Barbuda
Barbuda is known for long beaches, quiet coastal scenery and the Frigate Bird Sanctuary in Codrington Lagoon.
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Barbuda is a low-lying island in Antigua and Barbuda, in the eastern Caribbean. Its beaches include stretches of pink-tinged sand, and Codrington Lagoon is home to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary. Codrington is the island’s main settlement. Much of Barbuda is sparsely developed, so a visit is best suited to travelers who want time outdoors, with beaches and birdlife taking priority over a packed schedule of sights.
The dry season runs from December to April; the wet season runs from May to November, within the Atlantic hurricane season. Barbuda can be a short island stay or an extension to a trip to Antigua. Allow a few days to spend time on the coast and around the lagoon. A brief visit is better suited to one outing. The island has limited nightlife and urban attractions, so travelers looking for a wider choice of those may prefer to spend more time on Antigua.
Barbuda in five
- Book the Barbuda ExpressThe ferry runs between St John’s on Antigua and Codrington on Barbuda. Check the operator’s current schedule before arranging onward transport.
- Arrange transport from CodringtonBarbuda has no public bus network. Confirm a taxi or other local ride before you arrive, especially if you are heading beyond Codrington.
- Carry Eastern Caribbean dollarsThe Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD) is used on Barbuda. Bring cash for small businesses and local transport.
- Check your entry rulesAntigua and Barbuda’s entry requirements depend on your passport. Check the rules before travel.
- Pack for sun and sandMany of Barbuda’s beaches have little shade. Carry water, sun protection and footwear for hot sand.
Need to know
- Currency
- Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD)
- Entry
- Visa-free short stays for many passports
- Emergency
- 911
- Tipping
- Check whether a service charge is included
- Time
- UTC-4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry season
- FebruaryDry season
- MarchDry season
- AprilDry season
- MayHotter, humid
- JuneRain risk
- JulyHurricane risk
- AugustHurricane risk
- SeptemberHurricane risk
- OctoberRain risk
- NovemberRain easing
- DecemberDrier season
Right now in Barbuda
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
29
- Feels like
- 34°
- Humidity
- 76%
- Wind
- 27 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 59%
Barbuda
08:58 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today31°28°59%Monday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 59%.
- Tue31°26°55%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 31°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 55%.
- Wed31°27°25%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 25%.
- Thu31°25°20%Thursday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 20%.
- Fri30°26°49%Friday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 49%.
- Sat29°24°59%Saturday: Thunderstorms. High 29°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 59%.
- Sun29°25°51%Sunday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 51%.
Updated 08:48 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 2.7 XCD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Before you go to Barbuda
Rules for Barbuda, checked
- Check Antigua and Barbuda’s entry requirements for your passport before travel.Source
- Arrange your onward transport from Codrington before arriving; there is no public bus network on Barbuda.
- Ask whether a service charge is included before adding a tip.
Plan around Barbuda
Entry rules, money and practical planning for the islands
Read the guideGetting aroundPlan transport between islands and around your destination
Read the guideMoney and costsPlan cash, cards and trip spending
Read the guideVisas and entryCheck entry requirements for your passport
Read the guideWhere to stayPlan where to base yourself during your trip
Read the guideBarbuda FAQ
How do you get to Barbuda from Antigua?
Take the Barbuda Express ferry from St John’s or book a flight. Check current schedules and arrange onward transport from Codrington before you travel.
How many days do you need in Barbuda?
Two or three days gives you time for the beaches and Codrington without relying on a rushed day trip. Allow extra time if you want to explore at a slower pace.
Is Barbuda worth visiting?
Barbuda suits travelers looking for quiet beaches and a slower trip than Antigua. Arrange local transport in advance, as the island has no public bus network.
Where should I stay in Barbuda?
Codrington is the main settlement and a practical base for arranging transport. For a beach stay, check how your accommodation handles transfers and local rides.
Can you visit Barbuda as a day trip from Antigua?
A day trip by ferry is possible, but the schedule affects how much time you have on the island. Check ferry times and arrange transport before you go.
What currency is used in Barbuda?
The Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD) is the local currency. Carry cash for small businesses and local transport.