Antigua and Barbuda Natural Environment

Antigua and Barbuda are islands situated in middle of the Leeward Islands in the eastern  Caribbean, just at the western edge of the Atlantic.  To the south are Monsterrat and Guadaloupe; to the north and west are Nevis, St Kitts, St Barts and St Martin.  The coordinates are approximately 17 degrees north and 62 degrees west.

The total area is 443 sq km.  Antigua has an area of 280 sq km; it is mainly low-lying limestone with some volcanic areas.  Barbuda, about 45 km north of Antigua, has an area of 161 sq km, and is mainly a flat coral island.  There is also a tiny island called Redonda of 1.6 sq km, now a nature reserve.  The highest point on the islands is Boggy Peak at 402 meters on Antigua.  Antigua has a deeply indented shoreline with many natural harbors and beaches; Barbuda has a very large western harbor it shores are mostly continuous

There is limited fresh water source and rains run off quickly because trees have generally been cleared off for crop production.

The cities are Codrington, English Harbour, Mamora Bay, St Joseph and St John’s; the last being the capital.

The islands generally have sunny weathers, low humidity and constant northeast trade winds all year round.  The temperature in the summer is in the mid-80s F, whereas in the winter it is in the mid-70s.  Hurricane season is from July to October.  Annual average rainfall is about 100 cm (45 inches).