Guadeloupe National Park National Park
Tropical national park protecting rainforest and La Soufrière volcano
A national park on Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe, protecting rainforest, La Soufrière volcano and waterfalls such as the Carbet Falls. Visitors come for volcanic hikes, waterfall trails, coastal viewpoints and island biodiversity.
Guadeloupe National Park at a Glance#
Address: Guadeloupe National Park (Parc National de la Guadeloupe) - Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe
Website: http://www.guadeloupe-parcnational.fr/
Admission: Park entry free; park facilities and some activities (guiding, certain trails) may carry fees
About Guadeloupe National Park#
Guadeloupe National Park is a protected area on Basse-Terre island in the French overseas region of Guadeloupe. The park conserves tropical rainforest, volcanic peaks, and a variety of Caribbean ecosystems and species.
Trails through montane rainforest, visits to the park’s active volcano La Soufrière, and waterfalls such as the Carbet Falls. The park is a focal point for hiking, nature observation, and guided walks across several marked routes.
The park was created in 1989 to conserve the island’s volcanic and forest landscapes and to promote sustainable visitation. Management combines conservation objectives with visitor services and trail maintenance.
Located on Basse-Terre in the Lesser Antilles, the park occupies the central and northern interior of the island; the nearest urban centers are coastal towns on Guadeloupe from which roads and trailheads provide access.
- Establishment: Established in 1989 to protect the island’s montane rainforest and volcanic landscape; trails and visitor information are concentrated on Basse-Terre island.
- Visitor tip: Tropical rainforest conditions mean frequent rain and dense vegetation; sturdy footwear and rain protection are recommended for hikes.
What to See#
- La Soufrière: Active stratovolcano and the highest point on Basse-Terre island, forming a major hiking destination within the park with trails to the summit area.
- Carbet Falls: A set of waterfalls and cascades on rivers draining the park’s rainforest slopes, accessible by marked trails and popular with day hikers.
How to Get to Guadeloupe National Park#
Guadeloupe National Park covers much of western Basse-Terre. The main access points and visitor centres are reachable by car from Pointe-à-Pitre (approx. 1-1.5 hours depending on destination). Public transport is limited; car rental or guided tours are common.
Tips for Visiting Guadeloupe National Park#
- Hike to La Grande Soufrière early in the day - cloud build-up often obscures views by mid-afternoon.
- Bring rain gear: Guadeloupe's weather can shift from sunshine to squall quickly even within a single day.
- Use official trails and local guides in rainforest areas to avoid getting lost and to learn about endemic flora and fauna.
Best Time to Visit Guadeloupe National Park#
The dry season from December to May is best for hiking and outdoor activities.
Weather & Climate near Guadeloupe National Park#
Guadeloupe National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1724 mm/year), wettest in September.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 15° - 23° | 19° | 138 mm | some cloud | 75% | 4.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.1h |
| February | Excellent | 15° - 23° | 19° | 86 mm | some cloud | 74% | 4.3 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.5h |
| March | Excellent | 15° - 23° | 19° | 74 mm | some cloud | 74% | 4.2 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Very Good | 16° - 24° | 20° | 102 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 4.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Very Good | 18° - 24° | 21° | 127 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.1 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.8h |
| June | Very Good | 18° - 24° | 21° | 147 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.6 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.0h |
| July | Very Good | 18° - 25° | 21° | 151 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.7 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.9h |
| August | Very Good | 18° - 25° | 22° | 190 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.2 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.6h |
| September | Very Good | 18° - 25° | 22° | 199 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 18° - 25° | 21° | 180 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.7h |
| November | Very Good | 17° - 24° | 21° | 176 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.2h |
| December | Very Good | 16° - 23° | 20° | 154 mm | some cloud | 76% | 4.0 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.0h |
