Guadeloupe in May

Enjoy a Matoutou de crabe (or Matété à crabe) in Guadeloupe at Pentecost! © Credits source : www.topafro.com

Travelling to Guadeloupe in May is a good idea, as May is the low tourist season.  Travelers can enjoy a more peaceful and intimate atmosphere, with fewer crowds at tourist sites and accommodations. Flight and accommodation rates are also more affordable, which means savings on the travel budget. Finally, May is also the month of festivals and cultural events in Guadeloupe.

All in all, a trip to Guadeloupe in May promises an unforgettable escapade, with every day filled with discoveries and pleasures under the Caribbean sun.

What's on in Guadeloupe in May?

Mid-May: Terre de Blues Festival

The event

Created in 2000 in Marie Galante, the Terre de Blues Festival is one of Guadeloupe's most emblematic musical events. Each year, the event brings together internationally renowned artists as well as local talent.

Why go there?

Every year, the Festival des Terres Blues attracts internationally renowned artists as well as local talent, offering a variety of musical genres from blues and jazz to reggae and world music. The performances are diverse and captivating, guaranteeing an unforgettable musical experience.

Discover the Terre de Blues festival in Marie-Galante, Guadeloupe! © Credits source : www.riffx.fr

What to do on site and in the surrounding area 

Take advantage of your visit to this part of Guadeloupe to discover Marie-Galante, nicknamed “the island of a hundred mills”. The island's rum distilleries are a star attraction, where enthusiasts can delve into the history and process of making agricultural rum, while sampling some of the island's finest varieties. Next, Marie-Galante's white-sand beaches invite relaxation and water sports, with turquoise waters and sandy stretches like Grand-Bourg, Capesterre and Feuillère.

May bank holidays and vacations in Guadeloupe

Labour Day: May 1, 2024

Victory in 1945: May 8, 2024

Ascension Day: May 9, 2024

Whit Sunday: May 19, 2024

Whit Monday: May 20, 2024

Mother's Day: May 26, 2024

Abolition of slavery: May 27, 2024

Is the weather nice in Guadeloupe in May?

Yes, May is generally a very pleasant time to visit Guadeloupe in terms of weather conditions.

🌤️​​La météo de Guadeloupe en mai

May marks the end of the dry season in Guadeloupe, so rainfall is generally less frequent and less abundant than in previous months.

🌧️Does it rain in May in Guadeloupe?

Overall, May is considered a month of less frequent rainfall in Guadeloupe. However, it's always advisable to check the local weather forecast before your trip, and to be prepared for any eventuality by bringing a raincoat or umbrella.

🌡️ Average May temperatures in Guadeloupe

You can expect warm, sunny temperatures, with daytime averages around 28 to 32°C in coastal areas. Nights are generally mild and comfortable, with temperatures around 22 to 25°C.

🌊 May seawater temperatures in Guadeloupe

Seawater temperature averages 26-28°C.

Top 7 must-sees during your stay in Guadeloupe.

In Guadeloupe, the possibilities for exploration and discovery are endless all year round! Apart from the events organized in May, the island abounds in natural, cultural and historical sites to visit. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, there's something for everyone. Based on our in-depth knowledge of Guadeloupe, we've compiled a list of our seven favorite and most popular destinations. These are must-sees during your stay.

The Carbet Falls:

Located in the Guadeloupe National Park, these waterfalls are an impressive sight, with their tumultuous waters tumbling into the vegetation.

The Saintes Islands:

This small archipelago off the coast of Guadeloupe is a real gem. With its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and picturesque charm, the islands of Les Saintes are a paradise for travellers in search of tranquillity.

Visit the Saintes archipelago in Guadeloupe: Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas © Credits source : Canva

The Cousteau Reserve:

Renowned for its exceptional seabed, this marine reserve offers divers and snorkelers the opportunity to discover exceptional marine biodiversity, with coral, tropical fish and sometimes even turtles.

Pointe-à-Pitre markets:

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Guadeloupean capital's markets, where you'll discover an explosion of colors, flavors and fragrances. The stalls are overflowing with tropical fruits, exotic spices and local crafts.

The Rum Plantations:

Discover the history and tradition of Guadeloupean rum by visiting one of the island's many distilleries. Learn more about the rum-making process and taste some of the island's finest varieties.

The Crayfish Waterfall:

Nestled in the heart of the Basse-Terre rainforest, this waterfall provides a refreshing backdrop for swimming and relaxing after a hike in the area.

Refresh at the Crayfish Waterfall in Guadeloupe © Credits source : Canva

The Napoleon Fort:

Built in the 19th century on the island of Terre-de-Haut in The Saintes, this fort offers a breathtaking view of the archipelago and today houses a museum dedicated to local history.

Fruits and vegetables in season in May in Guadeloupe

In May, indulge in local delights by savoring Guadeloupe's seasonal fruits and vegetables, offering incomparable flavor thanks to their ripening on site. Here's a partial list of what's in season in May in this Caribbean region.

🥭 Fruits in season in May in Guadeloupe

In May, the mango is the emblematic fruit of the season in Guadeloupe. You'll also have the opportunity to discover the pomme d'eau or jambose.

Tasty, juicy water apples or jambose in Guadeloupe © Credits source : Canva

• Mangoes: Succulent and juicy, mangoes are one of Martinique's signature fruits in May. Their sweet, fragrant flesh is irresistible. You'll discover many varieties of local mango, typical of Martinique and not exported: the Julie mango, the “green mango”, the Bassignac mango, the Golden mango…

• Pomegranates: The pomegranate, with its juicy, tart arils enclosed in a deep red skin, is often considered a symbol of fertility and prosperity in many cultures. It's rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making it a healthy and delicious fruit choice. 

• Water Apples: Water Apples are very popular in Martinique. This is not a variety of apple, but the fruit of the red jambosier, a tree native to Asia. Its flesh is crisp, refreshing and juicy. 

• Passion Fruit: Distinguished by its crumpled skin enclosing a juicy, tangy orange pulp studded with small, crunchy seeds. This tropical fruit is prized for its intense, exotic flavor, which can be eaten fresh with a spoon or used to flavor desserts, cocktails or sauces to accompany fish or seafood. 

🌶️ Les légumes de mai en Guadeloupe

Here's a selection of the vegetables you'll find on Guadeloupe's market stalls in May.

• Eggplants: These versatile vegetables are abundant in May in Martinique. Used in many Creole recipes, eggplants add a rich, flavorful texture to cooked dishes.

• Chillies: Chili peppers are an essential ingredient in Martinican cuisine, adding heat and flavor to local dishes. In May, you'll find a variety of fresh peppers, from mild to spicy, to satisfy every palate.

• Cabbages: Cabbages, such as kale and collards, are available in abundance in May in Martinique. Rich in nutrients and fiber, these vegetables are perfect for livening up soups, salads or simmered dishes.

• Tomatoes: Tomatoes are versatile and delicious vegetables that are grown all year round in Martinique, but are particularly tasty in May. Used in many local dishes, fresh tomatoes add a touch of freshness and color to meals.

• Green beans: These crisp, tender vegetables are also in season in May in Martinique. Rich in vitamins and minerals, green beans are the perfect accompaniment to meat or fish dishes.

• Zucchinis: Zucchinis are versatile and nutritious vegetables available in May in Martinique. Their mild flavor and tender texture make them ideal for stir-fries, gratins or soups.

Guadeloupe: what to pack in May ?

When traveling to Guadeloupe in May, don't forget to pack the following essentials in your luggage:

• Sunglasses to protect you from intense UV rays.

• Seabed-friendly sunscreen to protect your skin and the marine ecosystem.

• A hat to protect you from the sun.

• Hiking shoes to explore the island's trails.

• Mosquito repellent to protect you from insects.

What to wear in May in Guadeloupe 

In June in Guadeloupe, we recommend light, comfortable outfits such as T-shirts, shorts, skirts and dresses. It's also a good idea to add a light jacket or sweater to your wardrobe for those evenings when the chill may be felt.

Need a vehicle to explore Guadeloupe in May?

You can count on us! Wide choice, new and clean vehicles, professionalism: we're ready to welcome you. 

🚗♻️ Remember to drive responsibly and give priority to carpooling.

Martinique in June is also an experience not to be missed!