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| Average Temperature (Celcius) |
27 |
28 |
29 |
31 |
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29 |
| Average Rainfall (Inches) |
5 |
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8 |
Flight Information
Direct flight time from Gatwick to Hewanorra International Airport, St. Lucia is approximately 9 hours 40 minutes.
Time Difference
GMT -4 hours (-5 hours in summer)
Visa Requirements
No visa is currently required for British or Irish passport holders. This should be re-checked on booking for any changes. Six months valid passport is required and you must have a return or onward ticket. All travellers should check full entry requirements prior to travel by visiting the FCO website or by contacting the relevant embassy.
Weather
As with many places in the Caribbean, St. Lucia hosts warm sunny humid weather conditions year-round. But even in the hottest seasons, cool trade winds generally make for a comfortable experience. December and January tend to be coolest months while the summer months are the hottest. There is a rainy season usually from June to November, however travellers are still encouraged to visit at this time as rainfall is usually heavy but sporadic. Just come prepared! The rainy spells don’t last long here.
Language
Primarily English though many speak Creole, a French dialect.
Currency
The Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$) is the local currency although US$ are usually accepted as are credit cards in hotels and many restaurants and shops.
Electricity
220 V, 50 HZ, rectangular three pronged plugs (UK standard).
Vaccination & Health
As health requirements change please consult with your GP or specialist travel clinic well in advance of your holiday for specific information related to your travel and medical history. Additional information can be found by visiting NaTHNaC or MASTA Travel health
Dialling Code
001- 758
Location
Situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, St. Lucia is north of Trinidad and Tobago and is one of the larger Caribbean Islands, part of the Windward Island chain. It is 239 square miles with 98 miles of coastline.
Transportation
Bus: A minivan bus service is available, which travels around the island. The cost is minimal, usually no more than £4 for longer trips. Minivan bus fares start from EC $1.50 from Castries to the north, which is less than 50 pence. When heading south, prices can range from EC$7.00, under £1.60 pounds sterling. Many bus routes around Gros Islet run as late as 10:00 p.m. However, take note that buses heading back to Gros Islet and Castries from the south sometimes make their last trips around mid-afternoon. Travelling by bus is a very easy, affordable and enjoyable experience around St. Lucia – just make sure you get hold of an up to date schedule and plan your journey accordingly.
Car: Touring by car is easy and enjoyable thanks to recent road works. You will need to obtain a visitor’s driving permit at EC $54 or £12.50 in order to drive here unless you have an international driving permit. Rental cars are approximately £30-40 a day depending on the size of vehicle. Weekly rentals can save you money. Cars are driven on the left hand side of the road. Take care to stick to local speed limits, especially in Castries where the city limit is just 30 mph.
Taxi: Taxis can be a great way to see the island without any of the stresses that can come when driving yourself. Taxis have fixed fares for standard trips and are not metered. You can often find a fares list at many common destinations. Try negotiating the fare before embarking. Also agree on the currency the fare will be paid in: United States Dollars (USD) or Eastern Caribbean Dollars (EC). Be clear with the driver before you depart, this will save any hassles later on.
Food and Drink
The food here is exciting with a cultural and flavourful infusion of Western Indian, Creole, and French cooking with an abundance of herbs and spices as well as other influences from Asia, and the Middle East. A delectable selection of freshly caught fish or shellfish, fruits, and local veggies are often included with meals.
A few of the local food specialties include: langouste (local lobster) cooked in a variety of ways, Lambi (conch), green figs and salt fish (unripe bananas and salted fish), fried plantain, callaloo soup (soup made from the leaves of the dasheen plant, sort of like spinach), accra (fried fish cakes made from salted cod mixed with spices), and breadfruit (similar to potatoes but with a sweeter taste, eaten with salad or fried and eaten as crisps).
The island’s drink specialties include Caribbean beer, Golden Apples soft drink (made from sugar and unripe apples), and of course rum.
Festivals & Events
Each month brings the longest running street party in the Caribbean: the Gros Islet Friday Night Street Party featuring DJs, infectious and rhythmic Caribbean music, great BBQ food and drinks, and of course dancing. These events are very popular with locals and visitors alike. It’s an event not to be missed and likely to be on whenever you visit. Dates are announced monthly.
Yearly in mid-October is the Feast of La Marguerite, a floral cultural festival featuring floral displays, a parade, and singing.
In December, the Festival of Lights and Renewal is a great chance to experience beautiful light displays, light sculptures, lantern processions, music and more to celebrate St Lucian culture and the Christmas season.
In the middle of summer, July brings the Saint Lucia Carnival, a grand and exciting celebration featuring St Lucian art displays, cultural music and dance, great food, community and a fantastic parade to top it all off.
Shopping
St. Lucia has some great shopping and if you’re looking to buy local treasures, be sure to check out locally made silk screened fabrics, art, straw weavings, pottery and wood carvings from the many local artists, often sold by street vendors and in markets. Alternatively, St Lucia has some great shopping opportunities, offering deals on brand name clothing and gifts, often offering many products at duty free prices. Here are a few great shopping locations in St. Lucia:
Point Seraphine features the island’s biggest collection of shops in one location.
The Saturday Markets are a great chance to pick up local spices, fresh fish and fresh produce.
Soufriere is home to many locally owned shops, great for clothing and novelty shopping at Maurice Mason Street, or Rodney Bay Marina. Many restaurants can be found in this area too.
Beaches
Anse Chastenet Beach is one of the most awe-inspiring beaches this island has to offer with volcanic sand, palm trees, and bays framed by mountains.
Each of St Lucia’s beaches tends to be unique as nature has carved away at the coastline in different ways depending on the location. Beaches on the North Coast such as Rodney Bay can get quite crowded while Choc Bay is quieter, with tranquil waters and sands sheltered by many palm trees. For a truly quiet, secluded retreat of a beach, try Marigot Bay surrounded by hills on three sides it is ideal for a relaxing day at the beach.
Most of the South Coast’s beaches can be reached solely by boat, but doing so can put you in deal locations featuring black volcanic sands and romantic hideaways, great snorkelling and diving locations, and views of the Pitons.
Nightlife
In addition to the regular Gros Islet street parties is Anse La Raye on the Western shore, home to some great street parties of its own. St Lucia has a thriving and exhilarating nightlife. Great local bars and clubs are open most nights including the Green Parrot and Shamrocks Pub, among many others.
People & Culture
Religion: The predominant religion is Christian, both Protestant and Catholic. There is also a small Rastafarian community.
The people here are a diverse blend of African, French, British and indigenous peoples. The primary cultural influences have come from the French and African roots, which is evident in the language, food and music. The island has a thriving arts and creative community.
Tourist Board
For further information visit the St. Lucia Tourist Board.
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