Local Weather, Currency & Time Zone

Did you know that Barbados has over 3,000 hours of sunshine each year?!  The prevailing northeast trade winds blow steadily so that although it is bright and sunny, it is not unbearably hot. The nights are usually slightly cooler.

In May, you can expect temperatures to range from the high 70s to the high 80s Fahrenheit.  Rain is scarce in May.  If it does rain, it typically comes in quick showers.

Do not worry – hurricane and tropical storm season in Barbados runs from June through November.

Barbados is located in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone which is equivalent to Eastern Daylight Time in the USA.

Barbados does have its own local currency, the Barbadian Dollar (BBD).  But when visiting Barbados from the USA, there is no need to visit a bank. USD is accepted everywhere around the island and most establishments will give you $2 BBD to $1 USD. Just remember to keep some USD in smaller denominations such as $5s and $10s for smaller transactions and tipping.

When visiting Barbados from the UK, you may want to consider taking USD and GBP from the UK. Do not purchase BBD in the UK as you are likely to receive a much better rate in Barbados. If you purchase BBD in the UK, the rate will not be nearly as generous as it would be in Barbados. If you take UK Traveller’s Cheques, you will obtain an even better rate. You can do the exchange at any of the several commercial banks on the island including CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, Republic Bank (Barbados) Ltd, First Citizen’s Bank (Barbados) Ltd, Scotiabank or the RBC Royal Bank which all have the same rates as set by the Central Bank of Barbados.