St Lucia Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

St Lucia holidays: home to dreamy beaches, green mountainscapes and local food that's downright delish.

Holidays to St Lucia 2026

☀️ Year-round sunshine with average temps around 29°C – December to April is peak dry season with barely a cloud in sight
💵 Local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, but US dollars are widely accepted. A local Piton beer runs about $2-3 USD, meals from $10-40 depending on whether you're at a beach shack or a swanky resort
🥃 St Lucia produces over 20 varieties of locally-made rum – Chairman's Reserve is the island's pride and joy, distilled right here since 1931
🐠 Chilled island vibes (it's giving Moana) and a hotspot for snorkelling, diving and hiking

What are the best beaches in St Lucia?

Beaches and holidays to St Lucia go together like breakfast and beer at the airport before you fly. The ultimate holiday combo. In fact, if you type St Lucia in on Instagram, 99% of the pics will be of those perfect, sandy, tropical-looking beaches. If you fancy some of that sandy goodness for yourself, check out these hotspots:

Sugar Beach - just as sweet as it sounds, this gem is snuggled between the iconic Pitons with powdery-white sands, epic views, and an 1,800ft drop at the base of the mountains that divers and snorkellers rave about, apparently...
Grand Anse - you could say this beach is turtley awesome, because it's the best place to spot endangered leatherback turtles (specifically from March to August)! It's a bit wild and off-the-beaten-path, but there's tons of space to chuck down a towel
Reduit Beach - a family fave thanks to the inflatable park with slides, swings and monkey bars (can we join?!), plus miles of sand to sprawl out on, and tons of shops and restaurants nearby for when the hanger kicks in
Anse Chastanet - known for its volcanic black sands and vibrant coral reefs, this place is a paradise for snorkelling and diving, with lush hills in the background for the perfect backdrop
Pigeon Island - not to brag, but this place is literally located in its own national park, combining historic ruins with beachy fun. Who said learning can't be a total blast?!
Marigot Bay Beach - this beach scores a big fat 10 for aesthetics, with towering palm trees and a cute stretch of sand where you can kick back and watch colourful boats bobbing in the water
La Toc Beach - if you like to escape the hustle and bustle, then this sandy stretch is for you - it's got calm waters for the perfect swim, and plenty of trees so you can cool off in the shade

🏨 Top Hotels in St Lucia

Hotels in St Lucia are just as dreamy as the beaches. Think everything from big, tropical resorts for the perfect all-inclusive holiday, to cool beachfront digs for those laidback island vibes.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families

The Landings St Lucia – a proper luxury pick for the whole fam, with villa-style suites (some with plunge pools), multiple restaurants, 4 pools and a kids' programme to keep the little ones busy
Bay Gardens Beach Resort – right on Reduit Beach with access to Splash Island Water Park, a kids' club, and watersports galore. Four stars of family-friendly fun
Royalton Saint Lucia Resort & Spa – five-star all-inclusive with seven restaurants, a waterpark, kids' club and enough activities to wear out even the most energetic youngsters
Coconut Bay Resort & Spa – split into family-friendly Splash wing and adults-only Harmony wing, so everyone gets what they need. Six pools, a waterpark and even a paintball zone

💕 For Couples

Sandals Grande St Lucia – the full Sandals experience on a stunning peninsula, with over-the-water bungalows, five pools, unlimited scuba diving and butler service for that extra touch of romance
Hideaway at Royalton Saint Lucia – the adults-only wing of the Royalton, with Diamond Club perks, nine restaurants and those famous St Lucian views
Bel Jou Hotel – adults-only with an epic rooftop bar, tropical-themed rooms and an on-site spa for all your pamper needs
Secrets St Lucia Resort & Spa – beachfront luxury with swim-out rooms, eight restaurants and a Preferred Club option if you want to really spoil yourselves

✨ Luxury

Sugar Beach A Viceroy Resort – proper bucket-list stuff, nestled between the Pitons with private plunge pools, butler service and three exceptional restaurants
Zoetry Marigot Bay – five stars of pure bliss overlooking gorgeous Marigot Bay, with a private ferry to the beach, 'MediterrAsian' fusion cuisine and a rum bar (rude not to)

💰 Great Value

Bay Gardens Hotel – boutique-style stay in the heart of Rodney Bay with three pools, shuttle access to the beach resort and proper Caribbean charm without the big resort price tag
Coco Palm – relaxing resort just a short walk from the beach, with two restaurants serving Creole cuisine and an outdoor pool to cool off in

🗺️ Travel guide for your St Lucia holidays 2026

Top things to do for Families

🏖️ Hit Reduit Beach – the island's most family-friendly stretch of sand with an inflatable water park, calm waters and plenty of places to grab lunch when the hanger strikes
🌴 Take the Rainforest Aerial Tram – glide through the rainforest canopy in an open gondola, spotting exotic birds and maybe even a cheeky parrot or two. There's a zipline for the braver ones
🌺 Visit Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens – wander through 6 acres of tropical plants and colourful flowers, with a stunning waterfall at the end of the trail. Kids love the natural mineral baths
🏰 Explore Pigeon Island National Park – climb the old fort ruins, splash about on two gorgeous beaches and learn a bit of history along the way. Pack a picnic

Top things to do for Couples

⛰️ Hike Gros Piton – lace up those hiking boots and tackle one of the iconic Pitons for jaw-dropping views. It's a proper workout but the Insta pics are worth every bead of sweat
⛵ Sunset sail from Marigot Bay – champagne in hand, watching the sun dip behind the mountains while bobbing about in one of the Caribbean's most beautiful bays. Peak romance
♨️ Mud bath at Sulphur Springs – the world's only drive-in volcano lets you slather yourself in volcanic mud. Weird? Yes. Weirdly romantic? Also yes
🍷 Candlelit dinner at Dasheene – perched between the Pitons with views that'll make you forget what you ordered. Book ahead

Top things to do for Adventure Seekers

🤿 Scuba diving at Anse Chastanet – vibrant coral reefs, underwater pinnacles and marine life galore. Beginners can try a discover dive, experienced divers can explore deeper sites
🌿 Zipline through the rainforest – soar above the canopy at speeds of up to 40mph. Several operators offer multi-line courses with varying levels of terrifying
🚣 Kayak to Sugar Beach – paddle along the coast and arrive at one of the Caribbean's most stunning beaches, framed by the Pitons
🏎️ ATV tours through the jungle – muddy, bumpy and brilliant fun. Most tours include stops at viewpoints and a beach to rinse off

Top things to do for Culture Lovers

📚 Stroll through Derek Walcott Square in Castries – named after St Lucia's Nobel Prize-winning poet, with busts of both Walcott and fellow Nobel laureate Sir Arthur Lewis. Grab a coffee and soak up the literary vibes
🏛️ Visit Walcott House – the childhood home of Derek Walcott, now a museum run by the National Trust. A must for literature fans (open weekdays)
🏰 Explore Fort Rodney at Pigeon Island – climb to the 18th-century British fortifications where Admiral Rodney spied on the French in Martinique. The interpretation centre has fascinating displays on St Lucia's colonial history
⛪ Admire the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception – known simply as 'The Cathedral', this stunning church has intricately painted walls and ceilings that blend Caribbean and European styles

More Caribbean holidays:

Popular St Lucia hotels

More St Lucia hotels

Weather in St Lucia

JAN

26^°C

FEB

26^°C

MAR

27^°C

APR

27^°C

MAY

28^°C

JUN

28^°C

JUL

28^°C

AUG

28^°C

SEP

28^°C

OCT

28^°C

NOV

29^°C

DEC

27^°C

From December to April, St. Lucia is all about that perfect jolly weather. We're seeing stellar temperatures between 25°C and 30°C. So, for everyone daydreaming of sipping rum punch by the beach or diving into crystal-clear waters at Marigot Bay, this is your moment to shine.

But then, enter June to November. St. Lucia dons its rainy attire. Now, don’t let the term ‘rainy season’ get you down – we're talking short tropical showers followed by gorgeous rainbows. Temps still hover around 26°C to 31°C. It's nature's own spa day: lush, green, and oh-so-refreshing.

In-betweeners fear not! May and December serve up some lovely middle ground. Still balmy, slightly rainy but with plenty of sun breaks to make those beach days count.

Whether you're up for sunbathing, rainforest trekking, or simply chilling with a cocktail, St. Lucia won't disappoint.

FAQs

The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$), but US dollars are widely accepted across the island. Credit cards work at most hotels and restaurants. It's worth having some cash for smaller vendors, beach bars and tips.

The official language of St Lucia is English, but - fun fact alert! - the French-based Creole known as Patwa is also widely-spoken across the island. Save that for your next pub quiz.

It takes around 9 hours to fly to St Lucia from the UK/Ireland, but trust us when we say it'll be worth every single minute for the views that wait on the other side. One word: dreamy.

The local time in St Lucia is 4 hours behind the UK/Ireland in summer, and 5 hours behind in winter. You might be a smidge jet-lagged when you get back, but it's nothing a trusty nap can't fix.

All visitors arriving by air need to complete an electronic entry form before arrival. You can fill it in up to 3 days before you travel at travelslu.govt.lc. You'll get a QR code by email to show at immigration when you land.

Hewanorra International Airport is in the south of the island, so transfer times depend on where you're staying. Expect around 20-30 minutes to Soufrière, about an hour to Marigot Bay and around 90 minutes to Rodney Bay in the north. You can add transfers to your booking when you book your St Lucia holiday with us – it's the easiest way to get sorted.

December to April is peak season with dry, sunny days and temperatures around 27-30°C. May to November is wetter but still warm, with occasional tropical showers (usually short and sweet). Hurricane season officially runs June to November, but serious storms are rare. You'll find better deals and fewer crowds in the shoulder months of May and early December.

It can be, especially at resort restaurants and tourist hotspots. But there are ways to save – local beach bars and fish fries offer delicious food for a fraction of fancy restaurant prices. A local Piton beer costs around $2-3 USD, a rum punch maybe $5-6, and a meal at a local spot can be as little as $10-15. If you're going all-inclusive, you won't need to worry about meal costs at all.

Yes – since December 2020, there's a nightly tourist tax. It's $3 USD per person for hotels priced up to $120 USD, and $6 USD per person for hotels over $120 USD. Kids aged 12-17 pay half, and under-12s go free.

Take the aerial tram

Yep, it's exactly what it sounds like. Forests cover more than 75% of St Lucia, and what's the best way to take it all in? By aerial tram, obviously! You'll be seated comfortably in an open vehicle that cruises slowly and safely through the leafy canopies for the best possible views. Don't forget to hold onto your phone extra tightly when taking pics! There's also a zipline opportunity at the same place, if that tickles your pickle.

Check out the 'drive-in' volcano

We guess you could kind of say it's like a drive-in cinema, only...it's a volcano rather than a cinema. Some people say this trip isn't anything groundbreaking (no pun intended), but if visiting a volcano is on your bucketlist, then this is certainly the way to do it. You can literally drive into the crater of this bad boy, and then wander between the bubbling sulfur springs and hissing steam pools. We'll let you decide if it's worth it!

Get your scuba dive on

With waters as clear as this and so many tropical fish to make friends with, it'd be rude not to - right? There are a bunch of diving schools and trips available, but whichever you choose, it's the perfect opportunity to admire the vibrant coral reefs, ancient shipwrecks and underwater scenes that look like something from a Pixar movie.

Channel your inner Willy Wonka

Fancy making your own chocolate? Yes, you will get to eat it afterwards. We thought that'd sway you. St Lucia is actually home to the Fond Doux Estate - a 135-acre plot of land with tropical gardens and sustainably-farmed cocoa fields. Book on a trip to make your own chocolate, or simply stop by for a visit and bag some goodies from the on-site chocolate shop.

Explore Pigeon Island

Nope, it's not an island full of pigeons. But it is a beaut national park where you can learn all about the island's heritage and biodiversity. In other words? Epic views and beaches for days. Sold yet? A little top tip. if you stop by in May then you'll be able to catch the St Lucia Jazz Festival, which is basically just a week of free concerts. Erm - sign us up?!

Admire the detail at Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

The name might be a mouthful, but this place is much easier on the eyes - trust us. It's a gorgeous cathedral located in Derek Walcott Square, known for its intricately-painted walls and ceilings that combine a mix of styles. In fact, it's so iconic to the area, that it's largely known as simply 'The Cathedral'. No further distinction needed. It's giving Beyoncé vibes.

What events can I go to in St Lucia?
For St Lucia, so long as it brings people together events can take any shape or form throughout the year. With food, music and vibrant colours, here’s a list of dates to keep handy for your next holiday.
- St Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival (April - May) - local and international jazz artists take over the island with all-star performances across a variety of venues
- St Lucia Carnival (July) - think a fun-filled street parade that spans over 2 days, with live bands, DJ sets and flamboyant costumes in a celebration of Caribbean history
- Fishermen's Feast (Fête Pêche) (June) - fishermen celebrate on the last Sunday of June every year with church services and delish food to give thanks to the community
- Mercury Fest (July) - the ultimate beach party at Pigeon Island National Park - think boats, inflatables and live concerts from international superstars
- Roots & Soul Festival (August) - a festival dedicated to trailblazing musicians in reggae, hip-hop, Afro-punk and R&B, with performances and masterclasses to boot
- St Lucia Dive Fest (September) - with waters so clear and marine life so vibrant, it's no wonder that diving is such an iconic part of the St Lucia experience, celebrating this week-long festival with dolphin-spotting trips, kayaking, diving classes, rum cocktails and fresh seafood
- Creole Heritage Month (October) - a month of music, dancing, eating tasty food and celebrating the Creole heritage, with theatre performances, lectures and vibrant street parties
- St Lucia Triathlon (November) - a week-long festival of fun activities with something for all levels
- National Day - Festival of Lights & Renewal (December) - this festival of the Feast of Saint Luce and the Patron Saint of Light is a light-filled celebration with lantern competitions, parades and a fireworks display for the grand finale
Where is the best nightlife in St Lucia?
When it comes to holidays to St Lucia, the night scene is all about those swanky bars, island beats and dancefloors that stay lit (in both senses of the word) 'til dawn. Trust us, this place will take any excuse for a celebration or street party. Don't miss these top spots for a bit of fun after sundown:
- Gros Islet Street Party - the island's most famous Friday night hangout, with food stalls, rum shacks, soca music, and dancing under the stars
- The Troubadour Lounge - a swanky spot where all the cool kids come to play, with a chic setting, live jazz music and a menu full of exotic cocktails
- Anse La Raye Fish Fry - fresh seafood and live tunes? Sign us up! This place transforms into a vibrant party spot every single Friday
- Rum Therapy Bar and Treatment Center - an absolute must-visit spot on the island, this port bar brings the karaoke vibes and buckets of cheap beer
- Boardwalk Bar - think ice cold beer and cocktails right by the waterfront, so you can slurp while you watch the yachts pass by
- Cane Bar - a proper swish bar specialising in sushi and rum cocktails in an elegant setting
- GLO Nightlife - every night's something different at this place, whether it's a salsa night, soca music or just a neon-lit dancefloor playing everything from Reggae and Dub-step to House
- Night Bash Volcano Tour - if visiting a volcano by day is a bit too mainstream for you, hope on one of these night tours where you'll get the chance to take a dip in an actual volcanic mud bath, with Piton beers and local drinks provided
- Verve - an entertainment hotspot in Rodney Bay with good music, good vibes, cheap drinks, friendly staff and karaoke Sundays - what more could you want?!
What’s the food like in St Lucia?
Food in St Lucia is like one big flavour fiesta, with seafood as fresh as the sea breeze and local fruits bringing all those tropical vibes. Whatever your mood, check out these local dishes for a taste of the good stuff:
- Green figs and saltfish - it sounds funky, but trust us - this national dish is downright delish, with the two main ingredients boiled separately, and then sauteed with peppers and garlic
- Bouyon - a hearty, one-pot soup made with meat (usually pork or beef), yams, plantain and dumplings, all simmered to perfection with herbs and spices - usually served at celebrations
- Accra - deep-fried fish fritters made with salted cod, herbs and spices, usually found at local street vendors
- Lambi - conch meat is stewed or grilled with a bunch of herbs and spices for a tender, flavour-packed dish
- Breadfruit - this starchy fruit is a common ingredient found in many Creole dishes, often served roasted, fried or boiled
A-Listing these dishes was the easy part, but now let’s help you find some places to eat them! Give these top restaurants in St Lucia a whirl:
- Orlando's - a cosy, chef-owned restaurant in Soufriere, showcasing a farm-to-table tasting menu that celebrates St Lucia's flavours
- Flavours of the Grill - a casual eatery located in Gros Islet, famous for its Friday night fish fry with grilled fish, spicy accras and ice-cold beer
- The Coal Pot - a waterfront gem serving a wide range of seafood dishes with a Creole twist, including grilled lambi, coconut curry shrimp and huge seafood platters
- Naked Fisherman - a beachside bar and grill dishing up fresh seafood, juicy burgers and tropical cocktails - perfect for a laidback bite by the sea
- Dasheene at Ladera - a swanky spot tucked between the Pitons, offering a delish menu (where you can try staples like bouyon and green fig and saltfish) with some incredible views on the side, perfect for a special occasion

Places to visit

Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens
'Diamond Falls' might kind of sound like a town or school from an angsty teen drama, but it's actually the name of some pretty epic, pretty beaut botanical gardens in St Lucia. This award-winning private park spans over 6 acres (which is a lot, btw), all packed with exotic plants, colourful flowers, natural pools and an iconic waterfall that waits at the end of the trail, like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Everywhere's clearly signposted so you can follow the pathways between leafy canopies and chirping birds. There's even a gift shop at the end so you can bag a souvenir to remember your trip by!
Gros Piton
Don't worry - despite what the name looks like, there's nothing gross about this mountain. In fact, it's one half of one of the most iconic landmarks in St Lucia - the Pitons. You can get your snaps of this gorgeous lump of land from down below (you can even see it from most of the beaches!), but if you want the full experience, you've gotta lace those hiking boots up. Trails along this mountain are safe and extremely popular, offering epic views of Soufriere, Vieux Fort, and the island of Saint Vincent from its peak. Trust us, your Insta feed's gonna be popping off ⛰️
Marigot Bay
It doesn't get much more scenic than this colourful little bay. And here's a fun fact: this place was used as the setting for the 1967 adaptation of Doctor Dolittle! If it's good enough for the movies, it's good enough for us. While it's not necessarily a top spot for sunbathing and swimming, it is a top spot to hop in a kayak or take a scenic wander. Once you reach the top of the hill, you'll be able to watch the boats come and go, and there are plenty of places to eat and drink along the bay. Cocktail at sunset, anyone?! 🍹

We recommend checking with your healthcare provider for all of the up-to-date vaccination info before booking your holiday.

Yes, since 1st December 2020, a tourist tax at a nightly rate of $3 (US) per person applies for hotels priced up to $120 (US), and a nightly rate of $6 (US) per person applies for hotels priced over $120 (US). Good news for the youngsters, though - anyone aged 12-17 will only need to pay half of this tax.

St Lucia Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

Holidays to St Lucia 2026

What are the best beaches in St Lucia?

🏨 Top Hotels in St Lucia

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families

💕 For Couples

✨ Luxury

💰 Great Value

🗺️ Travel guide for your St Lucia holidays 2026

Top things to do for Families

Top things to do for Couples

Top things to do for Adventure Seekers

Top things to do for Culture Lovers

More Caribbean holidays:

Popular St Lucia hotels

Weather in St Lucia

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

View destination on a map

FAQs

What currency do they use in St Lucia?

What language do they speak in St Lucia?

How long does it take to fly to St Lucia?

What's the time difference between the UK/Ireland and St Lucia?

What forms do I need to complete before I travel to St Lucia?

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

What's the best time to visit St Lucia?

Is St Lucia expensive?

Do I need to pay a tourist tax in St Lucia?

Take the aerial tram

Check out the 'drive-in' volcano

Get your scuba dive on

Channel your inner Willy Wonka

Explore Pigeon Island

Admire the detail at Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

What events can I go to in St Lucia?

Where is the best nightlife in St Lucia?

What’s the food like in St Lucia?

Places to visit

Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens

Gros Piton

Marigot Bay

Key facts about St Lucia

Flight time

Around 9 hours

Time Difference

-4 hours (summer)/ -5 hours (winter)

Currency

Eastern Caribbean Dollar

Language

English

Do I need any vaccinations to visit St Lucia?

Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to St Lucia?