Photo by Katie Schankula
If you’re considering a December trip to St. Lucia, it’s one of the most exciting times of the year to experience the island. It marks the beginning of the drier travel season, the busy winter escape season, and the local holiday atmosphere.
In Castries, the Festival of Lights always brings a special moment to the calendar.
In Rodney Bay, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) arrives at the Rodney Bay Marina, bringing lots of excitement and visitors.
Accommodation can be more expensive, popular experiences might be sold out, and Christmas and New Year’s travel requires more planning.
Here’s what the final month of the year is really like, so you know exactly how to prepare.
What’s the Weather Like in St. Lucia in December?
Though December marks the start of the dry season, that doesn’t mean it never rains. Saint Lucia is a tropical island and rain can fall at any time of year. But December typically brings less rainfall than the months immediately before it.
The Saint Lucia Meteorological Services publishes long-term average rainfall for two airport locations. In the south, at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), average monthly rainfall during the dry season is generally lower than the wet season. The same pattern is observed for the north of the island.
What to Expect During a December Visit
Warm tropical temperatures.
Generally less rainfall then in November.
Plenty of opportunities for beach days and outdoor activities.
Occasional showers because the rainfall is not completely predictable.
Crowds and Prices in December
The busiest season for tourism starts in December, and as Christmas approaches, demand for accommodation, flights, and popular experiences can increase. The price difference between early December and the Christmas and New Year season cam vary significantly.
If you have flexibility with your time to travel, it could help to compare dates across the month to get the best rates, if that’s priority for you. It’s always recommended to book your accommodation and important activities early.
Always remember:
Popular resorts and special room categories have limitied availability
Holiday travel typically carries higher flight and accommodation prices
Restaurants and tour operators may have special holiday schedules
Transportation is worth arranging before you land, especially if you’re traveling with family or a group
What Makes December Special in St. Lucia?
There are some key events that really give December that special feeling.
The Festival of Lights
One of the most anticipated events nationwide is the Festival of Lights, typically held around Saint Lucia’s National Day (December 13). The celebration honors Saint Luy, the patron saint of light and the island’s namesake.
In Castries, the festivities include handmade lanterns, music, Christmas songs, and the lighting of decorations at the Derek Walcott Square.
For visitors, it’s an opportunity to experience something local beyond the beach and resort itinerary.
A practical tip: If your accommodation is in the south and you plan to attend an event in Castries or Gros Islet, it’s highly recommended to plan your transportation before you go. Event traffic and busy roads can make on-the-spot transportation difficult and stressful.
Christmas in Saint Lucia
Christmas is an important time of year in Saint Lucia, with a mix of religious practices, family gatherings, food, music, and festive decorations. As different communities prepare for the season, homes and businesses decorate and familiar make plans for the day of Christmas.
Food is a very important part of the celebration. The dishes vary from family to family, but you’re sure to find stew pork, ham, black fruit cake (soaked in rum), and locally harvested provisions like dasheen, yam, plantain, and sweet potatoes. For beverages, sorrel and ginger beer are a must. It’s our Christmas-in-a-cup!
Important: If you’re arriving on Christmas Day, remember it’s a public holiday and some businesses may be closed.
The Arrival of The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC)
If you have any interest in sailing, December might be the ideal month for you to visit! This major transatlantic sailing event brings crews from the Canary Islands to Rodney Bay Marina located in Gros Islet in the north of the island.
It starts in November and ends in mid-December in St. Lucia!
The exact arrival dates vary because boats cross the Atlantic under their own sailing conditions, so don’t plan for a particular yacht arriving on a specific day.
So if you’re staying in the north, a visit to Rodney Bay Marina is an easy way to soak in some of that atmosphere.
Things to Do in St. Lucia in December
December is a good month to enjoy St. Lucia outdoors. You can plan a mix of beaches, landmarks, nature, and sightseeing.
Here are a few ideas:
Visit the Pitons and explore Soufrière
The Pitons are among the most recognizable of Saint Lucia’s landmarks, and Soufrière is one of the most rewarding areas to explore.
You can visit the Sulphur Springs, explore Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, enjoy views of the Pitons, or spend time along the west coast.
Depending on your interests, you can make this a full day excursion instead of trying to squeeze in several stops into a few hours.
If your accommodation is in the north, remember that going to Soufrière involves a longer drive along winding roads. For utmost convenience, it could be smart to book a driver/tour guide ahead of time.
Enjoy the beaches
Days along the coastline is a solid option for December in St. Lucia.
A popular choice in Rodney Bay is Reduit Beach. Further south, you will find beautiful bays and beaches near Soufrière. Another possibility would be boat excursions if you’d like to see the coastline from the water.
The best beach for you really depends on where you’re staying and whether you want restaurants, water activities, a quieter setting, or easy access to other attractions.
Experience the Gros Islet Friday Night Street Party
If you’re looking for great local experience, this is it. The streets come alive with music, food, drinks, and people from all over the island, and the world.
→ Read more here: The Gros Islet Friday Night Street Party: Everything You Need to Know
If you plan to go, it’s better to arrange your transportation ahead of time as parking close to the fun is not guaranteed. With a private driver and/or guide, you can focus on having the time of your life. If you plan to drink, we also highly recommend booking a taxi so you don’t have to worry about driving back to your hotel or resort.
→ Pre-book your taxi to and from Gros Islet
Hot Tip: Leave a little room in your itinerary for something you discover after arriving.
Getting Around St. Lucia in December
A trip to Saint Lucia in December is a great idea, but getting around isn’t easy for new visitors. The roads are winding, we drive on the left side of the road, and new conditions could feel longer for newcomers.
If you’re planning your trip to St. Lucia, it’s important to plan your transportation ahead of tiem.
→ Pre-book your driver and tours with King Stone
Besides a private driver, other options include renting a car, local buses, or hotel transportation. Each comes with their pros and cons.
For peace of mind, safety, an experienced team, and tons of fun (and free extras), book with King Stone.
A private driver can be more convenient when you’re just arriving, for longer journeys, or days when you’d rather enjoy your getaway (instead of focusing on unfamiliar roads).
If you’re flying into Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and staying in the north, remember that the drive can take a while.
Is December a Good Time to Visit St. Lucia?
Yes! Though November can offer a quieter experience since it falls before the busiest season, December has a lot of St. Lucian charm to offer. With that, however, travelers considering this end of year trip should anticipate higher prices for hotels, resorts, and flights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Yes. December marks the beginning of Saint Lucia’s drier season and brings Christmas celebrations, cultural events, and the start of the busy winter travel season. It’s important to book accommodation, transportation, and important activities early.
-
Yes. Saint Lucia remains warm throughout the year, so December is generally warm and suitable for outdoor activities.
-
It can. December is generally the beginning of the dry season, so rainfall is typically lower than in November. This being said, occasional tropical showers are possible. Carry a small umbrella with you when you visit!
-
Christmas in Saint Lucia combines family gatherings, religious traditions, festive food, music, and decorations. One of the island’s most distinctive celebrations is the Festival of Lights (typically around December 13).
-
You can explore Soufrière and the Pitons, visit beaches, botanical gardens, enjoy the Gros Islet Friday Night Street Party, experience the Festival of Lights, and take in the island’s Christmas atmosphere.
-
December is the beginning of the island’s main winter tourism season and this period is particularly popular among travelers. It’s highly recommended to book accommodation, transportation, and activities in advance.
-
Choose November if you prefer to travel before the main winter season and don’t mind a bigger chance of rain. Choose December if you want the beginning of the drier season, Christmas celebrations, and a livelier holiday atmosphere. Note that December is also generally busier.