Castries in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Castries

29°C (85°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

130 mm (5.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak sailing season with trade winds averaging 18-25 knots (33-46 km/h) - perfect for catamaran excursions and yacht charters to nearby islands
Lowest rainfall of the year with only 10 wet days, and showers typically last 15-20 minutes in late afternoon
Christmas season brings busy local celebrations including Friday Night Street Parties with live soca and calypso performances
Sea temperatures reach optimal 27°C (81°F) making December ideal for snorkeling and diving with 20-25m (65-82 ft) visibility

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to shoulder months and require booking 8-10 weeks ahead
Cruise ship arrivals peak with 3-4 ships weekly bringing 6,000-8,000 passengers, creating crowds at duty-free shops and popular attractions between 8am-4pm
Humidity stays consistently at 70% making midday outdoor activities feel uncomfortable - locals avoid hiking between 11am-3pm

Best Activities in December

Pigeon Island National Park Archaeological Tours

December's lower rainfall and steady trade winds make this UNESCO site perfect for exploring. The 0.8 km (0.5 mile) trail to Signal Peak offers panoramic views without the muddy conditions of rainy season. Early morning visits (7:30-9:30am) avoid both crowds and peak heat.

Booking Tip: Entry costs EC$15 (US$6) for non-residents. Book guided tours through the Saint Lucia National Trust 2-3 days ahead during peak season. Best combined with snorkeling at the adjacent beach. See current tour options in booking section below.

Catamaran Day Sails to Soufrière

December trade winds create ideal sailing conditions for the 32 km (20 mile) journey south. Seas are calmer than other months with 1-1.5m (3-5 ft) swells. Most tours include stops at the Pitons and Saint Lucia, with December offering the clearest views of these landmarks.

Booking Tip: Full-day sails typically cost EC$270-400 (US$100-150) including lunch and drinks. Book 10-14 days ahead as Christmas period sells out. Morning departures around 8:30am return by 4:30pm. See current sailing options in booking section below.

Rainforest Canopy Zip-lining

December's reduced rainfall means zip-line courses operate at full capacity with minimal weather cancellations. The 10-12 platform courses through Castries' surrounding rainforest offer 30°C (86°F) cooling under the canopy versus beachside heat.

Booking Tip: Tours cost EC$190-270 (US$70-100) for 2-3 hours including transportation from Castries hotels. Weight limits apply (typically 100 kg/220 lbs maximum). Book morning slots to avoid afternoon shower risk. See current zip-line tours in booking section below.

Castries Central Market Cultural Tours

December brings seasonal local produce like breadfruit, christophene, and fresh nutmeg. Saturday mornings (6:00-10:00am) offer the most real feel when locals shop for weekend cooking. The covered market provides relief from December's UV index of 8.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but cultural walking tours cost EC$65-110 (US$25-40) for 2-3 hours including tastings. Tours typically start at Derek Walcott Square. Local vendors prefer small bills - bring EC$5-20 notes. See current cultural tours in booking section below.

Sunset Deep-Sea Fishing Charters

December marks peak season for mahi-mahi and yellowfin tuna fishing. Calmer seas and consistent trade winds create ideal conditions for 4-6 hour charters. December sunset occurs around 6:00pm providing perfect timing for return trips.

Booking Tip: Half-day charters (4 hours) cost EC$1,350-1,900 (US$500-700) for up to 6 people. Full-day trips run EC$2,160-2,700 (US$800-1,000). Book 7-10 days ahead during peak season. Most operators provide equipment and cleaning services. See current fishing charters in booking section below.

Gros Piton Hiking Expeditions

December's lower humidity and minimal rainfall create optimal conditions for the challenging 2.5 km (1.6 mile) ascent to 798m (2,618 ft). Early morning starts (6:00am) take advantage of cooler temperatures before midday heat sets in.

Booking Tip: Mandatory guide fees cost EC$135-190 (US$50-70) plus EC$15 park entry. Hikes take 4-6 hours round trip. Physical fitness required - equivalent to climbing 160 flights of stairs. Book guides through Dominica guides association 3-5 days ahead. See current hiking tours in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Mid to Late December

Castries Christmas Carnival

Local soca and calypso bands perform at Derek Walcott Square with food vendors selling seasonal specialties like black cake and sorrel drinks. Steel pan competitions occur most weekends leading up to Christmas.

Every Friday in December

Friday Night Jump-Up Street Party

Weekly street festival along Jeremie Street featuring local DJs, craft vendors, and traditional Saint Lucian street food. December features extended hours and special Christmas-themed entertainment.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic shirts - cotton stays wet longer in 70% humidity and takes 3-4 hours to dry

Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and regular sunscreen is banned at marine parks

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon showers occur 10 days per month but last only 15-20 minutes

Closed-toe hiking shoes with good tread - trails can be slippery even in dry season due to loose volcanic soil

Wide-brimmed hat - essential for boat trips where shade is limited and sun reflects off water

Mosquito repellent with 25% DEET - evening bugs are active around sunset despite lower humidity

Dry bag for valuables - protect electronics during catamaran trips and unexpected rain showers

Light cotton pants for evening - required at upscale restaurants and provides mosquito protection

Waterproof sandals with ankle support - rocky beach entries and wet boat decks require secure footing

Small backpack (20-30L) - day trips to Saint Lucia and hiking excursions require hands-free carrying

Insider Knowledge

Cruise ship schedules dictate crowd patterns - check port schedules and visit popular attractions early morning or after 4pm when passengers return to ships

Local buses (route taxis) cost EC$2.50 versus EC$25+ for hotel shuttles to cover the Easttimor 5 km (3.1 mile) distance to Saint Lucia

December fish markets offer the year's best selection - lobster season peaks and local fishermen bring daily catches to Castries fish market by 7:00am

Banking hours reduce during Christmas week - withdraw EC dollars before December 23rd as many ATMs run empty and banks close for extended periods

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking ground transportation through hotels instead of pre-arranged transfers - hotel rates average 3x higher than independent operators during peak season

Planning outdoor activities during 11am-3pm when humidity feels oppressive - locals schedule physical activities before 9am or after 4pm

Assuming all beaches have facilities - many pristine swimming spots lack shade structures, so bring umbrellas for December's intense UV exposure