Feb 23, 2024

When is the Best Time to Visit St Lucia?

St Lucia is a wonderful part of the Caribbean, known for having some of the most beautiful scenery and the most hospitable local people. If you’re thinking about a holiday to a Caribbean island then St Lucia should be on your list if you’re looking for brilliant beaches and an interesting culture, but when is the best time to pay a visit to the island?

As with many Caribbean islands, St Lucia experiences hot and tropical weather all year round, so there’s no ‘bad’ time of year to visit if you’re hoping for sunshine and high temperatures. However, there is a ‘rainy’ season that some tourists prefer to avoid to make the most of the Caribbean weather, which takes place between June and November.

Many people consider December to April to be the best time to visit St Lucia because the weather is driest at this time of year, but it’s still a wonderful destination all year round. In this article, we’ve explored the events, weather and best things to do each month so you can decide when to go to St Lucia to make the most of your trip.

Peak Season

If you’re looking for the best time to travel to St Lucia for the weather, the peak season is the ideal time for you to visit. Running from December to around March, there’s minimal rainfall, less humidity and lots of sunshine without it ever feeling too hot. The island will be busier around this time and you will have to pay peak season prices, but it’s well worth it for the endless days of sunshine and blue skies.

St Lucia in December

The dry season in St Lucia begins in December, which is why this is the first busy month on the island for holidaymakers. The festive period is another factor that brings plenty of visitors to St Lucia in December, with many people choosing to celebrate Christmas with tropical weather and time on the beach.

Weather in St Lucia in December

As the rainy season ends, December sees lower humidity and a decreasing chance of rain, as well as a cooler breeze which makes evening temperatures ideal for spending time outdoors without overheating. The average high temperature in St Lucia in December is 30°C, but this usually falls to 24°C once the sun sets. The sea will be a lovely 28°C, which is perfect for swimming.

St Lucia in January

If you want to kickstart the new year with a trip to a beautiful Caribbean island, St Lucia offers an incredible atmosphere. The weather is ideal for spending time outdoors, and whilst this is one of the busiest months on the island, you can enjoy its many beaches and attractions in very pleasant temperatures.

Weather in St Lucia in January

Chances of rain continue to decrease in January, with any showers only lasting a short time and quickly clearing up into sunshine again. The average high temperature is 29°C in St Lucia in January with a low of 23°C, and thanks to the cool northeasterly trade winds you won’t find these temperatures too overwhelming when you’re outdoors.

St Lucia in February

February is one of the best months to visit St Lucia if you’re not great with the heat, as there’s pretty low humidity and a strong breeze that balances out all of the dry and sunny weather very nicely. This is an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities on the island, whether you’re hiking up the Pitons or trying a ziplining course through the forest.

Weather in St Lucia in February

The weather in St Lucia in February is some of the driest all year round, so if you’re really not prepared to have your holiday plans interrupted by rain, this is the best month to visit. Expect highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C, along with low humidity which makes this a great time of the year to go hiking or cycling around the island.

St Lucia in March

There’s an uptick in tourism in March with travellers on their Spring holidays coming to visit the island and enjoy some of the nicest weather on offer all year round. If long days on the beach, outdoor dining and sightseeing are on your itinerary for your trip, this is the best month to visit St Lucia to make the most of the hot and dry weather conditions.

Weather in St Lucia in March

Temperatures start to creep upwards as March progresses, so if you’re looking for a really hot holiday to St Lucia without too much rain, this is a great month to visit. With average highs of 30°C and average lows of 23°C, you can enjoy blissful beach weather with chances to cool down by taking a dip in the 27°C sea.

Shoulder Season

The shoulder season in St Lucia is an ideal time to visit for those who want to avoid the high-season crowds but would also rather avoid the higher likelihood of rain that the low season brings. Between April and June, expect higher temperatures and some days of rain, along with better deals on flights and accommodation. 

St Lucia in April

If watersports are on your holiday agenda then April is the best month to go to St Lucia, as the sea is at its warmest at this time of year. Enjoy snorkelling, try stand-up paddleboarding, or book a place on a catamaran cruise and enjoy jumping into the sea to cool off after cruising along the waves.

Weather in St Lucia in April

The average sea temperature in April in St Lucia is 27°C, providing very pleasant conditions for snorkelling, paddleboarding or just swimming. Air temperatures creep up as well, with highs of around 30°C and lows of 24°C, although there’s also a slightly higher chance of rain, with around sixteen days seeing at least one short, tropical shower.

St Lucia in May

May is the best time of year to visit St Lucia if you want to make the most of a shoulder-season atmosphere but still experience relatively dry weather. It’s also a key cultural month on the island as the St Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival takes place at the start of the month, showcasing some of the best jazz musicians from the Caribbean and beyond. If you’re a music lover, this is an unmissable event.

Weather in St Lucia in May

May is another month of the year in St Lucia when sea temperatures are high at 28°C and the air temperature can reach up to 31°C during the day. There’s a higher chance of rain than in the peak season, with showers expected for at least half the days of the month, but also higher humidity, so if you’re seeking hot weather in the Caribbean then this is a great month to visit St Lucia.

St Lucia in June

The wet season begins in June in St Lucia, so if you’d rather have drier weather then you should plan your visit to the island at the start of the month. Weather conditions are still good for days on the beach or sightseeing activities, and on the final day of the month, Fisherman’s Feast is celebrated for the Catholic patron saint of fishers, Saint Peter.

Weather in St Lucia in June

The weather in June marks the beginning of the rainy season in St Lucia, with the chance of rain almost doubling over the month. However, these showers won’t be particularly long and are interspersed with sunshine and highs of 31°C, with the humidity balanced out by strong breezes across the island which can help you to feel cool when you’re outdoors.

Low Season

As we’ve already mentioned, there is no ‘bad’ time to visit St Lucia, so the low season is still a great time of year to come to the island. It’s the rainy season in St Lucia, but there’s a pretty low chance of any tropical storms, and you’ll benefit from a much quieter atmosphere as well as cheaper prices.

There’s also still plenty of sunshine and temperatures are actually at their highest at this time of year. So if you prefer your destinations to be quiet and are happiest in the heat, this is the ideal time of year to visit.

St Lucia in July

Whilst July sees the rainy season in full swing on St Lucia, it’s also the month of one of the biggest and best events on the island; Carnival. Throughout the month there are pirates, events and activities, but the highlight is the parade through the streets of Castries celebrating Caribbean history, music and dance. It’s also the month of Mercury Fest, one of the biggest beach parties on the island all year.

Weather in St Lucia in July

The weather in St Lucia in July is characterised by being hot, wet and humid. Similar to June, the average high temperature is 31°C and the average low is 25°C, with an average of 21 days experiencing the typical Caribbean rain showers which are heavy but short-lived.

St Lucia in August

Despite being in the low season, August can still be quite a busy month in St Lucia as many families visit during the school holidays. The wet weather doesn’t last long enough to take any activities totally off the table, so if you’re planning on visiting the island with kids, August can be one of the best times to go to St Lucia. If you’re a fan of reggae music, it’s also the month of the St Lucia Roots & Soul Festival on Pigeon Island, which attracts plenty of famous musicians from the genre.

Weather in St Lucia in August

August is one of the most humid months in St Lucia, with high temperatures of 31°C and very little breeze, which makes the air feel even warmer. There’s plenty of sunshine in between rain showers, which will happen the majority of days on St Lucia in August, so if you’re happy with the heat and prefer your destinations in the off-season, this is an ideal time to visit.

St Lucia in September

If you’re planning on having a very laid-back holiday in the Caribbean then September is the best month to visit St Lucia. It’s hot and humid, which isn’t ideal for outdoor activities but perfect if you feel like a relaxing holiday sunbathing, dipping your toes in the pool and making the most of your resort’s facilities.

Weather in St Lucia in September

St Lucia rarely experiences hurricanes, but the risk of this extreme weather is slightly higher in September and October, which means that heavy rain is common on most days of the month. Humidity is high and temperatures often reach 31°C, but there’s plenty of glorious sunshine.

St Lucia in October

If you’re looking for when to visit St Lucia to get the best deals on accommodation, October is one of the best months in the low season to visit. It’s also when Creole Heritage Month takes place on the island celebrating the cultural routes of the people who live here, featuring a range of events and celebrations throughout the month. 

Weather in St Lucia in October

October in St Lucia has very similar weather to the two months preceding it; there’s a fair bit of rain, humidity is high and you’ll get to enjoy bright sunshine and heat in between the showers. The average high temperature is 31°C and the average low temperature is 25°C, which will likely feel warmer when you’re outside because of the humidity and lack of a strong breeze.

St Lucia in November

If you’re wondering when to go to St Lucia to enjoy peak-season weather at a low-season price, the end of November is your best bet. The rainy season has meant that flora and fauna across the island are incredibly lush and beautiful, so it’s a great time to explore the landscape in between the dwindling rain showers.

Weather in St Lucia in November

November is the last month of the rainy season in St Lucia, so as the month progresses the likelihood of rain will decrease and you’ll experience more days of uninterrupted sunshine. Temperatures and humidity stay high, making this an excellent time to visit for those who love hot weather, with average highs and lows of 31°C and 26°C respectively.

Summary

Don’t be put off by the reputation of the rainy season in the Caribbean; showers are usually pretty short-lived and can provide a refreshing respite from the humidity. Whilst a holiday to St Lucia is warm and dry in the peak season, you can enjoy a quieter atmosphere and more cultural events outside of this time of year, so both options have great benefits.

If you’re thinking about visiting St Lucia, The Villa Collection has a hand-picked portfolio of villas on the island that are perfect for an unforgettable holiday. Browse our selection of St Lucia villas or head to our blog to read more advice on how to spend your holiday on the island.