WHEN TO TRAVEL TO THE NORTHERN MARIANAS
Choosing the right time for your trip to the Northern Marianas can make all the difference. It's important to consider weather elements, seasonal events and peak tourist periods to maximize your travel experience.
Location
Climate
Seasons in the Northern Marianas
Located in the Pacific Ocean, the Northern Mariana Islands enjoy a tropical climate, with two main seasons:- The dry season The summer season: generally from December to June, with sunny weather, pleasant temperatures of around 28ยฐC and low humidity.
- The rainy season The summer season, which takes place between July and November, brings more frequent rainfall and higher humidity. Nevertheless, average temperatures remain around 30ยฐC.
Major cultural events
In the Northern Marianas, many cultural events punctuate the year. Here's a selection of the highlights:- Arts Festival at the CNMI In January or February, this event celebrates the cultural diversity of the islands through art exhibitions, traditional dance and music performances, and workshops for young and old.
- Constitution Day On March 9, the event commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, with official ceremonies, parades and street entertainment.
- Tinian Hot Pepper Festival Held in March or April, this festival celebrates the chili pepper, a key ingredient in local cuisine. Visitors can take part in culinary competitions and discover the different varieties of chillies grown on the island.
- Celebrate Micronesia Festival In May or June, this festival promotes Micronesian traditions with dances, songs, weaving demonstrations and traditional navigation.
- Flametree Arts Festival Also in May, this festival showcases local artists and the cultural traditions of the Northern Mariana Islands, such as the flametree dance, an emblematic tree of the archipelago.
- Liberation Day On June 15, the event commemorates the liberation of the Northern Mariana Islands by American forces during the Second World War. Parades, fireworks and family activities are organized for the occasion.
- Discovery Festival Columbus Day: August 14, this celebration marks the arrival of Christopher Columbus on the island of Saipan in 1521. Festivities include folklore shows, concerts and entertainment for young and old.
Public holidays in the Northern Marianas
In addition to cultural events, there are several public holidays in the Northern Marianas. It's important to take them into account in your planning, as some services and businesses may be closed during these periods.- January 1: New Year's Day
- March/April: Good Friday and Easter Monday
- March 9: Constitution Day
- May 10: Mother's Day
- Last Monday in May: Memorial Day
- June 12: Philippine Independence Day
- June 15: Liberation Day
- July 4: United States Independence Day
- August 8: Commonwealth Day
- 1st Monday in September: Labor Day
- 2nd Monday in October: Columbus Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
- December 25: Christmas
- December 26: Boxing Day (only on the island of Rota)
High and low tourist season
Finally, it is important to take into account the high and low tourist seasons in the Northern Marianas:- High season (December to March) The weather is generally mild, with maximum sunshine and the most pleasant temperatures. It's also the school vacation season, which attracts more visitors and can lead to higher prices, especially for accommodation.
- Low season (July to October) The rainy season: during the rainy season, rainfall is more frequent and cyclones can sometimes hit the archipelago. Nevertheless, this period also offers more affordable prices and fewer crowds. What's more, certain activities, such as scuba diving and hiking, can also be enjoyed during this season.
Insurance
Your credit card does not cover you in all situations, that is whyIt is essential to take out insurance before you leave to avoid any unpleasant surprises. If you need to see a doctor or be hospitalized, in some countries, medical costs are very high and you will then find yourself having to pay several thousand euros.
Our partner Chapka Insurance proposes the contract CAP ASSISTANCE 24/24 with many essential guarantees.
Flights
Your flight has been cancelled or delayed ?
You may be eligible for a compensation of up to โฌ600 ! For this, lawyers are responsible for handling your claim with the airline and are only paid when the reimbursement is effective.
In conclusion, no financial risk for you, only advantages!
Most popular visas in the Northern Marianas
There are different types of visa to enter the Northern Marianas, depending on the purpose and length of stay. The main visas are as follows:- Tourist visa : This is the visa most commonly requested by foreigners wishing to visit the islands for vacation or to visit friends and family. It is generally valid for a short period (up to 90 days).
- Business visa: This type of visa is intended for people traveling to the Northern Marianas for professional reasons, such as business meetings, conferences or training courses.
- Student visa : International students wishing to study in the Northern Marianas must obtain a student visa prior to arrival.
- Work visa: To work in the Northern Marianas, foreigners must obtain a work visa appropriate to their professional situation.
- Immigration visa : People wishing to settle in the Northern Marianas for an extended period or permanently can apply for an immigration visa.
Visa applications and issuance
Statistics show that demand for visas in the Northern Marianas has increased in recent years. In particular, the number of tourist visas has increased considerably due to the growing popularity of the islands as a tourist destination. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the acceptance rate for visa applications varies according to the type of visa and the individual circumstances of the applicant.International tourism figures for the Northern Marianas
Tourism is one of the main economic drivers of the Northern Marianas. Every year, the territory welcomes thousands of international visitors, attracted by its beaches, tropical climate and magnificent natural landscapes. Key data on international tourism in the Northern Marianas are presented below:- Number of tourists : On average, the Northern Marianas receive over 500,000 international visitors every year. This figure tends to increase from year to year, testifying to the destination's growing popularity.
- Tourist nationalities : Most of the tourists who visit the Northern Marianas come from Asia, particularly from Chinaof South Korea and Japan. However, there are also a growing number of visitors from other parts of the world, such as North America and Europe.
- Income generated : Tourism is a major source of revenue for the territory, contributing to both job creation and the funding of public services. International tourist spending in the Northern Marianas is estimated at several hundred million dollars each year.
Impact of tourism on the local economy
The tourism sector plays an essential role in the Northern Marianas economy, stimulating growth and creating employment opportunities for locals. Many local businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, stores and tourism service providers, benefit directly from the influx of foreign visitors. What's more, the government invests a significant proportion of the revenue generated by tourism in infrastructure development and the preservation of the region's natural and cultural sites.Immigration trends in the Northern Marianas
In addition to tourism, immigration to the Northern Marianas is marked by other notable trends and developments. These include :- Increase in asylum applications : In recent years, the Northern Marianas have seen an increase in asylum applications from people fleeing persecution or conflict in their home countries.
- Diversifying immigrant profiles : While immigrants to the Northern Marianas have traditionally come from Asian countries, today we're seeing a diversification in the nationalities and professional profiles of new arrivals.
- Strengthening removal policies : Faced with increasing migratory flows, the authorities in the Northern Marianas have introduced measures to tighten immigration controls and combat illegal residence. In particular, they are stepping up removal procedures for illegal immigrants.
- Increase in naturalizations : The number of people obtaining US citizenship in the Northern Marianas has also risen in recent years, reflecting the successful integration of some immigrants into the territory.