Best time to travel to French Guiana

Location

Climate

French Guiana is a fascinating and exotic destination in South America. With its rich culture, unique history and exceptional biodiversity, there is much to discover in this French overseas region.

Tourist seasons in French Guiana

It's essential to be aware of the different tourist seasons in French Guiana to get the most out of your trip and avoid the inconveniences associated with climate or crowds. There are two main seasons in French Guiana: the dry season and the rainy season.

Dry season (July to December)

The dry season is generally considered the best time to visit French Guiana. The weather is pleasant and sunny, with average temperatures around 28°C. Rainfall is low, allowing you to take full advantage of outdoor activities and the region's many natural attractions.

Rainy season (January to June)

The rainy season, also known as the "rainy season epidemics"The summer season is marked by frequent showers and heavy precipitation. Temperatures remain warm, but the humidity can make the climate uncomfortable for some people. Nevertheless, the lush beauty of the Amazon rainforest during this period can be well worth the effort for adventurous and nature-loving travellers.

Low and high tourist season periods

As well as taking the climate into account, it's important to consider the low and high tourist seasons when planning your trip to French Guiana.

Low season (January to June)

The low season coincides with the rainy season and generally attracts fewer visitors due to less favorable weather conditions. However, it also means that hotels and tourist attractions are less crowded, which can be an advantage for those seeking a quieter, more authentic experience. In addition, flight and accommodation prices can be lower during this period.

High season (July to December)

High season corresponds to the dry season and sees an influx of tourists to French Guiana. Sites of interest and outdoor activities are more accessible, making it an ideal time to enjoy all the region has to offer. However, it also means that flight and accommodation prices can be higher, and some tourist attractions can be crowded.

Major cultural events in French Guiana

French Guiana is rich in cultural events throughout the year. Here are just a few of the major events worth discovering during your trip:

• Cayenne Carnival Carnival: this famous carnival takes place between January and March and features colorful parades, traditional costumes and lively festivities in the streets of Guyana's capital.
• Saint-Laurent patron saint's day Saint-Laurent du Maroni: this annual event takes place in August in Saint-Laurent du Maroni and celebrates local culture and history with music, dance and crafts.
• Heritage Days These days take place in September, and provide an opportunity to discover French Guiana's rich historical and architectural heritage through guided tours, exhibitions and lectures.
• Kaseko Festival This traditional Guyanese music festival takes place in October and features local and international artists.

Public holidays in French Guiana

As a French overseas region, French Guiana celebrates French national holidays such as May 1st (Labor Day), July 14th (National Holiday) and December 25th (Christmas). Here are some public holidays specific to French Guiana:

• Abolition of slavery Slavery Day: celebrated on June 10, this day commemorates the abolition of slavery in French Guiana in 1848.
• All Saints' Day November 1 is a day dedicated to the memory of the dead and patron saints.
• International Indigenous Women's Rights Day September 5: celebrated on September 5, this day aims to promote and protect the rights and culture of indigenous women in French Guiana.

Immigration in French Guiana: figures and trends

According to official data, French Guiana's population has grown rapidly in recent years, from 217,000 in 2009 to around 300,000 in 2020. This increase is partly due to positive net migration, with many people choosing French Guiana as their immigration destination. As far as asylum applications are concerned, there has been a significant increase since 2015. Indeed, the number of asylum seekers quadrupled between 2015 and 2018, rising from 665 to 2,950 annual applications. This increase is largely due to the arrival of Haitian, Cuban and Dominican migrants who have chosen French Guiana as their point of entry into the Schengen area. However, it should be noted that the acceptance rate for these asylum applications is relatively low, at around 20%.

Visa issuance in French Guiana

Visa issuance in French Guiana is also following a certain trend. Official data show that around 3,000 visas were issued in 2019, compared with almost 4,000 in 2018, representing a 25% decrease. This decrease is explained in particular by a reduction in the number of short-stay visas (less than three months) granted to Haitian and Dominican nationals. The main categories of visa issued in French Guiana are :

• Short-stay visas: for temporary stays for tourism, family or professional reasons.
• Long-stay visas: granted for a period of more than three months, they enable access to work, study or family life in French Guiana.
• Airport transit visas: reserved for travelers wishing to pass through the international zone of an airport without entering French Guiana.

Holders of certain passports, such as those from Schengen countries, do not need a visa to travel to French Guiana.

International tourism in French Guiana: key figures and trends

Tourism is an important sector for French Guiana's economy, with almost 50,000 international visitors every year. However, it should be noted that the share of international tourism in total tourist arrivals is relatively low, representing around 20% of the total. The breakdown of international visitors by origin shows a predominance of European tourists, particularly from France.which account for more than 80% of arrivals. Other visitors come mainly from North America, Latin America and the Caribbean.

The main reasons for travelling to French Guiana

International tourists visit French Guiana for a variety of reasons:

• Cultural and historical tourism: French Guiana boasts a rich built heritage, with sites such as the remains of prisons and penal camps in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni and on the Isles of Salut, and colonial buildings in Cayenne.
• Nature tourism: the beauty and diversity of its landscapes make French Guiana a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers, with the Amazon rainforest, marshes and savannahs in particular.
• Seaside tourism: with almost 400 km of coastline, French Guiana offers a wide range of seaside leisure activities, including swimming, fishing and water sports.
• Space tourism: the Centre Spatial Guyanais, located in Kourou, also attracts many curious visitors who come to watch rocket launches.