Best Time to Visit Saint Helena

One town, one island

We only list Jamestown for Saint Helena, so that's our guide. It sits in a dry, sheltered valley on the coast, and it's the island's warmest and driest spot. The green, hilly interior around Diana's Peak is cooler and cloudier. It can be misty when Jamestown is sunny, so don't judge the whole island by the harbour.

The main seasons

December to July is the best stretch. March is the hottest month at 23°C, which feels warm and easy rather than scorching. Days suit the climb up Jacob's Ladder, a steep staircase of 699 steps above the town. They also suit walks on the island's "post box" trails, and a dip off the rocks at Rupert's Bay.

Rain is light all year. June is the wettest month at just 9 mm, so a "wet" month here still leaves plenty of dry hours. Expect a few showers rather than a washout.

From about August to November it's cooler and often breezier. It's still a fine time for walking in the highlands, but sea swims feel chillier. If you want to see whale sharks, which visit the island's waters, our data can't tell you when. Check with local dive operators first.

Holidays, events and crowds

Saint Helena has no real "peak season" crowds. Visitor numbers stay small because you arrive by air from Johannesburg on the island's one weekly-ish flight pattern, or on the RMS-style supply ship routes that have changed over the years. Flights and rooms fill up faster than the sights do, so your dates matter more than the weather.

Christmas and New Year are the busiest times. Many islanders who live overseas come home then, and seats get tight. Easter is also popular. Public holidays such as Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday mean shops and some tours close.

Want a quiet visit? Go in the cooler months of August to November. Want the warmest sea and the most settled days? Aim for March to May.