Welcome to Antigua’s high season. If you’re coming in winter, you’ll be joined by loads of eager snowbirds, and hotel rates can spike from those crowds. On the other hand, January through April are the least-rainy months on the island, so you can clock in some quality beach time.

Wondering where to lay down your beach towel? Dickenson Beach is one of the most-developed resort beaches, which makes it quite crowded—although with a mile of sand, you can usually find a spot. Families, on the other hand, appreciate the calmer vibes and plentiful barbecue stations at Ffryes Beach.

Winter is a boater’s paradise. In December, marvel at the world’s most fabulous yachts at Antigua Charter Yacht Show. Speed demons can enter the Antigua 360 Race, a 52-mile race circumnavigating the island in January.

Thousands flock to Nelson’s Dockyard to celebrate New Year’s Eve—or as the locals have dubbed it, Old Year’s Night Party. Come midnight, the live music festival lights the sky and sea with fireworks.

Need an excuse to come to Antigua in the spring? We’ve got a few. First, it’s at the end of the annual dry season, so you’ll get your island getaway in before hurricane season comes. Then you’ve got the gorgeous weather and calm seas typical of this time. And finally, there’s the big energy of major annual celebrations taking place throughout Antigua.

Fall brings a local vibe to Antigua, as the wetter weather keeps big crowds at bay. But there’s also a certain magic to this season on the island, and the traditional festivals and customs this time of year are their own reward.

Sorry, hurricanes are still a thing in the fall months. And September is one of two peak hurricane months, though the chance of a major hurricane lessens as the season winds down to its November 30 close.

Late October brings The Anniversary of Independence festival week. Pack your party shoes and stretchy pants to join the flurry of parades, the feast-worthy food fair, and the angelic choir performances.

Sailing is always top-of-mind on Antigua, even in fall. Each November, The Jolly Harbour Yacht Club Annual Regatta musters both local and visiting sailors. And December’s Antigua Charter Yacht Show draws yachting heavyweights from farther afield.