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December, a good month to go to Martinique?
December in Martinique is undoubtedly one of the best months to discover the island of flowers. With its ideal climate, Creole Christmas traditions, lush nature, and heavenly beaches, Martinique reveals all its splendor during this period. Whether you're looking for relaxation in the tropics, nature adventures, or cultural immersion, December offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable vacation.
🎄 The Holiday Season: Events in Martinique
Le Chanté Nwel: The Spirit of the Martinican Holidays
From late November through December, Martinique comes alive with Chanté Nwel. These musical gatherings bring families, friends, and communities together to sing Christmas carols in Creole, accompanied by drums, ti-bwa, and percussion instruments.
Les Boucans de la Baie: December 30 in Fort-de-France
This spectacular event brings the year to a spectacular close. On December 30, Fort-de-France Bay lights up with a magnificent fireworks display, accompanied by live concerts, entertainment, and a festive atmosphere. An unmissable event for the whole family.
Christmas markets in Martinique
Several towns organize craft markets where you can discover: local crafts (jewelry, decorations, handmade creations), local products (jams, spices, homemade punches), Christmas specialties (blood sausages, savory pâtés, schrubb), authentic gift ideas.
What to Do in Martinique? Must-Do Activities
As a bonus, we're sharing our ideas for places to explore and road trips to take in Martinique.
Salines Beach
The most iconic of Martinique's beaches stretches for nearly a kilometer of pristine white sand lined with coconut trees. Its shallow turquoise waters and idyllic setting make it the perfect spot to enjoy the sun with family or friends.
Pagerie Museum
Former sugar plantation and birthplace of Joséphine de Beauharnais, future Empress of France, this museum traces the fascinating history of the woman who became Napoleon Bonaparte's wife.
📍Trois-îlets
Caravelle Peninsula
This 3-hour coastal hike takes you deep into the heart of an exceptional nature reserve, between lush tropical forest and preserved mangroves.
📍Sentier Trace des caps, La Trinité
🏖️ Beaches and Swimming: Tropical Paradise
December offers ideal conditions for enjoying Martinique's most beautiful beaches. Diving enthusiasts will head to Anse Dufour in Anses-d'Arlet, where encounters with sea turtles are frequent, while Diamant Beach impresses with its 3 kilometers of sand facing the iconic rock. The northern Caribbean reveals wilder beaches such as Anse Couleuvre, which offers an unspoiled volcanic setting with black sand. On the Atlantic coast, Anse Azérot in Tartane is a favorite spot for surfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts thanks to its regular waves.
🥾 Hiking: Nature at Its Best
December's weather conditions are perfect for hiking. Climbing Mount Pelée remains an unmissable experience, with a 3- to 4-hour round trip and exceptional panoramic views from the summit. The legendary Route de la Trace takes you through the tropical rainforest between Fort-de-France and Saint-Pierre.
🌊 Water Activities: Enjoy the Sea
December offers excellent underwater visibility of up to 30 meters. Rocher du Diamant is a major site where shipwrecks, corals, and tropical fish coexist, while Anse Dufour guarantees encounters with sea turtles. In Saint-Pierre, exploring the shipwrecks from the 1902 eruption immerses visitors in the city's dramatic history. The return of windy conditions on the Atlantic coast delights surfers. Anse Azérot in Tartane is a renowned spot for kitesurfing, while Baie du Galion is suitable for beginners with its shallow waters. Boat trips offer the chance to observe migrating dolphins and whales, or discover the white sandbanks of the François islets.
🏛️ Cultural and Heritage Tours
Take advantage of December to visit distilleries that are active during the sugar cane harvest. Habitation Clément in Le François combines a distillery, lush gardens, and art exhibitions, while the Saint-James Distillery in Sainte-Marie offers a comprehensive rum museum. The Jardin de Balata features over 3,000 species of tropical plants and its famous suspension bridges. The Vulcanological Museum in Saint-Pierre displays the remains of the 1902 eruption, while the Savane des Esclaves offers a poignant eco-museum on the history of slavery.
🍉 Seasonal fruits and vegetables in December
Local pineapple: harvested between November and March, it is particularly tasty in December. Citrus fruits: local oranges and mandarins are in season towards the end of the year. Pink guavas are still available and of good quality. Apple figs (small local bananas): Small and very sweet, apple figs are a staple of Creole markets. Star fruit: Available until February, star fruit is appealing for its star shape and sweet-tart taste. Liana apples: Very fragrant and slightly tart, liana apples add flavor to desserts, yogurts, and cocktails. Cowpeas: A typical Christmas product! Harvested in December, they are used in the preparation of traditional cowpea rice, a staple dish of Guadeloupean celebrations. Yams: In December, they are eaten boiled, mashed, or au gratin, accompanied by meat, fish, or vegetables in sauce.
What is the weather like in December in Martinique?
Temperature in December
Martinique in December enjoys exceptional weather, with temperatures ranging from 22°C in the morning to 30°C in the afternoon.
Water Temperature in December
The sea water has a constant temperature of 27-28°C, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and all water sports.
Rain in December
December marks the beginning of the dry season (Lent). Rainfall decreases significantly, with approximately 5.3 inches of rain spread over 12 to 14 days.
What to Pack in Your Luggage for a Martinique trip?
Don't forget to pack the following essentials in your luggage for your vacation in Martinique:
Sunglasses to protect you from intense UV rays.
Ocean-friendly sunscreen to protect your skin and the marine ecosystem.
A hat to protect you from the sun.
Hiking shoes to explore the island's trails.
Insect repellent to protect you from bugs.
✈️ Prepare for Your Trip to Martinique in December
As many tourists flock to the archipelago in high season, it is mainly by air that people come to Martinique in December. It is also at this time that air tickets start to become expensive. To avoid ruining your money on the trip between airports and spend your budget on activities and pleasures of the island, it is strongly advised to book your flights in advance. Prices are lower and more accessible!
Once you arrive at Aimé Césaire airport and in order to move around freely afterwards, don't hesitate to rent a car in Martinique and make the most of the island during your stay in December.
EXPLORE OUR OTHER ARTICLES
Christmas in Martinique
Spending Christmas in Martinique is the perfect opportunity to change worlds and discover a particular, exotic, folkloric way of celebrating the event. Forget the snow on the sand of the island, discover another magic of Christmas.
Martinique in January
If you're looking for a dream vacation spot in January, look no further than beautiful Martinique! With its mild climate and multitude of activities, it's the perfect place to relax and have fun.
Martinique in February
A stay in Martinique in February allows you to take full advantage of the tropical climate and the island paradise. With a sea temperature of 28°C and an indoor temperature of 29°C, your stay rhymes with sun and beach pleasures.
Martinique Carnival Dates
Visiting Martinique in February ? Discover the program of the Carnival 2023 in Martinique! A party not to be missed! Every year, the Martinique carnival attracts more and more tourists. So remember to book your Europcar Martinique rental car several months in advance.
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