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Tired of the bleak and dreary winter weather? We don’t blame you! Instead of sitting all January and February indoors, why not head somewhere with bright sunshine, white sand beaches, and tons of outdoor watersports?
That’s right; we are talking about St. Martin. This picturesque and beautiful island is well-known for its mouthwatering food, friendly people, bright blue waters, and many activities.
You can rest assured that during your vacation, you’ll never be bored. Plus, with our guide, you can find out the best time to visit, the cheapest time to find a hotel, and how to save money during your trip.
Let us help you have the vacation of a lifetime and be your guide to this magical island!
Why You Should Visit St. Martin
No matter what you’re interested in doing during your vacation, there are great activities, events, and things to do during your stay on this sunny island. One of the main things to do during your stay is head to the beach!
And there are dozens of beaches, so you’ll never feel crowded or overrun by other tourists. Choose from one of the 37 beaches to set up a chair, go swimming in the water, learn how to surf, or just relax under an umbrella
Another reason why many people love visiting St. Martin is because of the breathtaking views.
The Dutch and French St. Martin islands are famous around the world for their see-through waters, dense forests, soft white sand beaches, tropical weather, and far-reaching views. If you’re a photographer, head here!
Plus, the shopping is unbeatable. For those who want to find unique souvenirs to bring back home, vintage clothes, duty-free items, and high-end clothing, coming to Maho Plaza and Front Street may be the highlight of your trip.
We also think the numerous diving sites make this one of the best locations in the world for tourists who want to see the coral, swim next to unique marine life, and enjoy the always-warm waters.
Overall Best Time to Visit St. Martin
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
The best time to visit St. Martin is between May and June or November and December. The benefits of coming during this time are the low hotel rates, pristine island weather, low amounts of rainfall, fewer tourists, and ample open activities and attractions.
Plus, the daylight hours are longer, and the temperatures are higher, meaning you can walk around day and night without wearing a jacket.
The average temperature stays above 68 degrees Fahrenheit, so you’re almost guaranteed sunny skies, warm weather, 13 hours of daylight, and no storms.
Cheapest Time to Visit St. Martin
Natalia Barsukova/Shutterstock
The cheapest time to visit St. Martin is during the summer season. Between the end of June and the end of September, the weather is very humid, scorching, and rainy.
You have a higher likelihood of rain showers, tropical storms, and high-80-degree weather that can make outdoor activities unpleasant.
However, the perks of coming to St. Martin during the rainy season is that you can find great hotel and resort deals for under $200 a night, which is considered a steal on the island.
During the high season, hotels will average around $350 per night. Another inexpensive time to come to St. Martin is during the winter season, which is between the end of December and the middle of March.
During the winter, the temperatures are still moderate, but there are fewer tourists. Plus, the cheapest month to fly to St. Martin is January, with the average round-trip price coming to $295.
Least Busy Time to Visit St. Martin
Marigot, St Martin, French West Indies – January 2022: Evening time at the lagoon at Marigot, capital of the French side of the Caribbean island/Timsimages.uk/Shutterstock
Although the weather is fantastic all year round, there are specific periods with less durable rainy spells. If you come here during the summer and fall, like between June and September, the chance of numerous rainy days is more likely.
The least visited month is September, with an average of 20,000 tourists coming during this month. In comparison, the busy March sees over 50,000 tourists come to the island.
Many tourists do not want to risk buying a flight, vacation package, hotel deals, and other attractions if their trip could potentially be canceled or ruined due to weather. Therefore, the summer season is the least busy time to visit St. Martin.
For those who want to see the island during their summer break, consider looking into cruises well ahead of time — many companies will cut back their sailings and reduce efficiency during the low season.
If you want to take a chance, the summer can sometimes bring unexpected positive results, such as attending local cultural events, getting to know those living on the island, and annual summertime events, such as the Fete de La Mer in June, Billfish Tournament in June, and the I Love My Ram event in July.
The Fete de Mer is a well-known seafood event off of Grand Case, the Billfish Tournament is a deep-sea fishing competition in the Caribbean, and the I Love My Ram event is a celebration across the entire island.
Worst Time to Visit St. Martin
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Since the hurricane season runs until the end of November, coming to St. Martin during the summer months is when the island experiences a high level of rainfall and higher chances of storms.
Although it is unlikely a devastating storm can hit the island, it will still prevent tourists from buying plane tickets. Furthermore, the increased rainfall leads to strong winds that can deter tourists from participating in water sports.
However, suppose you decide to visit during the worst time (in terms of activities and weather). In that case, it could be precisely what you’re looking for.
Since there are fewer tourists, you may end up scoring a better hotel deal. For travelers who don’t mind a higher chance of rain and clouds during their stay, visiting St. Martin during the rainy season and winter months can mean lower prices.
Things to Consider
There are a few things to keep in mind before you buy your plane ticket to St. Martin for your upcoming holiday:
- Avoid purchasing a vacation or plane ticket on holiday weekends, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Christmas holidays. The prices of plane tickets can skyrocket over holiday breaks.
- The average yearly temperature on St. Martin is 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can expect weather between 70 and 80 degrees during the entirety of your stay.
- Some of the most famous events to try and plan your trip around include the Heineken Regatta in March, Grand Case Tuesdays in February-April, SMX Music Festival in March, St. Martin Open in April, I Love My Ram in July, St. Martin Open Air Film Festival in August, St. Martin’s Day in November, and Holiday Celebrations in December.
- The local language of St. Martin island is Dutch and English, with Dutch being the official language in Sint Martin.
- Before planning your trip, consider the country’s entry requirements. Most countries are allowed to stay on the island for 90 days in 6 months, meaning US citizens can spend 180 days in one year. Visitors must also show a current passport and proof of return or onward travel on entry.
- The currency used on the island is the Florin. However, US dollars are accepted in most establishments on the Dutch part of the island. On the French side of the island, the main currency is the euro. Most places on the island accept debit or credit cards to make things easier.
- Before buying your plane ticket and accommodation, you should familiarize yourself with the French and Dutch sides of the island. The Dutch part of the island is known for its nightlife and casinos, whereas the French side is known for its shopping and boutiques.
- Look up the local transportation before using the buses or renting a car. The best way to see the island is to rent a car to travel along the coastal roads and minor highways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten – May 14, 2016: The beach at Maho Bay/Solarisys/Shutterstock
Tourists considering visiting St. Martin should look at some commonly asked questions before making travel arrangements:
Is there a rainy season in St. Martin?
The rainy season in St. Martin is between July and November. On average, the island has 145 days of rainfall annually, with 15 of these days occurring in November alone. After mid-December, the island begins its dry season.
What is hurricane season in St. Martin?
Hurricane season in St. Marten is from the end of July until the middle of November. Hurricanes usually only occur once per year on the island. However, hurricanes are rare and uncommon on the island, hazardous and destructive ones.
Even so, tourists who come to St. Martin during the summer season should still beware their travel plans can change, or be canceled entirely, due to unforeseen weather.
What is the hottest month in St. Martin?
The hottest month in St. Martin is in July. The summer period on the island is between July and September, featuring an average temperature of above 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though these months are the warmest, the sunniest months in St. Martin are March and April.
What is the rainiest month in St. Martin?
The rainiest month in St. Martin is either October or November. October features a probability of precipitation of 22% per day, whereas November has 15 days of rainfall. Furthermore, November is the cloudiest month when the island experiences the least sun. This is usually why it is the least desirable month to visit this tropical island destination.
How many days do you need in St. Martin?
Although spending a longer time in St. Martin will allow you to be able to see more tourist attractions, explore the island, chat with locals, and participate in watersports. Around 3 days is long enough to know the island, go swimming, try the cuisine, and see much of the small island.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit St. Martin?
We think the ideal season for going to St. Martin is May/June or November/December. This period brings the best weather, great hotel deals, tons of outdoor activities, and warm temperatures that are perfect for exploring all that the island has to offer.
We recommend going during the winter/rainy season if you want to save money. Although you’ll have a higher likelihood of rainfall, sometimes this may only be showers for 10-15 minutes per day.
The rest of the day, you can enjoy the sunny weather, fewer people, and local life. For those who want to be outside in hot temperatures, head here during the height of summer.
If you don’t care about temperatures reaching as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit, heading to St. Martin in July and August can be wise to save money and have more hotel and restaurant availability. So what are you waiting for — book your trip today!