Ultimate Guide to Winter Golf in the Caribbean: What You Need To Know

As the days get colder and everyone else starts bringing out coats and layering up for the winter season, we’re spending our days outside, stepping onto a sun-soaked golf course in shorts and a polo. As the end of the year approaches, so does our dry season and temperatures in the mid 20s°C. If you’re dreaming of escaping the cold, Barbados is your perfect winter golfing retreat. There are no fears of frost delays or rain-soaked fairways, just endless, uninterrupted golf under bright blue skies.

Barbados isn’t just about great weather though. It’s the ideal spot for those looking for a quieter pace during the winter months or even all year round. Fewer crowds, peaceful surroundings, and plenty of time to work on your swing. What’s not to love?

And if you’re considering making Barbados more than just a vacation spot, owning a home here gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. Whether you’re after year-round sun or a winter getaway, you’ll have a place that’s yours whenever the mood strikes.

At Apes Hill, our team knows the island like no one else. Whether it’s golf or real estate, you’ll be in the hands of experts who not only know the game but have grown up right here in Barbados. So, sit back and dive into what makes winter golf in the Caribbean so special. You might just find it’s time to make your move.

Summer is a great time to experience the world-class courses of Europe, with resorts in Spain, Portugal and Italy offering plenty of challenges. Come winter, the picture changes. Even the Algarve can serve up grey mornings and a washed-out round in January, and the light is gone by five.

That is why, when people ask where the best place to golf in winter is, the Caribbean should be top of mind. And not just any island. Barbados has a dry season that lands exactly when the northern hemisphere needs it most, direct flights from London and the US east coast, and a golf resort 35 minutes from the airport. After a year of hard work, isn’t it time to swap frost for fairways?

Winter proves just as popular for golfers as during the summer months here in the Caribbean, and it’s easy to see why. As temperatures drop across North America and Europe, the Caribbean becomes the go-to destination for golfers seeking sunshine and perfect conditions.

At Apes Hill, winter coincides with the dry season, offering ideal conditions: warm temperatures and barely a cloud in the sky, meaning the course is in its peak condition. The grass is lush and vibrant, having been nurtured by the tropical climate throughout the year. The fairways are perfectly groomed, offering smooth rolls, while the greens are fast and consistent, making for a challenging yet enjoyable game.

What makes winter golf at Apes Hill even more appealing is the serenity of your experience. While winter is the high season for golf in the Caribbean, the atmosphere remains far more relaxed and uncrowded. The winter months bring a tranquil, almost private golfing experience, where you can take your time perfecting your swing without feeling the pressure of a packed course. Leave the sweaters and rain gear at home and enjoy a long day spent out on the course. Keep an ear out too. Green monkeys chatter in the trees along the fairways, and herons and egrets take up temporary residence on the island during their winter migration.

December to February is the sweet spot. Days sit between 23°C and 29°C, humidity drops and the trade winds keep afternoons comfortable, so a midday 18 is a pleasure rather than a test of endurance. Each month has its own character. December brings the festive season, Run Barbados Marathon Weekend and Boxing Day races at the Garrison Savannah. January is the driest and calmest of the three. February closes with the Holetown Festival and the height of polo season. Our guides to Barbados in December, January and February go into the detail, and November is worth a look if you want to catch the Independence celebrations, the Barbados Food and Rum Festival and the Independence Surf Festival before the high season begins.

At Apes Hill, winter is more than just the perfect golf season. There’s a myriad of events and activities to spend your days and evenings doing. You can start your day with a guided hike through Apes Hill’s lush landscape, exploring the nature trails and experiencing the tranquillity of nature. Or perhaps a sunrise yoga session before breakfast. After wrapping up a round on our Championship course, you can take a walk on the beach, paddle out into the waters for some stand-up paddleboarding, or enjoy a refreshing swim at the Beach Club, a complimentary 10 minute shuttle from the clubhouse.

Back at the clubhouse, the Noisy Cricket is where a round tends to end. Expect lively laughter and the colours and scents of farm to fork cuisine, whether you are with friends, family or happily on your own. Added onto this is the social life of the Apes Hill community. Our residents and guests are what makes Apes Hill so special, creating a vibrant and welcoming community that mirrors the nature of the Bajan locals. And throughout the year there are a number of different social events to bring people together, ensuring that you feel at home while meeting like-minded individuals. To see how the community truly comes alive, especially during the holiday season, read our article all about Christmas at Apes Hill.

Beyond the resort, the island is at its most festive over winter. Bajan black cake (a rich fruit cake with a generous rum soaking) and sorrel (a spiced, ruby-red drink) appear on every table, and you’ll catch stilt walkers, steel pan and live bands along the west coast. Culture and sunshine in the same evening. The best of both worlds.

A period that offers the opportunity for good quality family time, spending winter and Christmas at Apes Hill will help you to do just that. Whether you’re an avid golfer, an adventure-seeking teenager, or a parent looking to relax with your little ones, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Golf isn’t just for the grown-ups at Apes Hill. Our Par 3 course is specifically designed to welcome golfers of all skill levels, including kids who are just getting into the game. Little Apes measures around 1,100 yards in total, and its signature is a set of holes inspired by some of the most famous in golf. Avid golfers will recognise them; family members will simply enjoy them. It’s a place where families can play together in a fun, low-pressure environment, fostering a love for the sport in a picturesque setting. At the end of the course sits the Apes Hill Golf Performance Centre and the golf ProShop if anyone’s gear needs an upgrade.

And beyond golf, Apes Hill is a wonderland for children with a range of activities to keep them entertained. Kids can explore nature on guided hikes, get active on the tennis courts, or join in on special programs that run during the holiday season. For the water-loving adventurers, our proximity to the beach means a day of fun in the sun is always within reach, whether it's swimming, paddleboarding, or simply playing in the sand.

And if you’ve made the decision to buy a property at Apes Hill, Barbados itself is an idyllic place to raise children, offering a relaxed lifestyle, excellent schools, and a safe, welcoming environment. Learn more about why Barbados is the perfect destination for family living in our Living in Barbados article here.

We’re here to make your winter golf getaway as stress-free as possible. Apes Hill can arrange your villa exactly as you like it, reserve a caddy and have hire clubs waiting, so you can travel with nothing heavier than a carry-on if you prefer.

If you would rather bring your own set, most airlines treat golf clubs as ordinary checked luggage with no extra fee inside your weight allowance, but check before you fly so there are no surprises. A hard case is the safest option; with a soft travel bag, pack padding inside or use a club protection device, and add a luggage tag with your details and the resort’s. Once you land, Apes Hill is 35 minutes from the airport, so you can be on the first tee the same afternoon.

We’ve saved one of the best reasons for last. Apes Hill is designed to work in harmony with nature and is on a trajectory to be the most environmentally sustainable golf course in the Caribbean. A 58 million gallon rainwater reservoir sustains the course, alongside low impact construction, community farming initiatives and the preservation of natural heritage.

You feel it most on the back nine, where the views open out to the indigenous forest and rock formations of the Scotland District, once part of an underwater mountain range that rose from the ocean millions of years ago. Every effort is made not only to preserve it but to help it thrive, which makes a winter round here rewarding in more ways than one.

Buying property at Apes Hill is an investment in your future. Real estate continues to grow in value, and you’ll have a personal paradise to return to year after year. From fully bespoke homes to turn-key villas that are ready to move into, there’s something to suit every preference. Whether you prefer to design every detail or opt for a beautifully curated property, our team is here to help guide you through buying the perfect property. Read our buying guide here, or start with our guide to buying a vacation home in Barbados.

When you purchase property at Apes Hill, you become eligible for private membership and the opportunity to join one of the Caribbean’s most impressive resort communities. Through membership, couples and families can enjoy world-class golf, wellness-focused amenities, family experiences and a strong sense of community, all within Barbados’ remarkable natural landscape.

We’d love to invite you to experience our golf and community life firsthand. Stay in one of our luxury golf villas, enjoy a few rounds on our championship course, unwind at the Noisy Cricket, and meet our other residents. We always recommend trying before you buy!

At Apes Hill, the beauty of the Caribbean and the luxury of an active lifestyle can be yours year-round, whether you're looking for a winter escape or a permanent home.

Ready to make Apes Hill your own? Contact our team to find out more and start your journey to paradise.