Guadeloupe August holidays

Festivals and events in Guadeloupe in August

The summer festivals are in full swing in August. Starting in July, the International Zouk Festival runs through to mid-August. Watch performances across the archipelago honouring the popular zouk music genre.

To celebrate St. Lawrence, the patron saint of cooks, Guadeloupe organises Fête des Cuisinières every year on the Saturday closest to the 10th of August. A colourful parade of women dressed in magnificent Creole dresses, carrying baskets of traditional food, walk through the streets of Pointe-à-Pitre to the cathedral where the bishop blesses them. The festivities come to a climax with a huge banquet and music shows.

The island of La Désirade hosts The Fisherman Festival in August to commemorate fishermen lost at sea. Fisherman sailors dress up in their French Navy sailor’s uniforms and pray together to the Virgin Mary, their Patron Saint. La Désirade has several fishing hubs and is one of the main sources of income on the island, along with tourism.

Cycling enthusiasts will be keen to catch the international Tour de la Guadeloupe, an elite bike race with 9 stages, held over 9 days. The most important stage is the wall of St-Claude, a 7.5km race against the clock from Gourbeyre in Basse Terre.

Top places to visit in Guadeloupe in August

When it is sunny, head for one of the many beautiful beaches in Guadeloupe for a refreshing dip in the ocean, our favourites include the golden bays of Grande-Anse beach, the sugary white sands of Datcha Beach and Plage Malendure's volcanic black-sand beach.

During any rainy period, you can take this opportunity to explore the towns of Guadaloupe. Discover the Musee du Rhum in Sainte-Rose, visit Mémorial ACTe museum in Pointe-à-Pitre, or learn more about Guadeloupe's ecosystem at the Aquarium de la Guadeloupe in Gosier. For something more chilled when it rains, find a restaurant or beach hut and relax on a terrace with good Creole food.

What’s the weather like in Guadeloupe in August?

In August, Guadeloupe has an average temperature of 28°C, with highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C. The chance of rain is high, with an average of 17-22 days of rain in the month. August's humidity may make it too hot for more vigorous activities but lounging by the pool or swimming in the sea may be just what the doctor ordered.

August and September's hurricane season make it a poor choice for a holiday. If you choose to go ahead with a holiday in August, be prepared for frequent showers and watch out for hurricane alerts. Hurricanes are rare, but tropical storms and short bursts of rain are common in August. Wet weather is often quickly followed by bright sunshine.

What to pack for a holiday in Guadeloupe in August

General packing tips for August:

• Pack light clothing, swimwear and shoes suited to a summer holiday.
• Smart-casual outfits for the evening
• Bring a light raincoat or small umbrella for downpours and a jumper or cardigan for the cooler evenings.
• Don’t forget sun cream, sunglasses and a hat for protection from the sun.
• Strong bug spray and after-bite remedy.
• Travel plug adapter.
• Prescription medicines.
• Tote bag for shopping and a plastic bag for muddy shoes.
• Hiking shoes if you plan on visiting the rainforest and volcano in Basse-Terre.
• Waterproof shoes for swimming in waterfalls.
• Extra layers for hiking to higher altitudes
• If you wish to snorkel from the beach, bring your own snorkelling equipment. Wear a rash vest to avoid sunburn.