General Overview
The best time to travel to Saint Lucia is from December through April, when it is the high season for the island that receives the most sunshine. It is also the dry period for Saint Lucia, which means significantly lower chances of rainfall compared to the rest of the year.
But, it is also the time of the year when the island has the most tourists, cramming sights and beaches. As expected, the prices are higher, too, for accommodation, dining, and other travel-related aspects.
Now, for those wishing for a more laid-back vibe, the west season is probably a better option. During this time (from June through November), the crowds are thinner and there are lower rates for accommodation.
Of course, determining the best time to travel to Saint Lucia can also be influenced by other factors, such as seasonality and major cultural events. Below is a guide to help you make more informed decisions when it comes to planning your Saint Lucia vacations.
Seasonality in Saint Lucia
The High Season – Best for Beach Vacations
The period between mid-December through mid-April is when the island has a significantly increased number of tourists, marking the high season in Saint Lucia. It also signals low accommodation and flight availability, which means that you will need to make your reservations and bookings quite ahead of time, especially if you want to stay at an all-inclusive resort. For beach experiences, though, this is the most ideal time to travel to Saint Lucia as the average temperatures are around 26oC (79oF), slightly lower than the rest of the months, which is fantastic for beach ventures.
The Shoulder Season – A Fantastic Compromise Between the High and Low Seasons
The period between mid-April to June is the shoulder season in Saint Lucia and is a fantastic time to travel to the island to get the best of both the high and low seasons. This means that you will find accommodation and airfare quite easily (and attached to a lower price tag compared to the high season). Plus, you will be visiting Saint Lucia during a period where the activity on the island is moderate (much more lively than in the low season, though), while you can explore the sights and do anything you like without having to battle with the crowds. On top of everything else, the weather is still pleasant, enabling you to indulge in water sports and outdoor endeavours. On the flip side, the west season is just around the corner.
Low Season – Best for Budget-Conscious Travellers
The wet season in Saint Lucia (July through November) is also the low season, and the time of the year lots of travellers choose to visit the island due to the significant discounts and fare cuts on offer. In other words, the low season seems appealing to last-minute visitors and those on a tight vacation budget. It is hurricane season, though, so kindly plan your trip carefully. As for those that would love to watch the whales and dolphins that are often seen in the open sea, the best time for it is between October and February, so they may combine a most cost-affordable stay with whale-watching experiences.
Summer or Winter Vacations?
The fact that Saint Lucia is in the tropical zone means that there is no major distinction between winter and summer time weather-wise. Despite the small temperature change that takes place towards the last couple of months and the first few months of the year (by just a couple of degrees), the weather remains pleasant year-round. This precise period (from November through February), though, brings chillier nights and breezier days than usual. So, if you are planning a winter escape at Saint Lucia, it would be best to pack a light jacket, along with your other clothing options for those colder evenings out.
What to Expect During the Wet Season
The location of Saint Lucia somewhat protects it against adverse weather phenomena, including tropical storms, cyclones, and hurricanes. Most of the time, visitors come to the island during the wet season and are greeted with sunny and fair weather. However, always check the local weather before planning your Saint Lucia trip if it will be taking place around the wet season.
Best Time to Travel to Saint Lucia for Events and Festivals
The Saint Lucia Summer Festival is a major local event that includes several festivities taking place on various dates within a year (usually from May through October), such as Creole Heritage Month, Food & Rum Festival, Saint Lucia Carnival, Roots & Soul Festival, Saint Lucia Jazz Festival, and more!
Below are some details for each one:
- Saint Lucia Carnival – Coming about between June and July, the Carnival fills the streets of the capital with splendour and colour and is the biggest party of the year for Saint Lucia, featuring a plethora of carnival bands and more.
- Saint Lucia Jazz – It is held in early-to-mid May at the picturesque Pigeon Island National Landmark and is one of the oldest festivals on the island with lots of jazzy beats and acts.
- Food & Rum Festival – It is held every September and allows visitors and locals alike to taste as much locally-made rum as they wish (or can!) accompanied by dishes from elite Saint Lucia chefs.
- Jounen Kweyol – It is one of the largest annual events in Saint Lucia held every October that is part of the Creole Day or the Creole Heritage Month and showcases the local fashion, music, food, and the island’s Creole roots.
- Roots & Soul Festival – Cropping up every late August, it invites lovers of various music niches, including reggae, R&B, Afro-punk, and hip-hop to three days of non-stop fun.
- Gros Islet Street Party – You will find this type of party transpiring every single Friday of the year from around 7 p.m. until late in the evening, pampering everybody with things like street dancing, music, and barbecued meats.
For more information about the local events, you can visit the official Saint Lucia Tourism Authority website, here: Summer Festival Events | Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (stlucia.org).
General Overview
The best time to travel to Saint Lucia is from December through April, when it is the high season for the island that receives the most sunshine. It is also the dry period for Saint Lucia, which means significantly lower chances of rainfall compared to the rest of the year.
But, it is also the time of the year when the island has the most tourists, cramming sights and beaches. As expected, the prices are higher, too, for accommodation, dining, and other travel-related aspects.
Now, for those wishing for a more laid-back vibe, the west season is probably a better option. During this time (from June through November), the crowds are thinner and there are lower rates for accommodation.
Of course, determining the best time to travel to Saint Lucia can also be influenced by other factors, such as seasonality and major cultural events. Below is a guide to help you make more informed decisions when it comes to planning your Saint Lucia vacations.
Seasonality in Saint Lucia
The High Season – Best for Beach Vacations
The period between mid-December through mid-April is when the island has a significantly increased number of tourists, marking the high season in Saint Lucia. It also signals low accommodation and flight availability, which means that you will need to make your reservations and bookings quite ahead of time, especially if you want to stay at an all-inclusive resort. For beach experiences, though, this is the most ideal time to travel to Saint Lucia as the average temperatures are around 26oC (79oF), slightly lower than the rest of the months, which is fantastic for beach ventures.
The Shoulder Season – A Fantastic Compromise Between the High and Low Seasons
The period between mid-April to June is the shoulder season in Saint Lucia and is a fantastic time to travel to the island to get the best of both the high and low seasons. This means that you will find accommodation and airfare quite easily (and attached to a lower price tag compared to the high season). Plus, you will be visiting Saint Lucia during a period where the activity on the island is moderate (much more lively than in the low season, though), while you can explore the sights and do anything you like without having to battle with the crowds. On top of everything else, the weather is still pleasant, enabling you to indulge in water sports and outdoor endeavours. On the flip side, the west season is just around the corner.
Low Season – Best for Budget-Conscious Travellers
The wet season in Saint Lucia (July through November) is also the low season, and the time of the year lots of travellers choose to visit the island due to the significant discounts and fare cuts on offer. In other words, the low season seems appealing to last-minute visitors and those on a tight vacation budget. It is hurricane season, though, so kindly plan your trip carefully. As for those that would love to watch the whales and dolphins that are often seen in the open sea, the best time for it is between October and February, so they may combine a most cost-affordable stay with whale-watching experiences.
Summer or Winter Vacations?
The fact that Saint Lucia is in the tropical zone means that there is no major distinction between winter and summer time weather-wise. Despite the small temperature change that takes place towards the last couple of months and the first few months of the year (by just a couple of degrees), the weather remains pleasant year-round. This precise period (from November through February), though, brings chillier nights and breezier days than usual. So, if you are planning a winter escape at Saint Lucia, it would be best to pack a light jacket, along with your other clothing options for those colder evenings out.
What to Expect During the Wet Season
The location of Saint Lucia somewhat protects it against adverse weather phenomena, including tropical storms, cyclones, and hurricanes. Most of the time, visitors come to the island during the wet season and are greeted with sunny and fair weather. However, always check the local weather before planning your Saint Lucia trip if it will be taking place around the wet season.
Best Time to Travel to Saint Lucia for Events and Festivals
The Saint Lucia Summer Festival is a major local event that includes several festivities taking place on various dates within a year (usually from May through October), such as Creole Heritage Month, Food & Rum Festival, Saint Lucia Carnival, Roots & Soul Festival, Saint Lucia Jazz Festival, and more!
Below are some details for each one:
- Saint Lucia Carnival – Coming about between June and July, the Carnival fills the streets of the capital with splendour and colour and is the biggest party of the year for Saint Lucia, featuring a plethora of carnival bands and more.
- Saint Lucia Jazz – It is held in early-to-mid May at the picturesque Pigeon Island National Landmark and is one of the oldest festivals on the island with lots of jazzy beats and acts.
- Food & Rum Festival – It is held every September and allows visitors and locals alike to taste as much locally-made rum as they wish (or can!) accompanied by dishes from elite Saint Lucia chefs.
- Jounen Kweyol – It is one of the largest annual events in Saint Lucia held every October that is part of the Creole Day or the Creole Heritage Month and showcases the local fashion, music, food, and the island’s Creole roots.
- Roots & Soul Festival – Cropping up every late August, it invites lovers of various music niches, including reggae, R&B, Afro-punk, and hip-hop to three days of non-stop fun.
- Gros Islet Street Party – You will find this type of party transpiring every single Friday of the year from around 7 p.m. until late in the evening, pampering everybody with things like street dancing, music, and barbecued meats.
For more information about the local events, you can visit the official Saint Lucia Tourism Authority website, here: Summer Festival Events | Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (stlucia.org).