WHEN TO TRAVEL to Guadeloupe

Location

Climate

Guadeloupe's climate and seasons

Located in the Caribbean, Guadeloupe benefits from an exceptional tropical climate with two distinct seasons: dry and wet.

Dry season (December to May)

From December to May, Guadeloupe experiences a period of dry season. Temperatures are milder, fluctuating between 22°C and 30°C. It's also during this period that the amount of sunshine is at its highest. The dry season is therefore ideal for enjoying the island's beaches, exploring the hiking trails and discovering the flora and fauna.

Wet season (June to November)

From June to November wet season. During this period, temperatures are slightly higher, reaching up to 33°C. Rainfall is also more frequent, and the risk of cyclones is higher, especially between August and October. However, this period also offers lush landscapes and abundant vegetation.

Major cultural events in Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is rich in cultural events throughout the year. Here are some of the most important ones not to be missed during your stay:

• Carnival (February - March) Guadeloupe's carnival is a must-see event in the West Indies. The Guadeloupe carnival lasts several weeks and features colorful parades, masked balls and concerts all over the island.
• La Fête des Cuisinières (August) The traditional festival pays tribute to the women who perpetuate Creole gastronomy. On the program: mass in traditional dress, parade, culinary tastings and musical entertainment.
• Gwo Ka Festival (July) This festival celebrates Gwo Ka, the traditional music and dance of Guadeloupe, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Tour de la Guadeloupe (August) : This is a cycling race held over several stages around the island. It attracts both local and international participants, and is passionately followed by Guadeloupeans.

Public holidays in Guadeloupe

Public holidays in Guadeloupe are similar to those in mainland France, with a few local peculiarities. Here are the main public holidays:

• January 1st New Year's Day
• Easter Monday (date variable)
• May 1st Labour Day
• May 8th Allied victory in 1945
• Ascension (date variable)
• Pentecost (date variable)
• July 14th French national holiday
• August 15 Assumption
• October 27 Abolition of slavery (Guadeloupe only)
• November 1st : Toussaint
• November 11 1918 Armistice
• December 25 : Christmas

Low and high tourist season in Guadeloupe

Low season (May to November)

The low season corresponds mainly to the wet season. There are fewer tourists, and accommodation rates are generally lower. If you don't mind the rain and the risk of cyclones, you'll be able to enjoy a quiet, low-cost stay.

High season (December to April)

There high season in Guadeloupe coincides with the dry season. Weather conditions are ideal for outdoor activities, and tourist numbers are at their highest. Accommodation prices are also higher during this period. It is therefore advisable to book in advance to benefit from the best rates and secure your place in hotels and vacation rentals.

Immigration trends in Guadeloupe: key figures

The latest studies show that the foreign population of Guadeloupe has increased in recent years. Indeed, according to INSEE (Institut National de la Statistique et des Études Économiques), the number of foreigners residing in Guadeloupe rose from 5.7% in 2006 to 6.3% in 2016, an increase of almost 10% in ten years. This trend can be explained in particular by the increase in the number of Haitian immigrants, who now represent the largest foreign community in Guadeloupe. There has also been an increase in the number of immigrants from other Caribbean islands, such as the Dominican Republic and Saint Lucia.

Breakdown of foreign nationalities in Guadeloupe

The main foreign nationalities present in Guadeloupe are :

• Haitiwhich accounts for more than half of all foreigners (53%)
• Dominican Republicwith approximately 11% from foreigners
• Saint Luciaaccounting for 8% of foreigners
• Other nationalities, such as Europeans, Africans and Asians, make up the remainder of foreigners living in Guadeloupe.

Most popular visas in Guadeloupe: stay and study at the top of the list

The most popular visas for Guadeloupe are for short-term stays, studies and family reunions. According to data from the French Ministry of the Interior, visa applications for Guadeloupe break down as follows:

• Short-stay visas (less than 90 days): these visas are intended for tourists, business travelers or people visiting family in Guadeloupe. They account for around 60% of visa applications.
• Study visas Guadeloupe: foreign students are increasingly choosing Guadeloupe to pursue their higher education, particularly in the fields of tourism, agriculture and the environment. Study visas account for around 15% of applications.
• Visas for family reunification Guadeloupe: these visas are intended for foreigners with a spouse or children living in Guadeloupe. They account for around 10% of visa applications.
• Other types of visa, such as long-stay visas (over 90 days) or professional visas, account for the remainder of applications.

Procedure and deadlines for obtaining a visa for Guadeloupe

To obtain a visa for Guadeloupe, you need to go to the French embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The documents required vary according to the type of visa requested, but generally include:

• A completed and signed visa application form
• A recent passport photo that complies with standards
• A passport valid for the duration of the planned stay
• Proof of the reason for and duration of the stay (plane tickets, proof of accommodation, etc.).
• A medical certificate, if required.

The time required to obtain a visa varies according to the type of visa requested, from a few days for a short-stay visa to several weeks for a long-stay visa or family reunion.

International tourism figures for Guadeloupe: steady growth

Guadeloupe has been experiencing steady growth in the number of international tourists for several years. According to data from the Comité du Tourisme des Îles de Guadeloupe (CTIG), the number of foreign visitors rose from 534,000 in 2015 to over 620,000 in 2019, an increase of 16% in four years. This increase can be explained in particular by the diversification of the tourism offering and the implementation of a promotional strategy targeting international markets. The main countries of origin for tourists to Guadeloupe are :

• Mainland Francewhich represents approximately 80% of tourists
• UNITED STATESwith nearly 10% from tourists
• Canadaaccounting for approximately 4% of tourists
• Other European countries, such as Germany, the UK and the Netherlands, as well as Caribbean countries, account for the remainder of tourists visiting Guadeloupe.

Current trends and outlook for tourism in Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe's tourism sector is currently booming, driven in particular by :

• The development of tourist infrastructureswith the creation of new accommodation, restaurants and leisure activities
• Improving theaccessibility by airwith the opening of new direct routes to Europe and North America
• The implementation of a sustainable developmentto preserve the environment, enhance cultural heritage and support the local economy.