France (Caribbean)
Guadeloupe
Our notebook to help you plan your trip to Guadeloupe: the right season, where to stay and our ideas to make the most of it.
The butterfly archipelago: white-sand beaches on Grande-Terre, rainforest and waterfalls on Basse-Terre, and islands like Marie-Galante and Les Saintes just a boat ride away.
Best weatherDuring the dry season: sunshine, trade winds and less humidity. During the rainy season, go for a flexible booking.
A question?
Wéa answers about this destination: neighbourhoods, seasons, ideas.
When to go
Every season has its charm. Here's how to choose yours, depending on what you want to experience.
The dry season
The dry season: sunshine, trade winds, and Carnival from January to March with its drum groups and parades.
Before the rains
It's sunny and hot, there are fewer people and prices drop: the right time for the beaches of Sainte-Anne and La Soufrière.
Lush nature
On the 2nd Saturday of August, the Fête des cuisinières celebrates Creole cooking. The greenery is at its lushest, the Carbet Falls are in full flow and the sea is at 29 °C. In Route du Rhum years (2026, 2030…), the sailing boats arrive in November. The hurricane risk is mainly from August to October: go for a flexible booking.
Where to stay
The right neighbourhood depends on what you're after. Here are our favourite places to stay.
Le Gosier
The widest choice of hotels, beaches, restaurants and nightlife, 15 minutes from Pointe-à-Pitre.
Sainte-Anne
A turquoise lagoon and La Caravelle beach: perfect for families, with a lively market.
Saint-François
Marina, golf and great places to stay, right near Pointe des Châteaux.
Deshaies
The leeward coast of Basse-Terre: Grande-Anse beach, a botanical garden and a nature vibe.
Our favourites
What we love there: its history, its landscapes, its flavours and its festivals. Take your time, it's all there to enjoy.
La Soufrière
At 1,467 metres, this volcano is the highest peak in the Lesser Antilles. The hike crosses the national park's rainforest: set off early, as the summit often clouds over.
Ideal for hikers
The Carbet Falls
Deep in the Basse-Terre forest, these waterfalls are among the most beautiful in the Caribbean. A marked trail leads to the second fall.
Ideal for nature lovers
Gwoka
Drums, songs and dances: gwoka, born in the time of slavery, is on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Don't miss a léwòz evening if you get the chance.
Ideal for Guadeloupean culture
The Mémorial ACTe
In Pointe-à-Pitre, this major centre devoted to the history of slavery and the slave trade offers a powerful, moving experience in a spectacular building.
Ideal for understanding history