
BARBADOS TRAVEL GUIDE
Barbados is beautifully landscaped with rolling hills, open pastures, sugar cane plantations and spectacular stretches of sand. The limestone cap that covers most of the island is riddled with caves – don’t forget to explore Harrison’s Cave, an intricate network of limestone caverns.
Good infrastructure and well equipped to handle tourist traffic; Culturally closer to England than to its Caribbean neighbours, Barbados is one of the most popular Caribbean islands.
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BARBADOS QUICK FACTS
Capital: Bridgetown
Currency: Barbadian dollar (BBD) / US dollars are widely accepted
Area: 431km²
Population: 286 641 (2018)
Language: English
Religion: Protestant 67% (Anglican 40%, Pentecostal 8%, Methodist 7%, other 12%), Roman Catholic 4%, none 17%, other 12%
Electricity: 115V, 50Hz (North American plug)
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BARBADOS
BARBADOS PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
- 21 January, Errol Barrow Day
- 28 April, Heroes’ Day
- 1 August, Emancipation Day
- 1st Monday in August, Kadooment Day
- 30 November, Independence Day
- 26 December, Boxing Day
Also, Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Whit Monday (the Monday after Pentecost).
FESTIVALS IN BARBADOS
BARBADOS WEATHER SYNOPSIS
Located in the windward part of the Caribbean’s archipelago, Barbados enjoys a tropical, oceanic climate with hot and humid conditions that persist year-round. The country enjoys an average temperature of 26.8°C, with no drastic changes in either seasonal or daily temperatures. Weather seasons can be classified as either wet or dry, with the wet season coinciding with the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June to November. Monthly average rainfall ranges from a peak of approximately 168.4mm (6.63in) during the wet season, to a low of approximately 39 mm (1.53 in), during the dry season. Barbados’s climate is heavily influenced by the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The El Niño phenomena bring hotter and drier conditions during the months of June to August while La Niña brings colder and wetter conditions to the region. These phenomena have been historically the main determinants of the severity of weather events in the country.
SPORT & ACTIVITIES
HIKING & CYCLING IN BARBADOS
The best months for outdoor activities in Barbados, are December to May when it's driest and least humid. From June to November, the rain usually falls in brief, very heavy showers with the peak of the hurricane season from August to October.
BEACH OPTIONS IN BARBADOS
Barbados enjoys a hot, tropical climate suitable for beach-going all year round. The driest and least humid months are typically from December to May, so these are best for enjoying the beaches. From June to November, the rain usually falls in brief, very heavy showers with the peak of the hurricane season from August to October.
SURFING IN BARBADOS
The best months for surfing in Barbados is from October to March when you can get a solid groundswell along the North and West coasts of the island.
KITESURF IN BARBADOS
Barbados is also one of the windiest islands in the Eastern Caribbean, making it a paradise for Kite Surfing. The best conditions for kitesurfing are from November to June or even July. Almost all kiters here ride wave boards. There is only one beach you can kite on flatter water but this only works with specific wind directions, so if you are more of a freestyle kiter, perhaps this is not your best spot!
HEALTH RISKS IN BARBADOS
Be aware of possible health risks in
Barbados
Zika Virus - Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.
Dengue - Dengue is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.
For the latest travel health notices and recommended precautions click