Central America & Caribbean

Barbados in August

Grand Kadooment on the first Monday of August ends Crop Over. After that, the island goes quiet and storm season peaks.

TradeoffsHot and humid, highs near 88F (31C), wetter

The Atlantic coast at Bathsheba, Barbados — BarbadosPhoto: Postdlf, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Barbados. Grand Kadooment on the first Monday of August ends Crop Over. After that, the island goes quiet and storm season peaks.

Weather: Hot and humid, highs near 88F (31C), wetter
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What August is like in Barbados

August starts with a bang and ends quietly. It is hot and humid, with highs near 88F (31C) and more rain than earlier in summer. Emancipation Day on August 1 and Grand Kadooment on the first Monday of August close out Crop Over with the island's biggest parade. After that, Barbados goes quiet and hurricane season heads into its peak from mid month.

Early August suits festival fans who have booked well ahead. The rest of the month is a mixed bag for weather and storm risk, suited to flexible, budget travelers with good insurance. For reliable beach weather, come from mid December to May.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Barbados this month.

Grand Kadooment

On the first Monday of August, costume bands parade through the streets in the final celebration of Crop Over. It is loud, colorful and packed.

Emancipation Day

August 1 is a public holiday marking the end of slavery, with commemorations across the island. Many shops close.

Quiet late-August beaches

Once Crop Over ends, the beaches empty out and hotel rates drop.

What to pack for August

A packable rain jacket
Sunscreen and a hat for the parade route
Quick-dry clothing
Insect repellent

Our timing tip

Plan your stay around the first Monday of August for Grand Kadooment, and buy travel insurance that covers hurricanes for anything after mid month.

Book Barbados for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Barbados
Opens a hotel search for Barbados in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Barbados
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Barbados
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Barbados for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in August

Crop Over

Early summer, building through July to the first Monday of August

The island's biggest festival, run by the National Cultural Foundation. Grand Kadooment, the final parade, falls on the first Monday of August. Book accommodation months ahead.

Things to do in Barbados

Full guide

Harrison's Cave

A limestone cave system toured by tram, with streams, pools, and formations. A good option on a rainy day.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

St. Nicholas Abbey

A 17th-century plantation house and working rum distillery in the north, with a heritage railway.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Mount Gay Visitor Centre

Rum tastings and history near Bridgetown, from one of the world's oldest rum brands.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Carlisle Bay

Calm water near Bridgetown with shipwrecks for snorkeling and swimming with turtles on boat tours.

Tickets and tours →

Bathsheba and the east coast

Huge boulders and Atlantic waves, loved by surfers. Look, do not swim; the currents are dangerous.

Tickets and tours →

Oistins Friday Fish Fry

Grilled fish, music, and dancing every Friday night on the south coast. Busy but friendly.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Go in May for dry-season weather at lower prices and with fewer visitors.
Stay on the south coast instead of the west coast for lower prices and a livelier local scene, even in peak season.
Visit Harrison's Cave and Carlisle Bay early, before cruise passengers arrive from Bridgetown.
For Crop Over, book lodging and costume bands months ahead, or visit in early July for the fetes without the final crush.

Know before you go

September and October: some hotels and restaurants close for a few weeks of annual maintenance, especially on the west coast.
After Grand Kadooment in early August, the island enters its quietest period, and some businesses take their holidays.
Public holidays, including Emancipation Day on August 1, Kadooment Day, and Independence Day on November 30, close government offices and many shops.
East-coast beaches are for viewing, not swimming: strong currents make the Atlantic side dangerous year-round.

Barbados in August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Barbados?

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Barbados. Grand Kadooment on the first Monday of August ends Crop Over. After that, the island goes quiet and storm season peaks.

What is the weather like in Barbados in August?

Hot and humid, highs near 88F (31C), wetter.

Is Barbados crowded in August?

Crowds in Barbados are moderate in August; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Barbados in August?

Crop Over (early summer, building through july to the first monday of august).