Weather in St. Lucia: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

St. Lucia is an immensely appealing Caribbean destination for travelers to visit. The island boasts gorgeous mountain views of the iconic Pitons, luxurious three-walled resorts in seaside towns such as Soufriere, and delicious chocolate estates featuring cocoa spa treatments and food tours for the culinary traveler. Another benefit for would-be travelers? The weather in St. Lucia remains relatively consistent all-year-round, with the average temperature ranging from 79 degrees F (26 degrees C) in January to 83 degrees F (29 degrees C) in November. Winter and spring is the best time to visit St. Lucia, as travelers visiting the island in December through April will avoid the wetter seasons of summer and fall. (Though, even in the wet season, the tropical showers and occasional thunderstorms always pass by quite quickly.)

Fast Climate Facts

• Hottest Month: November (83 F / 29 C)
• Coldest Month: January (79 F / 26 C)
• Wettest Month: October (10.5 inches of rainfall)
• Sunniest Month: March (8 hours of sunshine)
• Best Month for Swimming: August (average sea temperature 84 F / 29 C)

The Wet Season in St. Lucia

Though the temperature remains warm, and there’s plenty of sunshine year-round in St. Lucia, visitors should expect tropical rain showers to occur during their visit—though they can occasionally be intense, they rarely last long. So visitors should be prepared with foul-weather gear whenever they plan to visit the island. The wet season officially begins in St. Lucia from July through November, and the dry season occurs in December through June.

The inland areas that are home to rainforests (like Mount Gimie) can expect slightly more rain, while the coasts tend to be drier (particularly in Vieux Fort, which is the driest point on the island along the south coast.) There is a chance for tropical storms or hurricanes to occur from June to November, though the peak season doesn’t begin until August and runs through October. Cautious travelers should consider buying travel insurance in advance of their trip.

Spring in St. Lucia

The ideal time to book a trip to St. Lucia is from March through April when the weather is sunny and dry and after the peak tourist season of the winter holidays in December. (Travelers should note, however, that though there are fewer tourists visiting the island in the springtime than in the winter, the last of the tourist season ends in mid-April after travelers have returned home post-spring break vacation.)The average sea temperature in March and April is 81 F (27 C), rising to 82 F (28 C) in May. There is an average of eight hours of sunshine in March through May. March and April are the least rainy months, with an average precipitation of three inches and 3.5 inches per month, this increases beginning in May, which averages 4.9 inches per month annually.

What to Pack: Pack lightweight clothing and sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against the sun’s rays, as March and April are the driest months of the year. Expect some tropical showers even in the dry season and bring some lightweight rain-gear. Additionally, be sure to pack reef-safe sunscreen and a light sweater for the evenings.

Average Temperatures by Month:

• March: 86 F / 74 F (30 C / 23 C)
• April: 87 F / 74 F (31 C / 23 C)
• May: 88 F / 76 F (31 C / 24 C)

Summer in St. Lucia

The average sea temperature in June and July is 82 F (28 C), rising to 84 degrees F (29 C) in August. There is an average of eight hours of sunshine in June through August. July marks the beginning of the more substantial rainfall that will be seen continuing into November. The average monthly precipitation hovers around 8.5 inches. August is the best month for swimming, with an average sea temperature of 84 F (29 C). However, the ocean is ideal for swimming year-round, with the coldest month of the year for the sea temperature occurring in February, with an average temperature of 80 F (27 C).

What to Pack: Pack an umbrella, a hat, and some light rain-gear in preparation for showers and tropical storms, though the storms do not last very long. Because summer is also the hottest time of the year, be sure to pack lightweight, breathable clothing, to combat the heat and a change of active-wear for travelers looking to hike the Pitons in the Caribbean summertime sunshine.

Average Temperatures by Month:

• June: 88 F / 77 F (31 C / 25 C)
• July: 88 F / 77 F (31 C / 25 C)
• August: 88 F / 77 F (31 C / 25 C)

Fall in St. Lucia

Though hurricane season began in the summertime and runs from June through November in total, the peak of the season is most likely from August to October. Concerned travelers should purchase travel insurance before visiting in the fall, though the last time there was a severe hurricane that hit the island of St. Lucia was in 1980. The autumn months boast the highest chance of rain, and possible thunderstorms, though these are likely to pass quickly. The average sea temperature in September and October is 84 F (29 C), dropping to 82 F (28 C) in November. There is an average of eight hours of sunshine in September and November, but October has the least sun at an average of seven hours per day.

What to Pack: Bring waterproof gear to carry on treks or to bring to the beach. The rain-showers pass by very quickly, however, so you will want sunblock and a hat and sunglasses to throw on afterward. It is one of the hottest periods of the year, so travelers should bring lightweight, breathable clothing to combat humidity.

Average Temperatures by Month:

• September: 89 F / 76 F (32 C / 24 C)
• October: 89 F / 76 F (32 C / 24 C)
• November: 87 F / 76 F (31 C / 24 C)

Winter in St. Lucia

Winter marks the end of the rainy season from the fall. December boasts a bit more rain than January and February, at an average of 6.3 inches. But, even in the dry season, visitors can expect some tropical showers (though they pass by quickly). The average high in the wintertime in St. Lucia is 85 F and 86 F. This is also the busiest time for tourists to visit the island, so travelers should plan and book airlines and hotels as early as possible to avoid increased fees. The average sea temperature in December is 82 F (28 C), sinking to 81 F (27 C) in January and February. There is an average of eight hours of sunshine for all three months in the wintertime.

What to Pack: Dinners can be quite elegant at night, especially in the peak tourist season, so bring something dressier for the evening. As always in St. Lucia, pack rain-gear, and lightweight clothing. Also, be sure to pack sunblock that is coral-reef friendly for active travelers.

Average Temperatures by Month:

• December: 85 F / 74 F (29 C / 24 C)
• January: 86 F / 74 F (30 C / 23 C)
• February: 86 F / 73 F (30 C / 23 C)

Average Monthly Temperature, Rainfall, and Daylight Hours Chart