Guadeloupe May holidays

Festivals and events in Guadeloupe in May

There are 5 public holidays in May. Labour Day on the 1st, celebrating the contributions of workers. Victory Day, also known as VE Day, marking the end of World War II. Special services will occur at churches, and many visit monuments to remember those who fought and died to protect. Ascension Day commemorates Jesus Christ’s ascension to heaven, observed 39 days after Easter Sunday. Whit Monday, or Pentecost, is the final Easter celebration, taking place 49 days after Easter Sunday. Lastly, Abolition Day is held on the 27th of May in remembrance of the abolition of slavery in 1848. It is common for locals to spend public holidays on the beach or in a park with picnics. It is a time to spend with friends and family, eating a special meal. Some towns may host special events or sports events to mark the occasions.

The biggest event of the year, the Terre de Blues festival, is held over the last week of May and the first week of June. Over 4 days, acts from France, the Caribbean and beyond perform at venues across Marie-Galante. Fans of jazz and blues music won’t want to miss this unique festival.

Top places to visit in Guadeloupe in May

Make the most of the last month before the wet season and explore everything that these wonderful islands have to offer. Spend the day on the beach, hop on a boat to the island of Marie-Galante or hike through the National Park in Basse-Terre, discovering exotic wildlife and swimming in hidden waterfalls.

The sea is warm all year round, making it perfect for watersports every month of the year. Try stand-up paddleboarding, scuba diving, a snorkelling excursion or a trip on a glass-bottomed boat to see schools of fish, colourful reefs and an eagle ray, green sea turtle, barracuda or lemon shark if you are lucky!

What’s the weather like in Guadeloupe in May?

In May, the average temperature is around 27°C, with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. It’s the last month of spring with temperatures heating up and the chance of rain increasing. May is the transition month between the dry season and wet season in Guadeloupe, and you can expect 12-15 days of rainfall. This isn’t as bad as it sounds, as storms are often brief and localised. For the least chance of rain, stay by the beaches of Grande-Terre or on one of the smaller islands.

What to pack for a holiday in Guadeloupe in May

General packing tips for May:

• 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.