What is the best season to go to Martinique?
The Martinique is called the island of eternal summer, and it's safe to say it lives up to that reputation. Always warm waters, a constant summer temperature—Madinina has everything to please sunbathing aficionados. The only risk is that the sun might want to play hide and seek. Nevertheless, both seasons have their own specificities and offer different attractions depending on what you're looking for.
Best time to go to Martinique: Temperatures
Warm all year round. What could be better?
In terms of temperature, there are no worries. You can go to Martinique at any time of the year with your eyes closed. With minimum temperatures of 21°C in January and February, there's no need to worry about bringing a sweater.
However, be mindful of the temperature shock when you return to the mainland after getting off the plane, but that's another story. So, it's mostly hot in Martinique. Maximum temperatures can reach up to 34°C, but they generally remain pleasant, ranging between 24°C and 30°C. It's somewhat the image we have of the tropics and their paradisiacal climate. To top it off, Martinique is swept by the trade winds (eastern winds) that moderate the temperatures.
The island's geography should also be considered. On the Atlantic side, the climate is more humid with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 24°C. Meanwhile, the Caribbean coast enjoys temperatures averaging around 25°C.
This applies to the southern plains, which have low rainfall and a pleasantly tempered tropical warmth thanks to the trade winds. Note that at higher altitudes, temperatures are lower, and rainfall is more abundant, notably in the northern part of Martinique.
The seasons in Martinique
If the temperatures do not change, the same cannot be said for the weather. There are two main seasons in Martinique, which has a tropical climate.
The wet season, called “Hivernage”, runs from July to November. This is the “rainy season”; showers are frequent, can be heavy, and are interspersed with clearings during which the heat quickly becomes stifling.
The dry season, also known as Lent, enjoys bright sunshine, the tropical summer in all its splendour.
For a trip, a tourist stay ,the dry season is obviously the most suitable. All the more so as it corresponds roughly to our winter in metropolitan France. There’s nothing like it to take your mind off things and get a ray of sunshine in the middle of the harsh winter. It is also the occasion to celebrate Christmas with 30°C. Without a tree or snow, but with coconut palms and fine sand. The downside is that it’s also the busiest time of year. Not the right calculation if you dream of deserted beaches.
What is the cyclone season in Martinique ?
The cyclone season runs from June to September in Martinique. This is also the period with the most rainfall.
In other words, this is not the time to go sailing. It is during the wintering period that the risk is at its highest. However, Martinique has a great deal of experience in managing and anticipating the weather. Residents are always warned between 24 and 36 hours in advance. If you are on a tourist trip at that time, be aware that you will not be allowed to leave your hotel for safety reasons.
So don’t panic, just wait it out. Even if Martinique has been relatively spared in the recent past, the same cannot be said for the other Caribbean islands which have suffered considerable damage. So be careful, especially if you plan to discover the Caribbean by sailboat.
What is the best time to go to Martinique ?
The best time to go to Martinique taking into account the climate, is undoubtedly during the dry season, Lent. The weather is perfect to enjoy the beauties of the island. Whether it is to satisfy your desires for the beach, or for hiking.
In terms of tourist numbers, the high season runs from December to April. This is the period when all prices are at their highest. If you want to avoid the crowds, choose to go in September/October.
As for the months of July and August, which correspond to summer in France, remember that many West Indians return home during the holidays. This has the effect of causing an increase in prices, particularly for air tickets from mainland France.
The so-called “off-peak” period, i.e. the least expensive because it is the least popular with tourists, is from May to November. In spring and summer, European tourists prefer to go to the mainland. But they are still largely present on the island. May and June are good months for a trip to Martinique, with a pleasant climate and low prices. Especially as the sea temperature does not change and can easily reach 29°C. A treat.
Finally, if your motivation is driven by events, the Carnival is undoubtedly a “must” that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
