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Best time to go to St Lucia

Spring into early summer is the best time to visit Saint Lucia - missing peak season as well as the annual rains. This is also when leatherback turtles haul themselves ashore to lay their eggs, thought you'll need to head here earlier if you want to see migrating humpback whales. Check out our temperature chart and handy month-by-month guide below for more information.

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Best time to go to Saint Lucia

temperature & rainfall

We rate late April-early June as the best time to go to Saint Lucia. You’ll miss the winter crowds and high prices – but also sneak in just before the heavy rains arrive. Thanks to its mountainous scenery, Saint Lucia has higher rainfall than other flatter Caribbean islands, though this does mean lusher vegetation – and it’s a haven for birds. Dolphins are resident throughout the year, but humpback whales migrate past the island from Jan-Apr. Leatherbacks nest from Mar-Aug – and while birders will be delighted year-round, the main breeding season is Jan-Apr.

When not to visit Saint Lucia

What to avoid, & when

High season in Saint Lucia is from mid-December to mid-April. Dry, sunny weather brings more visitors and higher prices – so for a last minute vacation, or someone traveling on a budget, this is not the best time to go to Saint Lucia.
Rainy season is officially from June-November, but September and October are when the hurricanes are most likely to hit. July and August can be very wet – and very hot and humid, with temperatures pushing 30°C.
Although you can see colourful birds year-round, including Saint Lucia’s brilliant endemics, they’ll be easier to see – and noisier – outside of the rainy season. Plus trails will be more accessible.
With water temperatures between 26-28°C and an average of 20m visibility, diving is great all year. But speak to your diving operator to find out information about when specific species are present, such as manta rays, sea turtles – and when you can witness spawning coral, a Saint Lucia special best witnessed during night dives.

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Best time to go to Saint Lucia

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL RECOMMENDS

James Crockett, from our supplier Jus’ Sail, says don’t discount the hurricane season: “My favourite season for sailing and kite surfing is the winter around Feb when the skies tend to be clearer and the breeze is constant and cooling; late Jan - late April is usually the driest part of the year. As rainfall is low, the river run off tends to be less, so visibility for diving and snorkelling is better as well. However, May-Nov you can get some very competitive prices, especially on accommodation. You stand a higher chance of rain, especially from Aug-Nov, but most days are still perfectly enjoyable. Yes, its hurricane season, but mostly a passing tropical wave will appear every couple of weeks with some heavy rain before quickly passing on over. You can be fortunate and get perfect weather in the summer, or you can have some bad luck and get some days of rain, but rarely will it ruin your trip unless you have come for a purely beach and sun vacation.”

Paul Sawyer, from our supplier and walking specialist New Experience Vacations, shares his best time to go to Saint Lucia: “It’s more a case of what time you don’t recommend people to go – and that’s the hurricane season, which is July, August, September. You can go at any other time, it’s warmer in May and June, but only by about three or four degrees. But most people go in January to March because there’s little walking anywhere else; people escape the winter and they go to the Caribbean.”

Festivals & events in Saint Lucia

Our cultural pick from the Saint Lucia calendar

Did you
know about...?

The Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival
This ten-day festival takes place early each May to showcase homegrown talent as well as artists from across the globe. While the main stage is located on the gorgeous Pigeon Island, other events take place around Saint Lucia and these fringe events encompass a variety of musical styles from Kweyol folk to flamenco and reggae.

Responsible Travel would like to thank Saint Lucia for their sponsorship of this guide

Photo credits: [temp chart bg: Sugar Beach Residences - www.sugarbeachresidences.com] [RT recommends: Saint Lucia Tourist Board] [Jazz and Arts Festival: Sa-se]

Written by Vicki Brown

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