What better season

Guadeloupe, with its tropical climate and idyllic landscapes, is a destination that attracts travelers all year round. However, choosing the best time to visit the archipelago depends on your preferences in terms of weather, tourist crowds, and budget. In this article, we help you determine the ideal time to discover this Caribbean gem.
What is the best time to visit Guadeloupe ?
Guadeloupe enjoys a tropical climate divided into two main seasons:
The dry season (called “carême”):
It runs from December to April. During this time, the days are sunny, temperatures are pleasant (around 25–30°C / 77–86°F), and humidity is moderate. It’s the ideal season to enjoy the beaches, hiking—such as climbing La Soufrière volcano—and water activities like diving or snorkeling.
The wet season (called “hivernage”) :
From May to November, the archipelago experiences higher temperatures (up to 32°C / 90°F) along with increased humidity. Showers are frequent, often short but intense, especially in the late afternoon. This period also corresponds to hurricane season, which is particularly active between August and October.
Season Overview | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather | 🌞 | 🌞 | 🌞 | 🌞 | 🌞 | 🌧️ | 🌧️ | ⛈️ | ⛈️* | 🌧️ | 🌧️ | 🌞 |
Average Temperatures (°C) | 28°C | 28°C | 29°C | 30°C | 31°C | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 31°C | 30°C | 29°C |
Tourist Crowds | 👥 👥 | 👥 👥👤 | 👥 👥 | 👥👤 | 👥👤 | 👥👤 | 👥 | 👤 | 👤 | 👥 | 👥👤 | 👥 👥 |
Beaches & Outdoor Activities | 🏖 | 🏖 | 🏖 | 🏖 | 🏖 | 🏖 | 🏖 | 💧 | 💧 | 🏖 | 🏖 | 🏖 |
Hiking & Extreme Activities | 🧗🏼 | 🧗🏼 | 🧗🏼 | 🧗🏼 | 🧗🏼 | 💧 | 💧 | 💧 | 💧 | 💧 | 💧 | 🧗🏼 |
Local Events | New Year Celebrations | Guadeloupe Carnival | End of Carnival & start of dry season | Easter: Crab Festival | Commemoration | Start of summer festivals | Traditour - Guadeloupe sailing tour | Cook’s Festival & Guadeloupe Cycling Tour | Heritage Weekend | All Saints’ Day preparations | Start of cruise season | Christmas Festivities |
Event Emojis | 🎊 | 🎭 | 👹 | 🦀 | 🇬🇵 | 🎷 | ⛵ | 🚵🏽 | 🏛️ | 🕯️ | 🛳️ | 🎄 |
Accommodation Prices | €€€ | €€€€ | €€€ | €€ | €€ | €€ | €€ | €€ | €€ | €€ | €€€ | €€€ |
Our Recommendations | 🙂 | 🙂 | 🙂 | 🙂 | 👍 | 👍 | 👍 | 👍 | 😐 | 😐 | 🙂 | 🙂 |
*Wet season (Cyclone season)
- Moderate prices €€
- High prices €€€
- Very high prices €€€€
When to visit Guadeloupe?
High season: December to April
Why go?
This is the perfect time to enjoy sunny holidays away from urban winter. The weather conditions are ideal, with plenty of sunshine and little rain. The sea is calm and perfect for water sports, while the evenings, slightly cooler, encourage relaxation.
It’s also important to note that this is the busiest tourist period. Popular beaches and sites like the Pointe-à-Pitre market or the Bay of Les Saintes can be crowded. During the holiday season and school vacations, flight and accommodation prices are higher.
💡Tips to save money:
Book your trip several months in advance to get better rates. Opt for less touristy accommodations like guesthouses or small hotels.
Low season: May to November
Why go?
If you’re looking for a quiet vacation at competitive prices, the low season is a good option. The landscapes are especially lush thanks to tropical rains, and many local festivals, such as the famous Gwoka Festival in July, animate the archipelago.
💡 Note that rainfall can disrupt outdoor activities. Hurricanes, although rare, can occur, requiring extra caution.
Our advice for a worry-free trip:
Check weather forecasts regularly and purchase travel insurance that covers cancellations. Plan a flexible itinerary including indoor activities like visiting museums or distilleries.
What events to see in Guadeloupe?
- Carnival (January-March): A unique time to admire organized parades and dive into Guadeloupean culture with lively music.
- Crab Festival (April): A festive moment of sharing various recipes based on local crabs.
- Cook’s Festival (August): A gastronomic celebration honoring women and local flavors.
- Night parade of the Titan trucks (August): A public parade marking the end of the sugar cane harvest season from Sainte Rose to Le Moule.
- Traditour (July): A traditional sailing tour of Guadeloupe representing both a sport and part of Guadeloupe’s history.
- Route du Rhum (November, every 4 years): A legendary sailing race from Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre (next in November 2026).
- Chanté Nwel (December): Warm and intoxicating Christmas carols in Creole, accompanied by gwoka drums and spicy dishes.
When to visit based on your preferences ?
Type of traveler | Ideal period |
---|---|
Sun and beach lover | December to April |
Nature and hiking enthusiast | All year round, with a preference for the dry season |
Traveler seeking tranquility | May to June or September to November (outside cyclone season) |
Festivals and cultural events fan | February (Carnival) or July (Gwoka Festival) |