Martinique in April: 5 Reasons to Visit in April

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Visiting Martinique in April appeals to you, but you're still hesitating ? Let us reveal why Martinique is the perfect place for an unforgettable getaway in April. At this time of year, accommodation and car rental prices soften as Martinique is no longer in the peak tourist season. Easter traditions and flavors take center stage. Martinique dresses in its finest colors, adorning itself in pink with the blooming of gliricidias. A dreamlike setting not to be missed. In April, you can also visit the Galion sugar factory, which opens its doors to the public only during the sugar campaign, between March and June.

5 Compelling Reasons to Visit Martinique in April

📉 ​Reason 1: Enjoy Shoulder Season Prices in April in Martinique

April marks the end of the peak tourist season in Martinique, meaning you can enjoy more favorable rates on accommodations, activities, and car rentals. It's the perfect time to explore the island without worrying about your budget.

🦀 ​Reason 2: Easter Traditions are Honored

© Credit source : cuisine-creole.com

Come and discover the unique Easter traditions in Martinique, where festivities blend Catholic traditions with local customs. The streets come alive with colorful processions, and the atmosphere is filled with the aromas of Easter culinary specialties. During the Easter period, Martinique celebrates an iconic culinary tradition: Matoutou de Crabes. This savory dish is prepared with fresh locally caught crabs, simmered with exotic spices, rice, and other secret ingredients passed down through generations. It's a true institution in Martinique: families gather to share this festive and delicious meal.

🌞 Reason 3: Defy the Saying "April Showers Bring May Flowers"

In April, the weather is simply divine in Martinique. Sunny days are punctuated by a refreshing breeze, while pleasant temperatures invite you to fully enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities.

🌺 Reason 4: Admire the Blooming of Gliricidias

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The spectacular blooming of gliricidias in Martinique, with their clusters of pink, white, and violet flowers, creates a breathtaking spectacle not to be missed during your visit in April. These exotic trees adorn the island with their ephemeral beauty, offering a fairy-tale setting.

🏭 Reason 5: Visit the Galion Sugar Factory, the Last Operating Sugar Factory in Martinique

In April, don’t miss the Agricultural and Craft Fair in Rivière-Pilote, Martinique. On the program: local products, parades of traditional costumes, musical entertainment. © Credit source: Instagram Ville de Rivière-Pilote

The Agricultural and Craft Fair of Rivière-Pilote, a true institution in Martinique, is held every year at the beginning of April. This must-see event attracts thousands of visitors from all over Martinique and beyond.

For two days, the town of Rivière-Pilote transforms into a real attraction hub. Farmers, artisans, and local producers showcase their products and expertise. You can discover a wide variety of fresh produce, fruits and vegetables, flowers, plants, honey, jams, rums, crafts, and much more.

The fair is also an opportunity to participate in many activities and demonstrations. You can watch parades of traditional costumes, dance and music performances, cooking workshops, agricultural and craft demonstrations, and many other activities.

The Agricultural and Craft Fair of Rivière-Pilote is a true ode to Martinican culture. It's a unique opportunity to discover the island’s treasures, meet its people, and taste its delicious products.

Rivière-Pilote Fair: April 2024 dates

Save the date! Meet in Rivière-Pilote on April 6 and 7, 2024, for the 28th edition of the Agricultural and Craft Fair.

🏭 Bonus: Visit the Galion sugar factory, open to the public between February and June sucrerie-galion-Martinique.

The Galion sugar factory can only be visited during the sugar campaign, between February and June. © Credit source: Sucrerie du Galion

The visit to the Galion sugar factory in Martinique, the last one in operation on the island, is only allowed during the sugar campaign between February and June each year. The visit offers a captivating immersion into the history and production process of cane sugar. You can discover the stages of transforming sugarcane into rum while tasting samples of this iconic drink in an authentic and picturesque setting.

If you’re wondering what to do in April in Martinique, this visit is one of the most exciting activities to add to your program.

Public holidays and vacations in April

Easter Monday: April 1, 2024

April vacations

In mainland France:

Zone A: April 13 to April 29, 2024 Zone B: April 20 to May 6, 2024 Zone C: April 6 to April 22, 2024

In Martinique:

Easter holidays from March 23 to April 8, 2024

Is the Weather Nice in Martinique in April?

🌤️ Martinique Weather in April

In April, the sky is generally clear, offering beautiful sunny days. Showers are rare, and if they occur, they are often short and refreshing. Prepare to be pampered by the mild tropical climate of the island.

🌧️ Does it Rain in April in Martinique?

Rainfall is low in April, which means you can fully enjoy your outdoor activities without worrying about being caught in showers.

🌡️ Average Temperatures in April in Martinique

Average temperatures range between 25°C and 30°C in April, offering ideal conditions for exploring the island, hiking, and relaxing on the beautiful sandy beaches.

🌊 Sea Water Temperatures in April in Martinique

The sea water is pleasantly warm in April, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply lounging on the beach.

What to See, What to Do in April in Martinique?

During the month of April, Martinique is filled with activities and sights to discover. Here are some suggestions to fully enjoy your stay in Martinique:

Must-Do Classics: Head to the Beaches, Hiking Trails, and Distilleries

With pleasant weather, April is the perfect month to enjoy the most popular outdoor activities in Martinique.

🏖️ Explore the white sandy beaches lined with coconut trees

The most popular beaches in April for tourists and locals alike are:

- Les Salines Beach in Sainte-Anne,

- Bourg Beach and Grande Anse Beach in Anses d'Arlet,

- Diamond Beach,

- Carbet Beach,

- Tartane Beach in Trinité.

🥾 Challenge Yourself on the Water or Hiking Trails

Feel like moving? In April, you'll enjoy a range of water activities that Martinique offers in all its breadth: snorkeling, diving, sailing, kite surfing... In April, you can lace up your hiking shoes at any time and venture out on the trails in the north of Martinique, which delve into the rainforest. It's an opportunity to discover the island's magnificent waterfalls. In the south and east, there is no shortage of hiking trails: Savane des Pétrifications in Sainte-Anne, Caravelle Peninsula, and Morne Larcher are among the most popular.

​🥃 Visit Distilleries, Monuments, and Historical Sites

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In April, you can also visit the distilleries of Martinique. More than a dozen distilleries are waiting for you! The most iconic of them, Habitation Clément, brings together a contemporary art complex, an educational space, and a vast wooded estate. As a bonus: visiting Martinique in April allows you to visit the Galion sugar factory, the only remaining sugar factory in Martinique. The tours are fascinating and are only allowed during the sugar campaign, between March and June.

😉 Unusual Outings Ideas in Martinique in April

In April, you can enhance your stay by venturing off the beaten path. We've selected some ideas for you!

You'll find numerous cooking, mixology, and culinary workshops to discover and recreate the exquisite flavors of Martinican Creole cuisine. You can also relax and have fun by opting for a dance, pilates, or outdoor yoga class.

Witness the Blooming of Gliricidias

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Gliricidia, scientifically known as *Gliricidia sepium*, is an evergreen tree native to Central America and introduced in many tropical regions worldwide, including Martinique. It belongs to the Fabaceae family (or legumes), which also includes plants such as peas, beans, and trees like acacias. In Martinique, this tree is widely cultivated and used: it helps demarcate agricultural lands and provides shade. The leaves of *gliricidia* are consumed by livestock such as cows and sheep. Every year, an enchanting natural spectacle unfolds with the arrival of the *gliricidias*' blossoming. When *gliricidias* bloom, it's as if Martinique's nature adorns itself in its finest attire. The green leaves serve as a backdrop to an explosion of delicate flowers in shades of pure white, violet, and pale pink. The branches are covered with thousands of small butterfly-shaped flowers, creating a dazzling yet soothing spectacle. Like the cherry blossoms in Japan, the blooming *gliricidias* offer a fleeting yet unforgettable sight in Martinique, marking the beginning of a new season and delighting those fortunate enough to witness their bloom. Why not you?

Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables in April in Martinique

© Credit source : Canva In April, enjoy the local flavors by tasting the seasonal fruits and vegetables in Martinique, which are much more flavorful as they ripen locally. Here's a non-exhaustive list of seasonal fruits and vegetables in April in Martinique.

🥑 Seasonal Fruits in April in Martinique**

• Pineapple: King of tropical fruits, pineapples reach their peak in April. Their sweet and tangy taste makes them a delight to enjoy fresh or incorporated into fruit salads or exotic dishes.

• Avocado: Creamy and rich in healthy fats, avocados are abundant in April in Martinique. Delicious on toast, in salads, or as guacamole, they are an excellent source of vitamins and nutrients.

• Soursops: Also known as "sugar apples," soursops are exotic fruits with a unique, slightly acidic, and refreshing flavor. They are perfect for fresh juices or homemade sorbets.

• Guavas:These fragrant little fruits are delicious in April. Their sweet pink flesh is ideal for jams, juices, or simply enjoyed as is for an explosion of tropical flavors.

• Sugar Cane: Symbol of Martinique's sugar industry, sugar cane is harvested year-round, but it reaches its peak maturity in April. With its sweet and refreshing juice, it is used to produce the island's famous agricultural rum as well as fresh sugar cane juice, perfect for refreshing under the tropical sun.

• Papaya: Delightfully sweet and fragrant, papaya is an essential tropical fruit in Martinique in April. Its orange and melting flesh is rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

• Acerola Cherry:Also known as the Barbados cherry, acerola is a small bright red berry, extremely rich in vitamin C. In April, acerola cherries are abundant in Martinique. Their tangy and slightly sweet taste makes them a healthy and energizing snack, perfect for boosting your immune system and revitalizing during your stay in Martinique.

🥔​ Vegetables in April in Martinique**

• Sweet Potatoes: With their sweet and colorful flesh, sweet potatoes are a staple in Martinique's cuisine. They lend themselves to a multitude of preparations, from savory dishes to sweet desserts.

• Chayotes: Also known as chayotes, chayotes are popular vegetables in Martinique in April. Their crunchy texture and mild taste make them a versatile ingredient for salads, gratins, or stir-fries.

• Yams: These starchy tubers are widely cultivated in Martinique and are available year-round, but they are particularly delicious in April. Their sweet and flavorful flesh is perfect for purees, soups, or slow-cooked dishes.

• Calabaza Squash: A local variety of pumpkin, calabaza squash is a versatile and delicious vegetable available abundantly in April. With its sweet flesh and creamy texture, calabaza squash is often used in soups, veloutés, or simply steamed. Its slightly sweet flavor makes it an essential ingredient in Martinique's Creole cuisine.

• Plantain: Symbol of Caribbean cuisine, plantains are widely grown in Martinique and are available year-round, but they are particularly delicious in April. This starchy vegetable can be prepared in many ways: fried, boiled, baked, or grilled. Its sweet flavor and melting texture make it a perfect accompaniment for many local dishes.

What to Pack in April ?

During your trip to Martinique in April, don't forget to pack the following essentials in your luggage: - Sunglasses to protect yourself from intense UV rays. - Eco-friendly sunscreen to protect your skin and the marine ecosystem. - A hat to shield yourself from the sun. - Hiking shoes to explore the island's trails. - Mosquito repellent to protect yourself from insects.

Martinique in May is also possible!

Need a car for April?

Europcar Martinique is with you! 🚗♻️ Remember to drive responsibly and give priority to carpooling.