather in the dry season is perfect for parades and markets. |
| February |
Carnival Pre-Kadooment |
Precursor event to Kadooment. Held in stable weather during the dry season. |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate Relationships
| Season |
Climate Characteristics |
Examples of Main Events |
| Spring |
Slight rain and rising humidity at the end of the dry season |
Easter Festival, Oistins Fish Festival |
| Summer |
Peak rainy season, hot and humid, risk of hurricanes |
Crop Over, Reggae Festival, Kadooment Day |
| Autumn |
Most rain, typhoon season |
Food & Rum Festival, Independence Day |
| Winter |
Peak of the dry season, comfortable with trade winds |
Reggae Festival, Holetown Festival |
Supplementary Notes
- The cycle of dry and rainy seasons determines the scheduling of agricultural and tourism events.
- The history behind the sugar industry shapes traditional events like Crop Over.
- The risk of hurricanes acts as a factor in adjusting event timings.
- Music and dance culture have evolved in tandem with outdoor climate conditions.
In Barbados, the rhythm of the climate directly influences the pace of culture and festivals, allowing for a variety of events to be enjoyed throughout the year.
Patchy rain possible