Guadeloupe in December: A Tropical Paradise for Winter Holidays

When December arrives, many of the world's destinations are decked out in their finest Christmas decorations, bustling markets and winter festivities. However, there's one corner of paradise where the palm trees still sway gently and the sun shines brightly: Guadeloupe. The last month of the year is an excellent time to visit the archipelago. It's not for nothing that many tourists from all over the world flock to this destination at this time of year. Take advantage of this time of year to spend the festive season in a festive atmosphere! This French Caribbean island offers a unique experience for travelers looking to escape the winter chill while enjoying the magic of the festive season. Here's why Guadeloupe in December is a dream destination.

December events in Guadeloupe: this month's agenda

Christmas in Guadeloupe

The Christmas season in Guadeloupe is marked throughout December by brightly-lit decorations in towns, Christmas markets and festive events. Families gather for traditional meals, and entertainment is organized in the communes, including Christmas concerts and children's shows.

Pointe-à-Pitre Christmas Market

The Pointe-à-Pitre Christmas Market is the ideal place to discover handicrafts, Christmas decorations and Creole culinary specialties. You can also buy unique Christmas gifts and enjoy the festive atmosphere of this time of year.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve (December 24) is celebrated with festive meals featuring traditional Creole dishes such as caramelized ham with brown sugar, pork stew and spicy black pudding. Side dishes include rice, pigeon peas (a legume closely related to lentils) and Christmas yams. Festivities often include carol singing (called chanté Noël), dancing and family gatherings.

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve, or New Year's Eve (December 31), is marked by lively celebrations, including dancing, concerts and fireworks. Bars, restaurants and hotels organize special events to welcome the New Year with music and festivities.

The Gosier Night Market

This night market is a lively place to buy local produce, crafts and taste Creole specialties every Friday evening in December. The festive atmosphere is particularly pronounced during the Christmas season.

Christmas decoration contests

Various Christmas decoration contests are organized in the communes, with prizes for the best home and shop window decorations. These contests add an extra touch of magic to the festive season.

Climate and weather in Guadeloupe in December

December marks the start of the high tourist season in Guadeloupe. The pleasant, constant temperatures, generally between 24°C and 30°C, make it the perfect destination for escaping the winter chill. You can relax on the white sandy beaches, or hike through the lush rainforest, all under a radiant sun. There's virtually no risk of tropical storms in December, ensuring stable weather conditions to make the most of your vacation.

Temperatures

December weather in Guadeloupe is mild, with some of the most pleasant temperatures of the year. The mercury rises to an average of 30 degrees during the day. At night, temperatures oscillate between 19 degrees and 24 degrees, so your sleep won't be affected by the climate. Water temperature The sea in Guadeloupe is warm all year round, with an average temperature of 27° in December. Take advantage of this to indulge in the pleasures of swimming, diving, snorkeling, surfing or any other nautical activity on the island's numerous spots.

Precipitation

As December is at the start of the dry season, it is one of the months with the lowest rainfall of the year. Average rainfall is 135 mm over 16 days. By way of comparison, in September (at the height of the rainy season), rainfall is 235 mm over 17 days, and in February (at the height of the dry season), rainfall is just 65 mm over 12 days.

What to do in Guadeloupe in December ?

In December, there are countless things to do in Guadeloupe! Cultural visits, hiking, shopping, lounging, water sports and more. The choice is yours.

Beaches, between idleness and water sports

As you'll have gathered, the weather in Guadeloupe in December is ideal for spending the day at the beach! The island boasts a multitude of coves, so wherever you are on the island, you'll find one nearby. Some are particularly famous for their idyllic setting, such as Plage de la Caravelle, Anse du Souffleur and Plage des Raisins Clairs. Check out our top 5 most beautiful beaches in Guadeloupe! As far as water sports are concerned, December lends itself well to them. Treat yourself to sensations and wonderful memories:

• surfing

• kitesurfing

• paddle

• diving

• windsurfing

• fishing

Guadeloupe's landscapes are admirable, and the island's lush nature is bewitching. With December's fine weather, take to the hiking trails to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and immerse yourself in the rainforest. Discover the Carbet Falls, climb the Soufrière, cross Basse-Terre on the Route de la Traversée and stop off at the Maison de la Fôret... There are so many places to discover, you'll have to make a choice! To save time on your travels, don't hesitate to rent a car in Guadeloupe.

Visit museums and houses

There are many museums to discover and visit in Guadeloupe. Some, like the Mémorial Acte (a museum dedicated to slavery in Guadeloupe), are a must-see and bear witness to the island's history. Here's a list of other Guadeloupean museums to visit if you have the time during your visit in December:

• The Schœlcher Museum, in Pointe-à-Pitre

• The Saint-John-Perse museum, in Pointe-à-Pitre

• The Edgar-Clerc museum in Le Moule

• The Ecomuseum of Marie Galante

• The Creole Ecomuseum of Guadeloupe, in Sainte-Rose

• The rum museum, in Sainte-Rose

• The coffee museum, in Vieux-Habitants

• The shell museum, in Pointe-Noire

• The museum of the seed, in Trois-Rivières

• The cane museum, in Port-Louis

• The museum of Guadeloupe, in Basse-Terre

• The museum costumes and traditions of Guadeloupe

• The museum of photography in Gourbeyre

• The Gerty-Archimède museum in Basse-Terre

• The museum L'Herminier in Pointe-à-Pitre

• House of the forest on the road of the Crossing

• House of wood in Pointe-Noire

• House of cocoa in Pointe-Noire

• House of coffee in Vieux-Habitants

• House of bananas in Trois-Rivières

• Coconut house in Saint-François

Christmas in Guadeloupe

Spending part of December in Guadeloupe is an opportunity to rediscover Christmas. For people in mainland France, Christmas is synonymous with snow, fir trees and warm clothes. For a Guadeloupean, Christmas is celebrated under the sun, in light clothing, under coconut palms and in a festive atmosphere! With the Chanté Nwel, traditional carols take on Creole accents and invite dancing and merriment in every town and village on the island. Christmas markets, known as "advent markets", offer a variety of local products, crafts and traditional Creole Christmas dishes such as boudin, jambon de noël and punch coco. The local population is known for its generosity and hospitality, and you'll be welcomed with open arms to celebrate the festive season together in Guadeloupe. Interested in visiting Guadeloupe over Christmas? Read our article, and we'll tell you all about it!

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