St. Lucia is undoubtedly a top Caribbean destination. The island has won the hearts of those wanting to satisfy their tropical wanderlust — thanks to its beautiful beaches, verdant forests, majestic ranges, and great year-round weather. But when is the best time to visit St. Lucia? And what upcoming events shouldn’t you miss out on this year? Scroll through to find out.
When Is The Best Time To Go To St. Lucia?
When planning a getaway on this island, the question of when to visit St. Lucia always pops up first. If you want to enjoy the island while the weather is at its best, travel between mid-December and March. If you want your holiday to be easier on your bank, April to May is a great time.
Peak Season
The St. Luciapeak season starts in the middle of December and lasts until mid-April. The weather is cooler and less humid in the first half of the period. As the peak season ends, the waters tend to get warmer, which is an ideal time to hit the beach.
This peak season is when St. Lucia is the driest. So apart from soaking up the sun, you might want to challenge yourself with the island’s hike tours. The best places to hike are Soufrière and the Pitons (the former also has mineral baths to refresh your body and mind).
US and UK holidayers take advantage of the island’s dry season to escape their homeland’s wintry weather.
Shoulder Season
Before the St. Lucia rainy season fully arrives, tourists can choose to travel in the shoulder season (mid-April to June). Apart from being a great time for lazing away by the beach, it’s also a time of affordable deals from both airlines and resorts like Sandals, which offers all-inclusive deals in their properties such as the Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort.
If you want the best views of Gros Piton and Petit Piton — the island’s iconic twin peaks — head on to Jalousie Beach. Its underwater world is also considered an awesome scuba diving spot. Meanwhile, if getting closer to culture is your thing, put Pigeon Island at the top of your list. It has beaches, a museum, and historic forts.
Music lovers can also catch the yearly anticipated St. Lucia Jazz Arts & Festival in May.
The Lean Months
July to November is the off-season in St. Lucia. While it’s the island’s wet season, you can still enjoy its pristine waters. Tropical storms are usually quick. And this means you can still get many hours of glorious sunshine.
If you don’t mind getting interrupted by short bursts of rain, snag substantially lower airfare and accommodation deals. It’s the best time for holidayers who want an inexpensive Caribbean vacation. The most notable event in this season is the St. Lucia Carnival (which typically takes place in June and July), Roots & Soul Festival (August to September), and the Creole Heritage Month (October).
Best Things To Do In St. Lucia Activities During Peak Season
Traveling to the island between December and March? Here are the best things to do in St. Lucia.
Hit the waters
Though the shoulder season boasts the best water temperatures and lesser touristy crowds, the peak season on the island is still a great time for hitting the waters. Whether you’re heading to the island’s beaches, waterfalls, or mineral baths, there’s something healing and rejuvenating about St. Lucia’s waters.
Go hiking
St. Lucia is a volcanic island blessed with lush forests, and the Pitons offer hiking trails for thrill-seekers. However, if you’re not into hiking, there are many other ways you can enjoy the verdant lands of the island. You can take an aerial tram or go on a canopy tour.
If you’re more of a history buff, explore the many ruins on the island and take advantage of the peak season’s dry weather.
Join their festivities
December and January are filled with Christmas and New Year’s Day-related festivities. It’s also when they celebrate their National Day and hold their Festival of Lights and Nobel Laureate Week.
In February, they commemorate their Independence Day. Meanwhile, March is a pleasant time to stroll around and just indulge in the island’s seafood and other cuisines.
When Is The Worst Time To Go to St. Lucia?
The St. Lucia hurricane season officially lasts from July to November. October and November are the wettest months, with an average rainfall of 3 to 5.7 inches. Though tropical storms may occur during this time, they shouldn’t dampen your dream Caribbean getaway.
Weather In St. Lucia
The St. Lucia weather is generally hot, with temperatures ranging from 76 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit. But the northeastern trade winds help balance the high humidity on the island.
Because it’s located in the southeastern part of the Caribbean and far from the hurricane belt, strong and huge hurricanes are unlikely to hit the island. In fact, only 14 hurricanes have landed on the 60-mile Caribbean territory in the past 170 years.
The weather is most settled from December to March (January is the coolest; February is the driest,). However, it’s April and May when the water temperatures hit 82 degrees Fahrenheit, the best time to swim, snorkel, and scuba dive.
Best Upcoming Events In St. Lucia 2024
If you want to immerse yourself in their local culture truly, the best time to visit St. Lucia is when their most important events are taking place. Below is a quick list for your reference.
Independence Day (February 22)
On this day in 1979, the island gained independence from British rule. Island-wide parades and festivities punctuate the occasion.
St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival (May 5 to 14)
You’re in for over a week of music and arts at this highly anticipated festival. Iconic acts like Lauryn Hill and Carlos Santana have previously graced the event.
Fisherman’s Feast (June 29)
Also known as Fete Peche, it’s a thanksgiving celebration with a church service, a hearty communal lunch, and vibrant music during the day.
St. Lucia Carnival (July 1 to 19)
The biggest festival on the island, the Carnival is a two-week revelry that puts the locals’ African heritage to the fore.
La Rose (August 30) and La Marguarite Flower Festivals (October 17)
During these two flower festivals, spectators can witness lively cultural parades and performances from locals. Addtionally, costumes and displays inspired by the two flowers bring St. Lucia streets to life.
Saint Lucia Roots & Soul Festival (August)
Another homage to St. Lucia’s African heritage, it’s an event thick with spectacular reggae, socca, and calypso performances.
St. Lucia Dive Fest (September 8 to 14)
This festival celebrates the best things that make St. Lucia a haven for diving enthusiasts.
Saint Lucia Food & Rum Festival (September)
If you will book in September, you can check out this festival, which gathers the best chefs and rum connoisseurs across the globe.
Creole Heritage Month (October)
Locals commemorate their French and African cultural roots during this month-long celebration. But the main highlight is Jounen Kwéyòl (Creole Day), where you can indulge in authentic local cuisine.
National Day – Festival of Lights & Renewal (December 13)
This is a celebration of the Feast of St. Luce, Patron Saint of Light. From lantern competitions and parades to a memorable fireworks display, the island sparkles and dazzles during this event.
