It's warm all year round in Martinique: the average temperature is around 26.5 °C, and the trade winds, blowing from the east, set the rhythm of the seasons. Choosing when to go is mostly a trade-off between rain, crowds and events.
Two seasons: carême and hivernage
- Carême, the dry season: its heart runs from February to April, with transition periods from November to January and in May-June. In January-February, highs are around 29 °C and lows around 22 °C;
- Hivernage, the rainy season: from July to October, hotter (highs around 31 °C from August to October), with more frequent and heavier showers.
Hurricane season
It runs from 1 June to 30 November, peaking from August to October. If you travel then, follow Météo-France bulletins before and during your stay, and keep your plans flexible.
Sargassum
These brown seaweeds wash up mostly on the Atlantic coast and in the south (Le Diamant, Sainte-Anne…); the Caribbean coast is less exposed, but not spared. Long concentrated between March and September, they increasingly arrive out of season. Before heading to the beach, check Météo-France's stranding forecast: with a car, you simply switch beaches (see beaches you can reach by car).
Highlights of the year
- Carnival — parades from after Epiphany, then four "fat days": parades and queens on Sunday, mock weddings on Monday, red devils on Shrove Tuesday, and black and white on Ash Wednesday, when Vaval is burned. In 2027, the fat days fall from 7 to 10 February;
- The Tour des Yoles Rondes — the race of traditional sailing boats around the island, late July - early August;
- Chanté Nwel — in December, evenings of Christmas carols reworked in Creole, to biguine, mazurka or Creole waltz rhythms.
High season: book early
In high season, from December to April and in July-August, the categories we hold few of go first: book as soon as your dates are set, especially a 7-seater or an automatic. Outside these periods, the choice is wider. See our page on renting a car in high season for the dates of the coming season. To prepare for the road, see also driving in Martinique.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Martinique?
For the driest weather, the heart of the dry season, February to April. It's also high season: book early. May and June, outside high season, are a good compromise.
When is the rainy season in Martinique?
The hivernage, from July to October: showers are more frequent and heavier.
When is hurricane season?
From 1 June to 30 November, peaking from August to October. Follow Météo-France bulletins.
Is there sargassum all year round?
Long concentrated between March and September, it increasingly arrives out of season, mostly on the Atlantic coast and in the south. Check Météo-France's bulletin before heading to the beach.
When is the Martinique carnival?
Parades start after Epiphany; the four fat days come just before Ash Wednesday. In 2027, they fall from 7 to 10 February.