Beach Life

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Best Time To Visit St. Barth’s (Enjoy a Tropical Island Adventure!)

Plan your perfect tropical escape to St. Barth's! Find out the optimal times for weather, events, and avoiding crowds in our comprehensive guide.

Tobi Miles
August 15, 2022

If you're looking for a beautiful, serene getaway, look no further than St. Barth's. Saint-Barthélemy, also known as St. Barth’s or St. Bart’s, is a French-speaking Caribbean island.

Often, celebrities can be seen docking their privately-owned luxury boats on the island. In addition, well-connected travelers often charter fully-crewed luxury yachts, which they stay in while docked at St. Barth’s.

Between February and June is the best time to visit St. Barth’s. This is due to the consistent temperate weather. Fall boast fewer crowds and up to 45% lower cost for accommodations. It’s the ideal time for events such as yacht regattas and music festivals. For milder weather, visit St. Barths between December and January for 70-degree days.

This vacation hotspot is popular for its luxe vibe, flawless beaches, and high-end restaurants. Read on to learn more about the best time to visit St. Barth's

Worst Time to Visit St. Barth’s

The worst time visiting St. Bart's is late summer through the fall, specifically August through October. Rainfall peaks during this time and is also peak time for hurricane activity and tropical storms.

Even if there is no hurricane or tropical storm in the forecast, you can expect average precipitation of around 6 inches in September and October. So be prepared to bring an umbrella and rain gear if you travel during this time.

St. Barth's is a beautiful place to visit in the fall, but there are several reasons why it might not be the best time to visit. Temperatures can be very high, and rainfall can damper outdoor plans.

Also, there are no direct flights to St. Barth's from the United States, so when traveling during the worst times to visit, plan on finding travel accommodation to the island.

Lack of access to the island during hurricane season makes it a bad time to visit.

Cheapest Month To Visit St. Barth’s

If you're looking for a great place to spend your fall vacation, check out St. Barth's. The island is known for its beautiful weather, diversity of scenery, and affordable prices.

The cheapest month to visit St. Barth’s is October. September and October happen to be the lowest travel months, so that you will save on your overall expenses.

The island is less crowded, and hotel prices are lower during this time. August through October is also an excellent time to visit, as the island is still relatively calm, but hotel prices are beginning to increase.

November through February is not as affordable as March through May, but it has its benefits; namely, the island is less crowded, and more discounts are available for hotels and restaurants.

The island is well known for its luxury resorts, which are very expensive most times of the year. However, if you are looking for a cheaper option, consider visiting during October.

Related Read: Best Time to Visit the Caribbean

What Time of the Year is the Best Weather in St. Barth’s?

January – Best Time To Spot Celebrities

St. Barth’s experiences pleasant weather in January. The daily high temperature is 80°F (27°C), while its daily low temperature is 71°F (22°C).

Apart from excellent weather, January offers fun activities and a chance to see celebrities on the island. Moreover, people tend to go on luxury vacations in January due to the clearer skies and warm winter weather.

Celebrities love St. Barths because it’s private and has some great amenities. Celebrities are often spotted on vacation in the winter, but they use St. Barth’s privacy and luxury year-round.

  • St. Barth’s Music Festival
  • St. Barth’s New Year’s Celebration

February – Best Time To Experience Caribbean Atmosphere

February offers similar mild weather as January. Average daily temps remain around 80°F (27°C) with lows around 72°F (22°C).

February typically has the most sunshine, with the least chance of rain. When it does rain, it is few and far between. In February, the average precipitation is around 2 inches.

The island should operate at full capacity with open businesses like hotels, clubs, and bars. The crowds are larger in February, and it's a great time to experience the Caribbean culture.

  • Jean Bay & Cul de Sac Lagoon Regattas
  • Carnival Begins

Related Read: 44 BEST Places To Visit in Puerto Rico

March – Best Time To Explore The Island

St. Barth’s weather in March stays consistent with highs around 81°F (27°C) and lows at 71°F (22°C). The temperature remains similar to February, and there will be less rain.

St. Bart's is a great place to visit in March because the temperatures are mild and the skies are clear. Spend time at one of the many beaches on the island. From powdery white sand beaches to secluded coves, there's sure to be a perfect spot for you.

The island is also beautiful at this time of year, and plenty of activities keep tourists busy. You can take advantage of the mild weather this March to explore the island.

The St. Barths Bucket Regatta is a three-day, 48-person invitational race including wooden racing boats. You can view many boats, many of which are over 100 feet long, in Gustavia harbor from 5 pm to 7 pm each day.

  • Carnival Continues
  • Barth’s Bucket Regatta
  • Mi-Careme – mid-Lent celebration

April – Best Time To See St. Barth’s Regattas

The weather continues to be perfect in April, with a high temperature of 82°F (28°C) and low temperatures of 73°F (23°C).

If you've always wanted to see a Caribbean yacht regatta, April is the perfect month to visit St. Barth's. The weather is mild, and the ocean is calm, making it the ideal time to take in the scenery and enjoy some of the island's top attractions.

April is also an ideal time to visit St. Bart's because it is the driest month, and there is less rainfall. The temperatures are also milder, making it a comfortable time to be in the Caribbean.

  • Les Voiles de St. Barth Regatta
  • West Indies’ Regatta
  • Barth’s Film Festival

May – Best Time For Fewer Crowds

May’s weather starts to get even warmer, with the average highs at about 84°F (29°C). It is a great time to visit St. Barts because the rates are lower, more visitors are present, but the crowds are generally thinner.

The weather is warm and sunny, and there's not too much humidity to take away from your vacation.

Plus, the crowds are usually thinned out more in May than in other months, so you'll have more space to explore the island.

The low season begins in May when fewer tourists are on the island. The average rainfall is 4 inches this month, but one can expect fewer wet days than those spent laying in the sun.

  • Tour of St. Barth’s – Windsurfing & Catamaran Event
  • Double Transat Race

Related Read: 15 BEST Caribbean Islands For Families

June – World Music Day

June brings a rise in temperatures to average around 85°F (30°C). June marks the official beginning of hurricane season in St. Barth’s.

The temperatures can be pretty hot during the day, but they tend to cool down nicely at night. The best part about June is that it's one of the least busy months on the island, but families can still enjoy the beaches and amenities.

Peak summer tourism occurs in June, so expect beaches to be crowded but offer many fun activities for families and the kids.

  • World Music Day in St. Barth’s
  • Beaches of St. Barth’s

July – Best Time To Experience A Caribbean Summer

July in St. Barth’s is hot but not entirely unbearable. The high temperature in July is 86°F (30°C), and its low temperature is usually 76°F (25°C).

The consistent July temperatures make it the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation, whether you are looking for beach activities or want to take in some beautiful scenery.

Tourism slows in July and provides a perfect time to experience a true Caribbean summer. In addition, Bastille Day is celebrated in July and gives visitors a chance to connect to the island's French roots.

  • Bastille Day
  • St. Barth’s Summer Camp

August – Best Time For Festivals

August in St. Barth's is relatively hot, and there are more chances for rain and the possibility of hurricanes. The daily high temperature is 86°F (30°C), and the daily low is 77°F (25°C).

Prices for accommodations, food, and transportation are high in St. Barth's in August. However, plenty of affordable options are available if you're willing to search for them.

While August is peak time for tropical storms and hurricanes, there are still festivals and events for everyone to enjoy. However, the end of the month begins to see fewer crowds as tourism starts to slow.

  • Festival of St. Barthelemy
  • Barth’s Family Festival
  • Barth’s Wind Quarters Festival
  • Louis Festival

Related Read: Do You Need a Passport To Go To St. Thomas?

September – Best Time For Shopping

Gustavia offers a luxury shopping experience, and September is the best time for shopping in St. Barth's. September sees high temperatures around 86°F (30°C) and low temperatures around 76°F (24°C). 

September weather in St. Barth's can be pretty unpredictable, so it is important to be prepared for anything. Chances of rain increase which is why there are fewer crowds.

If you plan on visiting in September, keep an eye on the tropical storm forecast.

  • Affordable Fine Dining
  • Discount Shopping

October – Best Time For Affordable Accommodations

The island is less crowded, and hotel prices are lower during this time. October is the rainiest month in St. Barth’s. High temperatures are 85°F (30°C), and low temperatures are 76°F (24°C).

October is a slow time in St. Barth's. Many of the island residents return to France, and businesses shut down. Tourist attractions shut down, and no events are scheduled on the island.

If you don't mind visiting when businesses are closed for the season and you're okay with less than ideal weather, October is a great time to visit St. Barth's for the most affordable accommodations.

If you’re looking to travel affordably in October, the best option may be to find a guest house or villa that is not licensed as a resort since many locals leave the island in October.

  • Affordable Accommodations
  • No Crowds

November – Best Time To Visit In Fall

The island is still relatively calm, but hotel prices increased in November. November welcomes lower temperatures ranging from 74°F (23°) to 83°F (28°C) but still has frequent rain showers.

With the hurricane season-ending, activity on St. Barth's begins to pick up for the holiday season. Businesses start to reopen for winter tourism, and it's a great time to visit for a Caribbean Thanksgiving vacation.

St. Barth's is worth looking at if you're looking for a fall tropical destination with ideal weather and luxury accommodation.

  • All Saint’s Day
  • Caribbean Rum Awards

December – Best Time For Holiday Travels

December weather in St. Barth’s is beautiful, with minimal chances of rain, highs of 81°F (27°C), and lows around 72°F (22°C). December is when celebrities begin traveling to St. Barth’s for the holidays.

Luxury yachts arrive in St. Barth’s in December to enjoy holiday shopping and ideal winter weather. With no direct flights to the island from the U.S., you can expect less holiday congestion of crowds and a much calmer holiday travel experience.

  • Christmas Village in Gustavia
  • New Year’s Eve

Best Time to Visit St. Barth’s With Family

If you're looking for an unforgettable family vacation, consider visiting St. Barth's. This vibrant island offers plenty of activities and things to do for families with kids, whether you're looking for a relaxing vacation or action-packed fun.

The best time to visit with the family is March through June. This time sees the best weather and most activities.

The yacht regattas provide a spectacle to see in the harbors around the island. In addition, superyachts are quite a sight; they frequent the island during winter and spring.

Seabobs are water scooter that pulls swimmers and divers through the water for exploration, and they're available to rent all over the island. Families can have loads of fun exploring the warm waters of St. Barth's in spring on a seabob.

Best Time to Visit St. Barth’s For Couples

With a temperate climate and plenty of activities to keep couples busy for months, St. Barts is the perfect place to honeymoon. So whether you're looking for a romantic escape or a fabulous destination for an exotic holiday, these are the best times to visit St. Barth’s.

The best time for an adults-only couple’s experience at St. Barth’s would be March and April or December and January. During this time, there are fewer families with children, and there are plenty of couples activities and events to experience.

Depending on your budget, March and April are much more reasonable times to visit. However, if you want to experience an all-inclusive luxury couples vacation, St. Barth’s in December and January has tons to offer for couples.

This is the perfect winter honeymoon for newlyweds looking to forgo the ice and snow for a tropical paradise.

The island is full of beautiful scenery and plenty of activities to keep you busy without having to spend a fortune on transportation. Instead, rent a bike or stroll around town to see all the sights.

St. Barth’s is home to a few secluded topless beaches, like Saline Beach and Governours Beach. Visitors are invited to disrobe and soak up the sun with no restrictions on these beaches.

Best Time To Visit St. Barth’s To Avoid Crowds

Some people might say the worst time to visit St. Barth's is during hurricane season when weather conditions can be unpredictable, but this is the time to visit to avoid crowds.

Some hurricane seasons are more active than others, so before planning your trip to the Caribbean, check the hurricane outlook for the season. You can avoid hurricanes and crowds between June and November if you plan.

St. Barth is busiest on Saturday and Sunday, but there are usually fewer people overall during the weekdays. Also, kids are in school, so no worries about running into families during a weekday.

With fewer crowds, you can enjoy taking a walk along the waterfront. The stunning views of the Caribbean Sea will leave you feeling relaxed and inspired.

The off-season is September and October. This is when you can best avoid the crowds and enjoy quieter surroundings. While some businesses might be closed during the off-season, many restaurants and shops are still open but may be less crowded.

Best Time To Visit St. Barth’s For Snorkeling

The best time to go diving and snorkeling in St. Barth’s would be December through June because of the perfect weather and water conditions. Colombier Beach is one of St. Barth's most popular snorkeling destinations.

Water temperatures remain around 80°F (26°C) to 85°F (29°C), making them comfortable for any diver. In addition, St. Barth's has several diving spots near coral reefs with abundant sea life.

July and August are more crowded and windier, making those months less desirable for diving. Likewise, from September through November, diving conditions are not ideal due to unpredictable weather and rain.

There are more than a dozen snorkeling and diving spots around the island to explore, and they can get pretty busy during peak season. To avoid crowds, get the best prices, and experience the best weather, mid-spring is the absolute best time to go snorkeling at St. Barth's.

Tobi Miles
Article updated:
March 28, 2024
A nomadic wordsmith savoring the world's flavors and penning stories that turn every journey into an epic.
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