Guadeloupe July holidays

Festivals and events in Guadeloupe in July

June and July are filled with music festivals in Guadeloupe. Following on from the Terre de Blues and Fête De La Musique in June, July sees the Gwoka Festival, International Zouk Festival and All Day In Music Festival.

Gwoka Festival takes place in Sainte-Anne, a coastal town in the south of Grande-Terre. Spectators can experience Guadeloupen culture during the 10 days of outdoor shows, activities and performances.

The International Zouk Festival (FIZ) celebrates the zouk music genre, popular in Guadeloupe and Martinique. Zouk music is a fusion of Caribbean, African and North American s dance, R&B, hip-hop and electronic styles. FIZ runs from mid-July to mid-August and includes performances by artists, dancers and musicians across the archipelago.

The All Day In Music Festival is the highlight of the summer! The electro-Caribbean show is set over two lively days on the beach and features some of the best DJs in the Caribbean. All Day In is held in Plage des Alizés in Moule, on the east coast of Grande-Terre.

As Guadeloupe is an overseas territory of France, it celebrates Bastille Day every 14th July. There are parades and fireworks displays to celebrate the French national holiday.

Top places to visit in Guadeloupe in July

Due to the hotter, more humid temperatures, you may want to take a break from anything too rigorous. Spend your days relaxing on one of the gorgeous beaches on the south coast of Grande-Terre. Explore the markets of Guadeloupe's largest city, Pointe-à-Pitre, markets are held most days, and there is a special market with music and entertainment held on the last Saturday of each month. Whilst in the city, stop off at the Memorial ACTe museum and Cathédrale de St-Pierre et St-Paul.

For the least chance of rain, take a ferry from Pointe à Pitre to Marie Galante. Spend a day exploring the long stretches of deserted white beaches, visiting one of the famous rum distilleries, and enjoying an authentic Creole lunch.

Although July is technically the low season, Guadeloupe sees an influx of holidaymakers during this month due to the school holidays. Airfares and hotel rates are therefore increased over this time.

What’s the weather like in Guadeloupe in July?

In July, Guadeloupe has an average temperature of 28°C, with highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C. There is an average of 17-23 days of rain in the month. If you're travelling to Guadeloupe in July, bear in mind that it is the rainy season. Most days are hot with lots of sunshine, and the rainstorms give some much-needed relief from the heat and humidity.

What to pack for a holiday in Guadeloupe in July

General packing tips for July:

• 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.