Saint Lucia in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Saint Lucia

29°C (84°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

160 mm (6.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season begins - December marks the start of Saint Lucia's driest period with only 10 rainy days versus 16-18 in October-November, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach time
Perfect trade winds - Northeast trade winds kick in during December, providing natural cooling and excellent sailing conditions. Wind speeds average 18-25 km/h (11-16 mph), dropping the humidity feel significantly
Sea turtle nesting season - Hawksbill and leatherback turtles nest on beaches like Grand Anse and Levera from December through March, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities at dawn and dusk
Optimal diving conditions - December brings 25-30 m (82-98 ft) visibility underwater as seasonal currents clear coastal waters, making it the best month for diving sites like Anse Chastanet and Lesleen M Wreck

Considerations

High season pricing begins - Accommodation rates increase 40-60% from December 15th onwards as peak tourist season starts, with luxury resorts charging EC$800-1,500 ($296-556) per night versus EC$400-800 ($148-296) in shoulder season
Christmas week crowds - December 23-30 sees the heaviest tourist influx with popular beaches like Reduit Beach and Marigot Bay becoming overcrowded, especially 11am-3pm daily
Limited last-minute availability - Popular restaurants, snorkeling tours, and rental cars book solid 2-3 weeks ahead during December peak period, requiring advance planning

Best Activities in December

Pitons Hiking and Nature Tours

December's cooler mornings (24°C/75°F at 6am) and reduced rainfall make it the ideal month for hiking Gros Piton (798m/2,619ft) or exploring the rainforest trails around Petit Piton. The dry conditions mean better footing on volcanic rock trails and clearer views from summit. Trade winds provide natural cooling during the 4-6 hour climbs.

Booking Tip: Book certified guides 14-21 days ahead during December peak season. Expect EC$200-350 ($74-130) for guided Gros Piton hikes. Start by 6am to avoid afternoon heat and potential showers. Look for guides certified by the Saint Lucia Tourist Board.

Catamaran Sailing and Snorkeling Tours

December's northeast trade winds create perfect sailing conditions along the west coast. Seas are calmer with 1-1.5m (3-5ft) swells versus 2-3m (6-10ft) in summer months. Water visibility reaches 25-30m (82-98ft) at sites like Anse Chastanet Reef and the Pinnacles, ideal for spotting green moray eels and hawksbill turtles.

Booking Tip: Full-day catamaran tours cost EC$270-400 ($100-148) including lunch and snorkel gear. Book 10-14 days ahead for December availability. Morning departures (8am) offer calmest seas and best marine life visibility. See current sailing tour options in booking section below.

Sulphur Springs and Botanical Gardens Tours

December's lower humidity (70% vs 85% in summer) makes exploring the drive-in volcano at Sulphur Springs more comfortable. The thermal mud baths average 40°C (104°F) year-round, but December's cooler air temperatures make the contrast more refreshing. Diamond Saint Vincent show peak flowering for many tropical species during the dry season onset.

Booking Tip: Combination tours cost EC$135-200 ($50-74) including transport and entrance fees. Book through licensed operators for insurance coverage. Allow 4-5 hours total including travel time from major hotels. Best visited 9am-2pm before potential afternoon showers.

Rum Distillery and Plantation Tours

December marks harvest season for sugarcane, making it the most authentic time to visit working plantations. At Saint Lucia Distillers and smaller rum shops, you'll see active processing and taste fresh cane juice alongside aged rums. Cooler morning temperatures make walking plantation grounds more comfortable than summer months.

Booking Tip: Distillery tours range EC$55-100 ($20-37) with tastings included. Book directly with distilleries 7-10 days ahead during December. Morning tours (9am-11am) avoid peak heat and crowds. Look for tours that include transportation from major hotel areas.

Whale Watching Excursions

December through March brings humpback whale migration past Saint Lucia's west coast. Sperm whales and pilot whales are resident year-round, but December's calmer seas (1-1.5m swells) provide optimal viewing conditions. Success rates reach 85-90% during December compared to 60-70% in rougher months.

Booking Tip: Whale watching tours cost EC$200-300 ($74-111) for 3-4 hour excursions. Book with operators offering sighting guarantees or return trips. Morning departures (7am-8am) when seas are calmest provide best chances. Peak sighting times are December 15-January 31.

Marigot Bay Kayaking and Mangrove Tours

December's reduced rainfall means mangrove waterways are less turbulent and marine life is more active in the clearer water. Morning kayaking through Marigot Bay's protected waters offers calm conditions perfect for beginners, with frequent sightings of tarpon, snook, and various ray species in the shallow lagoons.

Booking Tip: Half-day kayak tours range EC$150-220 ($56-81) including equipment and guide. Book 5-7 days ahead for December availability. Early morning tours (7am-11am) offer best wildlife viewing and avoid afternoon wind chop. No experience required for mangrove tours.

December Events & Festivals

December 13

Festival of Lights and Renewal

Saint Lucia's National Day celebration on December 13th features lantern processions, traditional folk performances, and local food festivals throughout Castries and major towns. The event celebrates the island's patron saint with community gatherings, live calypso and soca music, and traditional Saint Lucian dishes like green fig and saltfish.

Early December through Christmas

Christmas Village Markets

Throughout December, local craft markets in Castries Central Market and Gablewoods Mall feature extended hours with traditional Christmas foods, locally-made crafts, and live music. Local vendors sell seasonal specialties like sorrel drink, black cake, and handwoven baskets from La Soufrière artisans.

December 31

New Year's Street Festival

December 31st brings outdoor celebrations in Rodney Bay and Castries with live soca and calypso performances, local food vendors, and fireworks over the harbor at midnight. Free public event featuring local bands and DJs, with paid VIP areas at major hotels offering premium viewing.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants - Essential for Pitons hiking and rainforest walks where trails can be muddy from overnight rainfall, even during dry season

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 in December and stronger near the equator. Reapply every 90 minutes during water activities

Lightweight rain poncho - Afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but can be intense (10-15mm/0.4-0.6in per hour). Cheaper than hotel umbrella rentals at EC$25/day

Water shoes with grip soles - Volcanic rock beaches like Anse Chastanet and boat entry points have sharp lava rock. Essential for snorkeling excursions

Moisture-wicking shirts - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable after 30 minutes of activity. Synthetic blends dry faster in high humidity

Insect repellent with 20% DEET - Mosquitoes are most active during December's dawn/dusk hours (6-7am and 5:30-6:30pm). Essential for rainforest activities

Waterproof phone case - Protect devices during boat trips and unexpected showers. Hotel replacements cost EC$40-60 ($15-22)

Comfortable walking sandals - For beach transitions and casual dining. Many restaurants require covered shoes but not closed-toe

Light cotton long sleeves - For evening mosquito protection and air-conditioned restaurants which can be quite cold (18-20°C/64-68°F)

Dry bag for day trips - Protect valuables during boat tours and beach activities. 20-30L capacity sufficient for cameras, phones, and extra clothes

Insider Knowledge

Local timing: Saint Lucians eat dinner late (7-9pm) and many restaurants don't open until 6pm. Make reservations for popular spots like Dasheene or The Cliff at Cap by 4pm daily, especially during December peak weeks

Currency strategy: While USD is accepted everywhere, paying in Eastern Caribbean dollars saves 8-12% due to favorable exchange rates. ATMs in Rodney Bay and Castries offer better rates than hotel exchanges

Transportation hack: Route taxis (shared minibuses) cost EC$2-8 ($0.75-3) between major destinations versus EC$80-150 ($30-56) for private taxis. They run frequently 6am-8pm but avoid during 4-6pm rush hour

Weather patterns: Afternoon showers typically hit the interior mountains first (1-2pm) before reaching coastal areas (3-4pm). Plan outdoor activities for mornings or schedule indoor backups after 2pm

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating December heat - Many visitors pack for 'winter' weather but 29°C (84°F) with 70% humidity feels much hotter than home country winters. Bring summer-weight clothing only

Not booking activities in advance - December is peak season and popular tours like Pitons hiking, catamaran trips, and restaurant reservations fill up 2-3 weeks ahead, especially December 20-January 5

Choosing east coast accommodations - Atlantic coast beaches have rough surf and constant wind in December. West coast locations like Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay, or Soufriere offer calmer waters and better weather protection