A BRIEF HISTORY OF SAINT LUCIA

Early Saint Lucia History

Saint Lucia was first known as “Louanalao” by the Arawak Indians in 200 AD, meaning “Island of the Iguanas,” and then “Hewanorra,” in 800 AD when the Carib Indians arrived and assimilated their culture into Saint Lucia. Residents of Carib descent can still be found in Saint Lucia today.

The Caribs lived on Saint Lucia until the 1600s, when settlers attempted to take control of the island to boost European trade. Even during this period of colonialism, the Caribs continued to fight and stopped multiple attempts by the English and French to settle on the island.

Juan de Cosa didn’t actually colonize Saint Lucia. That honor falls to a pirate named François Le Clerc, nicknamed Jambe de Bois because of his wooden leg. Peg-Leg Le Clerc used Pigeon Island to attack Spanish ships in the 1550s, and the island is now a National Landmark with historic sites and museums to enthrall those who visit.

SAINT LUCIA AND COLONIALISM

In the 1600s, the French, English, and Dutch all attempted to take Saint Lucia as one of their colonies. The Dutch attempted to build Vieux Fort in the 1600s but were pushed out by the Caribs. In 1639, the British sent 400 settlers to the island, who were wiped out by the Caribs in less than two years.

In 1651, a member of the French West India Company purchased the land from the Caribs to make it a French colony, and the English immediately sent 1,000 men to take back the island. This fighting continued until 1814, when the French ceded Saint Lucia to the English.

Fast forward to modern times. Saint Lucia was one of the last European colonies to finally declare independence. In fact, she only became independent within the British Commonwealth in 1979 and finally has a thriving, peaceful economy and sovereign government.

MODERN SAINT LUCIA CULTURE

The diverse Saint Lucia history means it is a melting pot of various cultures. Carib culture still has a strong influence on the island, even though it is mixed with African cultures brought over during colonial times. English, French, and Dutch elements also blend with the others on the island, making Saint Lucia culture unique to those who visit.

Visitors who set foot on Saint Lucia can experience this culture, and learn about the various eras of the island’s history. Explore ancient archaeological sites from Arawak times or walk along the Old Town of Vieux Fort to feel what it would be like living in Saint Lucia during the 17th and 18th centuries. The history of the island lives on through Saint Lucia’s diverse culture.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER IN SAINT LUCIA

The weather in Saint Lucia stays consistently warm throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 23 to 31 degrees Celsius (84 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit). The busiest time to visit Saint Lucia is from December to April during the driest season. Visitors take advantage of this season to adventure through the Tet Paul Nature Trail in Soufrière and the Pitons, soak in the mineral baths in Soufrière, and zipline through the dense rainforests.

SAINT LUCIA WEATHER IN MAY AND JUNE

Many visitors who trek to Saint Lucia prefer to go during May and June when the temperatures reach the high 70s to 80s. During this time, tourists can take advantage of affordable room rates at the best hotels on the island. Resorts offer excellent deals during this season, and in some cases, rooms can be booked for less than $200 a night.

RAINY AND HURRICANE SEASON IN SAINT LUCIA

The rainy season in Saint Lucia is from June to December. The rainforests typically experience more rainfall than the coastal regions of the island. While vacationing in Saint Lucia during the rainy season may seem daunting, the heavy showers will go as quickly as they came. You will still be able to enjoy the charm that Saint Lucia has to offer and the warm weather.

The hurricane season occurs at around the same time as the rainy season. Some of the most popular festivals, such as the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival at Pigeon Island National Park, happen during this season. And many of the island’s hotels and resorts run deeply discounted deals during this time as well.

In the very rare event of a hurricane or some other qualifying circumstance, Saint Lucia guarantees your holiday can be canceled or rescheduled prior to arrival at no cost to you. 

NATURE & ADVENTURE

There’s beauty, and then there is Saint Lucia. Saint Lucian Nobel Laureate, Sir Derek Walcott once said, “Visual surprise is natural in the Caribbean; it comes with the landscape.” When you travel to any Caribbean Island, you expect sun, sea, and sand. But Saint Lucia’s transcendent natural wonders will transport your mind, body, and soul. Here you can experience the adventure of a lifetime.