Guadeloupe belongs to a tropical maritime climate, characterized by a rainy season (mainly from June to November) with abundant rainfall and a relatively dry season (from December to May). For convenience, we will divide the year into four seasons and introduce the climatic features, culture, and events of each season.
Spring (March to May)
Climate Features
- Temperature: Stable during the day at 25-29°C and at night around 20-24°C
- Precipitation: As the end of the dry season, there is little rainfall from March to April, but rain gradually increases from May
- Characteristics: High humidity (70-80%), with relatively gentle winds
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relation to Climate |
| March |
Easter |
Celebrated grandly in this Catholic nation. Many clear days are suitable for parades. |
| April |
Jazz Festival |
An increase in outdoor concerts. Music can be enjoyed in a relatively dry climate. |
| May |
May Day |
Parades and markets take place in various locations. Events become active with stable weather before the rainy season. |
Summer (June to August)
Climate Features
- Temperature: Rises to around 27-32°C
- Precipitation: Starts the rainy season in June, with short but intense downpours and thunderstorms becoming frequent
- Characteristics: Humidity around 85%, alternating between tropical showers and strong sunlight during the day
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relation to Climate |
| Early July |
Fête des Cuisinières |
A festival honoring local female chefs. Outdoor booths require preparations for downpours, but the fragrant dishes are appealing. |
| Late July |
Tour des Yoles |
A yacht race with many spectators along the docks. Although the sea breeze is refreshing, viewers must be prepared for sudden thunderstorms. |
| August |
Planéture |
A festival featuring folk music and dance. Takes advantage of clear intervals during the rainy season for outdoor stages. |
Autumn (September to November)
Climate Features
- Temperature: Begins to feel slightly cooler at 26-30°C
- Precipitation: Rainfall and typhoon risk are highest from September to October, gradually decreasing as November approaches
- Characteristics: Humidity remains high but transitions gradually towards the dry season
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relation to Climate |
| October |
International Creole Day |
A parade celebrating Creole culture, often held in between the typhoon season. |
| November 1 |
Toussaint (All Saints' Day) |
A ceremony to remember ancestors. Often sees rain cease in the afternoon, bustling with people visiting churches and cemeteries. |
Winter (December to February)
Climate Features
- Temperature: The most pleasant throughout the year at 24-28°C
- Precipitation: The peak of the dry season with the least amount of rainfall and many clear days
- Characteristics: The northeast trade winds blow refreshingly, ideal for swimming and marine sports
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relation to Climate |
| January |
Guadeloupe Carnival |
A tropical carnival. Many clear days enhance the colorful costumes and dances. |
| February |
Télérama Blues |
A blues music festival. Deep sounds can be enjoyed in the stable evening climate of the dry season. |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate Relations
| Season |
Climate Features |
Main Event Examples |
| Spring |
End of dry season, low rainfall→Gradually transitions to rainy season |
Easter, Jazz Festival, May Day |
| Summer |
Early rainy season, frequent showers, heat |
Chef Festival, Yacht Race, Planéture |
| Autumn |
Peak typhoon season→Decreased rain, high humidity |
Creole Day, All Saints' Day |
| Winter |
Peak of dry season, mild sunny weather with cool breezes |
Carnival, Télérama Blues |
Additional Notes
- The dry season (December to May) is the peak of the tourist season, so early booking of hotels and flights is advisable.
- The rainy season (June to November) showcases the most vibrant natural greenery, but during the typhoon season (mainly from August to October), monitoring is necessary.
- Traditional events and music festivals are often held outdoors, and weather directly impacts the atmosphere and safety of the events.
- Local markets and beach festivals may change in scale or timing depending on the weather, so it's recommended to check local information.
The appeal of Guadeloupe lies in the coexistence of a stable warm climate and diverse cultural events throughout the year. Please take advantage of the seasonal climatic characteristics to experience the local culture.
Patchy rain possible