Beaches & Islands · Best Dec–Apr
Antigua packing list for families
Antigua mixes calm Caribbean beaches with a breezy Atlantic coast and a lot of sailing history. Here is what our family packs for beach days, boat trips, and Sunday sunsets at Shirley Heights.
Photo by Rick Jamison on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Antigua
- Antigua's outlets take US plugs, but the voltage at some hotels is higher than at home. Check that hair tools and electronics are dual voltage, or ask your hotel what its rooms use.
- The Atlantic side is windier with more waves, while the Caribbean side is usually calm. For little swimmers, I steer families to resorts on the west and south coasts.
- Antigua restricts wearing camouflage, including kids' clothing. Leave camo shorts and backpacks at home.
Best timeDec–Apr
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyEastern Caribbean dollar (US dollars widely accepted)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Antigua
This time of year
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Carry-on17
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Swim cover-ups
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Light layer for sunsetShirley Heights and boat rides get breezy after dark.
Shoes4
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Water shoesKristina's pickUseful for Stingray City and rocky snorkel spots.
Beach & pool14
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Sand toys that nest flat
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
Waterproof phone pouch
After-sun aloe
Sand-free beach towel
Kids' snorkel mask setCalm Caribbean-side beaches are easy places to learn.
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things20
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries19
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech17
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Dual-voltage travel hair dryerSome hotels run 230 volt power.
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
The outfit edit
Nautical
White, navy, signal red, sand
For photos
- Navy and white with a red accent
- Sail-away on deck
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Antigua weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 83°F 28°C | Dry season with sunny days and steady, cooling trade winds | Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| February | 83°F 28°C | Dry season with sunny days and steady, cooling trade winds | Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| March | 84°F 29°C | Dry season with sunny days and steady, cooling trade winds | Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| April | 85°F 29°C | Dry season with sunny days and steady, cooling trade winds | Antigua Sailing Week, with racing around English Harbour from late April Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| May | 86°F 30°C | Warm and mostly dry, with lighter crowds | Antigua Sailing Week, with racing around English Harbour from late April Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| June | 87°F 31°C | Warm and mostly dry, with lighter crowds | Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| July | 88°F 31°C | Hot and humid with short showers; hurricane season underway | Antigua Carnival, building to its peak in early August Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| August | 88°F 31°C | Hot and humid with short showers; hurricane season underway | Antigua Carnival, building to its peak in early August Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| September | 88°F 31°C | Peak hurricane risk and the wettest months, with the quietest resorts | Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| October | 87°F 31°C | Peak hurricane risk and the wettest months, with the quietest resorts | Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| November | 86°F 30°C | Peak hurricane risk and the wettest months, with the quietest resorts | Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
| December | 84°F 29°C | Dry season with sunny days and steady, cooling trade winds | Antigua Charter Yacht Show at Falmouth and English Harbour Sunday sunset gathering at Shirley Heights Lookout, with steel pan and views of English Harbour |
Questions families ask
Antigua with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Antigua with kids?
The best time is Dec–Apr. Dry season with sunny days and steady, cooling trade winds
What's the weather like in Antigua?
Typical daytime highs range from about 83°F (28°C) in January to about 88°F (31°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Antigua?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Antigua?
None. Antigua uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Antigua with kids?
Antigua's outlets take US plugs, but the voltage at some hotels is higher than at home. Check that hair tools and electronics are dual voltage, or ask your hotel what its rooms use.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.