Beaches & Islands · Best Dec–May
St. Lucia packing list for families
St. Lucia is part beach trip, part adventure, with rainforest hikes, waterfalls, and volcanic mud baths alongside the pool. Here is how our family packs for the Pitons without overpacking.
Photo by Corinne Kutz on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on St. Lucia
- The main international airport is in the south, and the drive to the north end of the island takes about an hour and a half on winding roads. Pack motion-sickness help and snacks for the transfer, or look at a helicopter hop.
- Bring an old, dark swimsuit for the Sulphur Springs mud baths. The mineral water can stain lighter fabrics, and you will not want to pack it back up wet.
- St. Lucia restricts wearing camouflage, so leave camo clothing, hats, and backpacks at home, including the kids'.
Best timeDec–May
PlugsType G, bring an adapter
MoneyEastern Caribbean dollar (US dollars widely accepted)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
St. Lucia
This time of year
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Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
Packing cubes, one color per personOur pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing5
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Packable rain jacketRainforest showers pop up even in the dry season.
Shoes3
Broken-in walking sneakersOur pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Kids' hiking sandals or trail shoesRainforest and waterfall trails get muddy and slick.
Beach & pool9
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsOur pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysOur pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Old dark swimsuit for the mud bathsOur pickSulphur Springs water can stain light fabrics.
Adventure1
Bug spray
Little ones5
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerOur pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.
Health & toiletries4
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Motion-sickness bandsIsland roads are winding and hilly.
Documents & tech3
Portable phone chargerOur pick
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterOur pickType G, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Jungle to beach
Natural, palm green, sand, papaya
For the grown-ups
- Breathable long sleeves for hikes
- Linen for beach dinners
- Sturdy sport sandals
For the kids
- Quick-dry shorts and tees
- Lightweight pants for the rainforest
- Closed-toe shoes for trails
For photos
- Earthy tones that work in jungle and sand
- Bright papaya for a pop
Month by month
St. Lucia weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 84°F 29°C | Dry season with sunny days, breezes, and the occasional short shower | Dry, clear days that are best for hiking and Piton views |
| February | 84°F 29°C | Dry season with sunny days, breezes, and the occasional short shower | Dry, clear days that are best for hiking and Piton views |
| March | 85°F 29°C | Dry season with sunny days, breezes, and the occasional short shower | Leatherback turtle nesting season on the island's east coast, seen on guided night walks Dry, clear days that are best for hiking and Piton views |
| April | 87°F 31°C | Dry season with sunny days, breezes, and the occasional short shower | Leatherback turtle nesting season on the island's east coast, seen on guided night walks Dry, clear days that are best for hiking and Piton views |
| May | 88°F 31°C | Dry season with sunny days, breezes, and the occasional short shower | Leatherback turtle nesting season on the island's east coast, seen on guided night walks |
| June | 88°F 31°C | Hot and humid with more frequent showers; hurricane season begins | Leatherback turtle nesting season on the island's east coast, seen on guided night walks |
| July | 88°F 31°C | Hot and humid with more frequent showers; hurricane season begins | Leatherback turtle nesting season on the island's east coast, seen on guided night walks St. Lucia Carnival, with costumed parades in Castries |
| August | 89°F 32°C | Hot and humid with more frequent showers; hurricane season begins | |
| September | 89°F 32°C | Wettest stretch and peak hurricane risk, with lush green hillsides | |
| October | 88°F 31°C | Wettest stretch and peak hurricane risk, with lush green hillsides | Jounen Kweyol, a celebration of Creole food, music, and language |
| November | 87°F 31°C | Wettest stretch and peak hurricane risk, with lush green hillsides | |
| December | 85°F 29°C | Dry season with sunny days, breezes, and the occasional short shower | Dry, clear days that are best for hiking and Piton views |
Questions families ask
St. Lucia with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit St. Lucia with kids?
The best time is Dec–May. Dry season with sunny days, breezes, and the occasional short shower
What's the weather like in St. Lucia?
Typical daytime highs range from about 84°F (29°C) in January to about 89°F (32°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for St. Lucia?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for St. Lucia?
Type G, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for St. Lucia with kids?
The main international airport is in the south, and the drive to the north end of the island takes about an hour and a half on winding roads. Pack motion-sickness help and snacks for the transfer, or look at a helicopter hop.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.