What's the best time to visit St. Lucia?
The best time to visit St. Lucia is from December to March, when the weather’s great, the beaches are inviting, and the island buzzes with activity. Though it’s peak season with more crowds and higher prices, the chance to enjoy perfect beach days and wildlife spotting makes it worth it. With the sun shining bright and the sea at a cozy low 80s, it’s the ideal time for a tropical getaway.
The best time to visit St. Lucia depends on your goals for the trip. While we’ve found the overall best time to go, there are other great times of year for different types of visits.
You might love visiting during the peak season, try to plan around the dry and rainy season, or look for the periods that make it feel like you’ve got the island to yourself.
Whether you’re looking for excellent weather and peak-season activities, the most affordable time to go, or less-busy shoulder seasons that balance good prices with fewer crowds, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover the best time to visit St. Lucia for a memorable, incredible trip!
The Overall Best Time to Visit St. Lucia in 2025
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The best time to visit St. Lucia is from December to March. You’ll experience excellent weather, little rainfall, and beach activities in full swing. This period marks the high season in St. Lucia, so you can expect bigger crowds and higher prices from mid-December to March.
Still, the quality of your stay during the first of the year is unbeatable if you want to experience the best St. Lucia has to offer – including opportunities for dolphin and whale watching!
The high temperatures sit in the cooler mid-to-upper 80s (Fahrenheit) and rainfall is minimal with the highest sunshine hours of the year. February and March see the least rainfall in St. Lucia, so if you’re looking for the best beach days with pleasant temperatures, this is the time to go.
Beach days are at their peak at this time of year, with comfortable sea temperatures in the low 80s and lots of water sports and activities taking place along the shores.
If you have a little extra room in your budget and an open schedule, spend a little more and book your stay sometime during December through March to enjoy the best St. Lucia visit.
Cheapest Time to Visit St. Lucia
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The cheapest time to visit St. Lucia is from June through November, due to the heavy rainfall and increased hurricane risk. St. Lucia is cheaper to visit from June-November because it’s the wet hurricane season that most travelers want to avoid.
With less traveler demand, rates for resorts and hotels diminishes and rates take a dive as a result. If you’re planning a budget-friendly trip, this may be the perfect time to visit! Lower nightly rates at resorts and hotels help stretch a smallish budget so you can spend more nights here without paying much more for your stay.
Monthly rainfall totals range from roughly 5.5″ to 7.5″ during this period (mostly during September and October) and there’s an increased risk of hurricanes and tropical storms.
This means you won’t get as many pleasant beach days if you travel at this time of year. But if you plan to visit landmarks, take sightseeing tours, visit shops, have a spa day, or check out museums and art galleries, it can be a prime time for a visit.
Least Busy Time to Visit St. Lucia
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The least busy times to visit St. Lucia are during the shoulder seasons in Mid-April to June and October to November.St. Lucia’s shoulder seasons are the end caps to the busy high season in December through April and slower low season from June to November.
During these periods in spring and fall, fewer people visit St. Lucia as the high season winds down and the low season is ready to give way to peak tourism months. As a result, you’ll deal with fewer crowds at your resort or hotel, the beach, in shops, and at restaurants.
It’s the ideal time to come if you want to feel like you’ve got the place to yourself. The shoulder season that will work best for you depends on what you plan to do during your stay.
Mid-April to June is by far the best time to come for smaller crowds due to the excellent weather at this time of year.
Highs in the upper 80s (Fahrenheit), little rainfall, and extended sunshine hours each day make mid-April to June a great time to come with fewer crowds (and cheaper rates than the start of the high season).
October to November is even less crowded, but with the caveat of poor, wet weather and enhanced hurricane risk. It’s warm at this time of year with highs in the upper 80s.
You’ll beat the crowds at this time of year and get even cheaper rates than mid-April to June, but beach days are less enjoyable and downright impossible in the event of tropical storms.
Worst Time to Visit St. Lucia
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The worst time to visit St. Lucia is during August, September, and October. These are the peak months of the hurricane season and the rainiest months in St. Lucia.
August through October are St. Lucia’s rainiest months with temperatures as hot as it gets here – around 88F with lows in the upper 70s. The wet weather makes beach time and strolling through town less enjoyable, but it’s the heightened hurricane risk that really makes it the worst time to visit.
St. Lucia’s hurricane season generally runs from June 1 to November 30 each year, with the highest risk of hurricanes happening from August to October.
While it’s possible to enjoy a stay during this time by taking advantage of more indoor activities, you’re much better off waiting until a more pleasant time of year to come.
St. Lucia by Month: Climate & Activities
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Still unsure about the best time to visit St. Lucia? Take a look at the weather and climate by month:
January
St. Lucia welcomes the new year with temperatures ranging from 72-85°F. It’s a fantastic time for outdoor adventures, from exploring the iconic Pitons to enjoying water activities along the beautiful coastline.
February
Similar to January, February maintains pleasant temperatures between 72-85°F. Visitors can hike through the rainforest trails, indulge in water sports, and experience the vibrant local culture.
March
Spring brings warmer temperatures, ranging from 73-86°F. March is an ideal month for bird watching and enjoying the blooming flowers. The island’s festivals and events showcase the rich cultural heritage.
April
As temperatures rise to 74-87°F, April is perfect for beachgoers and nature enthusiasts. It’s an excellent time to explore the Sulphur Springs, take a scenic boat tour, or simply relax on the sandy shores.
May
May sees temperatures ranging from 75-88°F, with a slight increase in rainfall. The lush landscapes are at their most vibrant, making it an ideal time for hiking and exploring the botanical gardens.
June
Summer arrives with temperatures between 76-88°F. June marks the beginning of the rainy season, but the island’s natural beauty is showcased in full force, offering a quieter atmosphere for travelers.
July
July maintains warm temperatures, ranging from 76-89°F, with occasional rain showers. It’s a great month for snorkeling, diving, celebrating Carnival, and enjoying the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.
August
Temperatures in August range from 76-89°F, and while the rainy season continues, there are still plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The island’s tropical fruits are in abundance during this time.
September
September sees temperatures between 76-89°F, with a higher likelihood of rain. Despite the occasional showers, travelers can experience the lush landscapes and take advantage of reduced tourist crowds.
October
Rainy season persists in October, with temperatures ranging from 76-88°F. It’s an off-peak month, offering a quieter experience for those who don’t mind occasional rain showers.
November
November marks the end of the rainy season, with temperatures ranging from 75-88°F. It’s an ideal time for hiking, exploring local markets, and enjoying the island’s natural beauty without the crowds.
December
Winter in St. Lucia brings temperatures between 74-87°F. December is a popular month for holiday travelers, offering a festive atmosphere, cultural events, and a chance to unwind on the island’s pristine beaches.
Things to Consider
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What else should you know about planning your visit to St. Lucia? Here are our top traveler tips to make your stay incredible:
- Know how much it costs to visit. You can rent apartments and single rooms for as little as $250 for a 5-night stay for 2, but most resorts and highly-rated hotels run somewhere between $1,500-$4,000+ during the best time of year to visit (December to March).
- Take advantage of fun activities. No matter when you visit, you’ll have lots of options for things to do in St. Lucia. Day trips, ATV and bus tours, beaches, shops and galleries, and hiking trails are all great options for different times of year.
- Eat like a local. St. Lucian cuisine fuses Caribbean, European, Indian, and American food into tasty, unique combinations. Try lots of seafood, lambi (pan-fried conch), bouyon (a bean and dumpling dish), and the famous green fig and salt fish to eat like a local.
- Stay at a resort for better beach days. Every St. Lucia beach is public, but some resorts and hotels offer private beach access and amenities that can elevate your visit with comfy lounge chairs, umbrellas, water sports and activities, and more.
- Tipping is different here. In St. Lucia, your bill will likely have a 10% gratuity added to the check. You can tip more if your service was great, but it’s good to know that 10% is already built in.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Still have a few questions about St. Lucia and the best time to come for a visit? Check out the most frequently asked questions to learn more about this island nation:
What is the rainy season in St. Lucia?
The rainy season in St. Lucia lasts from June to November, with the rainiest months being September and October each year.
During the rainy season, St. Lucia receives anywhere from 5.5" to 7.5" of rain each month on average. It can rain as often as 21 days per month here!
What is the cheapest month to go to St. Lucia?
The cheapest month to go to St. Lucia is September, which is the month that sees the fewest visitors according to Tourism Analytics.
September is one of the rainiest months and the peak of St. Lucia's hurricane season, which keeps many travelers away (and rooms vacant). Lower rates are the result of this tourism dip in September.
What is the best weather in St. Lucia?
From December to March and sometimes April, St. Lucia experiences its moderate, comfortable dry season with great weather for travelers who want to spend time outdoors.
Average temperatures hang around the mid-80s with lows in the mid-70s during this time of year with little rainfall and lots of sunshine.
Does St. Lucia have hurricane season?
St. Lucia does have a hurricane season that officially runs from June 1st to November 30th each year. The most risk for hurricanes occurs in September and October, which are also the rainiest months.
How many days do I need in St. Lucia?
Plan on spending at least 5-7 days in St. Lucia to experience all the island has to offer. Since it's a small island, you don't need 2+ weeks to take it all in.
It takes roughly 1-2 hours to drive around the entire island on one of the 2 main paved roads, so 5-7 days is perfect to check out all the sights, parks, land features, and activities here.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit St. Lucia?
Coming to St. Lucia at the best time of year is the key to enjoying the perfect visit in this Caribbean paradise. The overall best time to visit is from December to March – the height of the dry season when the weather is ideal, dry, and sunny for the island’s many outdoor activities.
Whether you’ll be saying yes to every island adventure, lying lazily in the sun, or exploring the shops and restaurants with zeal, you’ll have an amazing time getting to know St. Lucia!