St. Martin and Sint Maarten packing list for families
St. Martin is two islands in one, with French and Dutch sides that each have their own outlets, currency, and feel. Here is how our family packs for beaches, ferry days, and dinners in Grand Case.
Photo by Scott S. Bateman on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on St. Martin / Sint Maarten
- The island has a French side and a Dutch side, with different outlets. The Dutch side uses US plugs, while the French side uses European ones, so I pack an adapter either way.
- Watching planes land over Maho Beach is a thrill for kids, but the jet blast from departing planes is dangerous. Watch landings from a safe spot behind the fence or at a beach bar, and keep little ones well back.
- Day trips by ferry to Anguilla, St. Barts, or Pinel Island are easy and fun. Bring passports for Anguilla and St. Barts, and pack motion-sickness bands for the open-water crossings.
St. Martin / Sint Maarten
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Carry-on8
Clothing4
Shoes2
Beach & pool8
Little ones5
Health & toiletries5
Documents & tech4
Riviera blues
White, Riviera blue, cream, lemon
For the grown-ups
- Striped linen and white denim
- A breezy midi dress
- Espadrilles you can walk stairs in
For the kids
- Blue-and-white stripes
- A lemon-print dress or shirt
- Sandals with a back strap
For photos
- Blue, white, and one lemon accent
- Early morning, before the crowds
St. Martin / Sint Maarten 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 | 83°F 28°C | Dry season with steady trade winds and sunny days | |
| February | 83°F 28°C | Dry season with steady trade winds and sunny days | French side Carnival, peaking around Mardi Gras |
| March | 84°F 29°C | Dry season with steady trade winds and sunny days | French side Carnival, peaking around Mardi Gras Heineken Regatta, with sailboats racing around the island |
| April | 85°F 29°C | Dry season with steady trade winds and sunny days | Sint Maarten Carnival on the Dutch side, from late April into May |
| May | 86°F 30°C | Warm with lighter winds and occasional showers | Sint Maarten Carnival on the Dutch side, from late April into May |
| June | 88°F 31°C | Warm with lighter winds and occasional showers | |
| July | 88°F 31°C | Hot with passing showers; hurricane season underway | Bastille Day celebrations in Marigot on July 14 |
| August | 89°F 32°C | Hot with passing showers; hurricane season underway | |
| September | 89°F 32°C | Peak hurricane risk and the rainiest stretch; some restaurants close for the season | |
| October | 88°F 31°C | Peak hurricane risk and the rainiest stretch; some restaurants close for the season | |
| November | 86°F 30°C | Peak hurricane risk and the rainiest stretch; some restaurants close for the season | St. Martin's Day on November 11, celebrated on both sides |
| December | 84°F 29°C | Dry season with steady trade winds and sunny days |
St. Martin / Sint Maarten with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit St. Martin / Sint Maarten with kids?
The best time is Dec–Apr. Dry season with steady trade winds and sunny days
What's the weather like in St. Martin / Sint Maarten?
Typical daytime highs range from about 83°F (28°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. Martin / Sint Maarten?
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. Martin / Sint Maarten?
Type C, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for St. Martin / Sint Maarten with kids?
The island has a French side and a Dutch side, with different outlets. The Dutch side uses US plugs, while the French side uses European ones, so I pack an adapter either way.
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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.