Location & Climate
Location:
Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) is located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, roughly 17 degrees north of the equator. To the south are the islands of Montserrat and Guadaloupe, and to the north and west are Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Barts, and St. Martin.
It is the largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands; it’s about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, encompassing 108 square miles. Its highest point is Boggy Peak located in the southwestern corner of the island. The current population for the nation is approximately 68,000 and its capital is St. John's.
Climate:
Temperatures generally range from the mid-seventies in the winter months; January is one of the best times to visit. Annual rainfall averages only 45 inches, making it the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands, and the northeast trade winds are nearly constant, flagging only in September. There is low humidity year-round.
There are 365 beaches on Antigua, one for each day of the year. The great majority rest inside the calm, protected waters of the island's Caribbean side. All are open to the public, and so the challenge posed to a visitor is not how to gain access to the best of them but simply how to locate the beach that suits one's taste. Exploring on your own is the best way to do this, although it is wise to bring a companion along to particularly isolated locations. Antiguans are understandably reluctant to divulge their own favorites, so here are a number of good starters. Be sure to acquire specific directions before you go.
Next: Coastal Areas
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