Guadeloupe’s climate is defined by its unique "butterfly" shape, where two distinct topographies create drastically different weather experiences within a few miles of each other. The archipelago operates on a tropical maritime cycle governed by the Alizés (northeast trade winds), which provide a cooling effect that makes the high humidity manageable.
The Two Main Seasons
Guadeloupe experiences two primary seasons, locally known as Carême and Hivernage:
- Carême (The Dry Season): December to April
This is the peak of the French Caribbean "winter," though temperatures remain a balmy 25°C to 30°C (77°F–86°F). The air is at its driest and most comfortable, with clear blue skies and only brief, occasional showers. The trade winds are most consistent during these months, blowing at 15–20 knots, which keeps the "feels like" temperature very close to the actual reading.
- Hivernage (The Wet Season): June to November
Despite the name implying winter, this is the hottest and most humid time of year. Temperatures frequently hit 32°C (90°F), but the lack of consistent breezes can make it feel significantly hotter and more "oppressive." Rainfall is frequent, often arriving as intense afternoon downpours that vanish as quickly as they appear. This period also coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season, with the highest historical activity occurring in August and September.
Regional Microclimates
The most striking feature of Guadeloupe's weather is the contrast between the two main islands:
- Basse-Terre (The Windward Wing): Dominated by the La Soufrière volcano and dense rainforest, this island is a rain magnet. The mountains intercept moisture-laden air, leading to nearly 10,000 mm of annual rainfall near the summit. It is noticeably cooler, cloudier, and more humid than the rest of the archipelago.
- Grande-Terre (The Leeward Wing): This flat, limestone-based island is significantly drier and sunnier. It receives about 1,200 mm of rain per year, and the weather is characterized by constant sun and cooling ocean breezes, making it feel much more like a classic desert-island climate.
- Les Saintes & Marie-Galante: These smaller, flatter offshore islands generally follow the Grande-Terre pattern—arid, sunny, and swept by strong, refreshing winds.
Daily Weather Rhythms
In Guadeloupe, the day begins early with the "cool" of the morning (around 22°C–24°C). As the sun rises, humidity builds quickly. Locals often plan their more strenuous activities for before 11:00 AM. By mid-afternoon, especially during Hivernage, the heat peaks and is often broken by a short, sharp convective rain shower. These showers are localized; you might be in a downpour in Pointe-à-Pitre while the beaches of Saint-François remain bone-dry.
Local Adaptations & Phenomena
- Vents Alizés: These trade winds are the heartbeat of the island. When they stop (the "calm"), the heat becomes stifling, a phenomenon locals watch closely as it often precedes a shift in weather systems.
- Brume de Sable (Sahara Dust): Periodically, especially between May and August, trade winds carry fine sand from the Sahara Desert across the Atlantic. This creates a hazy, orange-tinted sky, reduces visibility, and can cause a noticeable spike in "dry" heat and respiratory irritation.
- Cyclonic Swells: Even if a hurricane does not hit the island directly, distant storms can create massive "houles cycloniques" (cyclonic swells) that bring dramatic waves to the northern and eastern coasts, even under sunny skies.