GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE
Geography
Martinique is located between St Lucia and Dominica in the Caribbean. It is approximately 2000 miles (3150km) from New York and 4500 miles (7000km) from the UK. The island is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea to the west and Atlantic Ocean to the east.
Martinique is 64km high and 22km wide and covers 1102 sq km. The tropical north is mountainous with the scenic Pitons du Carbet at 1207m high and Montagne Pelée at 1397m high, all surrounded by tropical rain forests. Montagne Pelée is an active volcano which last erupted in 1902. The south is generally flatter and drier with fantastic beaches of white sand, crystal clear tropical sea and coconut trees.
Climate
Martinique has a wet tropical climate with humidity ranging from 80% in March to 88% in November. The wet season runs from June to December and the dry season from January to June. Temperatures do not vary much in Martinique with maximum temperatures ranging from between 28°C(83°F) in December to 31°C(88°F) in July and minimum night time temperatures ranging between 21°C(70°F) in December and 23°C(74°F) in July.
The climate varies dramatically between the north and south. The north, where the volcano, mountains and rainforests are located typically receives a lot more rain than the south of the island.
When is the Best Time to Go?
The best time to go to Martinique is between November and the end of June. There is generally a lot more rain between July and October and it is during this period that the humidity is at its highest. October is particularly humid with very little wind and high rainfall and humidity, which is a perfect climate for breeding mosquitoes. August is also the main holiday period for locals and the beaches get very busy.
The hurricane season in the Caribbean is generally between July and November with the most activity in August and September. Hurricanes are not as frequent in Martinique as in the North Caribbean with only one hurricane within the past 27 years.
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Geography
Martinique is located between St Lucia and Dominica in the Caribbean. It is approximately 2000 miles (3150km) from New York and 4500 miles (7000km) from the UK. The island is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea to the west and Atlantic Ocean to the east.
Martinique is 64km high and 22km wide and covers 1102 sq km. The tropical north is mountainous with the scenic Pitons du Carbet at 1207m high and Montagne Pelée at 1397m high, all surrounded by tropical rain forests. Montagne Pelée is an active volcano which last erupted in 1902. The south is generally flatter and drier with fantastic beaches of white sand, crystal clear tropical sea and coconut trees.
Climate
Martinique has a wet tropical climate with humidity ranging from 80% in March to 88% in November. The wet season runs from June to December and the dry season from January to June. Temperatures do not vary much in Martinique with maximum temperatures ranging from between 28°C(83°F) in December to 31°C(88°F) in July and minimum night time temperatures ranging between 21°C(70°F) in December and 23°C(74°F) in July.
The climate varies dramatically between the north and south. The north, where the volcano, mountains and rainforests are located typically receives a lot more rain than the south of the island.
When is the Best Time to Go?
The best time to go to Martinique is between November and the end of June. There is generally a lot more rain between July and October and it is during this period that the humidity is at its highest. October is particularly humid with very little wind and high rainfall and humidity, which is a perfect climate for breeding mosquitoes. August is also the main holiday period for locals and the beaches get very busy.
The hurricane season in the Caribbean is generally between July and November with the most activity in August and September. Hurricanes are not as frequent in Martinique as in the North Caribbean with only one hurricane within the past 27 years.
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