Guadeloupe December holidays

Festivals and events in Guadeloupe in December

December is one of the best times of year to visit the Caribbean, and Guadeloupe is no exception. The weather is at its best, and an abundance of festive spirit can be found throughout the islands.

Traditional Christmas choir concerts in churches and village squares are held during December. Immerse yourself in the festivities and join in with the carol singing at a Kakados, a specially made crib for people to gather around. Hotels and homes will be adorned with traditional Christmas trees and decorations, and trunks of palm trees are wrapped in fairy lights for an added festive feel at the beach.

Advent ends with a joyous Christmas celebration. Religious residents will attend midnight mass and celebrate with a large meal and drinks after. The main Christmas feast is a family affair that includes ham, blood sausage, rice, black-eyed peas and yams. All washed down with the popular rum cocktail, Ti-punch, and Shrubb, a spice-infused homemade liqueur.

Top places to visit in Guadeloupe in December

While December tends to be a busy time in the Caribbean, Guadeloupe is one of the less-crowded islands as there are no mega hotel resorts. For those who'd rather kick back and relax on a quiet beach for a Christmas holiday and New Year's holiday, Guadeloupe is a perfect choice.

Head to the south coast of Grande-Terre for an idyllic beach location for your winter-sun holiday. Families will love the long stretches of palm-fringed beaches near Club Med La Caravelle and Le Relais Du Moulin in Sainte-Anne.

Explore the warm, clear waters of Guadeloupe with your friends and family. You'll find great snorkelling spots just off the coast of Saint-Anne in Grande-Terre, at Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve or take a boat trip to Petite Terre to see spotted eagle rays, green sea turtles and small lemon sharks. Don't forget to bring your own snorkel as generally these cannot be rented on the beaches.

A trip away in December wouldn't be complete without some Christmas shopping! There are several large shopping centres in Grande-Terre – explore Destreland and Milenis. For local souvenirs, visit one of the many colourful markets on the Guadeloupe islands. There are daily markets in Pointe-à-Pitre, Basse-Terre, Le Gosier, Saint Anne and Saint-François.

What’s the weather like in Guadeloupe in December?

In December, Guadeloupe has an average temperature of 26°C and 7 hours of sunshine a day. The chance of rain is moderate, and if it does rain, this is quickly followed by bright sunshine. December is a popular month for visitors wanting to escape the cold winter in Europe and North America and enjoy the perfect conditions for a beach holiday. Hotel and flight prices will be higher in peak season, so be flexible with departure dates if you are looking for the best deal.

What to pack for a holiday in Guadeloupe in December

General packing tips for December:

• Pack light clothing, swimwear and shoes suited to a summer holiday.
• Smart-casual outfits for the evening
• Bring 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.