Best time, St. Lucia, weather and other travel tips to visit

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People visit the beautiful island of St. Lucia all year round. Lucia. The peak season is winter from December to April. Then many visitors come to visit St. Lucia to warm up to escape the cold weather at home. The island can be quite crowded and room rates are at their highest. There are many activities and events in the summer and fall, but this is hurricane season, so people who want to visit St. Visiting Lucia at this time, take a risk. Late spring is the best time to visit St. Lucia to visit – in May and June there are fewer crowds, the weather is perfect and room rates are cheaper. Photo: Tim Watson / Fotolia

St. Lucia weather and temperature per month

January is the coolest month in St. Lucia. Although is the month with the coldest temperatures, the average high temperature is still a warm 84 ° F (29 ° C). The low temperatures average 73 ° F (23 ° C).

In FebruaryThe average high and average low temperatures generally remain at 84 ° F (29 ° C) respectively. 73 ° F (23 ° C) the same.

March gets the highest sunshine average with 10 hours of sunlight daily. The high temperature averages increase slightly to 86 ° F (30 ° C). However, the average low temperature remains constant at 73 ° F (23 ° C).

St. Lucia Weather in April: The sunny weather continues in April with the average high temperature remaining at 86 ° F (31 ° C). The low temperature rises by 2 ° C to 75 ° F (24 ° C).

In MayThe pleasant tropical weather continues. The high temperature and low temperatures are between 31 ° C and 25 ° C.

June sees high and low temperatures remain exactly the same as the previous month.

In July, temperatures again hold constant at 88 ° F (31 ° C) for the average high temperature and 77 ° F (25 ° C) for the average low temperature.

St. Lucia weather in August: there is no change in average temperatures in August. August, however, has the most ideal sea temperature of the year at 84 ° F (29 ° C). Therefore, August is a good time to visit the beaches of St. Lucia to visit.

September is the wettest month of the year for St. Lucia with a precipitation average of 193mm. The high temperature and low temperatures remain constant at 31 ° C and 77 ° C, respectively.

St. Lucia weather in October: temperatures in this place remain unchanged for the same month October.

In November, the average high temperature holds constant at 88 ° F (31 ° C). However, the average temperature rises a few degrees to 79 ° F (26 ° C). This makes November the warmest month of the year in St. Lucia.

December sees the climate of St. Lucia cool a few degrees. The average high temperature decreases to 86 ° F (30 ° C), while the average low temperature decreases to 75 ° F (24 ° C).

Since the climate is pleasant all year round, there is generally no wrong time to visit this beautiful place. However, to visit in the best weather, the best time to visit is mid-December to April. However, it is important to note that these months also have the highest rates for accommodations, travel and activities in general. For those who love music, it is best to visit in the first half of May, as the St. Lucia jazz and arts festival held during this time at Pigeon Island National Park. Photo: Wollwerth Images / Fotolia

According to St. Lucia come

If you are arriving by plane, fly to Hewanorra International Airport. This is located in Vieux Fort, about 40 miles south of the capital Castries. It is served by many international airlines. There are several transportation options available at the Hewanorra International Airport. Cabs are available 24 hours a day and are safe and reliable: Drivers are insured, licensed and knowledgeable. There are many shuttle companies available at the airport for passenger transportation. An upscale version of the typical shuttle is the executive van services, which offer more legroom and a more comfortable ride. You can also arrive by sea: Ferries arrive from Dominica, Martinique and Guadeloupe. Photo: MF / Fotolia

On the road in St. Lucia

There are many interesting places to visit on St. Lucia can explore, so it is important to have a means of transportation. If you rented a car at the airport, you can use this car. You must also visit a St. Lucia driver's license pick up at the airport. Watch out for these potholes when you're exploring! There are minibuses and jitneys that run between the capital Castries and some other smaller towns. These are very affordable, but can be crowded with passengers, as well as fruit on the way to market! There are many cabs on St. Lucia, and so many people choose the island. Photo: LivetImages / Fotolia

Restaurants& Shopping on St. Lucia

The local cuisine on St. Lucia is a mix of native Indian dishes and the many generations of Africans that brought their own styles and ingredients. Later came the British and the French with their flavors. Put them all together and you have St. Lucia cuisine. Visitors can enjoy a five-course seafood meal at an upscale restaurant or simple street-side dishes. No matter the style of restaurant, fresh produce is the key to good food on St. Lucia. There are many restaurants in Castries, and there are many stores, especially on William Peter Boulevard and Bridge Street.Pointe Seraphine is a cluster of stores near the cruise ship docks. Photo: Kenishirotie / Fotolia

St. Lucia neighborhoods

St. Lucia is divided into several neighborhoods. Castries is the capital and is located on the south side of the island. Downtown is a commercial area with markets and shopping centers, while the Greater Castries area is home to resorts. Gros Islet is an area in the northernmost part of the island: here you'll find resorts, beautiful beaches and upscale neighborhoods like Cas en Bas and Cap Estates. Marigot Bay is known for its green hills surrounding a quiet marina: many boats dock here after a day of sailing. Soufriere is located on the southern side of the island and was St. Lucia's first colonial capital: here are the twin Piton peaks. Photo: MF / Fotolia

Getting married on St. Lucia

St. Lucia is a beautiful island no matter the reason for visiting it. But it is especially beautiful as a place to hold a wedding with its perfect climate and spectacular scenery. Many people like the idea of a beach wedding: they are lucky because St. Lucia is known for its stunning beaches such as Anse Cochon, Anse La Raye; Pigeon Island, Gros Islet; Reduit Beach, Rodney Bay; Sugar Beach, Soufriere; and many more. Waterfalls also make fantastic venues for weddings: on St. Lucia you can choose between Diamond Falls, Soufriere; Latille Waterfalls, Micoud; and Toraille Waterfalls, Soufriere. Other options include botanical gardens, churches, historic parks and mountain tops. Photo: Chachanit / Fotolia

Where to stay on St. Lucia to stay

Most of the accommodations in St. Lucia are expensive. The resorts on this island are known for their first-class service and lush tropical atmosphere. Luxury hotels include the Jade Mountain, the Ladera Hotel, the Sugar Beach A Viceroy Resort, the Cap Maison Resort and Spa and many more. If you look hard enough, you may find a bargain. Some of the accommodations have kitchenettes where you can prepare your own meals if you're looking for a break from restaurant dining. In addition to luxury resorts, there are also authentic guesthouses run by locals like Alize Inn Guesthouse and pastel cottages on plantations like Balenbouche Estate. Photo: oocoskun / Fotolia

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The union of two cities, Buda and Pest, has created a diverse European metropolis on both sides of the Danube River. To its west lie lush green hills and to its east stretches a vibrant urban flatland. There is a lot to see in the capital of Hungary: From ornate bridges to the neo-Gothic style Parliament to Buda Castle with its cobblestone streets.

But don't worry – with centuries-old thermal baths to enjoy a dip in and excursion boats to board, there are plenty of ways to switch off and relax.

Spring (March – May): Now temperatures in the city rise from 5°C in March to pleasant weather with up to 20°C at the end of May, making this time of year perfect for a visit.

Summer (June – August): One heat wave after another heats up the temperature in the city streets, with peaks of up to a dry 30°C. So prepare to sweat both inside and outside the city's thermal baths. The Sizget Festival, which is one of the largest music festivals in Europe, makes August a popular time to visit among visitors.

Autumn (September – November): Spring-like temperatures can be expected in the fall, with an average of a chilly 4°C.

Winter (December – February): the least popular time to visit Budapest brings snow and dense off with sub-zero temperatures dropping to an average low of -2°C in December.

Budapest Castle at night

Public transportation

The Budapesti Kozlekedési Központ, or BKK, operates buses, four metro lines, streetcars and trolleybuses throughout the city. Streetcars form the backbone of Budapest's public transportation system. These little yellow streetcars run through the main streets and offer budget-friendly rides to various destinations around the city.

One-way tickets, ten-trip tickets and network tickets valid for one, three or seven days are available for customers who want to explore the city on the cheap. As an alternative, the Budapest Card allows unlimited use of public transportation for up to 24, 48 or 72 hours. In addition, free or discounted admissions to several attractions are included in the Budapest Card.

If you want to take a cheaper cab, book it through a hostel or the hotel reception desk. Waving a yellow cab from the side of the road is not out of the question, but unregistered cabs have been known to occasionally overcharge fares. Look for the obligatory cab license plate in the form of a yellow registration sticker and for the taxi meter to be turned on for an optimal driving experience.

Check out this LINK for all the important information about renting bikes and rental cars in Budapest.

Main sights

Fisherman's Bastion

Visit the Matthias Church on Castle Hill, whose roof with a mosaic of geometric rainbow tiles will amaze you. Afterwards, head to the off-white building next to the back of the church for the best view of the city. The name of the castle dates back to the Middle Ages, when the defense of the castle walls was left to the Fishermen's Guild.

House of Terror

Today Budapest is a thriving metropolis, famous for paprika sausage and thermal baths. Still, the city has a dark history with oppression by fascist and communist regimes. The House of Terror Museum is a memorial to the victims of these powers, with exhibits informing visitors about the country's relations with Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Here you can reflect in peace and listen to interviews with survivors who lived through those bad times.

Széchenyi Thermal Baths

Bathe in the largest spa in Europe along with hundreds of other relaxed bathers and enjoy the yellow interior of the spa, which is designed in a cheerful neo-baroque architecture.

The spa can be very good for relieving joint pain and inflammation. In addition, the natural water in the huge whirlpool provides soothing warmth on the coldest winter days. The environment invites friendly exchanges among guests wading through the clear, shallow water.

Fill the time between visits to the baths and museums with visits to other sights in Budapest, which you can find described in our guide "Sights in Budapest".

Szechenyi Thermal Baths

Whimsical& offbeat

Explore Budapest's stalactites and stalagmites

For the travelers who like it a bit fancier, crawling through Buda's underground caves is a great way to experience nature. Take a tour of the Pálvölgyi or Szemlohegy caves and see the cave rooms with ancient rock formations in underground cool air.

Set sail on the Danube

The river that separates Buda and Pest offers many opportunities for boating, both for party animals and for couples who want to spend a romantic time.

Enjoy a cocktail during a three-hour leisurely boat ride, or opt for an adrenaline rush on a thrilling speedboat ride. The latter is the fastest and most exciting way to see the sights of Budapest.

Plan unique adventures and book tours using our guide to things to do in Budapest.

Danube

Set sail on the Danube

Travel tips

Dishes you must have tried in Budapest:

Kolbász – A sausage that is a ubiquitous street food in Budapest – and none more famous than the delicacy made with pork and a good dose of paprika.
Nokedli – Small dumplings made from shredded noodles cooked in hot water. Its buttery flavor complements savory dishes like goulash and Hungarian paprika chicken.
Lángos – Similar to pizza, but better. These bases of fried dough carry sour cream, cheese and many other delicious toppings.
Töltött káposzta – cabbage leaves stuffed with a meat and rice mixture and topped with sour cream, – the perfect meal on a cold day.
Kurtoskalács – A sweet cylindrical bread, also known as "chimney cake", generously covered with sugar.

Tips:

Usually ca. 10% tip given for good service.

If you want to try more dishes and look for the best places to do so, check out our food guide& Drinking in Budapest.

Kurtoskalacs

Hotels in Budapest

Budapest is considered an ideal destination for backpackers on a budget as well as wealthy tourists. For all, the city offers a wide range of accommodations.

Luxury hotels such as the Buddha-Bar Hotel and the New York Palace Hotel offer guests interiors designed with modern elements and vintage style.

Expensive hotels can be found in central parts of the city near the sights. However, there are also affordable accommodations in this location.

The budget NH Budapest City Hotel is located on the outskirts of the Pest district. From there, you have quick access to the bridges leading to the more attractive Buda. For more hotel recommendations that match your price preferences, visit our Budapest hotel guide.

Nightlife in Budapest

Famous for its clubs and ruin bars that adorn abandoned buildings, there is something unique about Budapest's nightlife.

Szimpla Kert's touted popularity may be off-putting to those who want to avoid tourist traps, but this bar is anything but over-hyped. The multi-story abandoned building has graffiti covered walls, antique furniture and a dance floor. Other ruin bars copy this landscape, so it's easy to get lost in the maze of different abandoned buildings. For more recommendations and suggestions for ruin bars and clubs, see our guide Nightlife in Budapest.

Shopping in Budapest

Unlike Andrássy Avenue, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city's shopping streets don't necessarily cater to high-end designers. Instead, they house charming stores selling a range of local goods and handicrafts. Find well-known brands and smaller stores in Buda and Pest, or check out the various markets that are set up on the sidewalks on weekends when the weather is nice. Special souvenirs can be found in the large market hall, where you can also buy food. For example, how about a packet of paprika powder to remember your stay in the city?? For more information on shopping, see our Budapest Shopping Guide Shopping in Budapest.

Shopping in Budapest

Visa requirements for Budapest, Hungary

American, Canadian, Australian and British citizens should have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of stay and issued within the last 10 years in order to meet the entry requirements. EU citizens are only required to have a passport or ID card valid for the duration of their visit. For more information on the documents you need to visit Budapest, please see the Entry Requirements for Hungary page.

Celebrate New Year 2 times a year? Yes, this is possible and during a trip to Sri Lanka. Like many other cultures, the New Year (Avurudu) is celebrated here in the springtime. Namely on 13. or 14. April. And since I was there at that time, I also celebrated with a Sinhalese family, who invited me to the New Year and to this important holiday.

New Year in Sri Lanka – What you need to know

Sri Lanka simply blew me away with its uncanny simplicity and simplicity. The people there are really relaxed and polite. Many religions are practiced in Sri Lanka. These include, Islam, Hinduism, Christianity and also Buddhism.

What religion you choose does not matter here and there is no rivalry or even lack of understanding, the Tamil New Year and holiday is celebrated here by everyone.

New Year Sri Lanka Buddha in temple

You think to yourself now: "Does she want to convert us??" No in any case. I got to know Sri Lanka as a very open country and I must say that Buddhism fascinated and touched me very much.

I have met many people in Sri Lanka and since I am very interested in unknown points of view, I have asked myself times by Buddhism and its the meaning for the people there.

Experience the traditional festival Avurudu in Sri Lanka

Coincidentally, we were in Sri Lanka on Sinhala New Year and experienced the associated customs. Buddhism is very widespread in Sri Lanka, about 70% of the population belongs to this faith. The rest is divided between Islam, Hinduism and Christianity.

Rice and curry New Year Sri Lanka

The beauty of the Sinhala New Year is that all religions celebrate together and there are no exclusions. Everywhere in the country there is a festive mood and there are countless markets where special Tamil New Year sweets are sold. In addition to the sweets that make up a large part of the customs around the New Year, clothing is sold in quantities.

New Year in Sri Lanka – The preparations for Avurudu

Already 2 weeks before the New Year in Sri Lanka is started to make the house cleaning. Everything is washed, scrubbed and cleaned. This is supposed to drive away the evil spirits and bring new energies into the house. At the same time, sweets are also baked using rice flour, shredded coconut and coconut oil. These are very powerful, sweet and are definitely part of it.

New Year and for the holiday, it is part of good manners and also purity to put on new clothes. On the shopping streets, this custom is also loudly proclaimed, as large boxes stand everywhere on the streets, rattling off current offers in record time.

People buy what they can, the more new clothes, but also furniture or cooking utensils you have in the house, the better the new year will start

Sri Lanka New Year sweets

On New Year's Day, all stores in Sri Lanka are closed and the employees go to their families. The Sinhalese New Year is celebrated in the circle of the extended family and is a symbol of cohesion. The government also prohibits selling and serving alcohol.

The new year is rung in

According to an astrological calculation, in each year at different times, the work is now shut down. Between the years it is important to be with your family and keep up the traditions.

Sri Lanka New Year Kiribath Rice Pudding

To ring in Avurudu, fireworks and firecrackers are set off to make the evil spirits go away. This year this was at 18:00. Everywhere it bangs and the phase between the years (Nonagathaya) is rung in.

An important tradition is making rice pudding (kiribath). For this, a fire is made in an earthen clay pot at 19:49. Coconut milk is poured at exactly 20:06 and brought to a boil. If the milk boils within 6 minutes, it will be a good new year. Traditionally, the man in the house does this. After the milk is boiling, rice pudding is prepared and eaten together.

This ceremony is an important moment in the whole country and is even televised from the president's house. Now officially begins the new year.

The new year customs to Avurudu

For children, New Year is a very special time. Many relatives and friends visit the families. The children receive gifts and new clothes. If one is invited, one traditionally brings a gift in the form of sweets or also coins with one.

On New Year it is quite normal to give away money. But beware: only new bills or coins! The money is wrapped in a betel leaf, because betel leaves mean good luck and blessings. It's not about the amount of money, it's the gesture that counts. We also gave away a betel leaf and made our friend Damith very happy with it.

On New Year many games are played in the circle of families and friends. These include traditional dice games, clay pot banging, or even a kind of pinata filled with colored water.

Avurudu New Year Sri Lanka

However, the focus is always on meeting and celebrating with family and friends. They eat and talk loudly. The family does not get together often in Sri Lanka, so moments like this are celebrated. Traditionally, people also visit the temple in each case and pray for blessings and good fortune for the coming year.

This article is part of a series. Here you can find the other articles about Sri Lanka.