An overseas region of France (meaning that it’s technically part of France proper), Guadeloupe is one of the larger and more populated islands in the Lesser Antilles part of the Caribbean. French is the official language here and tourists come almost exclusively from French-speaking areas so English is quite rare.
As a larger island with a number of towns and settlements there is plenty to do in Guadeloupe in addition to sitting on one of its magnificent beaches. The diving and snorkeling are very good, but there is also hiking into the interior and touring rum factories.
Overall Guadeloupe is relatively cheap compared to its neighbors in the Lesser Antilles, but again, if you aren’t fluent in French then there are probably better choices for you.
| Population | 470,000 |
| Area | 470,000 |
| Timezone | UTC-4 |
| Currency | Euro |
| Local Breakfast | Whether eating at your hotel or at a local restaurant you'll find coffee, beans, rice and fruit salads. | $3.76 - $10.75 |
| Local Lunch | Lunch plates vary in size with most ranging on the large size. Many visitors feel that the large sizes are great for the price. | $6.45 - $12.90 |
| Local Dinner | Colombo, a dish made up of chicken, rice and curry is the most common dinner choice. | $8.60 - $18.28 |
| Beer | Beer prices range depending on what type of restaurant you order at. The more tourists, the higher the price. | $3.23 - $6.45 |
| Month | High F | Low F | PRECIP (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 85 | 70 | 1.8 |
| February | 85 | 69 | 1.2 |
| March | 85 | 70 | 1.3 |
| April | 87 | 72 | 1.5 |
| May | 88 | 75 | 2.5 |
| June | 89 | 76 | 2.2 |
| July | 89 | 76 | 2.3 |
| August | 89 | 76 | 3.8 |
| September | 89 | 75 | 3.4 |
| October | 88 | 74 | 4.3 |
| November | 87 | 73 | 4.4 |
| December | 85 | 71 | 2.7 |
Deemed as a subtropical island, Guadeloupe experiences great weather throughout the year with little change month to month. There is also a constant breeze flowing through due to the trades winds that hug the island.
When visiting, you’ll notice high humidity so it’s best to always carry water with you, whether you’re on a long walk or just a short one. Also, remember to pack light clothing that breathes.
| 21 Mar | 6:11am | 6:18pm |
| 21 Jun | 5:36am | 6:41pm |
| 21 Sep | 5:56am | 6:04pm |
| 21 Dec | 6:30am | 5:40pm |
There are over 30 hotels and resorts on the main butterfly-shaped island of Guadeloupe, nearly all concentrated on the southern shore of the eastern half of the island. Unlike its nearby neighbors, there are quite a few budget choices mixed in with the pricey luxury resorts here.
>>>Check today’s Guadeloupe resort & package deals
Winter time is great for those who are seeking a great escape from the storms up north but isn’t the best for those trying to get the cheapest vacation possible. High season here greets its guests with higher room rates and larger crowds.
Summer on the other hand, showcases a cheaper side to the island but comes with a cost. The wet season. During this part of the year, you’ll find that lower costs equals rain showers and the chance of a big storm. However, most of the time the sun is out.
If you’re looking for sunny days that aren’t filled with crowds, higher prices or some rain you’re best bet may be to visit during the shoulder season. During this part of the year, May and late fall, the crowds are reasonably sized and the prices have evened out.
| Rating | Price(USD) |
|---|---|
 | - |
| 70.00 - 123.00 |
| 120.00 - 176.00 |
| 165.00 - 300.00 |
| - |
| Type | Price(USD) |
|---|---|
| Hostel Bed | - |
By far the largest airport in Guadeloupe is the Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport. It’s a rather large facility and the second busiest in the Lesser Antilles (after Barbados), but most of the traffic is from within the Caribbean with only a few exceptions.
Nonstop flights from:
San Juan, Montreal, Paris (and many Caribbean islands)