Guadeloupe has a tropical climate with temperatures that stay between 25°C and 30°C (77–86°F) year-round. The main variable is rain and the risk of hurricanes.
The dry season (Carême) runs from January to May and is generally considered the best time to visit. The weather is sunny and breezy, humidity is lower, and the sea is calm. January through March is the peak of this period — ideal for hiking, beaches, and the outer islands. The coincidence with Carnival (which runs from January to Ash Wednesday) makes late January and February particularly lively.
The wet season (Hivernage) runs from June to November, with the most rain and the highest hurricane risk between August and October. This doesn't mean the islands shut down — showers are often brief and the vegetation turns intensely green — but it does mean some trails may be impassable after heavy rain, ferry services can be disrupted during storms, and the volcano area on Basse-Terre gets very wet. Accommodation prices drop significantly and the islands are much quieter.
May and November are pleasant shoulder months: lower prices, fewer tourists, and generally reasonable weather. May also brings the Terre de Blues festival on Marie-Galante, one of the best reasons to visit.