Travel time: Year-round
Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, experiences a tropical monsoon climate. Because it is the most easterly island in the Caribbean chain, it is the first to greet the moisture-laden Atlantic trade winds. This results in a climate that is remarkably consistent, with average high temperatures staying between 84°F (29°C) and 88°F (31°C) year-round. Rainfall is the primary variable, dividing the year into two distinct periods: the dry season and the wet season.
A typical day in Bridgetown follows a rhythmic pattern. Mornings are often clear and bright, with the temperature rising quickly after sunrise. By midday, the heat peaks, but the island is rarely "stifling" because of the near-constant breeze. In the wet season, short, intense tropical downpours often occur in the afternoon. These "liquid sunshine" events rarely last more than 15 to 30 minutes and are usually followed by immediate sunshine, which dries the ground quickly through evaporation.
Despite its small size, Barbados has notable weather variations. Bridgetown and the coastal areas are generally drier and warmer than the island's interior. As moist air moves inland and rises over the central highlands (such as the parish of St. Thomas), it cools and releases more rain. While a coastal resort may be bathed in sun, the central district often experiences light "misty" rain. The west coast (the Caribbean side) typically has calmer waters and less wind than the rugged, Atlantic-facing east coast.
Barbados is geographically positioned just south and east of the main Caribbean hurricane belt. Historically, this has protected the island from many major direct hits compared to its northern neighbors. However, this "buffer" is not absolute, and recent history shows an increase in storm intensity and frequency. Major events like Hurricane Elsa (2021) and Hurricane Beryl (2024) have served as reminders that the island remains vulnerable to significant weather systems between June and November.
Locals, or Bajans, are highly attuned to the breeze. The phrase "the wind is blowing" is often used to describe the relief from tropical heat. Architecture in Bridgetown historically reflects this, with traditional "chattel houses" and older colonial buildings featuring high ceilings and large sash windows to maximize cross-ventilation. During the wet season, locals monitor "tropical waves"—large clusters of clouds moving off the coast of Africa—which provide a week’s notice of potential rainy spells.