Saint Lucia, Central America & Caribbean

St. Lucia in December

The first half is good value. Christmas through New Year is the most expensive stretch of the year.

GoodDrying out, highs near 85F (29C)

The Pitons, St. Lucia — St. LuciaPhoto: Rennboot, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit St. Lucia. The first half is good value. Christmas through New Year is the most expensive stretch of the year.

Weather: Drying out, highs near 85F (29C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What December is like in St. Lucia

December is when the island dries out, with highs near 85F (29C) and sunnier days. The first half of the month is good value, while Christmas through New Year is the most expensive stretch of the year. Resorts fill up fast for the holidays, and restaurants in Rodney Bay and Soufriere get busy. The trails start to dry out as the month goes on.

It suits families on holiday breaks and couples who want sun. Book far ahead for Christmas and New Year. For the best balance of weather and price, come in early December or in May.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about St. Lucia this month.

Early December value

The first half of the month has drying weather and fair prices before the holidays.

Holiday season

Christmas and New Year bring festive events and full resorts.

Dry trails return

As the rains fade, hikes like Gros Piton become easier again.

What to pack for December

Swimwear and sunscreen
A light rain jacket for early month showers
Hiking shoes
A sun hat

Our timing tip

Travel in the first half of December for good weather and lower rates, and book any holiday week stay many months ahead.

Book St. Lucia for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in St. Lucia
Opens a hotel search for St. Lucia in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in St. Lucia
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in St. Lucia
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in St. Lucia for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Gros Islet Friday Night Street Party

Every Friday night, year-round

A weekly party in Gros Islet with food stalls and music. The easiest way to experience local nightlife.

Things to do in St. Lucia

Full guide

Gros Piton hike

A steep, guided climb of a few hours round trip. Start early in the dry season; the trail is slick and hot later in the day.

Tickets and tours →

Tet Paul Nature Trail

A short, easy trail near Soufriere with one of the best views of the Pitons. Great for non-hikers.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens

Gardens and a mineral-tinted waterfall near Soufriere, with historic mineral baths.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Sulphur Springs

The volcanic vents and mud baths near Soufriere. Go early before tour groups arrive.

Tickets and tours →

Pigeon Island National Landmark

Fort ruins and hilltop views at the north end, connected to the mainland near Rodney Bay.

Tickets and tours →

Marigot Bay

A sheltered bay surrounded by hills, known for yachts and sunset drinks. Calm and beautiful year-round.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Visit Sulphur Springs, Diamond Falls, and Tet Paul at opening time, before the cruise and day-trip groups arrive from the north.
Base in Soufriere, near the Pitons, instead of Rodney Bay if you want nature and quiet. The drive between the two takes over an hour on winding roads.
Travel in May and early June for dry-season weather at shoulder prices.
Check the Castries cruise schedule: popular sights and beaches are busier on ship days.

Know before you go

September and October: some smaller hotels and restaurants close for maintenance. The major resorts mostly stay open.
After heavy rain, the west coast road between Castries and Soufriere can be closed by landslides. Allow extra time in the rainy season.
The Gros Piton trail and rainforest trails can be muddy and slippery from June to November; guides may cancel after heavy rain.
Public holidays such as Independence Day, Emancipation Day (August 1), and Carnival Monday and Tuesday close government offices and some shops.