Weather, Climate & Best Time to Visit St. Martin / St. Maarten
The climate on St. Martin is influenced by trade winds, with tropical conditions year-round. Temperature variation is minimal on the island.
Average highs range between 27 and 29°C. In the warmest months, maximums can reach 32°C.
Nighttime lows rarely drop below 20°C, averaging between 23 and 25°C. The rainy season runs roughly from July to November, with the dry season from December to May. The difference between seasons is barely noticeable.
The island has relatively low elevation, making it comparatively dry overall.
Throughout the year, the east coast tends to receive more rainfall, while the sheltered west coast is somewhat drier.
The risk of tropical hurricanes exists from June to November.
Entry Requirements for St. Maarten / St. Martin
Note: Entry requirements may change at short notice. Please check with the relevant authorities before traveling.
The island is divided — entry requirements differ by side:
Dutch Side (Sint Maarten):
- EU citizens do not need a visa (up to 90 days)
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Digital entry form via entry.sx (up to 7 days before arrival)
- Return ticket + proof of accommodation
French Side (Saint-Martin):
- EU citizens: National ID or passport is sufficient
- No visa, no time limit for EU citizens
Getting to St. Maarten / St. Martin
The Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side was completely rebuilt after Hurricane Irma (2017) and reopened in November 2024. The airport is famous for its spectacular landing approaches directly over Maho Beach.
Flights from Europe:
- KLM from Amsterdam (direct, year-round)
- Air France from Paris-CDG (up to 14x per week)
- Air Caraïbes from Paris-Orly
From Germany, the most convenient route is via Amsterdam with KLM or via Paris with Air France. No direct flights from Germany.
A rental car is recommended, as public transport is limited. There are no border controls between the two sides — you simply drive across.
Our Highlights for St. Martin / St. Maarten
St. Maarten / St. Martin — Leeward Islands
This is what makes the island truly unique: Only here in the Caribbean will you find a border between France and the Netherlands. The northern St. Martin (52 km2) belongs to France, while the southern St. Maarten (37 km2) is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The best way to explore is on a bus tour or by rental car.
For us, the absolute highlight is Simpson Bay beach, right in the flight path of Princess Juliana Airport — a must for every visitor and aviation fan! Nowhere else can you get blasted into the sea by jet exhaust during takeoff.
The island also has a Zoological Botanical Garden on the Dutch side.
A great souvenir: the Guavaberry liqueur made with rum and spices.
Philipsburg — St. Maarten
The Dutch capital is Philipsburg, essentially four long parallel streets connected by side streets, on a sandbar between Groot Baai and Great Salt Pond. The roughly 1.6 km to the harbor (Great Bay) is best covered by water taxis shuttling between Harbour Village cruise port and the shopping district.
Between Front Street and Back Street, countless shops offer duty-free goods of every kind.
At Town Pier on Front Street stands the 19th-century Court House. Nearby is the St. Maarten Museum — a tiny museum above a shop packed with fascinating island history.
Marigot — Saint Martin
The city center stretches between the waterfront promenade and Marina Port La Royale. Marigot has a duty-free port offering primarily French goods — perfumes, crystal, jewelry and fashion — at 30 to 50% savings compared to US prices.
Most shops line Rue de la Liberté and Rue de la République along Baie Nettle.
About 30 minutes by taxi from Philipsburg, Marigot feels a world away from the frenetic Dutch capital. The town seems transplanted from the French provinces. Under colorful parasols, enjoy a croissant with all the flair of the Côte d'Azur.
The Beaches
Over 40 perfect beaches stretch along approximately 16 kilometers of coastline, all open to the public.
Some are managed by resorts offering changing facilities and water sports for a fee.
Snorkeling and diving here are superb, as on most Caribbean islands.
Topless sunbathing is only permitted on the French side.
The most beautiful French beaches: Baie Longue, Cupecoy Bay Beach, Baie Rouge and Grand Case Beach.
On the Dutch side: Mullet Bay, Great Bay, Little Bay and Simpson Bay.
Where is St. Maarten / St. Martin?
The Caribbean island of Saint Martin (French) or Sint Maarten (Dutch) covers 96 km2, making it one of the smaller Caribbean islands.
It is of volcanic origin and belongs to the Leeward Islands (Antilles).
It lies east of Puerto Rico and about 930 km north of Venezuela.
A popular cruise port, the island is famous for its spectacular airport.
Nearby: Antigua, Guadeloupe and Saint Thomas.
The History of the Divided Island
- The island was discovered by Christopher Columbus on Saint Martin's feast day, November 11, 1493.
- After French and Dutch prisoners of war drove out their Spanish overseers in 1648, the island was divided.
- Legend has it they split it by having a Dutchman and a Frenchman walk in opposite directions around the coast until they met. The Dutchman carried gin and beer, the Frenchman cognac and wine — the cognac proved a better energizer. Others say the Dutchman was distracted by a French girl. Whatever the truth, the two halves have coexisted peacefully ever since.
- Two distinct lifestyles developed, functioning without borders long before the EU. The island's slogan: The Friendly Island. Small signs mark the border. About 35,000 people live here, two-thirds on the Dutch side. The French side uses the Euro; the Dutch side the Caribbean Guilder. English is widely spoken, especially on the Dutch side. US Dollars are accepted but often exchanged 1:1 for Euros.
- In the 1990s, six hurricanes struck. The most devastating: Luis (September 1995) and Lenny (November 1999).
- In 2017, Hurricane Irma devastated St. Maarten.
