St. Maarten Sint Maarten
Country: Sint Maarten · Region: Eastern Caribbean · Currency: Netherlands Antillean Guilder
Sint Maarten/Saint Martin is a Caribbean island split between Dutch and French territories, known for beautiful beaches, excellent shopping in Philipsburg, and a peaceful borderless experience between both sides.
Top sights
Philipsburg shopping district, Orient Beach, Maho Beach, Simpson Bay Lagoon, Loterie Farm, Fort Louis
Things to do
- Loterie Farm
- A 150-acre preserve on the French side featuring an excellent restaurant, zip line experiences, hikes, and ecotours.
- Simpson Bay Lagoon
- The largest inland lagoon in the Caribbean with underwater life and two small islands, separated by the French-Dutch border.
- Fort Louis
- An 18th-century French fort overlooking Marigot on the French side.
- Rusty Parrot Pirate Park
- Multimedia presentations on the history of piracy and workshops on rum making.
Beaches
- Orient Beach
- A popular French-side beach known for its clothing-optional section at the far southern end marked by yellow umbrellas.
- Maho Beach
- A tourist draw near Princess Juliana International Airport where planes land unusually close overhead to sunbathers.
Where to eat
- Grand Case
- An old fishing village on the French side known for excellent restaurants and gourmet meals.
- Marigot
- The capital of the French side with plenty of gourmet meal options and interesting shops.
Bars and nightlife
- Maho and Cupecoy area
- Known for some of the best nightlife on the island and some of the best beaches.
Forecast for St. Maarten
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Weather in St. Maarten by month
Averages from 2015 to 2024, not a forecast. Within about two weeks of a date, the live forecast above is the one to trust.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 79°F | 76°F | 1.4 in | 12 |
| February | 78°F | 76°F | 1.7 in | 9 |
| March | 78°F | 76°F | 0.8 in | 7 |
| April | 79°F | 77°F | 1.5 in | 10 |
| May | 81°F | 78°F | 1.9 in | 10 |
| June | 82°F | 80°F | 1.7 in | 9 |
| July | 83°F | 80°F | 2.6 in | 15 |
| August | 83°F | 80°F | 3.4 in | 15 |
| September | 84°F | 80°F | 5.0 in | 16 |
| October | 83°F | 80°F | 4.5 in | 17 |
| November | 82°F | 79°F | 4.9 in | 16 |
| December | 80°F | 78°F | 1.7 in | 13 |
Getting around
From the cruise ship docks in Philipsburg, use water taxis to Front Street, hire taxis as tour guides, or use the minivan bus system that runs between major towns.
What to eat
Grand Case and Marigot on the French side offer excellent gourmet restaurants, while Loterie Farm features a restaurant with Curry Chicken and tapas.
Tips
Book Loterie Farm activities in advance and wear closed shoes for zip-lining; the site gets crowded when cruise ships dock.
Best for
Beaches, shopping, snorkeling
More ports in Eastern Caribbean
Antigua · San Juan · St. Barts · St. Croix · St. Kitts · St. Thomas · Tortola