Spend your fall, winter, or spring in Martinique: is Martinique a good snowbird location?

Martinique is a rugged Caribbean island that's part of the Lesser Antilles. An overseas region of France, its culture reflects a distinctive blend of French and West Indian influences. Martinique is about 80 km (50 Miles) long and reaches a maximum width of 35 km (22 Miles). The administrative capital and chief town are Fort-de-France. It has an Area 1128 km (701 Miles).

Martinique's economy is heavily dependent on trade with France, which provides the majority of the island's imports and exports. The value of imports far surpasses that of exports, resulting in large trade deficits. Exports include agricultural products (significantly bananas), refined petroleum products, and processed foods and beverages (notable rum). Chief imports are agricultural implements and machinery, food, automobiles, mineral fuels, and chemicals and chemical products. The different cities that make up Martinique are:

• Fort-de-France
• Le Carbet
• Le Diamant
• Le Marin
• Morne Rouge
• Sainte-Anne
• Saint-Pierre
• Trois-Ilets

Where is Martinique Located

Martinique Map

Why should people visit during the fall, winter, or spring?

Most snowbirds spend the winter in Martinique to escape colder climates and enjoy the island's stunning natural splendors. Martinique's great natural beauty has impressed generations of nature lovers.

Climate

The climate is remarkably constant, the average temperature being about 20°C - 32°C (68°F - 90°F). The northeast trade winds, which blow almost 300 days per year, temper the heat, but winds from the south are hot and humid and sometimes bring hurricanes. There are two distinct seasons–a relatively dry season, which lasts from December to June, and a rainy winter season from July to December. The winter period normally does not see hurricanes (the hurricane season is from June to November).

For more climate information visit Meteoblue

Safety

Martinique is generally a very safe island. As with anywhere in France, occasional strikes can bring services to a screeching halt. It's not advisable to wander around the largely empty backstreets of Fort-de-France after dark, where mugging can be a concern.

The crime rate is low. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, and theft from cars occur, mainly in the capital, Fort de France, and its port. Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive jewelry. Snowbirds should leave their passports and other travel documents locked in their hotel safely.

Communication, Internet, and cellphone in Martinique

English, Spanish and Portuguese is the main languages spoken in Martinique. The local cell phone networks are SFR, Orange, and Digicel. SIM cards are widely available and coverage is generally pretty good.

Snowbirds can also get their phones unlocked and can add on a 4G data plan to their phone to gain internet access but should ask about available plans and prices. Quite a number of restaurant/bar establishments also offer free Wi-Fi so, snowbirds can also use that, although the connection can be sporadic at times.

Snowbird locations in Martinique

• Fort-de-France: It is said to have one of the most beautiful bays in the world.  High rise on the marina, this is the perfect place to take in Martinican city life with high design interiors, delicious food, and plenty of amenities. Snowbirds can enjoy picturesque views over breakfast, and see the city's famed hills dotted with colorful houses. They're also close to delicious restaurants and cultural sites like Le Savane (Martinique's equivalent to Central Park) Jardin Balata if they want to discover exactly why Martinique is called the Isle of Flowers.
• Trois-Ilets: It is one of the busiest cities in Martinique but the town has managed to preserve its picturesque charm. There's a selection of affordable hotels (La pagerie, le bambou, le bakoua), and restaurants with lots of shopping options.

Things to see in Martinique

Martinique has notable places that are worthwhile visiting:

• The Beaches: Some of the best beaches in Martinique are Fonds Blancs, Grand Anse d'Arlet, Plage des Salines, Grande Anse des Salines and Anse Dufour
• Gardening/Nature & Parks: Plantation At Le Carbet
• History: The Musée Départemental d'Archéologie et de Préhistoire & The Schoelcher library.

Activities in Martinique during winter

• Horse riding
• Explore Shipwrecks
• Snorkeling, Sailing, And Skiing
• Visit Fort-de-France
• Visit The Schoelcher library
• Hike the Montagne Pelée
• See the Black Sand of Grand'Rivière
• Discover Volcanic Ruins At St. Pierre
• Hike Along La Caravelle Trail
• Visit the Plantation At Le Carbet
• View Marine Life At Diamond Rock
• Try eating Creole And Local Delicacies
• Visit Cathedral Of St Louis
• See Artefacts At Musee Departemental At Martinique.
• Shop Spices In Grand Marche which is the largest market presence on the island of Martinique.
• Spend leisure time at one of the most wonderful beaches in Martinique i.e. at Les Salines.
• Visit Grand'Rivière which is a tiny fishing village in the north of the Island.
• Embark on la Route de la Trace (La Route de la Trace is a road that goes from Fort-de-France all the way to Morne-Rouge, passing by many other cities).
• Learn the history of the town at The Musée Départemental d'Archéologie et de Préhistoire which is packed full with pre-Columbian history whilst the Musée d'Histoire et d'Ethnographie focuses on the local culture.

Shopping + Restaurants. Are they open in the fall, winter, or spring?

Martinique is one of the better shopping destinations in the Caribbean, with a wide variety of shops and boutiques showcasing everything from local crafts and jewelry in the best Creole tradition to stunning artwork and the latest in the French fashion, fresh off of Parisian catwalks. The numerous markets can also be a fascinating visit, offering the chance to wander through colorful stalls browsing fresh produce, spices, and local rum, for a memorable and authentic Martinican experience.

The highlight of any shopping adventure in Martinique is Le Grand Marché Couvert, or Covered Market, located in Fort-de-France. Designed by French architect Henri Picq and constructed in 1901 (later restored in 1989), this bustling bazaar is where locals have bought and sold essential herbs, spices, produce, and other goods for generations. Rows of fragrant spices, including the local curry powder known as "Colombo," as well as medicinal herbs, exotic fruits like chayotes (locally known as "christophines"), and indigenous vegetables such as yams or "ignames" as they're called in Martinique are everywhere.

Snowbirds will find the most popular restaurants in Fort-de-France. Many restaurants offer a prix fixe tourist menu, which often includes several courses and a drink for about the price of one entrée off the regular menu. Martinique's cuisine is a rich fusion of French, African and Creole flavors with seafood taking the spotlight. Fishy favorites, such as conch, crab, and lobster, have been given a French edge in creamy sauces and crispy gratins, accompanied by local sweet potatoes and plantain-like tubers. Snowbirds with a spicy palate should try a dash of chien sauce, made from onions, hot peppers, shallots, oil, and vinegar.

Transport

Snowbirds first arrive at the Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport and then take a cab to their hotel. The best way to get around Martinique is in a car (either rental or a cab).

Some snowbirds do manage on Martinique without a car, but they'll find one a necessity if they're looking to explore. To be on the safe side, snowbirds should rent from a European-based firm, as Sixt and Europcar operate at the Martinique airport).

Martinique's taxis are effective for getting one from point A to point B, however, they are pretty pricey. Prepare to pay anywhere from $23 (approx. €20, £17, $31 CAD, $34 AUD) to get to one's hotel from the airport, and that's not including the 40-percent surcharge snowbirds will face if they're expecting to ride at night, on a Sunday, or on holidays. On the bright side, cabbies are courteous and oftentimes speak English, Spanish, and German.

Minibusses marked with "TC" (for Taxi Collectifs) motor between Fort-de-France and popular snowbird enclaves like St-Pierre, Trois Îlets, Le Diamant, and Ste-Anne. But these vans are generally considered unreliable because the drivers are willing to change the route according to their passengers' needs. As such, the fare is also hard to determine.

For an affordable and picturesque look at Martinique, snowbirds can take one of the vedettes, or ferryboats, that jet between the marinas of Fort-de-France, Pointe du Bout, Anse-Mitan, and Anse-à-l'Ane. Most trips take about 20 minutes one-way, cost approximately $7 (approx. €6, £5, $9 CAD, $10 AUD) round-trip, and will save one from some of the traffic woes that come from driving oneself.

Health

There are several general and maternity hospitals, as well as some dispensaries. Martinique receives the same social benefits as mainland France. The healthcare system in Martinique consists of public and private sectors. Martinique has a total of 18 hospitals and several clinics. Snowbirds can find doctors that speak English as well as other languages.

Accommodation

There are a fair number of resorts, hotels, short-let apartments available for rent in Martinique. The houses are usually well equipped with basic amenities and furnished. Accommodation prices range from $68 (approx. €61, £51, $92 CAD, $101 AUD) per night.

Winter Camping

• Résidence B&L Lagon
• Campground in Sainte-Luce.
• Farniente en Martinique.
• Campground in Le Vauclin.
• Airstream Paradise.
• Campground in Sainte-Anne.

Accommodation prices range from € (approx. $0, £0, $0 CAD, $0 AUD) per night.