St Lucia June holidays

Festivals and events in St Lucia in June

Vibrant costumes, calypso music blaring from speakers, awe-inspiring parades, the smell of food sizzling away and a rum punch in hand. That, and so much more, is St Lucia Carnival; now one of the most recognised and lauded carnivals in the Caribbean. At the beginning of June, the city of Castries will buzz with a tangible sense of apprehension as locals prepare for a two-day parade held on the 20th and 21st of June. The parade is the highlight of Carnival and the ultimate celebration of St Lucia’s Caribbean identity, history and culture. While there are other Carnival events, street parties and jump-ups taking place, the parade is the highlight of Carnival. The atmosphere is safe, friendly and welcoming, with throngs of people vibrantly dressed in flowers and beads, dancing along to the beat in a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

As the island winds down following the culmination of Carnival, enjoy the much more relaxed Fishermen’s Festival. This low-key event celebrates the work done by St Lucia’s many fishermen to bring the fresh ingredients that comprise so many of St Lucia’s iconic meals.

Top places to visit in St Lucia in June

Castries will be a thrumming hub of energy and excitement in June, and it's worth staying nearby if you can. Many of the northern resorts and hotels situated in Gros Islet are little more than a 15-minute taxi journey away from Castries, so you can combine more relaxed days at the beach with the intensely vibrant celebrations of Carnival. For adult-only couples, we recommend staying at Coco Palm, an elegant and luxurious hotel resort which intertwines French and Caribbean influences into its décor. The resort has a fantastic on-site spa, pool and restaurant, ideal for when relaxation is the order of the day, but it is also well located for outward adventures. With the Carnival, Grand Anse and Pigeon Island National Park no further than 30 minutes away, your St Lucia June holiday could be utterly unique.

However, as fun, as it undoubtedly is, Carnival can draw in the crowds. If you want to get away from the bustle, organise a trip to Cas en Bas Beach, a secluded, beautiful corner of the island which is great for water sports and snorkelling. Further south also boasts some fabulous beaches which will be devoid of crowds while most people will be taking part in Carnival festivities. Jalousie's pristine Forbidden Beach is a must-visit; nestled right next to the majestic Piton mountains, it can sometimes feel that you have stumbled across something plucked right from Robinson Crusoe. There is also fantastic snorkelling on offer, as well as a couple of brilliant restaurants on the beach to grab a rum punch or a bite to eat.

What’s the weather like in St Lucia in June?

In June St Lucia has an average temperature of 27°C, with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. There can be brief showers, but the likeliest weather forecast is eight hours of glorious sunshine every day.

What to pack for a holiday in St Lucia in June

• Pack light clothing, swimwear and shoes suited to a summer holiday.
• Comfy, rubbed-soled shoes for excursions and light hikes or hiking boots for longer treks.
• Sun cream is an integral part of a Caribbean packing list.
• Ensure that your sun cream is listed as reef-friendly – many commercially sold sun creams contain chemicals like oxybenzone which have been linked to coral bleaching.
• Sunglasses and a hat.
• A jumper or cardigan for the cooler evenings.
• Bring a light raincoat or small umbrella for downpours
• A smart outfit for the evening.
• Mosquito repellent.
• Travel plug adapter.
• Prescription medicines.
• Tote bag for shopping and to use as a beach bag.
• Snorkelling gear if you wish to snorkel from the beach.
• Camouflage is illegal in St Lucia, so don’t pack your khaki cargo shorts.