Guadeloupe is an overseas department and region of France in the Caribbean, shaped like a butterfly formed by two main islands — volcanic Basse-Terre to the west and coral-limestone Grande-Terre to the east — connected by a narrow channel crossed by the Rivière Salée. Together with outer islands Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, and La Désirade, it offers volcanic hikes, world-class snorkeling, rum distillery tours, and sun-drenched beaches, all wrapped in an authentically French Caribbean culture.
Guadeloupe has a tropical maritime climate moderated by trade winds. Two seasons define the year: the dry season (carême) from December to May, and the wet season (hivernage) from June to November, which coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season. Year-round temperatures range from 23°C (73°F) at night to 32°C (90°F) by day. Sea temperatures remain warm at 26–29°C throughout the year. Basse-Terre's volcanic interior receives significantly more rainfall than the flatter, drier Grande-Terre.
Best time to visit
Best: Year-round
Avoid: None
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
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The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
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Carême (Dry Season) (The dry season brings consistent sunshine, northeast trade winds, lower humidity, and calm Caribbean seas. Best time for hiking, beaches, and diving. December–April is peak tourism season.), Hivernage (Wet Season) (The wet season coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season. Heavy rain showers — often short but intense — are daily occurrences. Hiking trails on Basse-Terre can become slippery. August–October carries the highest risk of tropical storms or hurricanes.)
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
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- Period
- Christmas to New Year (Dec 22–Jan 3)
- Level
- Very High
- Notes
- Most expensive period; book accommodation 3+ months ahead
- Period
- February Carnival
- Level
- High
- Notes
- Varies by year — check exact dates at guadeloupe-tourism.com
- Period
- March–April (French spring break)
- Level
- High
- Notes
- French school holiday visitors; second busiest period
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- July–August (French summer holidays)
- Level
- Moderate-High
- Notes
- Domestic French visitors; wet season but popular
- Period
- September–November
- Level
- Very Low
- Notes
- Hurricane risk period; very quiet; lowest prices by far
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
The island's most vibrant festival: three days of street parades, costumed bands (gwoup a po), and Creole music culminating in the burning of Vaval (the Carnival King) on Ash Wednesday
When: February (dates vary — Fat Tuesday and the following days)
The remarkable Festival of Women Cooks — women in traditional dress parade through the streets carrying elaborate food offerings to the cathedral, followed by a communal feast
When: Second Saturday of August (Pointe-à-Pitre)
Multi-stage bicycle race around both islands; roads may be closed on race days
When: August (varies)
Families illuminate the distinctive Morne-à-l'Eau cemetery with hundreds of candles — one of the most visually striking events of the year
When: November 1