First-class beaches, lush rainforests and picture-postcard scenery… St Lucia meets the brief for dreamy Caribbean getaways all year round. Temps stay up in the late-20s to early-30s whatever month you visit, so getting that tan couldn’t be easier. You don’t come on a Caribbean holiday to St Lucia not to go to the beach. Pick between cliché-level golden sweeps or quirky black-sand spots, and they’ve got the whole watersports thing covered, too. But there’s more… Tick off mountains, waterfalls and volcanoes as well as next-level outdoor adventures. Think zip-lining, hiking trails, kayaking and deep-sea fishing.
Whether you want full-on relaxation by the beach, all-night parties or to travel on a budget, we’ve rounded up the best times to go, whatever your vibe…
Best time for sun seekers
December to April is the best time to visit St Lucia if you’re after escaping the worst of the UK winter. The island’s dry season sees sunny days, low humidity and minimal rainfall. Perfect if you’re after a classically sun-soaked Caribbean holiday. May also looks very tempting – temps are firmly in the 30s and it’s a lot quieter after the Easter rush, so you get all the good weather minus the crowds.
Best time for budget travellers
St Lucia’s rainy season runs from June to November, making it the ideal time if you don’t fancy splashing out on an expensive trip. The temperatures still sit in the high-20s, and the rain tends to come in short bursts. It’s the worry about the weather that tends to split the crowds, so if you can survive a few showers, you can deffo get a lot more for your money.
Best time for music fans
Turn up the music and make for St Lucia in April or May. Temperatures rarely dip below 30˚C during this period, and you’ll experience St Lucia Jazz Festival – a renowned international festival, attracting global jazz, reggae, R&B and Caribbean artists. This festival showcases a blend of music, arts, food and culture in various venues across the island. Both locals and tourists get involved with events and concerts but Pigeon Island in Rodney Bay is where the main party’s at.
Best time for nature lovers
Sure, the beaches are great but if you’re more into waterfalls and jungle vibes then June to November is for you. There’s a little more rainfall, meaning the rainforest is especially impressive. 77% of St Lucia is covered by lush rainforest, so there’s plenty to explore – hiking trails take you through the forests on foot or you can take it all in from the sky on a zip-line. You’ll be up there with the treetops to see loads of native flora and fauna.
Best time for party animals
The biggest festival of the year here has got to be St Lucia Carnival. Expect colourful parades, costume bands, street parties, calypso and soca music competitions, and day and night celebrations. Visit here in July to experience this Caribbean celebration and soak up the party vibes. The main parties are primarily in Castries and Gros Islet.
Best time for foodies
Foodie fans will want to be here in January. This is when the annual St Lucia Food & Rum Festival takes over the island for three days. It’s one big celebration of St Lucian cuisine, where chefs, mixologists and rum experts put on demonstrations, classes and tastings.
If you need some more inspo, check out our Long-haul holidays.
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Author: Rachel Coppenhall (she/her)
Last updated: 27/08/2025
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