Sea temperature in Antigua and Barbuda
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 11 beaches on the Antigua and Barbuda coast.
Best time to swim in Antigua and Barbuda
The sea in Antigua and Barbuda peaks in July, when the water averages around 29°C.
The main swimming season runs from January – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 12 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
The coldest month is typically January at around 26°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Antigua and Barbuda sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Antigua and Barbuda shows an annual mean sea temperature of 28°C, ranging from 26°C in winter to 29°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 3°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Antigua and Barbuda, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Antigua and Barbuda sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Antigua and Barbuda?
July is the warmest month in Antigua and Barbuda, when the sea averages about 29°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Antigua and Barbuda?
The coldest month in Antigua and Barbuda is typically January, when the water averages around 26°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Antigua and Barbuda without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Antigua and Barbuda runs from January – December — about 12 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Antigua and Barbuda?
Antigua and Barbuda stays warm year-round, so most swimmers never need a wetsuit — a rash guard is usually enough for sun and wildlife protection.
What is the average sea temperature in Antigua and Barbuda?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Antigua and Barbuda is about 28°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Antigua and Barbuda?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Antigua and Barbuda, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Antigua and Barbuda sea temperature by month
Average sea temperatures around Antigua and Barbuda for every month of the year, based on long-term Open-Meteo marine climatology.
| Month | Average sea | Swimming comfort |
|---|---|---|
| January | 26.0°C | Warm swimming |
| February | 26.0°C | Warm swimming |
| March | 26.0°C | Warm swimming |
| April | 27.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| May | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| June | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| July ⭐ | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| August | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| September | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| October | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| November | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| December | 27.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
Monthly figures are modelled climatology averages, not live readings. How accurate is our data?
Warmest beaches in Antigua and Barbuda right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jolly Beach | Saint Mary | 29.6°C | Excellent |
| Ffryes Beach | Antigua | 29.6°C | Excellent |
| Dickenson Bay | Saint John | 29.3°C | Excellent |
| Valley Church Beach | Saint Mary | 29.2°C | Excellent |
| Turners Beach | Antigua | 29.1°C | Excellent |
| Half Moon Bay | Saint Philip | 28.8°C | Excellent |
| Pigeon Point Beach | Saint Paul | 28.8°C | Excellent |
| Darkwood Beach | Saint Mary | 28.7°C | Excellent |
| Long Bay Antigua | Antigua | 28.6°C | Excellent |
| Jolly Beach | Antigua | 28.5°C | Excellent |
| Princess Diana Beach | Antigua | 28.3°C | Excellent |
Sea temperature in Antigua and Barbuda — FAQ
How warm is the sea in Antigua and Barbuda in September?
The sea off Antigua and Barbuda averages about 29.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in Antigua and Barbuda?
Antigua and Barbuda is warmest in July (around 29.0°C) and coldest in January (around 26.0°C). There are typically 12 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.
What is the average yearly sea temperature in Antigua and Barbuda?
Across all twelve months, the sea in Antigua and Barbuda averages about 27.7°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in Antigua and Barbuda?
In peak season (around July, ~29.0°C) most swimmers are comfortable without a wetsuit. Outside summer, when the water drops toward 26.0°C, a 3/2mm to 5/4mm wetsuit is recommended.