When to go to Guadeloupe?

 When to go to Guadeloupe?

When to go to Guadeloupe?

You don't know when to go to Guadeloupe? That's good, we answer this question in this article 🙂

Guadeloupe is an island where life is good all year round. However, it is important to ask yourself the right questions in order to choose the best time to come and visit this Caribbean island.

Depending on what you want to do/see on site, the periods will not be the same.

It is therefore difficult to answer the question "When to go to Guadeloupe?" generally. It will depend on:

• Do you come to mainly enjoy the beaches?
• Does a little rain bother you (but suddenly you will have a more luxuriant nature)?
• Do you want to avoid the tourist months?
• Do you want the chance to attend local celebrations?
• What is your budget ? There are times when accommodation/activities are a little cheaper.

By answering these questions, it will allow you to determine when is the best time FOR YOU to go to Guadeloupe.

In the same way as to know if you prefer to go to Guadeloupe or Martinique, these questions will help you answer your questions.

The climate in Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe enjoys a tropical, hot and humid climate. The sun is there all year round. That's pretty good news 🙂

The water temperature is also conducive to swimming, whatever the period. The water will average 27° from January to April and then it rises to 29° the rest of the year.

On the other hand, the important element to take into account is that there are two seasons in Guadeloupe. The dry season, which extends from the end of November to the end of April, and the low season (wet season), from June to November.

*. The dry season, also called Lent, is the mildest season. Temperatures are warm without being too sweltering either, and rains and thunderstorms are fairly infrequent. The water is calm and temperate, and it is the ideal time to swim and practice a large number of water activities. This is of course the most touristic period. The cost of travel and accommodation will be highest from January to March, due to high demand.

*. The wet season, wintering, sees temperatures and humidity rise. The water is very hot, but the rains are much more frequent.

This season is therefore not the most suitable for idleness and beach activities, but could be perfect for hiking, for example. The humidity allows nature to be more lush than ever during this season. This period, which is also much calmer in terms of tourism, can be perfect for those who wish to discover Guadeloupe in a different way, and will also allow them to take advantage of more affordable prices.

Between early May and early June, temperatures and rainfall gradually increase during the off-season.

This is also the period when many species of flowers are in full bloom on the island, which will delight nature lovers.

By the way, if you don't know what to do in Guadeloupe, we have a full article on the subject 🙂

When to go to Guadeloupe? Watch out for hurricane season

The hurricane activity present in the Caribbean generally reaches Guadeloupe during the months of August and September.

It is not recommended to leave during this period, and many hotels and restaurants close their doors during the cyclone season.

Festivals and celebrations in Guadeloupe

If you want to experience unforgettable moments with the inhabitants of the island, and discover a little more about their culture, planning your trip during one of the major local celebrations is an excellent idea.

Lenten celebrations

The Carnival of Guadeloupe is undoubtedly the most important festival on the island. As a rule, it begins on the first Sunday of January for Epiphany, and continues until the beginning of Lent, at the beginning of March.

The party is in full swing all over Guadeloupe for the duration of this celebration. The famous carnival parade is organized in the streets of Pointe-à-Pitre on the Sunday before Lent, and it is the most touristic festive event of the year. Another big parade takes place in Basse-Terre for Mardi Gras.

During the Easter holiday period, many celebrations are organized. The crab festival, for example, honors this crustacean.

In particular, it allows you to discover matété, a crab-based recipe, traditionally prepared for Easter and Pentecost. Other culinary specialties are also highlighted during these celebrations.

Winter celebrations

During the low season, the celebrations are less extravagant, but allow you to discover just as much, if not more, the true cultural richness of Guadeloupe.

The feast of cooks takes place in Pointe-à-Pitre at the beginning of August, and celebrates the patron saint of cooks, Saint-Laurent. During this celebration, many of the island's cooks don their finest traditional dresses and jewellery, and come together.

They will have their dishes blessed before starting a procession through the streets of the city, followed by a big meal and a ball.

At the beginning of November, for the feast of All Saints, families pay homage to the deceased. All Saints Day is a national event in Guadeloupe, on this occasion the tombs of the cemeteries are decorated with candles and chrysanthemums. At nightfall, the spectacle offered by these thousands of candles is magnificent, and the atmosphere is truly unique.

The month of December is also a festive month, because the Christmas tradition and moments of sharing are very anchored in the West Indies. There are many gatherings throughout December with groups of local musicians singing Christmas carols in the various villages. This is the perfect opportunity to discover Guadeloupe by car. It's quite nice to see, especially since it's sunny and hot. We're not so used to experiencing Christmas celebrations under a bright sun 🙂

If you don't know when to go to Guadeloupe, why not spend the end-of-year holidays there with your family under the sun?

Leaving at the right time

For my part, if you asked me the question of when to go to Guadeloupe, I would answer very simply:

*. Do not go during the cyclone season, especially if it is your first trip to Guadeloupe

There are therefore 10 months left during which you can travel to Guadeloupe, but:

*. If you don't necessarily have a big budget, forget the months of January to March when prices are generally higher (Carnival).

Accommodation costs on average 2x the price of the low period and for flights, prices are generally 50% higher as well.

*. If you want to enjoy the sun, but the Carnival does not necessarily interest you, then the best months to go to Guadeloupe will be the months of November and December as well as the months of April, May and the beginning of June.

*. If you want to enjoy nature, hiking, blooming on the island and a little rain doesn't scare you, then the rainy season can be pleasant between May and July, when the rainfall is less than that. in August and September.

If the cyclone season is to be avoided, for the rest the ideal time to go to Guadeloupe therefore depends mainly on your desires, and the experience you want to live.

So, when to go to Guadeloupe?

To enjoy the sun and the beach, the beginning of the year from January to March is the perfect time, and also allows you to attend the carnival.

Going during the beginning or end of the dry season, in November, December and April, is a good way to take advantage of the mild climate and water, while avoiding the biggest tourist influxes.

The off-season is ideal for admiring the awakening of nature, and discovering Guadeloupe in a less traditional way, and probably also for a lower price. Finally, the low season, from June to November, is more conducive to discovering the lush nature, and is the ideal time to discover and appreciate the local culture in a more authentic way.