Anguilla Travel Guide 

Important Things To Know

Currency

The local Anguillan currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar. The symbol is EC$ and the currency code is XCD.

The XCD's value is directly tied to the US dollar and is pegged at a rate of 2.7 XCD to 1 USD. 

EC$ coins are available in 5, 10, 20, 25, 50 cents, and 1 dollar denominations. Bank notes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars.

The US dollar ($) is widely accepted in Anguilla. Access to modern banking facilities such as ATMs makes accessing local and international currencies easy. 

National Languages

English is the national and official language of Anguilla. Other than English, locals also speak the island’s English-lexifier Creole.

We found it pretty easy to communicate with the locals.

Villa Beach Escape, Anguilla. (photo courtesy of WIMCO Villas)

Climate And Weather

Anguilla has a tropical wet and dry climate with almost consistent yearly temperatures. The wettest months are September and October, with temperatures averaging 78-89°F (26-32°C ), and the driest months are February and March, with temperatures averaging 73-84°F (23-29°C).

There's barely a difference in temperature between the wettest and driest months. However, September and October have the highest hurricane threat and are the quietest on the island.

When To Visit Anguilla

Anguilla's peak season is during the festive season, which runs from mid-December to early January. Accommodation prices reach their highest, and most hotels give a minimum length of stay. The live music scene and guest-only resort parties make it one of the best times to visit.

However, if you want a quieter experience, we recommend traveling during the low season. This runs from mid-April to early December, with an extended period during the wet season (September - October). 

During this time, you'll find affordable accommodation prices, enjoy some peace and quiet, and easily explore the island's hidden gems without tourist crowds.

Best Places To Stay In Anguilla

• Meads Bay. From being exclusive to having one of the most picturesque beaches, there's nothing not to love about Meads Bay. You'll enjoy swimming, jet skiing, and snorkeling in crystal-clear water. We find Meads Bay to be an excellent option for those with young children as it has many shallow parts along the shore where they can enjoy playing.
• Sandy Ground. We think that this beachfront village is ideal for those interested in the island's traditions and culture. Some restaurants here are family-owned, meaning you'll find local cuisine you might not find anywhere else. 
• Shoal Bay Village. A coral reef, shallow blue waters, and long sandy white beaches. What's not to love about Shoal Bay? This village is situated in the East of Anguilla and has some of the best villas and restaurants. Besides swimming, you can enjoy kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding around the bay. You can also join snorkeling and diving tours to see the marine species in the coral reef up close.