Best time to travel to Martinique

Location

Climate

Martinique is an island in the French West Indies offering a wide variety of landscapes and activities.

Tourist seasons in Martinique: high and low season

It's important to know the different tourist seasons in Martinique, so you can plan your stay according to your preferences and budget. There are two main periods: high season and low season.

High season in Martinique (December to April)

High season in Martinique runs from December to April. During this period, temperatures are pleasant and the climate drier, allowing visitors to take full advantage of the beaches and water sports. The months of January and February are particularly popular with tourists, due to Carnival and the many festive events that punctuate the island during this period. However, the high season also has its drawbacks. Accommodation and airfares can be more expensive, and some tourist attractions can be more crowded. It is therefore advisable to book your stay in advance to benefit from the best rates and avoid the crowds.

Low season in Martinique (May to November)

The low season runs from May to November. Temperatures remain pleasant all year round in Martinique, but this period generally corresponds to the rainy season. Rainfall is more frequent and can sometimes disrupt certain activities. Nevertheless, the low season also has its advantages. Accommodation and airfares are generally cheaper, and there are fewer tourists on the island. As a result, visitors can enjoy a more authentic and less crowded stay, while saving money. What's more, many local cultural events take place during this period.

Major cultural events in Martinique

Martinique boasts a rich culture and offers a wide range of events all year round. Here are just a few of the major events not to be missed during your stay:

• Carnival in Martinique Carnival: usually held between January and February, Carnival is one of the island's most important events. For several days, locals and visitors alike gather to watch the parades, parades and concerts that enliven the streets.
• Fort-de-France Cultural Festival In July, the capital of Martinique plays host to this festival celebrating local culture. On the program: dance, music, theater, exhibitions and literary encounters, all in a festive atmosphere.
• Tour des yoles rondes The Yole Ronde: this traditional regatta, part of France's intangible cultural heritage, takes place every August. Crews compete on typical boats called "yoles rondes" in a week-long race around the island.

Public holidays in Martinique

As in mainland France, Martinique celebrates several public holidays throughout the year. Some of them correspond to French national holidays, while others are specific to the island. Here are the main public holidays to take into account during your stay:

• January 1st New Year's Day
• May 22 Abolition of slavery
• July 14th French national holiday
• August 15 Assumption
• November 1st : Toussaint
• November 11 1918 Armistice
• December 25 : Christmas

Immigration statistics for Martinique

As a French overseas collectivity, Martinique regularly welcomes foreign nationals wishing to live, work or study here. Immigration data can be broken down into several categories visasthe residence permitsthe removalsrequests forasylum and naturalizations.

Visas issued in Martinique

To enter Martinique, non-European nationals generally require a visa. In 2019, nearly 8,000 visas were issued by the French consulate in Martinique. These included:

• Short-stay visas for tourism, family or professional reasons (around 65% of visas issued)
• Long-stay visas for students, seasonal workers and family reunions (around 35% of visas issued)

Residence permits in Martinique

Foreign nationals wishing to stay in Martinique for more than three months must apply for a residence permit. In 2019, around 5,000 residence permits were issued in Martinique, including :

• Nearly 50% for professional reasons (employees, self-employed, etc.)
• Approximately 25% for students and trainees
• Approximately 20% for family reunification
• The remainder is attributed to other reasons, such as international protection or medical reasons.

Removals in Martinique

Illegal immigrants can be removed from Martinique. In 2019, almost 900 removals were carried out, an increase of 10% on the previous year.

Asylum applications in Martinique

Martinique is also concerned by asylum applications. Although the number of applicants remains relatively low compared with mainland France, there has been an increase in recent years. In 2019, 210 asylum applications were registered, up 40% on 2018.

Naturalizations in Martinique

Finally, foreigners residing in Martinique can apply to acquire French nationality through naturalization. In 2019, 250 people were naturalized, representing an increase of 15% over the previous year.

International tourism figures for Martinique

In addition to immigration, Martinique is also a popular destination for tourism. Every year, the island attracts thousands of international visitors who come to enjoy its paradisiacal beaches, rich culture and breathtaking scenery.

Number of international tourists in Martinique

In 2019, Martinique welcomed more than 550,000 international touristsThis represents an increase of almost 5% over the previous year. This growth was mainly due to an increase in the number of visitors from Europe (+7%), notably from Mainland Francewhich accounts for around 80% of international tourists to the island. Other major markets are UNITED STATES, THE Canada and neighboring Caribbean countries.

International tourists' preferred mode of accommodation in Martinique

In terms of accommodation, hotels remain the predominant choice for international tourists in Martinique, accounting for around 35% of overnight stays. However, vacation rentals and second homes have been rising sharply for several years, and now account for 25% and 20% of overnight stays respectively. Campsites, self-catering cottages and other collective accommodation complete the island's accommodation offer.

Average length of stay in Martinique

The average length of stay for international tourists in Martinique is 9 dayswith a slight preference for one-week stays. European visitors, particularly French, tend to stay longer than Americans or Caribbean visitors, with an average stay of 10 days.

Tourist activities in Martinique

The most popular activities for international tourists in Martinique are :

• Beach and swimming (nearly 90% of tourists)
• Discovering natural sites, such as the Martinique Regional Nature Park or Mount Pelée (around 70% of tourists)
• Cultural visits, such as museums, distilleries or plantations (more than 60% of tourists)
• Sports and wellness activities, such as hiking, yoga or water sports (nearly 50% of tourists)

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