The Caribbean is often reserved for winter travel, when snowbirds fly south in favor of warmer climates. But Saint Lucia is one of the Caribbean’s best-kept summer secrets. Located in the eastern part of the Caribbean northwest of Barbados and south of Martinique, Saint Lucia enjoys warm weather consistently year-round, and summer and fall bring incredible deals. If you’re thinking of a last-minute getaway before summer ends, Saint Lucia is the place. Here are 6 reasons why:
1. You’ll Save a Lot of Money. You can snag serious hotel and resort deals — think less than $200 a night — during the summer months, and bask on the beach knowing that you’re saving as much as 65% off peak season rates. The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has an entire page of summer offers — click here to see what deals you can dig up.
2. The Weather Is Better Than You’d Think. The rainy season in Saint Lucia technically runs from June through November. But heavy downpours mostly happen in the rainforest — on the coast, showers quickly breeze away, so you won’t have to wait long before you’re back on the beach. In the rare event of a hurricane, you can cancel or reschedule your trip at no extra cost.
3. Saint Lucia Has Incredible Variety. One of more than 700 islands in the Caribbean, Saint Lucia tends to top the list since its geography and culture are among the most diverse you’ll find — despite the volcanic isle measuring a mere 27 miles long. The island was ruled by the English, French, and Dutch, who, along with African influences brought over during colonial times, added to the island’s rich melting pot of cultures and cuisine. Saint Lucia’s charming signatures include the European-influenced cuisine; a local beer named after the iconic Piton mountains; the world’s only drive-in volcano with mud baths you can dive into; and three-walled resorts that perfectly frame the island’s stunning scenery.
4. There’s an Enticing Calendar of Events. Summer brings festivals and other island-wide celebrations. The La Rose Flower Festival is held at the end of August with singing and elaborate displays of roses. In mid-September, the island celebrates its spectacular dive and snorkel sites — which sit just offshore — during the annual Dive Fest. Later, October is Creole Heritage Month, which celebrates Saint Lucia’s unique cultural blend with dance performances, art exhibits, culinary events, and more, culminating in Creole Day, a weekend celebration across the island on October 29.
5. Locals Party All Summer, Too. Saint Lucians love to celebrate all season long with music festivals and street parties. The famous Friday “jump-up” at Gros Islet sees barbecues and tabletop bars set up along the fishing town’s streets; a DJ ensures the festivities continue until the small hours of the morning. Just south of Marigot Bay, the tiny fishing town of Anse La Raye transforms into a carnival-like scene with soca and reggae music for the weekly Friday fish fry.
6. Saint Lucia Is Easy to Reach (But Still Uncrowded). With daily and weekly direct flights all summer long from cities like Miami, New York, Charlotte, and Atlanta, Saint Lucia is a quick getaway option from the U.S., whether you’re planning for a long weekend or a more extended vacation. The best part? Once you arrive, you won’t have to worry about crowded hiking trails or finding a place to spread out on the white-sand beaches. The island remains off of most travelers’ radar until high season kicks in December.
