Best Time To Visit St Lucia

St Lucia Sunset Cruise

Round off the day in style with a relaxing couple of hours gliding over the tranquil Caribbean Sea on a spacious catamaran. As you cruise along to a soundtrack of local music, you’ll be able to kick back and enjoy the cool evening breeze, the coastal scenery at twilight and a delicious rum punch and St Lucia-style snacks. (There’s fruit punch, sodas and sparkling wine as well if you’d prefer.) Nature, naturally, provides the highlight of the trip: a stunning view of the sun dipping below the horizon and maybe, just maybe, a glimpse of the elusive green flash, a rare but glorious natural phenomenon most often seen just before sunset.

• Departures on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from North West hotels only
• Operates year round
• Group experience
• Adults only cruise

Good to know
Transfers, guide, and drinks and snacks on board are included.

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West Coast Catamaran Cruise

Lap up the glorious scenery of St Lucia’s west coast from the deck of a spacious catamaran. You’ll cruise south to the Pitons, those soaring volcanic spires that are so iconic they even feature on the island’s flag. At Soufrière, the former capital, you’ll disembark to visit what’s often described as ‘the only drive-in volcano in the world’, a fascinating adventure that will introduce you to hot springs, steam vents and pools of mud bubbling like porridge - you can either take a tour or visit the mud pools. Then it’s time to return to the catamaran to set sail for Anse Cochon, one of the best spots in St Lucia for snorkelling. Here you’ll be able to hover above coral reefs that are home to an array of colourful fish. A perfect day ends with a leisurely trip through Marigot Bay, often considered one of the most scenic places in the Caribbean.

• Departs Monday to Saturday from North West hotels only
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Entrance fees, lunch, drinks and guide are included.

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Private Soufriere Day Cruise

Take to the water for a boat trip to Soufrière, the former capital on St Lucia’s west coast that’s set within the caldera of a dormant volcano. Here you’ll visit a geothermal area called Sulphur Springs, billed as ‘the only drive-in volcano in the world’, where you’ll find hot springs, steamy fumaroles and thermal mud pools. The itinerary also includes a stop at the nearby St Lucia Botanical Gardens, the oldest on the island. Set in six acres on a former colonial estate, it’s a magical place full of lush greenery, dazzlingly colourful flowers and equally vivid birds. The river that runs through the middle tumbles over mineral-stained rocks at the bottom of the garden at Diamond Falls, a must-be-photographed natural wonder. After lunch in a restaurant in Soufrière, you’ll board your vessel again for a relaxing snorkelling session, the perfect way to conclude a day of gentle exploration.

• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
All entry fees are included, as is lunch and drinks.

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Sunset Cruise to Marigot Bay

There’s nothing quite like a Caribbean sunset for colour and drama, and seeing it from your own crewed boat takes the experience to another level. On this evening cruise, you’ll glide along the north-west coast of St Lucia as far south as verdant Marigot Bay, described by one celebrated American novelist as ‘the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean’. You’ll have time to decide for yourself if you agree with this verdict, before making your way back across the waves to Rodney Bay as the sun dips into the sea.

• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Drinks and snacks on board are included.

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Sunset Cruise to Rodney Bay

Soak up the dazzling colours of a Caribbean sunset as you explore the north of St Lucia by private boat. Your cruise will take you to Rodney Bay, where you’ll find the former fishing village of Gros Islet, now a popular holiday destination. Just to the north lie the twin peaks of Pigeon Island, a historic site that’s home to several colonial-era forts and St Lucia’s annual jazz festival.

• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Drinks and snacks on board are included.

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Anse Cochon Snorkelling Experience

Discover St Lucia’s stunning underwater world on a snorkelling adventure in one of the island’s most pristine bays. Your cruise along the west coast takes you to serene Anse Cochon, known for its calm, clear waters and dark sand beach fringed by lush vegetation. Here, in what is part of the National Marine Reserve, you’ll be able to float above vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful fish, keeping an eye out for rarer visitors from shrimps and eels to stingrays and nurse sharks. It’s a thoroughly relaxing way to spend a morning in beautiful surroundings that should appeal to everyone from honeymooners to families.

• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Drinks on board are included.

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Taste Of St Lucia

Enjoy a glimpse of island life away from the coast on an easy-going adventure. You’ll drive through the picturesque countryside of northern St Lucia to Lushan Country heritage site. Here, you’ll stretch your legs on a relaxed walk around the seven-acre family-owned plantation, learning all about the local trees, plants and birds, before sampling luscious tropical fruits straight from the tree. You’ll also drop in at a typical Creole house to see how some local dishes are made - and enjoy trying a few. Driving on through banana plantations, you’ll hear about the history and culture of the small communities you pass along the way before arriving at St Lucia Distillers for an engaging lesson in how rum is made. At the tasting bar, you’ll be able to sample a selection of different brands and buy a bottle of your favourite to take home. Last but not least is a stop at Marigot Bay with time to sit and enjoy a drink while soaking up the atmosphere.

• Departs Monday to Friday
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
The distillery is a great place to pick up a bottle of rum at factory prices as they can package it up to go in checked-in luggage.

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Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise

Head out across the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea in search of some of the whales and dolphins that are either resident or just passing through. Keep a lookout for pilot, sperm and mighty humpback whales and the rarer orcas, otherwise known as killer whales. You might also be lucky enough to see a large pod of spinning or spotted dolphins; their inquisitive, playful nature means they often approach the boats for a closer look - an experience you won’t forget. We think it’s a perfect way to spend a morning for families as well as couples, honeymooners and groups.

• Departs Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Soufriere area
• Departs Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from North hotels
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Sightings are likely, but not guaranteed. Experience is subject to minimum numbers.

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Bean To Bar Chocolate Experience

Indulge your senses on a memorable adventure at the idyllic Rabot Estate, owned by British chocolatier Hotel Chocolat. Your immersive day at the verdant 140-acre site in Soufrière will begin with a tour of the cacao groves, where organic and sustainable practices are very much to the fore. You’ll learn everything there is to know about how the beans become the finished product, from tasting and shelling to grinding, mixing and pouring, and will have the hands-on fun of crafting your very own bar. While the chocolate is setting – or tempering, if you want to get technical – you’ll sit down to graze your way through an inventive cacao-influenced lunch at the world-class Boucan restaurant while taking in the fabulous views of Gros Piton. Afterwards, it’s time to collect your personally made chocolate bar and see how long you can resist the temptation to eat it!

• Departs Daily
• Operates year round
• Group experience with private transfers

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Rainforest Jacquot Trail

Get back to nature on this immersive wander in Saint Lucia's world-famous rainforest. You'll hike in the shadow of towering Chataignier and gommier trees as you follow the meandering and ascending Jacquot Trail. Experience the soundtrack of the forest as you climb and learn more about the island's flora and fauna from your experienced guide.

• Departs daily
• Operates year round
• Group experience

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Best time to visit St Lucia

St Lucia has a typically tropical Caribbean climate, with lots of sun and maximum daily average temperatures ranging from 29°C to 31°C throughout the year. Like its neighbouring islands, St Lucia has a dry season and a wet season. The dry season runs from December to May and is the busiest time of year, when humidity and rainfall are at their lowest; the wet season from June to November often has heavy showers and sometimes thunderstorms, which help give the island its lush interior. Despite the wetter weather in the second half of the year, the risk of hurricanes remains relatively low and there’s a daily average of 7 to 8 hours of sunshine year-round.

Nov - Apr

January
46 mm
February
32 mm
March
36 mm
April
48 mm
May
59 mm
June
85 mm
July
107 mm
August
129 mm
September
129 mm
October
139 mm
November
121 mm
December
56 mm

St Lucia in January
St Lucia in January is perfect for grabbing some winter sun. Rainfall is much lower than during the autumn months and temperatures can get up to around 29°C. Thanks to the northeasterly trade winds you can expect a cooling breeze in January and February, which helps reduce the sun’s heat.

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St Lucia in February
If you’re not sure when to go to St Lucia but don’t want it too hot, February is one of the driest and least humid times of the year. It’s similar to January, with consistently warm temperatures and an average of 7 sunshine hours per day but even less rainfall (a monthly average of just 56mm). Although you can see the majestic Pitons all year, the low humidity makes this a good month for a moderately easy guided hike up Gros Piton.

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St Lucia in March
The dry and sunny St Lucia weather plus the lowest average monthly rainfall of the year make March a great choice. Bear in mind though that the island will be busier during this time, with higher prices for hotels and flights especially around the Easter holidays.

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St Lucia in April
April is the end of the high season. The temperature in St Lucia creeps up to around 30°C and average sunshine increases from 7 to 8 hours per day. The best time for swimming in St Lucia is in April and May when water temperatures are warmest.

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St Lucia in May
May represents the shoulder season before the wet season begins. It marks the start of a hotter St Lucia climate and gradually increasing humidity into the summer months. You’re likely to have relatively low rainfall and up to 8 hours of sunshine per day like in April but with lower prices than the previous spring months, so it’s a good time to go. Visit in the first half of the month to enjoy the St Lucia Jazz Festival – a week-long celebration of Jazz, R&B and Calypso music.

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St Lucia in June
It’s now officially the start of the wet season in St Lucia, with a noticeable spike in humidity. Rainfall increases sharply by the end of the month compared to May, doubling to an average of around 140mm. But June is also good value – there’s lots of consistent sunshine to enjoy, without the summer holiday crowds. The highest wind speeds of any month also help take the edge off the heat.

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St Lucia in July
St Lucia weather in July is similar to June – the humidity and temperatures tend to remain consistent with the previous month, although there’s a little more rainfall on average. If you go in the middle of July, you’ll be able to experience St Lucia’s lively and colourful Carnival in the streets of Castries. Prices may be higher during this period.

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St Lucia in August
For travellers considering when to visit St Lucia, August is one of the hottest and sunniest months of the year with maximum daily average temperatures breaking 31°C. The amount of rainfall is very similar to July, but humidity is now at its highest until November – you’re more likely to feel it due to the considerable drop in wind speeds.

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St Lucia in September
It’s the middle of the wet season and the risk of hurricanes is highest during September and October. There’s plenty of glorious sunshine with temperatures reaching up to 31.5°C, but wind speeds are at a yearly low so it can get humid. It may be too muggy for a full-on outdoorsy holiday, but that shouldn’t discourage you from sunbathing.

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St Lucia in October
October in St Lucia can get fairly wet – the average of 224mm of rainfall is significantly higher than any other month. That said, there’s still an average of 8 hours of sunshine per day, and intermittent showers can help you cool down during the hot weather. The best time to go to St Lucia for whale watching is from October to February.

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St Lucia in November
The wet season comes to an end in November, so even though rain is likely you can expect the frequency and intensity of the showers to gradually decrease. Temperatures remain high (the maximum daily average is around 30.5°C), and for lower prices outside of the school holidays this is a good time of year to visit St Lucia.

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St Lucia in December
The high season begins in December, with humidity and rainfall tailing off compared to the autumn months. Thanks to the increase in wind speeds during winter, nights become cooler and there’s a pleasant breeze during the day; excellent water visibility means now until April is the best time to visit St Lucia for snorkelling. Be prepared for lower hotel availability and higher flight prices, especially during the festive season.

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