I moved to Barbados during the pandemic in November 2020. Within two months, we were in lockdown. COVID was not fun, but it was rather peaceful on the island. It wasn’t until the tourists returned that I realized why they call it high season.
It wasn’t until December 2022 that I really felt Barbados in busy season. I laughed the first time that a restaurant asked me if I had a reservation, or worse yet, that they didn’t have availability for two weeks.
Barbados is beautiful all year-round. Yet, in January/February the weather is damn near perfect. Many people want perfect weather on vacation; so, we must learn to pay for paradise.
Here are some ways that prices rise in the busy season, and how you can mitigate this:
- Car hires – there are only so many cars for rent on this little island; supply and demand dictates that high season rates are much higher. Adventurous souls can take the ZR (collective mini-vans) for only 4BDS. There are also friendly taxis and the new Pickup Barbados (Uber equivalent).
- Eating – depending where you come from, you may find eating out in Barbados expensive. Self-catering is a great option to reduce the overall costs of a Barbados vacation. Go one step further, earlier on in your trip, and hit Cost U Less for groceries, rather than the much pricier Massy.
- Outings – I am not going to deter you from signing up for a tour in Barbados – the scenery is beautiful and the guides are super friendly. If you want to limit the number of outings you pay for, you can participate in snorkeling at the wrecks for free by swimming from Carlisle Bay. Or drive yourself to Barclay Park on the East coast and hike up Chalky Mount.
Shoulder season is a good alternative time to visit Barbados. In November, it begins to cool and the trade winds return. If you can come in December before the snow birds finish up their Christmas festivities in the northern hemisphere and come down, it is less busy. This holds true for April as well.
The summers in Barbados are hot! September and October have humidity that is unpleasant. But, if you can make it to Barbados for Cropover in July/August, you will understand fully that Bajans know how to party.
