The best time to visit French Guiana is the dry season, from August to November: in Cayenne, less than 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain falls per month from August to November, and barely 55 to 65 mm (2.2 to 2.6 in) in September and October, compared with 400 to 600 mm (15.7 to 23.6 in) in April and May. It is also the sunniest time of year. The “little summer of March”, a relative lull in the rains between February and March, offers a second, less certain window.
French Guiana is hot all year: average highs stay between 29 to 33 °C (84 to 91 °F) and lows around 23 °C (73 °F). What changes is the rainfall, very heavy from December to July, the condition of tracks and rivers, and the calendar of major events (carnival, turtle nesting). Here is how to choose your month, based on the official climate normals from Météo-France, France’s national weather service, which covers French Guiana.
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When to go to French Guiana: the essentials
- Best time: August to November (dry season)
- Driest months: September and October (about 55 to 65 mm (2.2 to 2.6 in) in Cayenne)
- Wettest months: April, May and June, peaking in May (600 mm (23.6 in) in Cayenne)
- Second window: the “little summer of March”, a lull often observed in February–March, with no guarantee
- Carnival: from Epiphany to Ash Wednesday, in the middle of the rainy season
- Sea turtles: nesting mainly from April to July on the beaches of the west and of Cayenne, hatching afterwards
- Storms: the UK FCDO notes a risk of tropical storms during the rainy season from December to July
- Health entry requirement: a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter French Guiana (UK FCDO and U.S. State Department)
When to go to French Guiana by priority
- Best weather: August to November, with September and October the driest months
- Cheapest: May and June (low prices), at the height of the rains; from September to November, prices stay medium
- Fewer crowds: September to November (low crowds), in the middle of the dry season
- Events: carnival from Epiphany to Ash Wednesday, turtle nesting mainly from April to July, rocket launches all year at Kourou
October, the driest month in Cayenne, features in our selection of where to go in October.
French Guiana: the calendar at a glance
✅ Best months: August, September, October, November
❌ Period to avoid: April, may, June
Climate and weather in French Guiana month by month
The table below gives the normals for the Cayenne – Félix Éboué station, at Matoury airport. It is representative of the coast, where the vast majority of the population lives and where Cayenne, Rémire-Montjoly and Kourou are located. The interior, covered in Amazon rainforest, follows the same seasonal rhythm but stays humid all year.
| Month | Max | Min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29.3 °C (85 °F) | 23.4 °C (74 °F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | High (carnival) | Medium | Very rainy, carnival on weekends ⚠️ |
| February | 29.3 °C (85 °F) | 23.5 °C (74 °F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | High (carnival, school holidays) | High | Heavy rain, jours gras depending on the year ⚠️ |
| March | 29.7 °C (85 °F) | 23.6 °C (74 °F) | 315 mm (12.4 in) | Medium | Medium | “Little summer of March” possible, no guarantee ⚠️ |
| April | 30.0 °C (86 °F) | 23.8 °C (75 °F) | 443 mm (17.4 in) | Medium (Easter) | Medium | Heavy rains return ❌ |
| May | 30.1 °C (86 °F) | 23.6 °C (74 °F) | 600 mm (23.6 in) | Low | Low | The wettest month ❌ |
| June | 30.5 °C (87 °F) | 23.0 °C (73 °F) | 392 mm (15.4 in) | Low | Low | Still very rainy, turtle nesting ❌ |
| July | 31.1 °C (88 °F) | 22.5 °C (73 °F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | Medium (school holidays) | High | Rains ease, expensive flights ⚠️ |
| August | 31.8 °C (89 °F) | 22.5 °C (73 °F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | Medium (school holidays) | High | Start of the dry season ✅ |
| September | 32.4 °C (90 °F) | 22.5 °C (73 °F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | Low | Medium | Dry and sunny ✅ |
| October | 32.5 °C (91 °F) | 22.4 °C (72 °F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | Low | Medium | The driest month ✅ |
| November | 31.7 °C (89 °F) | 22.7 °C (73 °F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | Low | Medium | Still dry, end of the dry season ✅ |
| December | 30.3 °C (87 °F) | 23.2 °C (74 °F) | 352 mm (13.9 in) | High (holidays) | High | Rains return, year-end holidays ⚠️ |
Note: sunshine follows the rain. Météo-France records roughly 90 to 120 hours of sunshine a month in Cayenne from January to May, compared with 230 to 257 hours from August to October. In the dry season, afternoons are hot (more than 32 °C (90 °F) in September–October), but the air stays breezy on the coast.
French Guiana’s seasons: pros and cons
Located a few degrees north of the equator, French Guiana has neither summer nor winter in the European sense. Seasons are defined by rainfall, linked to the movement of the intertropical convergence zone over the country. Four periods are generally distinguished, and their limits vary from year to year.
The dry season (August to November): the best time
This is the most favorable season for a first trip. Rainfall drops below 140 mm (5.5 in) a month in Cayenne, and to less than 30 mm (1.2 in) in September at Kourou. Tracks are more passable, trails less muddy and the sea calmer for reaching the Salut Islands. River levels fall: some rapids become harder to pass by pirogue at the end of the season, which can lengthen journeys into the interior.
- Pros: the driest and sunniest weather, more pleasant hikes and forest outings, good visibility for watching launches from Kourou
- Cons: stronger heat in the afternoon, expensive flights in August (school holidays)
- Our tip: September, October and the first half of November combine the driest weather with lower prices than in August
The short rainy season (December to February)
The rains return in December and remain heavy until February: between 330 to 400 mm (13.0 to 15.7 in) a month in Cayenne. Showers are heavy but often interspersed with sunny spells. This is also the time of carnival, widely celebrated along the coast.
- Pros: carnival every weekend, green landscapes, high rivers for pirogue travel
- Cons: often overcast skies, roads and tracks sometimes in poor condition, high prices during the holidays and winter school holidays
The “little summer of March”
Between February and March, a lull in the rains, known as the “little summer of March”, is often observed for a few weeks. Météo-France’s normals do not really show it (315 mm (12.4 in) in March in Cayenne), because its timing and length vary greatly from year to year. It is an option for a trip at carnival time, but not a guarantee of good weather.
The long rainy season (April to July)
This is the wettest period: 443 mm (17.4 in) in April, 600 mm (23.6 in) in May and 392 mm (15.4 in) in June in Cayenne. Rivers and swamps are at their highest, tracks in the interior can become impassable and some excursions are canceled. It is nonetheless the sea turtle nesting season, which attracts naturalists.
- Pros: the lowest prices of the year (outside the Easter holidays), few visitors, leatherback and green turtle nesting, spectacular forest and waterfalls
- Cons: very frequent rain, high humidity, slippery trails, more mosquitoes
- Who is it for? Naturalists and flexible travelers, equipped with rain gear
When to go to French Guiana by region
Comparison of the official normals for two coastal stations:
| Month | Cayenne – Félix Éboué | Kourou – CSG |
|---|---|---|
| January | 29.3 / 23.4 °C (85 / 74 °F), 399 mm (15.7 in) | 29.2 / 24.0 °C (85 / 75 °F), 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| March | 29.7 / 23.6 °C (85 / 74 °F), 315 mm (12.4 in) | 29.6 / 24.5 °C (85 / 76 °F), 246 mm (9.7 in) |
| May | 30.1 / 23.6 °C (86 / 74 °F), 600 mm (23.6 in) | 29.7 / 24.2 °C (85 / 76 °F), 489 mm (19.3 in) |
| July | 31.1 / 22.5 °C (88 / 73 °F), 262 mm (10.3 in) | 30.6 / 22.9 °C (87 / 73 °F), 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| September | 32.4 / 22.5 °C (90 / 73 °F), 63 mm (2.5 in) | 31.9 / 22.9 °C (89 / 73 °F), 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| October | 32.5 / 22.4 °C (91 / 72 °F), 55 mm (2.2 in) | 32.2 / 22.9 °C (90 / 73 °F), 42 mm (1.7 in) |
In one table: the recommended period for each major region, month by month.
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cayenne and the Cayenne island | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Kourou and the Salut Islands | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| West (Saint-Laurent, Awala-Yalimapo) | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Interior (Saül, rivers) | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ |
Cayenne, Rémire-Montjoly and the Cayenne island
The climate described in the main table. The dry season, from August to November, is ideal for the Mahury and Rorota trails, the beaches of Montjoly and outings to the Kaw marshes.
Kourou and the Salut Islands
Kourou is slightly less wet than Cayenne, especially from July to October. The crossing to the Salut Islands, by catamaran or boat, is more comfortable in the dry season, when the sea is often calmer. Launches from the Guiana Space Centre take place all year, depending on the mission schedule. Kourou, Cayenne and the Salut Islands are easy to find on our map of French Guiana.
The west: Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, Mana, Awala-Yalimapo
The west follows the same seasonal rhythm. As no official normals are published for Saint-Laurent, we give no figures. The beaches of Awala-Yalimapo and Mana are major sea turtle nesting sites, mainly from April to July. For visiting the town and the Transportation camp, the dry season remains the most pleasant.
The interior: Saül, the Maroni and the Oyapock
In the forest, it rains all year, but less in the dry season. Pirogue trips depend on river levels: high in the rainy season, they can be low at the end of the dry season (October–November). Saül, reachable mainly by air, is the base for forest hikes. These regions are best visited with a guide or a local operator, who will adapt the program to the season.
When to go to French Guiana by type of trip
| Your trip | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| Discovering the coast | August to November | Cayenne, Rémire-Montjoly, Kourou |
| Salut Islands | August to November | Departures from Kourou |
| Hiking and forest | August to November | Cayenne island trails, Saül, Montagne des Singes |
| Sea turtle nesting | April to July | Awala-Yalimapo, Mana, Rémire-Montjoly beaches |
| Carnival | January to February or March | Cayenne, Kourou, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni |
| Rivers and pirogue trips | December to July (high water) or August–September | Maroni, Oyapock, Kaw river |
| Watching a launch | All year, depending on the schedule | Kourou |
| Budget | April to June (outside Easter) | The whole coast |
Major events to plan your trip around
| Period | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| From Epiphany to Ash Wednesday | Carnival: big Sunday parades, touloulou balls, jours gras, Vaval burned on Ash Wednesday | Cayenne, Kourou, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni |
| June 10 | Commemoration of the abolition of slavery (public holiday in French Guiana) | Throughout the territory |
| Mainly April to July | Sea turtle nesting | Beaches of the west and the Cayenne island |
| All year | Rocket launches | Guiana Space Centre, Kourou |
French Guiana month by month: what to expect
January: Heavy rain (nearly 400 mm (15.7 in) in Cayenne) and the start of carnival, with the first Sunday parades. Lush nature, high rivers.
February: Still rainy, but a lull (“little summer”) may set in. Carnival’s jours gras depending on the year. Flights cost more during winter school holidays.
March: The “little summer of March” sometimes brings a few drier weeks. Carnival can end in early March. A possible month if you stay flexible.
April: Heavy rains return (443 mm (17.4 in)). Start of the sea turtle nesting season. Moderate prices outside the Easter holidays.
May: The wettest month (600 mm (23.6 in) in Cayenne) and the least sunny. Low prices, but excursions are sometimes canceled. Best left to naturalists.
June: Still very humid (392 mm (15.4 in)). Leatherback and green turtle nesting on the beaches of the west. Commemoration of the abolition of slavery on June 10.
July: Rains drop sharply (262 mm (10.3 in)), sunshine increases. School holidays: flights cost more. End of the nesting season.
August: Start of the dry season (135 mm (5.3 in)), 31.8 °C (89 °F) in the afternoon. A good month for the Salut Islands, but flights remain expensive.
September: Dry and sunny (63 mm (2.5 in) in Cayenne, 28 mm (1.1 in) in Kourou). One of the best months of the year for hiking and visiting the coast.
October: The driest month (55 mm (2.2 in)) and the sunniest, but also the hottest (32.5 °C (91 °F)). Rivers fall: ask before a pirogue trip.
November: Still dry (135 mm (5.3 in)), the dry season is ending. A good compromise between weather and price before the holidays.
December: The rains return (352 mm (13.9 in)). Year-end holidays: expensive flights, book early.
When to book your trip to French Guiana
For the summer holidays, Christmas and carnival, book your flight 3 to 6 months ahead: seat supply to Cayenne is limited and prices rise quickly. Places on boats to the Salut Islands, flights to Saül and guided forest excursions are also limited: book them before you leave. Outside school holidays, 1 to 3 months is generally enough.
Planning your trip to French Guiana
- Entry requirements: they depend on your nationality; see our entry requirements for French Guiana in the French Guiana travel guide.
- Yellow fever: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 10 December 2025), you must have a certificate proving a yellow fever vaccination to enter French Guiana, and the U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov, last updated July 30, 2026) says proof of vaccination, or written proof from a doctor that it is not medically recommended, is required. Check the full medical entry requirements with a travel health service before you go.
- Time difference: French Guiana is UTC−3 all year and does not change its clocks.
- Currency: the euro. Cards are accepted in towns; bring cash for the interior and markets.
- Health: dengue and Zika are listed among the health risks by the UK FCDO, and the U.S. State Department lists dengue, malaria, yellow fever and Zika as prevalent and recommends mosquito repellent and insecticide-treated nets. Ask a travel health service or your doctor for advice on malaria before you leave.
- Weather safety: the UK FCDO notes a risk of tropical storms during the rainy season from December to July and advises monitoring local news and World Meteorological Organization and US National Hurricane Center reports.
To organize your stay, see our complete French Guiana travel guide. For another French destination in the Americas, see also when to go to Guadeloupe.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit French Guiana?
September and October are the driest and sunniest months: about 55 to 65 mm (2.2 to 2.6 in) of rain falls in Cayenne, compared with 600 mm (23.6 in) in May. More broadly, the dry season from August to November is the most favorable period.
When is the rainy season in French Guiana?
The rains run from December to July, with a possible lull in February–March (the “little summer of March”) and a peak from April to June. May is the wettest month in Cayenne.
Are there hurricanes in French Guiana?
The UK FCDO notes a risk of tropical storms during the rainy season from December to July and advises monitoring local news and weather reports. The main weather hazards are heavy rain and local flooding in the wet season.
When can you see sea turtles nesting in French Guiana?
Nesting takes place mainly from April to July on the beaches of the west (Awala-Yalimapo, Mana) and the Cayenne island. Follow the instructions of associations and rangers: no white light, keep your distance from the animals.
Is a yellow fever vaccine required for French Guiana?
Yes: according to the UK FCDO and the U.S. State Department, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter French Guiana. Check the full medical entry requirements with a travel health service before you go.
When is carnival in French Guiana?
From Epiphany in early January until Ash Wednesday, in February or March depending on the date of Easter. Parades take place on Sundays and touloulou balls on weekends.
What is the weather like in French Guiana in August?
It is the start of the dry season: in Cayenne, about 31.8 °C (89 °F) in the afternoon, 22.5 °C (73 °F) at night and 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain on average, compared with 600 mm (23.6 in) in May. Flights are expensive during the summer holidays: book early. For comparison: where to go in August.
What is the weather like in French Guiana in January?
Rainy: about 399 mm (15.7 in) of rain in Cayenne, with 29.3 °C (85 °F) in the afternoon and 23.4 °C (74 °F) at night. Showers alternate with sunny spells, and it is carnival time on weekends. More ideas: where to go in January.
Our sources
- Météo-France: 1991–2020 normals for the Cayenne – Félix Éboué and Kourou – CSG stations (via the published records)
- Entry, health and weather information read in 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for French Guiana (GOV.UK, updated 10 December 2025), and U.S. Department of State, French Guiana country information (travel.state.gov, last updated July 30, 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
