Guadeloupe April holidays

Festivals and events in Guadeloupe in April

Easter is observed in Guadeloupe with a mix of religious and modern traditions. Locals celebrate with picnics and BBQs on the beach, and they eat matété, a land crab dish that people look forward to eating all year. Crab traps are set a month ahead of Easter in preparations. Most local shops will be closed for the long weekend, but larger shopping centres may be open.

One of the most unique events in Guadeloupe’s calendar is La Désirades Goat Festival. Held on Easter weekend, the celebration features a fashion show for goats and a large selection of goat dishes cooked in various ways.

In April each year, Guadeloupe hosts the Guadarun, a running race of 6 stages across the archipelago. Each stage is between 15-25km long and set in radically different terrains.

Top places to visit Guadeloupe in April

Intrepid explorers will love the waterfall-doused forests, and hike-able peaks of Basse-Terre, whilst sunbathers will enjoy the picture-perfect beaches along the south coast of Grande-Terre and in Marie-Galante. Whilst on the island of Marie-Galante, you must visit one (or all) of the country’s most iconic rum brewers – Distillerie Bielle, Distillerie Poisson and Domaine de Bellevue. With three rum distilleries on an island of just 12,000 people makes Marie-Galante home to more distilleries per capita more than any other destination on the planet!

What’s the weather like in Guadeloupe in April?

Temperatures and frequency of rain gradually increase in Guadeloupe from April. The average temperature is around 27°C, with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Expect 8 hours of sunshine and 10-12 days of rainfall, on average in April. Rainstorms pass quickly and often just happen in the mountain regions of Basse-Terre. Stick to the flat areas of the main islands and beaches in Grande-Terre for the least chance of wet weather. April is still a great month for visiting Guadeloupe with pleasant temperatures and lower prices out of peak season.

What to pack for a holiday in Guadeloupe in April

General packing tips for April:

• Pack light clothing, swimwear and shoes suited to a summer holiday.
• Smart-casual outfits for the evening
• Bring a jumper or cardigan for the cooler evenings.
• Don’t forget sun cream, sunglasses and a hat for protection from the sun.
• Strong bug spray and after-bite remedy.
• Travel plug adapter.
• Prescription medicines.
• Tote bag for shopping and a plastic bag for muddy shoes.
• Hiking shoes if you plan on visiting the rainforest and volcano in Basse-Terre.
• Waterproof shoes for swimming in waterfalls.
• Extra layers for hiking to higher altitudes
• If you wish to snorkel from the beach, bring your own snorkelling equipment. Wear a rash vest to avoid sunburn.