St. John's
Visit St. John's to see Antigua's capital, its harbor, historic landmarks, markets and shops around the city center.
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St. John's is the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, on the island of Antigua in the eastern Caribbean. The harbor and central streets make it a stop for travelers arriving by sea or staying on the island. In the city center, visit St. John's Cathedral and the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, or browse local markets. The waterfront has shops and places to eat, too.
Set aside a few hours to walk around the harbor and see the central sights. St. John's suits travelers interested in the island's history and city life more than a beach-focused stay. The drier season is roughly December through April. A few hours to a day is enough to see the capital; stay longer if you plan to use it as a base for exploring more of Antigua.
St. John's in five
- Carry Eastern Caribbean dollarsThe Eastern Caribbean dollar is the local currency, though US dollars are also used. Check whether change is given in EC dollars before paying.
- Check entry rules for your passportAntigua and Barbuda's entry requirements depend on your nationality. Check the government's immigration guidance before you travel.Visas and entry
- Save 911 for emergenciesCall 911 for emergency assistance in Antigua and Barbuda.
- Bring a card and some cashCards are accepted at many hotels and larger businesses, but cash is useful for small purchases and local transport.
- Use St John's as a base for the islandThe capital is on Antigua's northwest coast. Arrange transport before heading to beaches and sights outside the city.Getting around
Things to do in St. John's
See all attractions in St. John's
Need to know
- Currency
- East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
- Entry
- Entry requirements depend on passport and trip
- Emergency
- 911 emergency assistance
- Tipping
- Around 10% for good service
- Time
- UTC−4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- JanuaryDry season
- FebruaryDry season
- MarchDry season
- AprilDry season
- MayWarmer, showers
- JuneRain increases
- JulyHurricane season
- AugustHurricane season
- SeptemberWet season
- OctoberWet season
- NovemberRain easing
- DecemberDry season begins
Right now in St. John's
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
29
- Feels like
- 33°
- Humidity
- 75%
- Wind
- 27 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 30%
St. John's
09:38 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today32°27°30%Monday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 30%.
- Tue32°26°80%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 80%.
- Wed31°27°16%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 16%.
- Thu31°25°20%Thursday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 20%.
- Fri31°25°51%Friday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 51%.
- Sat30°25°63%Saturday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 63%.
- Sun31°24°69%Sunday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 69%.
Updated 05:14 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
Day trips by train
- English Harbourabout 30 to 45 min by carVisit Nelson's Dockyard and the harbor area on Antigua's south coast.
- Shirley Heightsabout 30 to 45 min by carSee views over English Harbour and the southern coast.
- Barbudaabout 90 min by ferryTake a day trip to see the island's beaches and low-lying coastal scenery.
Before you go to St. John's
Rules for St. John's, checked
- Check Antigua and Barbuda's immigration guidance for entry requirements that apply to your passport.Source
- Use Eastern Caribbean dollars for local purchases, and ask whether a price is in EC dollars or US dollars before paying.
- Ask before photographing people, especially at markets and religious sites.
Plan around St. John's
Entry, money and practical planning for the country
Read the guideGetting aroundPlan transport between St John's and island sights
Read the guideMoney and costsPlan cards, cash and trip spending
Read the guideVisas and entryCheck entry requirements for your passport
Read the guideWhere to stayPlan where to base yourself in St John's
Read the guideSt. John's FAQ
How many days do you need in St John's, Antigua?
Allow one or two days for St John's and its nearby sights. Add more time if you plan to explore Antigua's beaches and other parts of the island.
Is St John's, Antigua worth visiting?
St John's suits travelers who want to visit Antigua's market, harbor and historic sites. It also gives you access to the rest of the island by road.
What is the best time to visit St John's, Antigua?
December to April is the drier part of the year. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November; check official weather updates when planning.
How do you get around St John's, Antigua?
Use local buses, taxis or a rental car. Check current routes and fares before setting out, especially if you are traveling beyond the capital.
Can you visit Barbuda as a day trip from St John's?
Barbuda can be visited on a day trip from Antigua. Check current ferry or flight arrangements and allow time for the crossing.
What currency is used in St John's, Antigua?
The local currency is the East Caribbean dollar (XCD). US dollars are also used, but confirm the currency and change before paying.