What would be a cold and eventless winter in many parts of the world does not apply to Martinique, which is part of France and the European Union. The three first months of the year in the Caribbean island of Martinique are filled with colors and celebrations. And the sun. And crystal-clear water for bathing and snorkeling.
Weather in Martinique
If you are looking for warm and dry weather in Martinique, you should visit the island from mid-December to April. The weather conditions during these first months of the year are the best. And on top of that you will align your visit with some of the most vibrant winter festivals and celebrations in Martinique, including the famous Martinique Carnival.
Events and activities to look for
If you rent a car in Martinique, you will be free to drive to the best events and celebrations around the island. You find most of the big rental companies in the Fort the France Airport such as Hertz, addCar Rental, Avis etc. Book online, and your car will be ready when you arrive.
Epiphany – La Fête des Rois
The biggest and most well-known event in Martinique is probably the carnival. But before that really starts, you have time to enjoy another festive event, The Epiphany (La Fête des Rois). It ends the Christmas season and is celebrated in many homes as well as hotels on the 5th and 6th of January. The serving of the traditional cake, Galette de Rois, is the culmination of the Epiphany.
Martinique’s Carnival
The Carnival de Martinique begins in early January, and it is truly a spectacular event. You get to experience colorful parades, beautiful costumes, and music, along with both locals and tourists from all over the world.
Like other countries celebrating carnival, the Martinique Carnival is at its highest the week prior to Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras in the US). But unlike in most other countries, the parties don’t stop on this day. In Martinique, they keep partying until Ash Wednesday, when the carnival ends with a big final parade and burning of King Carnival, Vival, on a funeral pyre.
Yole Boat Race
Not only the carnival take place in March. Around Easter, you can also experience the annual Tour de Role Rondes, which is quite unique. It is a much loved sporting event where the best sailors from the island race in the traditional Martinician boats called ‘you ronde,’ meaning ‘round skiff.’ These ships have no kee,l so crew members balance the 10-meter-long boat by perching off the hull on long wooden poles that can be moved from side to side. This makes the race dramatic and impressive to watch. The event is also followed by a lot of parties around the island.
Fewer crowds in the shoulder seasons
Of course, the high season will attract the most people. So, if you are looking for fewer crowds, you could consider traveling to Martinique in the shoulder seasons of May-June and November to early December. You will still get warm weather but a higher chance of rain – but they are primarily short-lived showers followed once again by sunny skies.
