Saint Lucia Holidays
General Information
Time Difference
Time zones difference between Saint Lucia and the UK is -5 hours.
Currency
East Caribbean Dollar
Currency can be changed at currency exchange offices, banks, as well as at the post office. In the resort areas both Visa and Mastercard cards and XCD in cash are accepted for payment.
When exchanging money, please note that currency exchange offices may charge a commission for each transaction.
Capital
Castries
Population
179,285
Language
English
Flight duration
26 hours from Gatwick
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Saint Lucia is during the dry season from December to April, when the weather is warm, sunny, and ideal for outdoor activities like hiking the Pitons, lounging on the beaches, and exploring the island’s lush rainforests. This period is also the peak tourist season, meaning hotels and flights are more expensive, and popular attractions can be crowded. If you plan to visit during these months, booking accommodations and excursions in advance is recommended, especially around Christmas, New Year's, and Easter when demand is highest.
For travellers looking to save money and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, the off-season from May to November is a good alternative. While this period falls within the Caribbean’s hurricane season, Saint Lucia is located on the southern edge of the storm belt and rarely experiences direct hits. Rain showers are more frequent but usually brief, followed by plenty of sunshine. Hotel rates and airfare tend to be lower, making it a great time for budget-conscious travellers. Additionally, this season offers unique cultural experiences, such as the Saint Lucia Carnival in July, which showcases vibrant parades, music, and island festivities.
Top 5 Things To Do
Explore The Bay
Rodney Bay is a treasure trove of activities —sun-soaked beaches, swaying palm trees, and the bluest waters you've ever seen. Try your hand at snorkelling through colourful coral reefs teeming with marine life or glide over the waves on a thrilling windsurfing session. Feeling more adventurous, why not try kitesurfing or paddleboarding? Want to explore the bay in style? Hop on a luxurious catamaran and cruise while sipping on rum punch as you watch the sun dip below the horizon in a spectacular Caribbean sunset. For shopaholics, check out the nearby shopping centres or tee off at the nearby world-class golf course. And let's not forget about the vibrant nightlife! Rodney Bay comes alive after dark with lively bars, delicious restaurants serving up fresh seafood, and even a few spots where you can dance the night away to pulsating Caribbean beats.
Happy Hiking
Hike to Piton if you’re a nature lover or craving a bit of excitement! There're two massive peaks, Gros Piton and Petit Piton, rising from the Caribbean Sea, creating this jaw-dropping backdrop for your hike. You'll want to kick off early in the morning to beat the heat. As you make your way up, you'll be surrounded by lush rainforests, spotting all sorts of cool plants and critters along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for lively birds, and if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive St. Lucia parrot! Be aware that the trail is challenging, with steep climbs and rocky paths to be expected. But when you finally reach the top, the view is something else! Sweeping vistas of St. Lucia's coastline and the sparkling Caribbean Sea stretch out as far as the eye can see. Don’t forget to snap some breathtaking photographs and maybe even prepare a picnic lunch—you've earned it!
Nature’s Spa
Check out Sulphur Springs, a cool spot with bubbling mud pools, steam rising from the vents, and natural hot springs that'll make you feel like you're in paradise. You can join a guided tour where locals spill all the beans about the place, from how it formed to the magic of the volcanic mud. For an extraordinary, renewing treatment, why not treat yourself to a day at the spa? Soak in the warm, mineral-rich mud and feel invigorated! But if getting muddy isn't your thing, you can stroll along the boardwalks, taking in the surreal scenery and snagging some killer photos for the 'gram. And of course, you can't miss out on a dip in the hot springs nearby. They're said to work wonders for your muscles and your skin—total relaxation mode activated!
Wanderlust In The Forest
If you're in Saint Lucia, you've got to check out the rainforests—hike through these super green trails, like the Tet Paul Nature Trail or the Millet Bird Sanctuary, and you'll come across all kinds of cool plants and animals along the way. And if you're up for a thrill, why not try zip-lining through the trees? It's like flying in Jurassic Park! Or take a leisurely stroll on those raised walkways for a different POV. And don't miss the botanical gardens, like the Diamond Botanical Gardens—they're bursting with tropical plants that'll blow your mind. And if you love birds, you can spot all kinds of colourful ones, including the Saint Lucia parrot! Don't be surprised if you stumble upon hidden waterfalls such as Toraille and Piton Falls—perfect for a quick dip to cool off. There are also these awesome nature reserves, like the Edmund Forest Reserve, where you can learn about the rainforest and help with conservation efforts. And for the full experience, join one of those guided tours led by locals who know all the ins and outs of the rainforest. Just remember to be respectful of nature and keep it eco-friendly!
Life’s A Beach
If you're craving some serious sun and sand vibes, then St. Lucia's got some killer beaches that you’ll absolutely love. Swing by Reduit Beach, near Rodney Bay Village—it's like the go-to spot on the island. The water is super calm, perfect for swimming, and you can do all sorts of water sports, like jet skiing and windsurfing. There are some pretty cool beach bars and shops along the Rodney Bay strip for when you need to refuel. Just a heads up, though: it can get pretty packed with all the hustle and bustle. So, if you're after some luxe chill vibes, beeline to Anse Chastanet Beach over by Soufrière. It's like finding a hidden treasure in the volcanic rocks' unique black sand. Snorkelling here? Absolutely top-notch! It's more of a couples' retreat, though, so don't expect tons of facilities outside the resorts. Last but not least, we've got La Toc Beach near Castries—it's like the perfect mix of liveliness and laid-back vibes. The water is just as calm here, and if you're feeling adventurous, you can still get your water sports fix. It's great for families, too, especially because it's close to the city and some historical sites.
Weather
The climate of the country isn’t the same in different regions and varies depending on the location. In winter the tourists tend to flock to the Canary Islands , where the temperatures remain high or take in the culture of Barcelona and Madrid on a short city break. The beach season on the sunny coast of Spain lasts from May to October, with the temperature staying at about 28°C during the summer.