Beaches & Islands · Best Dec–Apr
Antigua packing list for families
Antigua mixes calm Caribbean beaches with a breezy Atlantic coast and a lot of sailing history. Here is what our family packs for beach days, boat trips, and Sunday sunsets at Shirley Heights.
Photo by Rick Jamison on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Antigua
- Antigua's outlets take US plugs, but the voltage at some hotels is higher than at home. Check that hair tools and electronics are dual voltage, or ask your hotel what its rooms use.
- The Atlantic side is windier with more waves, while the Caribbean side is usually calm. For little swimmers, I steer families to resorts on the west and south coasts.
- Antigua restricts wearing camouflage, including kids' clothing. Leave camo shorts and backpacks at home.
Best timeDec–Apr
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyEastern Caribbean dollar (US dollars widely accepted)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Antigua
This time of year
Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
Packing cubes, one color per personOur pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing5
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light layer for sunsetShirley Heights and boat rides get breezy after dark.
Shoes2
Sandals
Water shoesOur pickUseful for Stingray City and rocky snorkel spots.
Beach & pool9
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsOur pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysOur pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Kids' snorkel mask setCalm Caribbean-side beaches are easy places to learn.
Little ones4
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Health & toiletries4
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Documents & tech3
Portable phone chargerOur pick
Dual-voltage travel hair dryerSome hotels run 230 volt power.
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
The outfit edit
Nautical
White, navy, signal red, sand
For the grown-ups
- Stripes and white denim
- An outfit for formal night
- A warm layer for windy decks
For the kids
- Swimsuits for every day
- Something dressy for formal night
- A hoodie for the evenings
For photos
- Navy and white with a red accent
- Sail-away on deck
Month by month
Antigua weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 83°F 28°C | Dry season with sunny days and steady, cooling trade winds | Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| February | 83°F 28°C | Dry season with sunny days and steady, cooling trade winds | Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| March | 84°F 29°C | Dry season with sunny days and steady, cooling trade winds | Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| April | 85°F 29°C | Dry season with sunny days and steady, cooling trade winds | Antigua Sailing Week, with racing around English Harbour from late April Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| May | 86°F 30°C | Warm and mostly dry, with lighter crowds | Antigua Sailing Week, with racing around English Harbour from late April Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| June | 87°F 31°C | Warm and mostly dry, with lighter crowds | Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| July | 88°F 31°C | Hot and humid with short showers; hurricane season underway | Antigua Carnival, building to its peak in early August Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| August | 88°F 31°C | Hot and humid with short showers; hurricane season underway | Antigua Carnival, building to its peak in early August Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| September | 88°F 31°C | Peak hurricane risk and the wettest months, with the quietest resorts | Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| October | 87°F 31°C | Peak hurricane risk and the wettest months, with the quietest resorts | Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| November | 86°F 30°C | Peak hurricane risk and the wettest months, with the quietest resorts | Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| December | 84°F 29°C | Dry season with sunny days and steady, cooling trade winds | Antigua Charter Yacht Show at Falmouth and English Harbour Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
Questions families ask
Antigua with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Antigua with kids?
The best time is Dec–Apr. Dry season with sunny days and steady, cooling trade winds
What's the weather like in Antigua?
Typical daytime highs range from about 83°F (28°C) in January to about 88°F (31°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Antigua?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Antigua?
None. Antigua uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Antigua with kids?
Antigua's outlets take US plugs, but the voltage at some hotels is higher than at home. Check that hair tools and electronics are dual voltage, or ask your hotel what its rooms use.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.