A six minute fun fact read

In Saint Lucia, Winter festivities include The Festival of Lights (National Day) in December and Independence Day in February. The Annual Atlantic Rally for Cruisers occurs in late November and early December. During the latter, there is a lot of entertainment and festivities, especially in the vicinity of Rodney Bay Marina.

If you are a fan of sundowners, then it is more likely that you will witness a "Green Flash" in the Winter. This phenomenon occurs at sunset and sunrise when conditions are favourable and results when two optical phenomena combine: a mirage and the dispersion of sunlight. As the sun dips below the horizon, the light disperses through the earth's atmosphere like a prism.

The second change, although less definable, is that the weather patterns used to be more apparent. The Dry Season is from December to May, and the Rainy Season is from June to November. That no longer seems to be the case. Blame it on climate change or not; the fact remains that the dry season is a little less dry and the rainy season a little less wet. You can get weeks of sunshine and little rainfall at any time of the year.

It's true Hurricanes are still possible in June thru November, but these days cyclonic activity seems confined to August, September and October. It's also worth noting that Saint Lucia is geographically in the lowest risk zone with, as we see on record, most activity in the Northern Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico and the SE United States.

Either way, you are sure to get a tan whenever you come.

Is the best time to go to Saint Lucia in the Spring?

There is usually a lot going on in March, April and May. Easter, of course, is strictly observed, as most Saint Lucians are Catholic. Good Friday is the most sacred of days, and only hotels will serve alcohol. On the other hand, remember Saint Lucia is the birthplace of Cocoa, and thus, chocolate abounds. There are many working Cocoa plantations on the island. Try to see one during your trip.

May is always the time for the Jazz and Arts Festival. This event has for many years been a part of the Saint Lucian calendar. 2023 is the first event since 2019 and before the pandemic.

Performers have included George Benson, Mary J. Blige, Boyz II Men, Ciara, En Vogue, Herbie Hancock, and Lauryn Hill, India. Arie, The Isley Brothers, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, John Legend, Mario, Branford Marsalis, Ne-Yo, Ocacia, Courtney Pine, Rihanna, Smokey Robinson, Santana, Trey Songz, Angie Stone, UB40, Luther Vandross, Amy Winehouse, American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino, and Malcolm-Jamal Warner. The event is ranked second in the Caribbean after the Trinidad Carnival.

For 2023, the lineup will be headed by global star "Sting," performing with Jamaican reggae and rap sensation Shaggy.

Is the best time to go to Saint Lucia in the summer?

The rain might fall a little more often, but as always interspersed with hot sunshine. Hotel and other accommodation prices will usually be lower, and you might find good flight deals. Expect deals from hotels or airlines to be earlier in the year. It is always best to be on their mailing lists, and when the best deals come out in the Spring for dates in the summer, that's when to book.

In Spring and Summer, or more specifically from April to September, large Leatherback, Green, Hawksbill and Loggerhead turtles swim ashore to lay their eggs. It is always possible to go "Turtle-Watching" on supervised excursions.

When is Carnival in Saint Lucia?

Hotter than July is the Carnival. Saint Lucia's Carnival is unusually held in July. (Most islands traditionally tie in the Carnival with lent.) If you ask the hotel or accommodation provider to assist, you can buy a costume and join in on the day. Now that's what I'd call a "Bucket List Item"!

La Rose Flower Festival. This cultural event is one of the two Flower Festivals – "La Rose" and "La Marguerite" held annually in observance of Saint Lucia's rich cultural memory, history and heritage. These two Flower festivals depict a historical rivalry among communities whose members sing the virtues of their flowers. "La Rose" members pledge their allegiance to the rose by dressing in red and creating flamboyant displays made of roses. August 30 2023, is the next date, so if you are here, you will not want to miss this.

Best time, all of the time to come to Saint Lucia

Of course, there are things to see and do all year round. They do not change with the seasons. 

Adventure is on tap in Saint Lucia, 365 days a year. On land, scaling our Piton Mountains or Mount Gimmie, hiking through the rainforest and exploring hidden waterfalls and pools are possible all year.

As, too, are underwater adventures, with some of the best scuba sites in the Caribbean to choose from and many experienced dive clubs and schools to help. Even if you are a beginner, there is no need to worry—a few days in Saint Lucia can be just enough for a diving certification.   

Two traditional cultural experiences happen every Friday night in Saint Lucia, except for Good Friday. In Gros Islet Village (Rodney Bay), you can enjoy the "Jump Up" street party. TIP: Make sure you prepare yourself for loud music.

To describe "Jump Up" is simple. Loud music powered by massive speaker stacks, freshly cooked fried chicken everywhere, the ability to buy a cold Piton beer every five yards and dancing in the street.

The second of these traditional events happens down the coast in Anse La Raye, a fishing village with a big heart. Their street party is known as the "Fish Fest". It's more of a refined experience with BBQs fired up cooking fresh, locally caught snapper, grouper, giant shrimp and lobster. There is still music and dancing, but less loud and frantic than in Gros Islet.

Is the best time to go to Saint Lucia in the fall?

And so, finally, the fall arrives and with all the year-round events and experiences as all year round. Unique to this time of the year is the "Dive Fest", and if you dive, come then. Saint Lucia is one of the most scenic islands in the Caribbean, with world-class dive sites and snorkelling just offshore. There is endless beauty beneath the surface, with rainbow colour reefs and abundant marine life. Between 16th -23rd September 2023, Saint Lucia will host the annual Dive Fest highlighting the Saint Lucian Dive experience.



When is Creole Heritage Month?

In October, we celebrate Creole Heritage. In 1981, Saint Lucia celebrated Creole Day for the first time. Since then, this celebration of French Creole Heritage has extended into a month of music, dance, cuisine, art and other cultural expression. The event celebrates the richness and diversity of Saint Lucia's cultural, ethnic and artistic heritage. With musical, theatrical and other performances, seminars and lectures, a variety of culinary experiences, street parties, and art exhibitions, the Festival culminates on the weekend of October 25 with the celebration of Creole Day (Jounen Kweyol) in various communities throughout the island.

On October 17, it's the turn of the second rival flower festival," Marguerite".

 La Marguerite members dress in purple, create displays of the Marguerite flower, and sing their traditional songs.

Since October is usually the best month for Game Fishing in this part of the world, the annual Bill Fishing Tournament takes place. 

So, I hope you enjoyed this little round-up, and we hope to see you soon.

Come anytime; you will always find a warm welcome.