According to ANSWERRESUME.COM, the Caribbean archipelago of Guadeloupe is a French overseas department and belongs to the Lesser Antilles. Guadeloupe has a tropical climate. This means that temperatures hardly change over the course of the year.
Like all islands in the Eastern Caribbean, Guadeloupe receives fairly evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year, with a wetter period between July and November coinciding with the hurricane season. In the mountainous regions, rainfall increases sharply.
Usually it is relatively hot in Guadeloupe in the slightly warmer time (June, July and August) of around 31/32 ° C during the day and 23 ° C at night. However, the trade winds (Alizés) keep the temperatures within reasonable limits. Even in the “cooler” period (December, January, February), daytime temperatures of around 28 ° C are reached in Guadeloupe, and temperatures hardly drop below 20 ° C at night.
At higher altitudes, Basse-Terre is both cooler and rainier than Grande-Terre. On the highest point, La Soufrière, an average of 990 cm of rain falls per year.
Best time to visit Guadeloupe
With its warm climate, Guadeloupe is suitable for a holiday at any time of the year. In winter (December to February) the evenings are pleasantly mild, during the day temperatures are around 28/29 ° C. The driest months are between February and April with an average of seven days of rain per month. This moderate period is also the peak of the tourist season.
The wettest months are between July and November. This is also the hurricane season, so keep an eye on the weather forecast.
Most of the cultural events take place in spring and summer. The Fête des Cuisinières is a colorful event at the beginning of August, when women in Creole clothes parading through the streets to the cathedral, where they are blessed by the bishop.
Guadeloupe – Sightseeing
Grande Terre in the east is fairly flat and very dry. The Kalboden is mainly used for the cultivation of sugar cane.
Basse Terre is a volcanic mountain island. The highest mountain there is La Soufriere, a volcano that is still active. Since the clouds stick to its summit, there is sufficient rain on Basse Terre all year round. Large banana plantations stretch out on the east side of the island.
The area is ideal for nature lovers in particular. There is a national park with a size of 17,300 hectares that is definitely worth seeing. The national park protects a rainforest that is still very well preserved. Here alone you can see over three hundred different types of trees and shrubs. There are also a large number of different giant ferns here. The highest mountain, Basse-Terres, is also located in the nature reserve. You can also admire some waterfalls here. Those who like to hike have many different opportunities to try out their skills. There are over 300 kilometers of paths and marked hiking trails.
Water lovers, bathing holidaymakers and water sports enthusiasts will not miss out in Guadeloupe either. Here you can snorkel or dive to get to know the fantastic underwater flora and fauna. If you have no experience in diving, you can enliven the corresponding courses here to see the wonderful underwater landscape for yourself.
For those who have nothing to do with diving, there is the opportunity to get to know the underwater world of Guadeloupe by glass-bottom boat or submarine. A visit to the aquarium is an absolute must. It is the largest in the Antilles. Here you can admire over a hundred different species of fish and shellfish from the Caribbean.
But there are other sights on Guadeloupe that are worth visiting. How about B. a detour to one of the various rum distilleries or a visit to the rum museum in Sainte-Rose. There is also a remarkable collection of insects and butterflies to be seen here.
Other museums would be the St. John Perse and the Schoelcher which are both located in former mansions that were built in colonial style in the city of Pointe-a-Pitre. But the Fleu d’Epée Castle and the ethnographic Egar Clerc Museum in Moule are definitely worth a visit.
Other sights in Guadeloupe would be the zoo, the orchid garden, the coffee and cocoa plantations, the banana plantations, some botanical gardens and the stone engraving park. On Les Sintes you should visit Fort Napoleon, as there are always interesting exhibitions to see and you can also get to know the iguanas there. If you want to experience a breathtaking view, you should climb the Chameau, as you can experience almost all of Guadeloupe from above from 309 meters.
Guadeloupe – Health and Diseases
When traveling to Guadeloupe, vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis A is recommended. For a longer stay and backpacking trips, vaccination against hepatitis B and typhus is recommended.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers (older than one year) who have been in a yellow fever infection area within the last 6 days when entering the country. This certificate is not required if you have only stayed in the transit area in the yellow fever area, and transit passengers who fly on from Guadeloupe on the same aircraft do not need a yellow fever vaccination.
Diarrheal diseases
Most diarrheal illnesses can be prevented with proper drinking water and food hygiene.
Some basic rules
The drinking water in Guadeloupe is chlorinated and can cause slight stomach upset in the first few days of your stay. In the beginning you should buy drinking water in bottles, but make sure that the original cap is not broken. Basically, the tap water should be boiled or sterilized despite the chlorination. The milk offered on Guadelupe is pasteurized and can be consumed as well as fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy products, poultry and seafood.
Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis pathogens occur sporadically in rivers and ponds in Guadeloupe, so avoid wading and swimming in these waters. However, in well-maintained pools that use chlorinated water, there is no risk of schistosomiasis. Dengue virus infections
transmitted by mosquitoes occur in Guadeloupe, especially between July and November. It is recommended to use mosquito nets and / or mosquito repellants to protect against insects. The European Health Insurance Card EHIC is valid for citizens of the European Union (EU) and EFTA and regulates reimbursement of costs and care in the event of treatment abroad. This insurance card is accepted for treatments in Guadeloupe.
However, the EHIC does not cover repatriation in the event of an accident or serious illness. This service is only offered by private health insurers, so additional travel health insurance with repatriation insurance is recommended.
When traveling to Guadeloupe, take a specially designed first-aid kit with you and protect it from high temperatures on the way.
In addition to my general disclaimer, please note the following important note:
A guarantee for the correctness and completeness of the medical information and liability for any damage that may occur cannot be assumed. You stay responsible for your healthy.
