WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon

Location

Climate

Located in the North Atlantic, the Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon archipelago offers a complete change of scenery with its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture and historic heritage.

Understanding Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon's climate

Before looking at the different times of year, it's essential to understand the climate of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. The archipelago enjoys a cool, humid oceanic climate, with temperatures varying with the seasons:

• Winter (December to February) temperatures fluctuate between -5°C and 5°C, accompanied by strong winds and frequent precipitation. Snow is also a possibility.
• Spring (March to May) May: temperatures gradually rise, generally reaching 10°C in May. Rainfall remains high, but days are getting longer and sunnier.
• Summer (June to August) Summer: this is the most pleasant season to visit Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, with temperatures averaging between 15°C and 20°C. Rainfall is less frequent and days are sunny.
• Autumn (September to November) November: temperatures start to drop, reaching around 10°C in November. Rainfall picks up again and days get shorter.

Major cultural events not to be missed

Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon also offers a lively cultural scene throughout the year. Here are a few not-to-be-missed events to include in your schedule:

National holiday on July 14

The festival celebrates the storming of the Bastille in 1789, marking the beginning of the French Revolution. In Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, festivities generally include a parade, entertainment and fireworks.

Seafood Festival

Held in August, this festival celebrates local seafood and the archipelago's culinary traditions. On the program: tastings, cooking workshops, conferences and entertainment for young and old.

The Route du Rhum

Every four years, this solo transatlantic race brings together sailing enthusiasts from all over the world. As the race's official stopover, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon welcomes participants and offers a variety of activities surrounding the event.

Public holidays to be taken into account

It's also important to be aware of local public holidays, which can affect the opening times of shops and tourist attractions:

• January 1: New Year's Day
• Easter Monday (date varies)
• May 1: Labour Day
• May 8: Victory in 1945
• Ascension (date varies)
• Whit Monday (date varies)
• July 14: National holiday
• August 15: Assumption
• November 1: All Saints' Day
• November 11: Armistice 1918
• December 25: Christmas

Low and high season periods

Although Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon is not a popular tourist destination, there are low and high season periods to consider for your trip:

Low season (November to April)

This is the period when the climate is at its harshest, with low temperatures and high humidity. However, if you're a fan of winter sports and snowy landscapes, this can be an interesting experience. Accommodation rates are also more affordable during this period.

High season (June to September)

With a milder climate and numerous cultural events, summer is the best time to visit Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. Accommodation rates may be slightly higher in high season, but remain affordable compared to other tourist destinations.

Located in the North Atlantic, Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a French archipelago that attracts many visitors and immigrants every year.

Migration trends in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon

The archipelago of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon boasts a stable population despite the global pandemic that has disrupted migratory movements since 2020. However, it is essential to examine the available data to understand immigration and mobility trends in this French territory.

Demographics and immigration

With a population of around 6,000, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon has a low immigration rate compared with other countries or regions. The majority of migrants come from Mainland FranceThey are attracted by cultural and linguistic proximity, as well as by the economic opportunities offered by sectors such as fishing, public services and tourism. It should also be noted that some native Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon residents choose to leave the archipelago to study or work abroad, thus contributing to a certain balance in migratory flows. Free movement of people facilitates migration within the Schengen areaThis makes it easier for residents of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to travel and settle in other European countries.

The most popular visas and permits in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon

Although part of the Schengen area, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon has its own rules governing visas and residence permits for foreign nationals. Here are the main categories of visas issued on the archipelago:

• Short-stay visa (Schengen) : for tourists and visitors wishing to stay less than 90 days in the archipelago. It is also valid for travel to other Schengen countries.
• Long-stay visa : for foreigners wishing to settle in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon for more than 90 days. This visa may be accompanied by a work permit, depending on the reason for the stay (employment, study, family reunion, etc.).
• Resident card : granted to foreigners who have been living in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon for at least five years and meet certain conditions, particularly in terms of resources and integration. It is valid for ten years and is renewable.

To obtain these visas and residence permits, contact the relevant French authorities, such as consulates or prefectures, depending on the applicant's place of residence.

International tourism in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon

Despite its small size and geographical isolation, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon attracts a growing number of touristsmainly from mainland France, Canada and the United States. Here are some key tourism figures for the archipelago:

• On average, the archipelago welcomes around 10,000 visitors a year, with a significant increase during the peak tourist season (June to September).
• The tourism sector contributes close to 10 % of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon's gross domestic product (GDP), and generates numerous direct and indirect jobs in the accommodation, catering, leisure and visitor services sectors.
• Main tourist attractions include unspoilt natural landscapes, marine wildlife watching, cultural and historical heritage discovery, as well as nautical and sporting activities.

Related news