Brades
Go to Brades for a look at Montserrat's working capital, where government offices moved after eruptions forced people out of Plymouth.
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Brades is the capital of Montserrat, a small British Overseas Territory in the Leeward Islands of the Eastern Caribbean. The town sits on the island's northwest side and holds government offices, shops and services.
Brades took over the capital role after the Soufrière Hills volcano began erupting in 1995 and Plymouth, the former capital, was abandoned. Visits here suit a slow trip built around walking, the volcanic area and conversations with locals. An exclusion zone covers the south of the island and Plymouth, so access to those areas is restricted. Check current rules with official sources before you travel. The drier season runs roughly from December to May, while June to November falls in the Atlantic hurricane season. Plan two or three days on the island.
Brades in five
- Carry East Caribbean dollarsMontserrat uses the East Caribbean dollar. Carry cash for taxis and small stalls, and use cards mainly at the main hotels and shops.
- Check the exclusion zone before you goThe restricted zone around the Soufrière Hills volcano covers the south of the island, and its boundaries can change with volcanic activity. Confirm the current limits with the Montserrat government before you plan any route.Montserrat
- Book a driver or rent a carBrades has no rail service, and the island roads are steep and winding. Traffic drives on the left.Getting around
- Fly in through AntiguaFlights to Montserrat use small aircraft, and the island is also reached by ferry from Antigua. Book the onward leg before you leave home.
- Download offline maps before you landSave an offline map of Montserrat and write down the address of your lodging.Phones and eSIM
Need to know
- Currency
- East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
- Entry
- Visa rules depend on your passport; check before you book
- Emergency
- 999 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Check the bill for a service charge
- Time
- UTC-4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry, cooler
- FebruaryDry, pleasant
- MarchDry, warm
- AprilDry, warmer
- MayRains begin
- JuneStorm season starts
- JulyHot, wet
- AugustPeak storm season
- SeptemberPeak storm season
- OctoberStorm risk
- NovemberStorm season, easing
- DecemberDry, holidays
Right now in Brades
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
29
- Feels like
- 34°
- Humidity
- 79%
- Wind
- 31 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 44%
Brades
04:37 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today29°28°44%Monday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 44%.
- Tue30°27°55%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 55%.
- Wed29°27°8%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Thu28°27°20%Thursday: Cloudy. High 28°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 20%.
- Fri29°26°55%Friday: Rain. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 55%.
- Sat28°26°61%Saturday: Rain. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 61%.
- Sun28°26°53%Sunday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 53%.
Updated 01:20 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
- Antiguaabout 1 hour by ferry, schedules varyA larger island with flights and ferries, useful for a longer Caribbean route.Read the guide
- Island drive from Bradesabout 20 to 40 min by car to most partsA slow loop of the island's roads, with stops at the viewpoints and villages.Read the guide
- Guided island tourabout 2 to 3 hours with stopsA tour is the simplest way to see the volcano areas with permission.Read the guide
Before you go to Brades
Rules for Brades, checked
- Check the entry rules for your passport with the Montserrat government before you book.
- Stay out of the Soufrière Hills exclusion zone unless the authorities allow it. The boundaries can change, so check before you travel.
- Drive on the left, and check that your driving licence is valid for hiring a car on the island.
- Follow official storm and volcano alerts, and ask your lodging how to receive them during your stay.
Plan around Brades
The island overview, with its regions and getting around
Read the guideGetting around the islandTaxis and rental cars on Montserrat
Read the guideMoney and costsEast Caribbean dollars, cards and typical prices
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules to check before you book
Read the guideWhere to stayLodging options across the island
Read the guideCaribbean islandsMontserrat within a wider Caribbean route
Read the guideBrades FAQ
Is Brades worth visiting?
Yes, if you want to see the island's administrative centre. It is small, so a few hours covers the main points.
How do you get to Brades?
By taxi or rental car from your lodging on Montserrat. Brades has no rail line, so arrange the route with your driver in advance.
Is Brades the capital of Montserrat?
Yes, Brades is the seat of government. Plymouth was the old capital until volcanic eruptions forced its abandonment.
Can you visit Brades on a day trip from Antigua?
It is possible, but the connection takes time by air or ferry each way. One or two nights on the island makes the trip less rushed.
How many days do you need in Brades?
Half a day covers the town. Add a day for the island drive and any guided tour you arrange.