What's the Weather Like in St Lucia in August
Temperature
Alongside October, August is the usually hottest month of the year in St Lucia. At this time of year, the average temperature for the island remains 28.5°C (made up of highs of 31°C and lows of 26°C) consistently across the month.
Even though it only happens once every ten days, temperatures have been known to rise above 32°C and fall below 24°C in St Lucia in August. The highest temperature ever registered on the island at this time of year is 33°C, whilst the lowest temperature ever registered here at this time of year is 22°C.
With average temperatures as hot as these, St Lucia in August is only suitable for holidaymakers who can't get enough of the heat and sunshine. If you're not a fan of high temperatures, but still really want to visit St Lucia, forget about going in August and plan your holiday for December, January or February instead, when temperatures tend to be at their lowest. However, if you do choose to visit St Lucia in August, make sure you pack lots of light and airy clothing, suntan cream and waterproofs to protect you from the elements.
Rain
Across August, St Lucia receives an average of 174mm/7 inches of rainfall spread out between 21 rainy days that's slightly more than in July. With rainfall occurring on ¾ of days throughout the month, it's almost guaranteed that you'll experience a shower or two during your holiday, so be prepared to spend some time inside your hotel.
The likelihood of precipitation making an appearance at this time of year starts off at 63% on August 1st, falls down to 61% by August 11th, drops again to 58% by August 22nd and rises back up to 60% by August 31st. The most common types of precipitation you can expect to see in St Lucia during this month are light rain (45%), thunderstorms (34%) and moderate rain (17%).
Average Sunshine Hours
Throughout August, St Lucia enjoys an average of eight hours of sunshine every day, along with median cloud coverage which ranges between 64% (partly cloudy) at the beginning of the month and 68% (partly cloudy) at the end of the month. With such a high percentage of cloud coverage, you'll only get a few hours of optimum sunbathing temperature at most each day during your holiday if you visit during August.
Average Sea Temperature
The average sea temperature for St Lucia is very warm throughout the year. In August, it's 29°C that's 1°C warmer than in July which is certainly warm enough to go for a swim.
Humidity
Because of its tropical climate, St Lucia remains humid all-year-round. In August, the relative humidity for the island varies between 67% (mildly humid) and 93% (very humid), rarely reaching as high as 99% (very humid) or falling below 61% (mildly humid). The air is often at its driest around August 31st, when the relative humidity falls below 69% (mildly humid) three days out of every four, whilst it is usually at its most humid around August 19th, when it rises above 90% (very humid) three days out of four.
Wind
August can be a very windy month for St Lucia. At this time of year, normal wind speeds range between 2 m/s (light breeze) and 9 m/s (fresh breeze), rarely rising above 15 m/s (high wind). The highest average wind speed of 7 m/s (moderate breeze) happens around August 1st, when the average daily maximum wind speed is 9 m/s (fresh breeze), whilst the lowest average wind speed of 6 m/s (moderate breeze) happens around August 27th, when the average daily maximum is 8 m/s (fresh breeze).
St Lucia Hotels in August
When it comes to rustic accommodation in St Lucia, Crystals is a great place to stay. Hidden away in the lush rainforest of the island, this resort offers fantastic mountain views, exotic tribal-like décor, several swimming pools, massage services and tree-house bar which offers free cocktails during happy hour and live entertainment. Accommodation is provided in the form of spacious unique villas, most of which come with private pools.
If you're on the lookout for an all-inclusive resort in St Lucia, check out Coconut Bay Resort & Spa. Just a five minute drive away from the international airport, this top end luxury resort is made up of 250 air-conditioned rooms, six bars, four restaurants, five swimming pools, fitness centre with tennis and basketball courts, oceanfront spa and salon. The major draw for families to the resort is the onsite water park which is the largest in St Lucia. Here guests can choose between the adults-only Harmony section of the resort or the family-friendly Splash part of the resort.
For something more budget-friendly, try Hummingbird Beach Resort. Boasting a beachfront location with views of the Pitons, this resort is known for its award-winning restaurant which serves French Creole cuisine and hosts a Creole Night every Wednesday with live entertainment and themed specials. There's also an onsite bar, free WiFi access, swimming pool and shuttle bus service into Soufriere. Accommodation is provided in the form of eight individually-decorated rooms each of which comes with mountain views and a family cottage which can sleep up to four guests.
Lobster Pot Bay Beach Chalets are another top pick when it comes to affordable accommodation in St Lucia. Located in Vieux Fort, this complex is made up of individual cottages which were renovated in summer 2014 and come with everything families could need during their stay, including a fully-equipped kitchen. The cottages are located directly on the beach and although there are no facilities onsite, you'll find water sports and excursions on the nearby beach, plus cafés, bars, restaurants and shopping opportunities in the heart of the resort.
St Lucia Beach for August
If you're looking for somewhere to snorkel, consider Anse Cochon beach. This beach features dark sand, which is fairly unusual for St Lucia, and calm water peppered with coral reefs protected by the National Marine Reserve, teeming with all sorts of tropical fish, making it a fantastic place for snorkeling, diving and swimming. Although there are no sun loungers or parasols, there is a beach bar, toilet facilities and dive shop where you can rent equipment.
On the other hand, if you'd prefer a more tranquil and secluded experience, spend some time at Grand Anse instead. Surrounded by the mountainous eastern coast of St Lucia, this quiet beach is long, straight and lined by cliffs and inlets, making it a superb place for walking and exploring. This part of the coast is known for strong waves, which make swimming dangerous and best avoided. There are no facilities or services of any sort, so although it might not be a place to spend a full day, Grand Anse is a fantastic location to enjoy a romantic walk and take some fantastic pictures.
Bars and Restaurants
A trip to St Lucia isn't complete without trying the local cuisine, and where better to do it than at Martha's Tables? Situated in Soufriere, this restaurant specialises in local St Lucian food, with dishes such as baked chicken wings, salt fish, lamb stew and jerk pork all appearing on the menu. The restaurant is open for snacks and small meals during the day and larger two-course meals on an evening.
For something more sophisticated, try the Trysting Palace. Located inside the Rendezvous hotel, this restaurant is the ideal place for couples to enjoy a romantic meal without any children. Here you'll find a fine dining menu which changes regularly according to seasonal produce, but items such as champagne pate, salmon tartare, New Zealand lamb and herb-crusted red snapper are usually readily available. An extensive wine list is also provided with local and international choices.
If you're looking for a bar with a lively atmosphere, look no further than the Corner Bar & Lounge. Located in Gros Islet, this bar serves a wide variety of local and imported beers, wines, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks, so they're sure to have just what you're after. Themed parties (usually sponsored by Heineken) regularly take place with live bands, DJs and special drinks offers.
Pop into the Old London Pub if you're craving a taste of home. Located inside the Sandals Grande resort, this bar is decked out just like a proper British pub back home, with beer barrel tables and mahogany wooden stools. Although the drinks available are typical of St Lucia bars local and international beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks the food is British through and through, with classics such as fish and chips and roast beef appearing on the menu.
Things to do in St Lucia in August
Whether you're into wildlife, plants, hiking or just nature in general, make sure you take the time to visit St Lucia's National Rainforest. This rainforest covers 19,000 acres of mountains of valleys and is home to a huge number of giant ferns, birds of paradise, bromeliads, orchids and mushrooms, in addition to many other tropical plants and flowers. Here you'll have the opportunity to spot various types of rare and endangered birds, including the St Lucia Parrot, the St Lucia Peewee, the White Breasted Thrasher and the St Lucia Oriole, so make sure you take your binoculars and camera.
For something a bit smaller, try the Mamiku Gardens. Situated north of Mon Repos, these gardens feature a collection of tropical plants local to the island, as well as the ruins of a house originally from the 1700s. The gardens are very well maintained and cover 22 acres which are divided into three sections, each of which highlights a different type of plant or flower, including orchids. Maps are provided at the entrance to the gardens which will guide you through the various trails so you don't miss anything. When you're finished exploring, there is an onsite café where you can enjoy a spot of lunch.
Latille Waterfall and Gardens is one of the most beautiful parts of St Lucia to visit, found on the eastern coast of the island where the rainforest begins. During your visit here you'll be surrounded by tropical flowers, fruit trees and herb gardens which provide homes for all sorts of native insects and animals. The highlight of the nature zone is the waterfall which cascades six metres over various rocks into a pool which is large enough to swim in. The waterfall is on private property and the owner only allows so many people in at a time, making it one of the quietest and most intimate waterfalls in St Lucia.
