Guadeloupe March holidays

Festivals and events in Guadeloupe in March

Guadeloupe hosts the world’s most celebrated jet ski race in March, named Karujet. Launched in 1998, the event takes place each year over four days in Petit-Bourg, Basse-Terre. A hundred riders from all over the world come to Guadeloupe to compete in the tough offshore race. Finishing the race is a massive accomplishment for the athletes, but only the winner goes home with the World Championship title.

The middle of Lent, known as Mid Lent, is celebrated in Guadeloupe with an afternoon of carnival parades through the streets of Basse-Terre, the capital, and Pointe-à-Pitre. The event isn’t as big as Carnival in February, but the atmosphere is still vivacious. It is traditional to wear red and black. Guadeloupe is the only country in the Caribbean to celebrate Mid Lent with a carnival parade.

Top places to visit in Guadeloupe in March

Set off with your family and friends to this tropical paradise in March. The average sea temperature is 26°C making it perfect for swimming in the ocean and enjoying watersports. Head to Gosier and Plage de La Caravelle of fantastic snorkelling spots on the south coast of Grande-Terre. The best places for surfing in Guadeloupe are on the north shores of Grande-Terre at Le Moule, Port Luis and Anse Bertrand. Watersport enthusiasts must catch the Karujet jet ski competition in Petit-Bourg, Basse-Terre.

March and early April is the last chance to view migrating humpback whales in Guadeloupe. A steep drop in the ocean floor between Guadeloupe and Martinique provides deep enough waters for mating, it is one of the best places in the world to catch a glimpse of the ocean giants. Book a boat trip from the north-western corner of Basse-Terre for the best chance of seeing humpbacks and sperm whales.

What’s the weather like in Guadeloupe in March?

In March, Guadeloupe has an average temperature of 25°C, with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. The chance of rain is higher in Guadeloupe than in other Caribbean islands, but any rainstorms pass quickly and often just happen in the mountain regions. Stick to Grande-Terre and the beaches in Sainte-Anne for the lowest chances of rain. December to April is the best time to visit Guadeloupe since it's the coolest and driest period of the year.

What to pack for a holiday in Guadeloupe in March

General packing tips for March:

• 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.