The French side of Saint Martin enjoys a tropical climate slightly drier and windier than the Caribbean average, thanks to the western orientation of its beaches and position at the heart of the trade winds.
The dry season (December to April) is the ideal period. Temperatures 24-29 °C, sea at 26-27 °C, maximum sunshine (8-9 h/day), refreshing trade winds. It's the peak tourist season — flights at €1,000-1,400 return, hotels to book 4-6 months ahead. The Mardis de Grand-Case (mid-January to late April) are the most festive evenings of the area — pedestrian street, lolos, artisans, evening animations. The Grand-Case gastronomic festival in April attracts international chefs and foodies.
May-June make an excellent shoulder season: weather still favourable, smaller crowds, sharply lower prices (-30 %). The western beaches are almost deserted on weekdays.
The wet season (July to November) brings more frequent tropical showers, warm sea at 28 °C, but above all a major hurricane risk in August-October (Saint Martin is one of the most exposed islands in the Antilles, as Irma tragically showed in September 2017). Many hotels and restaurants close 2-3 months (September to mid-October) — the island becomes confidential but the meteorological risk is real. Prices are lowest in September-October.
Read also
- Marigot, Creole capital — Fort Saint-Louis, traditional market and marina — the French soul of the island.
- Grand-Case, gastronomic capital — 30+ restaurants on 1.5 km: Creole lolos, Michelin stars and sunset over the bay.
- North-east: Orient Bay and Anse Marcel — The other French side: the iconic Orient Bay beach and the protected Anse Marcel cove.
- Saint Martin — Complete guide of the Franco-Dutch island: formalities, budget, when to go.