December is firmly in the dry high season with sunny days and pleasant breezes, making it a very popular time for visitors. Expect higher prices and busy resorts, especially around Christmas and New Year.
Patdoy CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Barbados in December.
Holetown, Bridgetown, Carlisle Bay
December’s brisk trade winds make the west coast feel cooler and very inviting: daytime highs are warm but not oppressive, perfect for beach time and water sports. The holiday season brings peak crowds and higher rates, especially around Christmas and New Year, so reserve anything you want in advance. Pack light layers for breezy nights and photocopy important documents - local festivities and heavy boat bookings mean services are busy.
Bridgetown approaches, Oistins, The Crane
December feels lively as the dry season re-establishes itself: warm, wind-swept days and comfortable nights make the south coast especially appealing for holiday travelers. Expect peak-season crowds and early closures on any excursion bookings if you wait to book late; plan early for holiday transport and dining. A light jacket for windier hilltop viewpoints is helpful.
Bathsheba, Atlantic Shores, Bath Beach
December’s strengthening northeasterly trades drop humidity and restore that classic Atlantic windiness - cool and invigorating rather than cold - making the east coast a dramatic place to visit for surf-spot viewing and coastal photography. Swimming is limited to sheltered coves and reef-protected areas; bring sturdy shoes for scrambling over black rock and a warm top for windy sunsets.
Cherry Tree Hill, St. Andrew, North Point
December’s crisp, breezy days at elevation are some of the most pleasant on the island: cooler nights and clearer skies make early-morning ridge walks rewarding and less muddy than earlier months. The Scotland District fills with day-trippers from the beaches and local producers sell seasonal fruit at roadside stalls. Bring a warm top for sunset viewing and sturdy shoes for uneven terrain.
There are no major festivals or events in Barbados during December to be aware of.
See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.