Best months to visit
JuneAugust
January through May (Carême) is peak season — drier, sunny, outside hurricane peak, sea always swimmable. February-April are the most reliably dry months. June marks the start of Hivernage; September-October is the wettest and highest hurricane risk.
Best for
Beach
January to May (Carême, drier, sunny, sea 27°C, outside hurricane peak)
Hiking
January to April (cooler 22-26°C, dry trails — Soufrière volcano, Carbet falls, Mamelles)
Sightseeing
December to May — peak season aligns with the dry Carême; March-April most reliably dry
Climate notes
- Tropical climate (Köppen Am/Af): year-round warmth 24-28°C with a dry season (Carême, January-April) and wet season (Hivernage, June-November)
- Hurricane season June 1 to November 30, peak August-October — Guadeloupe sits in the Atlantic hurricane belt and has been hit by major storms (Maria 2017, Irma 2017 brushed past)
- Strikingly different climates between the two islands of the butterfly-shaped archipelago: Basse-Terre (mountainous, rainforest, west wing) is much wetter than Grande-Terre (flat limestone, east wing)
- La Soufrière volcano (1,467 m) on Basse-Terre creates its own weather: clouds most of the year, summit can be cold (10-15°C), 8,000+ mm rainfall on the eastern flank — among the wettest places in the Caribbean
- Persistent northeasterly trade winds (alizés) bring cooling and consistent showers to windward slopes year-round
Temperature (min / max °C)
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Rainy days per month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sunshine hours per month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Regional notes
- Pointe-à-Pitre / Grande-Terre (east wing, flat limestone): drier and sunnier — the resort beaches Saint-François, Sainte-Anne, Le Gosier are here; lowest rainfall on the archipelago
- Basse-Terre town / west wing (mountainous, volcanic): wetter year-round, lush rainforest, dramatic waterfalls; La Soufrière volcano, Carbet falls
- Saint-François (southeast Grande-Terre): driest of the resort regions; long sandy beaches, lagoon snorkeling
- Soufrière summit (1,467 m): cool montane climate (10-18°C), regularly shrouded in cloud, very wet — pack waterproofs even in dry season
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Guadeloupe?
January through May (the Carême dry season) — lowest rainfall, comfortable 24-27°C air, sea around 27°C, and outside hurricane peak. February-April are the most reliably dry months.
What's the difference between Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre weather?
Dramatic. Grande-Terre (east wing, flat limestone) is drier and sunnier — the resort beaches and prime tourist zone. Basse-Terre (west wing, mountainous, volcanic) gets two to three times more rain, has lush rainforest, and is much greener — better for nature, less reliable for pure beach holidays.
Is it safe to visit Guadeloupe during hurricane season?
Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, with peak risk August-October. Guadeloupe sits in the Atlantic hurricane belt and has been hit by major storms (Maria 2017). Most named storms miss; modern forecasting gives 5-7 days warning. Travel insurance with hurricane coverage is essential.
Can I climb La Soufrière volcano?
Yes — the active volcano on Basse-Terre (1,467 m) has a marked hiking trail to the summit. The route takes 2-3 hours one-way. The summit is often cloudy and wet even in dry season — go early morning for the best chance of clear views, and bring waterproofs and warm layers (10-15°C at top).
When are the best beaches open?
Year-round in Grande-Terre — Saint-François, Sainte-Anne, La Caravelle. The Caribbean (west) coast of Basse-Terre has Plage de Malendure (calm and good for diving). Atlantic-facing beaches are exposed to trade-wind swell — better for surfers than swimmers.
Can you swim in Guadeloupe year-round?
Yes. Sea temperature stays at 27-30°C every month. Lagoon-protected beaches in Saint-François and Sainte-Anne are calm and clear; the windward Atlantic coast is rougher.
When is the wettest month in Guadeloupe?
September and October are the wettest, especially on Basse-Terre where some weather stations record over 400 mm in a single month. These months also coincide with hurricane peak. December-April brings the lowest rainfall and most reliable sunshine.
What's the temperature in Guadeloupe in summer?
July to September averages 27-28°C with high humidity (80%+). Heat index can feel like 33-35°C. Sea is at its warmest (30°C). Trade winds keep beaches breezy; mornings are coolest.
Climate data: Open-Meteo · 2020–2025