Guadeloupe: Useful Travel Information
Places to stay
Les Bananes Vertes offers guest accommodation in Saint-Claude, in southern Basse-Terre, with accommodation for walkers on the slopes of La Soufrière, at the gateway to Guadeloupe National Park.
L’Andréalys holiday cottages are in the hills above Pointe-Noire, on Basse-Terre’s leeward coast.
Weather in Guadeloupe
- Windguru: wind and swell forecasts.
- Météo-France Guadeloupe.
- SXM Cyclone: tropical weather.
- Local forecasts for Guadeloupe.
Practical information
Geography
Guadeloupe lies in the Caribbean island arc, between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Its two main islands, Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, are separated by a navigable channel, the Rivière Salée. Les Saintes, Marie-Galante and La Désirade can be reached by regular boat services.
Climate
Guadeloupe has a tropical maritime climate, with average air and sea temperatures around 27°C. Regular trade winds cool the air for much of the year. The drier season runs broadly from December to June, and the wetter season from July to November. Tropical cyclone activity is generally greatest from August to October.
Travel documents and health
Guadeloupe is a French overseas department. Entry requirements depend on nationality and travel arrangements. Before travelling, check the current official requirements for your documents, any visa and health precautions. Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
Flights
The flight from Paris takes around eight hours. Airlines, fares and schedules vary: check current services and book ahead where possible.
Time difference
Guadeloupe uses UTC−4 throughout the year. Mainland France is 6 hours ahead in summer and 5 hours ahead in winter.
Languages
French and Creole.