WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Saint-Barthélemy

Location

Climate

Saint-Barthélemy, also known as St. BarthThe French West Indies is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world looking to enjoy its heavenly beaches, fine cuisine and relaxed atmosphere. To make the most of your trip to this beautiful island in the French West Indies, it's essential to know the best times to go, the major cultural events and the local public holidays.

The different seasons on Saint-Barthélemy

There are two main seasons in Saint-Barthélemy: high season and low season. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preferences and budget.

High season: December to April

High season in Saint-Barthélémy generally runs from December to April. During this period temperatures are pleasant and rainfall less frequentThis makes it an excellent time to sunbathe on the beaches or take part in the many water sports available on the island. What's more, it's also during these months that some of the island's most important cultural events take place, such as the Saint Barthélemy Music Festival in January and the famous Les Voiles de Saint-Barth sailing regatta in April. However, it's important to note that high season is also the busiest time for tourists, which can lead to higher accommodation rates and limited hotel availability.

Low season: May to November

The low season runs from May to November. Although the temperatures remain pleasant all year roundThis period is generally marked by a wetter climate and more frequent showers. However, it also means that there will be fewer tourists on the island, so you can enjoy less crowded beaches and often more affordable accommodation rates. What's more, many interesting cultural events take place during the low season, such as the Saint-Barth Caribbean Film Festival in October.

Major cultural events not to be missed

Saint-Barthélemy is an island rich in culture and tradition, which is reflected in the abundance of events and celebrations that take place throughout the year. Here are just a few of the major cultural events you can attend during your stay:

• Saint Barthélemy Music Festival (January): this annual festival showcases local musicians and artists, as well as international talent, in an intimate and convivial setting.
• Les Voiles de Saint-Barth (April): this prestigious sailing regatta attracts participants from all over the world for a week of intense, spectacular competition on the crystal-clear waters of Saint-Barthélémy.
• France's national holiday (July 14): celebrated with enthusiasm across the island, the national holiday is marked by parades, fireworks and local festivities.
• The Saint-Barth Caribbean Film Festival (October): this cinematic event showcases films and documentaries from the Caribbean islands and the Caribbean diaspora, offering a unique insight into the region's cultural diversity.
• Christmas and New Year Christmas: the festive season is a time to celebrate in style on the island, with festive illuminations, concerts and special evenings at local hotels and restaurants.

Public holidays in Saint-Barthélemy

In addition to major cultural events, it's useful to be aware of local public holidays when planning your trip. Here is a list of public holidays in Saint-Barthélémy:

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Easter Monday (date variable)
• Labor Day (May 1st)
• Abolition of slavery (May 27)
• Ascension (date variable)
• Whit Monday (date variable)
• French national holiday (July 14)
• Assumption (August 15)
• Toussaint (November 1)
• Armistice (November 11)
• Christmas (December 25)

Saint-Barthélemy, a paradise island in the French West Indies, attracts visitors from all over the world every year.

Immigration statistics for Saint-Barthélemy

Because of its institutional stability and its status as a French overseas collectivity, Saint-Barthélemy is not subject to the same immigration constraints as other countries or territories. However, it is interesting to examine certain data to understand immigration trends on this island.

• Saint-Barthélemy's population has grown rapidly in recent decades, from less than 3,000 in 1980 to over 9,000 in 2017.
• Immigrants represent around 35 % of the island's total population, with the majority coming from the American continent (mainly the USA) and the rest of Europe.
• The number of residence permits issued by local authorities has risen steadily in recent years, testifying to the island's growing appeal to new arrivals.

Most popular visas for Saint-Barthélemy

As a French territory, Saint-Barthélemy applies the same visa regulations as mainland France. The most common types of visa requested by foreigners wishing to settle or stay on the island are :

• THE Schengen short-stay visa (type C), allowing third-country nationals to enter and stay in the Schengen area (of which Saint-Barthélemy is a part) for a maximum of 90 days over a 180-day period. This visa is particularly popular with tourists or people visiting relatives living on the island.
• THE long-stay visa (type D), issued to foreigners wishing to settle in Saint-Barthélemy for a period of more than 90 days, generally for the purposes of employment, self-employment or family reunification.
• THE student visaissued to foreign nationals admitted to a higher education establishment on the island and wishing to continue their studies for more than 90 days.

International tourism figures for Saint-Barthélemy

Saint-Barthélemy is a popular destination for many visitors from all over the world, who come to enjoy its idyllic setting and heavenly beaches. Here are some key figures for international tourism on the island:

• In 2019, Saint-Barthélemy welcomed nearly 380,000 visitors, including around 80 % from North America (mainly from UNITED STATES) and 15 % from Europe.
• The number of passengers passing through St. Barthélemy's Gustaf III airport has risen steadily in recent years, reaching a peak of over 150,000 passengers in 2018.
• Visitor numbers at hotels and other tourist accommodation establishments have risen significantly in recent years, with average occupancy rates approaching 70 %.

Seasonality and tourism trends in Saint-Barthélemy

Tourism in Saint-Barthélemy is highly seasonal, with two distinct periods:

• The high season, which generally runs from December to April, is when the island sees its greatest influx of tourists. Temperatures are pleasant, rainfall less frequent and cultural and festive events abound.
• The low season, which lasts from May to November, sees a significant drop in the number of visitors to the island. This period also corresponds to the rainy season and the risk of cyclones.

There have also been some recent trends in tourism on Saint-Barthélemy:

• The development of luxury tourism, with the opening of new high-end hotel complexes and the multiplication of exclusive services for wealthy customers.
• The growth of cruise tourism, with an increasing number of ships calling at Gustavia harbor and contributing to the local economy.
• Promoting ecotourism and sustainable tourism, with the aim of preserving the island's natural and cultural riches while ensuring harmonious economic development.

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