The Best Time to Visit St Barts: The Ultimate Travel Guide to the Most Glamorous Caribbean Island
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Planning a trip but don’t know when is the best time to visit St Barts? You’ve come to the right place. In this article, I will talk about the best time to visit this dreamy Caribbean island and make the most of your trip. But before we get into that, I’m gonna tell you about St. Barts itself.
I have been to St Bart’s several times during my working trips to the Caribbean in my corporate life. I loved it so much that I took any opportunity I had to fly into the island, even if it was just for a weekend.
You can actually visit the island in one single day, but you will want to stay longer. Stay with me because I will give you useful tips on how to visit.
Saint Barthelemy, or more commonly known as St Barts (St Barths locally), is a French island known for its historic charm, stunning beaches, and resort-city ambiance. Located in the French West Indies, this small island is officially an overseas collectivity of France in the Caribbean Sea.
With a total area of 9.7 square miles and a population less than 10,000, it’s a tiny volcanic island featuring breathtaking white-sand beaches, lots of history, and thriving nature (including shallow reefs surrounding the island). You will also find plenty of all-inclusive, beach clubs, luxury hotels, and designer shops here.
The official language of the island of St. Barts is also French, but English is fluently spoken by most of the people here, so you won’t need to learn French to make the most of your trip to this island.
Also, dollars are accepted at places, but keep in mind that the official currency is Euro.
Now, with that out of the way, it’s time to get into our main topic for this article—the best time to visit St. Barts!
Best time to go to St Barts: Overview
St Barts is a great tropical destination with warm weather throughout the calendar, but there certainly are periods that are better for a vacation here compared to some other months. These mostly relate to the weather conditions of the island.
The best time is usually considered the dry season, which falls in the winter months of the year (December through May).
But there are other months as well that you can visit here. I’ll tell you about them all in this section, as well as the year-round weather of St Barts.
What is the Weather Like Year-Round in St Barts?
As I mentioned earlier, the weather in St Barts is warm throughout the year, but there are variations depending on the season.
These include the dry and cool seasons of the winter months, the pleasant spring months, the hurricane season summer months, and the unpredictable fall season months.
Winter has the best weather of the year with clear skies, warm temperatures, and lots of sunshine. The spring season is also very good and dry.
Then there are the summer months, which are characterized by hot and humid weather, as well as rain showers and tropical storms.
Lastly, the fall season has a mix of both unpredictable storms and rain showers, as well as clear, sunny days.
When Is Hurricane Season in St Barts?
The hurricane season in St Barts starts in June and ends in late November. These months come with lots of wet days, some tropical storms, and very little tourist activity on the island.
The risk of hurricanes increases especially from late August through October, with September having the most chance of them.
In fact, the highest chance of a hurricane on any given day of the year is 10th of September.
No need to hit the panic button, though. These hurricanes are seldom dangerous, and the rare few large hurricanes that took place in St. Barts in the past happened decades ago, with the only exception of Hurricane Irma in 2017.
When is the Most Popular Time to Visit St Barts?
The most popular time to visit St Barts is the winter high season months of December, January, and February. This is also the dry season on the island, which means excellent weather conditions and almost no wet days.
The majority of tourists visiting here pick the high season for their vacation because it’s both a good time for weather and there are plenty of activities to enjoy.
When is the Least Popular Time to Visit St Barts?
The hurricane season sees noticeably fewer tourists on the island and for good reason. The chances of a wet day spoiling your plans for the day are higher this time of year.
The worst time to visit St Barts is when the hurricane season peaks (i.e., the late summer and early fall months).
This is when the temperatures are hot, humidity is higher, and the days are windy.
This is also the low season on the island, and with most of the businesses here focused on tourism, you will find many beaches, restaurants, or activities closed up.
The Seasons in St. Barts
St. Barts is a tropical island, so the year-round weather here is generally warm. But the temperatures vary from pleasantly warm to uncomfortably hot depending on what season it is.
This is the section where I will tell you all about the four seasons that St. Bart experiences.
Summer in St Barts
Summer is when the weather patterns start stirring on the island. The months between late May and August bring hot average monthly temperatures reaching over 90 degrees Fahrenheit and windy days (especially in the windiest months of the year, June and July).
It’s also the rainy season on the island, which means rain showers and occasional tropical storms. June is when the daylight is also at its most with 13+ hours on average and the water temperatures are at their warmest.
This is part of the low season in St. Barts, when the island sees very little tourist activity. You can visit here during the summer months if you’re looking for a vacation to St. Barts on a budget.
This is also a great time to enjoy an intimate vacation with little to no crowds around. Just keep in mind that many beaches, clubs, and activities might be closed due to low tourist activity.
Notable Events/Experiences in St Barths in the summer
Summer is a wonderful time to visit St. Barts to enjoy a quiet, relaxing vacation with fewer tourists on the beaches and attractions, but it’s also a great time to visit if you want to soak in the culture and traditions of the island.
► Gustavia Day/Bastille Day (July 14) is an event all about celebrating the culture of St. Barts. It’s the national day of the Island of Saint Barthélemy. The day commemorates the French heritage of the island. Celebrations include lots of pretty fireworks and a grand ball on the Quai de Gustavia.
► Festival of St. Barthelemy (August 24)is a feast day for the patron saint of the island, celebrated with ceremonies, balls, and fireworks.
► Saint Barts Family Festival (August) is an event featuring a party atmosphere and lots of live music complemented with musical fireworks!
Fall in St Barths
Fall is a very erratic period in St. Barts in terms of weather. This is when one day will be perfectly sunny and clear, while the next will bring heavy downpours with it. This is why the late summer/early fall period is the least popular time to visit St. Barts.
The brunt of St. Barts’ wet season also comes in the fall season, with September and October being the year’s wettest months. You can expect at least 15 wet days in the month and some tropical storms too. This is the time of year when tourist activity drops to its lowest in St. Barts.
If you want to make the best of the low season, late fall is a good time for it.
This is when even some of the residents leave the island for vacations, so you will find no crowds, and the prices should be their lowest compared to the rest of the year.
Tip: If you do want to visit in the fall, plan a late October trip to avoid the majority of tropical storms and the rains of the hurricane season. This is when the weather starts to improve with winter around the corner.
Notable Events / Experiences in the Fall in St Barts
The fall season comes with some of the peak hurricane season months in it, so there isn’t a lot of activity on the island this time of year.
What’s more, many beaches and restaurants also close up shop for renovations or simply because of inactivity.
This makes fall a good time to enjoy a quiet and intimate vacation on this island. There won’t be any crowds at the attractions that are open, and you will find plenty of good discounts to top it off.
Just keep in mind that visiting St. Barts in late summer or early fall is not a good idea. If you’re visiting in the fall, make sure to pick a time between late October and November.
This is when the weather starts to improve, rain showers are intense but short, and there are lots of events happening!
► All Saints Day (November 1) is a religious event observed in Saint Barths with residents gathering and lighting candles at cemeteries to remember their loved ones.
► Piteå Day (November 6) is celebrated to pay homage to the cultural bonds between St. Barts and Sweden, as well as the sister cities of both these countries—Gustavia and Piteå.
► Caribbean Rum Awards (November 2-7) is when renowned judges from around the world visit St. Barts and choose the best from hand-picked selections of rum.
► St. Barth Gourmet Festival (November 10-14) is a foodie’s paradise. Celebrated chefs from the world over show up on the island for this festival and prepare tasting menus in collaboration with local restaurants, so you better get your taste buds ready for a delightfully unforgettable experience.
Winter in St Barts
As you probably already can tell by now, winter is the perfect time to visit St. Barts. Locally known as the lent season, the winter months (December to May) are the most popular for tourism. These are the driest months of the year, and this is also when the weather is at its best, with little to no wet days or tropical storms, and lots of sunny days with warm temperatures.
Thousands of people from colder places escape to St. Barts during the winter for a tropical vacation. The average temperatures of the capital and its surroundings (which is basically the entire island) stay within the 70s and 80s, with pleasantly sunny days, very little average rainfall, and great beach weather.
All in all, St. Barthelemy is gorgeous in winter. It’s the best time for a vibrant, unforgettable vacation to this island. Just keep in mind that prices are higher in the peak tourist season, and so are the crowds. But it’s a great party/resort vacation vibe this time of year.
Notable Events / Experiences in Winter in St Barts
Winter is when St. Barts truly comes alive. You will find all of the island’s beaches, resorts, clubs, and activities brimming with tourists. If you want to enjoy an upscale resort vacation with a lively ambiance, this is the time for it.
The beach weather is great during winter, so you can kick back and unwind on the sand, or go for thrilling water activities like scuba diving, kitesurfing, and snorkeling with incredible marine life like sea turtles, humpback whales, and tons of exotic fish species.
The town’s attractions are also great during the high season and some of the best things to do here are best enjoyed during it as well.
These include the boutique shops in Gustavia, which make for an amazing shopping experience, the art galleries of St. Barts, and the famous 17th-century Fort Gustave overlooking the capital city and Shell Beach and offering stunning views.
If you’re visiting in winter, I highly recommend trying most, if not all, of these experiences and activities!
Winter is also the local lent season, which means lots of big events! I’m mentioning some of them here.
► Christmas Village (December 3)is a local artisan market on the quay with lots of activities on offer. You can try local cuisines, meet Santa, and even participate in a Best Christmas Tree contest in this festival!
► New Year’s Eve (December 31) is celebrated with fireworks and live music on the quay in Gustavia.
► St. Barts Music Festival (January) is a major event that’s been taking place on the island since 1985. Every season, many world-renowned musicians come to St. Barts to perform. Expect the best live music and dance performances during this festival!
Spring in St Barts
Spring is another great time of year in St. Barts. The winter weather continues into this season before the weather patterns start changing in summer, so you can expect good weather conditions but with fewer crowds and prices on a downward slope.
The early spring months are part of the lent season, so you can still enjoy almost all of the high-season perks during your trip if you’re visiting in March, April, or May. What’s more, most of the crowds from the winter peak season will be gone, so you will get to enjoy a more peaceful and laid-back trip.
After the lent season comes to an end, and just before the hurricane season sets in, you can still enjoy pleasant weather with relatively less rain and warm water temperatures.
This is also when many heritage festivals of the year are celebrated in St. Barts, so you won’t have any shortage of things to see and do on the island.
Notable Events / Experiences in Spring in St Barts
Spring is the best time to visit St. Barts to avoid crowds and still enjoy the good weather of the island. You will find all the activities and attractions still open, and there will be plenty to see and do as well. There are also lots of exciting events happening this time of year.
► Carnival of St. Barts (March 1) features costume parades and lots of parties all across the island. The event ends with a bang on Shell Beach, where the ceremonial burning of the Carnaval King’s straw statue takes place before live music and drinks.
► St. Barts Race Week (March 17-20) is a huge yacht-racing event in which almost 50 of the world’s most impressive yachts race each other. These yachts are really big, and viewing the race from the harbor is a thrillingly memorable experience.
► St. Barts Film Festival (April) is an annual festival for Caribbean cinema. You can find showings of various films in the Lorient schoolyard and on the Flamands Beach.
What are the Best Places to Eat in St Barts?
L’Isola (Luxury)
L’Isola is an upscale restaurant where you can enjoy one of the best fine-dining experience in St. Barts. The menu includes mouth-watering European, Italian, and vegan options. Both the ambiance and the food here are phenomenal.
Le Tamarin (High-end)
Le Tamarin is the perfect mix of Caribbean and French cuisine. It’s a fine-dining restaurant in Gustavia known for its unique and delicious French dishes with a touch of the Caribbean. This is the place to hit if you’re craving incredible food in a breathtaking setting.
Eddy’s Ghetto (Mid-range)
If you want to taste authentic French and Creole cuisine, Eddy’s Ghetto is the go-to place for it. It’s a mid-range restaurant in Gustavia where you will find a delightful atmosphere coupled with tasty food and drinks!
La Cantina (Budget)
Located on Port Gustavia, this is a restaurant where you will find one of the best tapas in St. Barts. It’s also the place to hit for a casual meal. With two decades of being one of the top restaurants in St. Barts, you won’t be disappointed by the food served by La Cantina.
Where are the Best Places to Stay While in St. Barts?
Rosewood Le Guanahani & Spa (All-inclusive luxury)
Located on a private peninsula of St. Barts island, Rosewood is an all-inclusive option suitable for a family, couple, and solo getaway alike. The rooms here are spacious and richly furnished. Amenities include two pools, a five-star restaurant, a bar, and a spa.
Some rooms also come with private plunge pools and terraces.
I stayed in this hotel before it was acquired by Rosewood and I absolutely loved it. I am sure now it is even better under the Rosewood name.
👉 Check rates and availability on Hotels.com | Expedia
Tropical Hotel St Barth (Luxury)
Tropical Hotel is a newly-renovated luxury lodging option on Saint-Jean Beach where you will find large rooms with sophisticated designs and elegant furnishings.
Apart from the 24 lush rooms, the hotel also features a tropical garden with a restaurant and bar in it, and there is also a swimming pool on the property.
👉 Check rates and availability on Bookings.com | Hotels.com | Expedia
Hotel Eden Rock (Luxury)
Eden Rock is a luxury boutique hotel in St. Barts where you can enjoy a comfortable yet luxurious stay close to the Saint Jean Beach.
The spacious rooms of Hotel Eden Rock are combined with lively decor and comfy furnishings. Internet access throughout the property, spa service, an on-site restaurant, and complimentary roundtrip airport shuttle service are all part of the amenities.
👉 Check rates and availability on Hotels.com
Hotel Le Village (Mid-end)
Located in the lively and vibrant St. Jean neighborhood of the island, Le Village is a family-owned hotel where you will find the best lodging options for a fairly reasonable price.
The hotel is perched on a hilltop with beautiful scenery all around it.
Each of the rooms and suites here is unique in its design and comes with deluxe furnishings. Overall, Le Village is the best option if you’re looking for a value-for-money hotel in St. Barts.
When is the best time to visit St Barts FAQ
What is high season in St Barts?
The winter months from December through May are the high season in St. Barts. This is when the majority of tourists show up on the island to escape the freezing winters of their home countries and enjoy the warmer weather of this tropical paradise.
Among these months, the period between late December and February is particularly crowded because of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
But this is also the time period that features the best weather of the year along with plenty of things to do and see around the island.
Does St Barts close in September?
During the hurricane season, September is the month with the highest probability of hurricanes, so it’s the least popular month for visiting St. Barts.
Because of this inactivity in tourism, many restaurants, beach clubs, and other attractions might close up in September.
But St. Barts is still open for visiting during the month, and the prices are their absolute lowest this time of year.
However, despite the great discounts on hotel rates and flights, I don’t recommend visiting the island in September.
Is St Barts worth visiting?
When it comes to Caribbean vacations, St. Barts is definitely worth a visit. This small island is home to some of the best beaches in the world, as well as luxurious resorts, beach clubs, and restaurants.
The beaches in St. Barts are simply stunning. From the crystal-clear waters to the soft white sand, there’s nowhere else quite like it.
And because the island is only about eight square miles, you’re never more than a few minutes from the beach no matter where you are.
In addition to its natural beauty, St. Barts is also known for its all-inclusive, luxury beach clubs, and gourmet restaurants. So, if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable and unique Caribbean vacation, this is the place to be.
Is St Barthelemy expensive?
Yes, St. Barts is one of the more exclusive Caribbean destinations, so it’s relatively more expensive as well. But you can also visit it on a budget.
Generally, St Barts is more expensive compared to other Caribbean destinations of the region with the Euro as its local currency.
But there is also the fact that the prices change depending on the travel seasons of the island. The high season (winter months) is when tourist activity is at its peak, and so are the prices.
The off-peak season, on the other hand, is when the prices drop along with tourist activity.
You can definitely visit St Barts on a budget if you visit during the less popular tourism periods. But just keep in mind that many beaches and activities might be closed if you’re visiting in the low season.
What is the difference between St Barts and St. Barths?
St. Barts and St. Barths are both shortened names of the same island—Saint Barthelemy—which is an overseas collectivity of France in the Caribbean Ocean. The former (St. Barts) is its English spelling, while the latter (St. Barths) is its French/local spelling.
Is St Martin or St. Barts better?
St. Martin (and St. Maarten) is part of the Lesser Antilles islands group located just north of St. Barts in the northeast Caribbean Sea.
Just like St. Barts, this island is famous for luxury tourism, nightlife, and casinos. The main difference between St. Martin and St. Barts is the size of the two islands.
St. Martin is larger, and more of a family trip destination, while St. Barts is small and intimate and more exclusive and luxurious, making it the perfect destination for couples and solo travelers.
There is really no straight answer to whether one is a better choice than the other. Both islands are some of the best Caribbean destinations in the world.
Also, they’re just a short ferry ride away from each other, which is why many tourists simply decide on a place to stay on either one and then take a trip to the nearby island as well.
In the end, it all boils down to your preferences on what you want to see, do, and experience.
But if you’re coming by air, you probably won’t find direct flights to St. Barts, as the short runway on this island is only suitable for small planes.
You can instead land in St. Martin (which is a major gateway to St. Barts) and fly/ferry to St. Barts from there. This way, you get at least a glimpse of St. Martins as well.
Where do celebrities stay in St. Barts?
St. Barts is a relatively small island, but it’s a proper piece of paradise, so you will find a long list of celebrity names who visit here for a getaway.
Mainly, celebrities stay in private villas or yachts, but there are also some popular hotels they frequent.
These include Hotel Isle de France, Le Toiny, Cheval Blanc, Wimco Villas, Rosewood Le Guanahani & Spa, and Hotel Le Sereno.
Does St Barts have good beaches?
St. Barts is an exclusive Caribbean destination known for its idyllic white-sand beaches, so the answer to this question is an undeniable yes.
There are more than a dozen breathtaking turquoise beaches on the entire island and I talk about them in my guide to St Barts. Here are just a few that you should definitely visit.
- Grand Cul de Sac Beach
- Shell Beach
- Nikki Beach
- St. Jean Beach
- Colombier Beach
The best time to visit St. Barths: final thoughts
St Barts is an incredibly beautiful and luxurious place to visit. It is perfect for those who want to enjoy the sun and the sea in a relaxed atmosphere.
The island has something for everyone, whether you want to party or relax.
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, but if you just want to lounge on the beach, that’s perfectly fine too. St Barts is definitely a place worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. One day in St Barts will be enough to visit the entire island but you will want to stay longer to enjoy it.
The island is a great place to visit most of the year, so the best time might depend on your budget as well as the kind of vacation you want to enjoy.
Hopefully, this article came in handy in helping you decide on the best time to visit St. Barts for your next trip. My advice is to visit outside the hurricane season, or at least not in October/September. Have a wonderful vacation!
