Guadeloupe February holidays

Festivals and events in Guadeloupe in February

February is a fabulous time to visit Guadeloupe. Not only is it the height of the dry season, but the island is bursting with festivities for carnival. Starting in January, carnival season runs through to Ash Wednesday.

Carnival was first introduced on the island back in the 17th century. Once slavery was abolished in 1848, the freed people organised their own celebrations, which grew into the large public celebrations on the streets that we celebrate today.

Guadeloupe's carnival is celebrated with a series of events, including parades, street parties, dance contests, live music, and the crowing of the Carnival Queen. The three main events are held between Shrove Sunday and Ash Wednesday - Dimanche Gras (Fat Sunday), Lundi Gras (Fat Monday) and Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). The biggest day of partying is Fat Tuesday, also known as Shrove Tuesday. A huge parade is held in the capital of Basse-Terre, on the southwestern coast of Basse-Terre island. The last day of Carnival, Ash Wednesday is marked by the burning of King Vaval, the symbolic figure of the carnival.

Top places to visit in Guadeloupe in February

February is a popular month for sun-seekers escaping the cold winter in Europe and North America to enjoy the perfect beach holiday conditions. Avoid the French and English half-term weeks for better deals and quieter beaches. Stay in a hotel on the south coast of Grand-Terre for the best beaches and perfectly clear waters for snorkelling.

To make the most of the joyous Carnival experience, visit Basse-Terre city and Pointe-a-Pitre for the main events between Shrove Sunday and Ash Wednesday. If you prefer a quieter setting, take a boat to one of the smaller islands and discover unspoilt beaches, sleepy fisherman villages and hiking spots where you will feel like the only person in the world.

Guadeloupe is one of the best places in the Caribbean for whale watching. Humpback whales can be spotted between December and April, with many other species seen throughout the year, including pilot whales, pygmy sperm whales, orca and dolphins. Book a boat trip from the north-western corner of Basse-Terre for the best chance of seeing these gentle giants.

What’s the weather like in Guadeloupe in February?

February is the height of the dry season and temperatures range from 29°C in the day to lows of 20°C at night. There is 7 hours of sunshine on average in Guadeloupe in February. Most months of the year receive occasional rainfall, even during the dry season. Storms come and go quickly in this tropical climate and will be less frequent and shorter from December to Apil.

What to pack for a holiday in Guadeloupe in February

General packing tips for February:

• 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.