TOP OF PAGE
Quick Facts
Best Time To Go
Cost & Spending
Travel Tips
Regions & Highlights
Travel Map
What To See & Do
Itineraries
What To Eat
Hidden Gems
Where To Stay
Trip Planning
ABOUT US
Welcome traveler!
We're Andre & Lisa, adventurers and experienced budget travelers.
We have over two decades of travel experience and since 2018 have led a full-time nomadic lifestyle.
Thank you for visiting and we hope you find value in our destination pages! We thoroughly research and curate all content ourselves and everything you find on this site is put together by only the two of us.
SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS TRAVEL GUIDE
Saint Kitts and Nevis is a dual-island nation situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It's known for cloud-shrouded mountains and beaches. Many of its former sugar plantations are now inns or atmospheric ruins. The larger of the 2 islands, Saint Kitts, is dominated by the dormant Mount Liamuiga volcano, home to a crater lake, green vervet monkeys and rainforest crisscrossed with hiking trails.
DO YOU NEED A VISA FOR SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS?
<<VISA RESULT>>
<< Visa Details >>
For the latest requirements or for application click
Let iVisa take the pain out of travel planning and assist you with Electronic visas, Travel Authorizations, Visas on Arrival, and even Paper Visas. They can also help with Health Declarations and Embassy Registrations. If you're from the US, they provide a One-Stop Shop to renew your Passport securely and error-free.
⬇️ REGIONAL GUIDES ⬇️
TRAVEL GUIDE
TRAVEL GUIDE
TRAVEL GUIDE
TRAVEL GUIDE
TRAVEL GUIDE
TRAVEL GUIDE
⬇️ COUNTRY GUIDE ⬇️
- Capital: Basseterre
- Currency: East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
- Area: 261 km²
- Population: 52 441 (2018)
- Language: English
QUICK BOOKING RESOURCES
SEASONS AT A GLANCE
Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists.
Peak Season
Shoulder Season
Off Peak Season
JANUARY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
FEBRUARY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
MARCH
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
APRIL
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
MAY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
JUNE
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
JULY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
AUGUST
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
SEPTEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
OCTOBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
NOVEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
DECEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
BEST TIME TO VISIT SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
Located in the Caribbean’s Lesser Antilles, St. Kitts and Nevis experiences warm and humid conditions throughout the year. As with most Caribbean islands, the climate of St. Kitts and Nevis is heavily influenced by the marine environment. The average temperature is 26-28°C in summer months and 24-25°C in the cooler months of December to February. The islands of St. Kitts and Nevis have a wet season between July and December, during which the islands receive up to 150-250 mm of rainfall per month, and a drier season between January and April. Mean annual precipitation on Nevis is about 1170 mm, while the average rainfall in St. Kitts is strongly related to altitude. The hurricane season extends from June to November when low pressure systems and tropical disturbances pass through the area.
The best time to visit the Caribbean is generally considered to be December to April, when it’s slightly cooler (particularly in the northern Caribbean), drier and less humid, and tourists flock to escape the northern winter. May to November can be soggy, with hurricanes possible from July to October – though these are rare in the far south.
- High Season (Dec–Apr) - People fleeing the northern hemisphere winter arrive in droves and prices peak. This is the Caribbean's driest time and can be cool the northern islands.
- Shoulder (May–Jun & Nov) - The weather is good, rains are moderate throughout. Reduced visitor numbers and the best mix of affordable rates and good weather. makes this an ideal time to visit the Caribbean.
- Low Season (Jul–Oct) - Hurricane season; the odds of being caught are small, but tropical storms are like abound. During this time room prices can be half or less than in high season and you will find eastern Caribbean’s beaches good for surfing.
BEST TIME FOR:
The best months for outdoor activities in Saint Kitts and Nevis, are December to May when it's driest and least humid. From June to November the rain usually falls in brief, very heavy showers with the peak hurricane season from August to November.
FIND ALTERNATIVES TO SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS?
FIND YOUR
PERFECT
DESTINATION
Advanced, real-time destination filter by visa required, region, health risk, travel budget, country value, tourist seasons, best weather and activity or sport.
MORE POSTS ON SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
WEWILLNOMAD
WEWILLNOMAD
WEWILLNOMAD
SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS TRAVEL COSTS
The Caribbean is not cheap, but there are ways to get the most bang for your buck with a little forward planning and some savvy choices
- Budget less than US$150 Room away from the beach: under US$100, Meal at a locally popular restaurant: US$10, Ride local buses: US$3
- Midrange US$150–300 Double room in the action: US$200, Visit parks and beaches that are free, rent bikes or snorkel for US$10 per day Rental car for exploring: US$40 to US$60 a day.
- Top end over US$300 - Beautiful rooms at the best resorts in high season: US$400 and over, Activities in beautiful places: US$100 and up, World-renowned meals: US$100 per person and more.
FIND DISCOUNT FLIGHTS TO SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
TRAVEL TIPS FOR SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
Here are some of the best ways to save money:
- Travel in groups Bring your friends and other couples along with you and rent a villa.
- Book far in advance For high season deals.
- Book at the last minute For incredible deals as hotels dump empty rooms.
- Follow the divers They demand great value near beautiful waters.
- Ride buses and ferries You meet folks and may have an adventure.
- Live like a local Save money while having a more authentic visit.
- Travel in low season Prices can drop 40% or more.
GETTING AROUND ST. KITTS & NEVIS
- Boat - Several companies operate passenger ferries linking Basseterre on St Kitts and Charlestown on Nevis in about 45 minutes. Boats depart at least once hourly between 7am and 9pm. Tickets are sold from about 30 minutes before sailings. In peak times, arrive early as some boats sell out. Drivers can use the Seabridge car ferry which makes the trip from Major’s Bay in southern St Kitts to Cades Bay on Nevis in 20 minutes roughly every two hours. Current schedule available here.
- Bus - There is no public transportation on either island, but privately operated minivans serve communities on an erratic schedule along the main roads. All have license plates starting with a ‘H’ and can be flagged down.
- Car - To hire your own wheels, you need a local driver’s license (US$25 for 3 months) valid on both islands and issued by the rental companies. Driving is on the left side of the road, the steering wheel is on the right and speed limits are posted in miles per hour.
ST KITTS
St Kitts definitely has a beat, and it’s not just the one blasting from the many minibuses hauling folks hither and yon. Its capital, Basseterre, is a fascinating place to wander and very much the commercial heart of the island. After the demise of its sugar industry, St Kitts's economy is largely driven by the cruise-ship industry. Most visitors head straight to the north of the island where the past is still starkly present in the form of abandoned sugarcane fields and ramshackle villages. The south of the island is largely undeveloped except for some funky bars on glorious beaches competing for rum-fuelled tanning sessions.
St Kitts’ bustling capital, Basseterre (pronounced ‘bass-tear’), has a compact downtown next to the cruise-ship terminal. At its centre stands the Circus, a roundabout anchored by a Victorian-style green clock tower. Nearby, locals ‘lime’ on grassy Independence Square, a former slave market framed by Georgian-era brick houses and a dignified cathedral.
A drive around the northern part of the island is a must. The entire circuit is about 35 miles and can easily fill half a day, especially with an extended stop at the landmark Brimstone Hill Fortress. Beyond here lowlands covered with abandoned sugarcane fields run up the hills to Mt Liamuiga, the 3792ft dormant volcano that dominates the interior. A guide is recommended if you want to hike to the crater rim.
Frigate Bay, some 3 miles southeast of Basseterre, is an isthmus dividing the calm Caribbean side and the surf-lashed Atlantic side, which is dominated by a hulking Marriott resort. The area teems with good restaurants but the key draw is ‘the Strip’, a row of funky beach bars along South Frigate Bay. Beyond here, St Kitts’ south is scrubby wild terrain filled with five-star beaches, grassy hills and salt ponds.
Download map waypoints for St. Kitts & Nevis here: KML / GPX
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
More location details are available in the above map
NEVIS
Coin-shaped Nevis (pronounced ‘nay-vis’) is a smaller, neater version of St Kitts, sprinkled with rustic charm and infused with a keen historical awareness and appreciation. Many visitors come here just for the day but those in the know stay much longer. There’s nothing brash about this sweet and unhurried island, whose blissfully uncrowded beaches fringe a forested interior that rises to majestic, often cloud-shrouded, Mt Nevis (3182ft). The coastal lowlands support bougainvillea, hibiscus and other flowering bushes that attract numerous hummingbirds. It’s this lush landscape that makes Nevis so popular with bikers, hikers, birders and other nature and outdoor fans.
The ferry from St Kitts docks right in pint-size Charlestown, Nevis’ cute capital, where banks and businesses coexist with tourist facilities and gingerbread Victorians. It’s a fun spot for a stroll and is rarely crowded. The closest beach, lovely Pinney’s, is a 15-minute jaunt north.
Charlestown is the starting point of the Nevis Heritage Trail, which links 25 sites of historical importance, including churches, sugar estates, military installations and natural sites. Look for the blue and green markers or pick up a leaflet at the tourist office or the museums.
North of Charlestown are Nevis’ best beaches and the massive Four Seasons, the island’s only five-star resort.
The circular road traverses the lush southern part of Nevis between cloud-shrouded Mt Nevis and Saddle Hill, skirting crumbling sugar-mill stacks and plantation-estates-turned-hotels. In the east, the population thins out and the sloping, green flatlands – once sugarcane plantations – run down to the turbulent Atlantic. It’s a desolate and dramatic landscape.
WHAT TO EAT IN SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
These dishes can be found across the Caribbean:
Callaloo - A creamy thick soup or stew blending a variety of vegetables (eg spinach, kale, onions, carrots, eggplant, garlic, okra) with coconut milk and sometimes crab or ham. The base can be spinach-like.
Roti - Fiery chutney sets off the curried chicken, beef, conch or vegetable fillings in these burrito-like flat-bread wraps.
Conch - Look for farm-raised versions as conch in the wild are endangered. This large pink mollusk is cooked with onion and spices in a stew, fried up as fritters, or sliced raw and served with a lime marinade.
Take time to meet the locals by doing what they do – you’ll enjoy a more affordable and authentic experience.
Eat at lunch wagons or stalls. The local fare is cheap and often incredibly good.
Drop by a local bar – often the de facto community center. Besides a drink, you’ll get all sorts of useful – or wonderfully frivolous – advice.
Look for community fish fries or barbecues in the Eastern Caribbean.
LGBTQ IN SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
I'm a paragraph. I'm connected to your collection through a dataset.
WHERE TO STAY IN SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
When visiting Saint Kitts and Nevis for the first time, you'll find a variety of areas to stay in, each offering its own unique experiences. Here are some top areas to consider, along with specific accommodation suggestions for different budget ranges:
Where To Stay in Basseterre (Saint Kitts):
Basseterre is the capital city of Saint Kitts and Nevis, located on the island of Saint Kitts. It offers a blend of historic charm, bustling markets, and cultural attractions.
Budget Accommodation:
Culture House: Located in the heart of Basseterre, Culture House offers budget-friendly dormitory beds and private rooms, along with a communal kitchen and friendly atmosphere.
Island Paradise Inn: Situated near Independence Square, this guesthouse provides affordable rooms with basic amenities and easy access to the city's attractions.
Mid-Range Accommodation:
Ocean Terrace Inn: Overlooking the Basseterre harbor, Ocean Terrace Inn offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and onsite dining options, providing a convenient stay in the city.
Bird Rock Beach Hotel: Located just outside Basseterre, this beachfront hotel offers mid-range accommodation with spacious rooms, a pool, beach access, and scenic views.
Luxury Accommodation:
Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour: This luxury resort, located a short drive from Basseterre, features elegant rooms and suites, a spa, multiple dining options, and access to a private beach.
St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino: Situated on Frigate Bay, this upscale resort offers luxurious accommodations, multiple pools, a casino, golf course, and various dining options.
Where To Stay in Charlestown (Nevis):
Charlestown is the capital of Nevis and provides a glimpse into the island's history with its colonial architecture and quaint streets.
Budget Accommodation:
Oualie Beach Resort: Located near Charlestown, this beachfront resort offers budget-friendly rooms and cottages with basic amenities, along with beach access and water sports facilities.
Mount Nevis Hotel & Beach Club: Set in the hills overlooking Charlestown, this hotel provides affordable accommodations, a pool, and scenic views of the island.
Mid-Range Accommodation:
The Hermitage Plantation Inn: Nestled in the hills above Charlestown, this historic plantation inn offers charming cottages, lush gardens, and an intimate atmosphere for a memorable stay.
Golden Rock Inn: Situated amidst tropical gardens, this boutique hotel features stylish rooms, a pool, art installations, and a renowned restaurant serving Caribbean cuisine.
Luxury Accommodation:
Four Seasons Resort Nevis: Offering luxurious rooms, suites, and villas, this beachfront resort provides upscale amenities including pools, spa, golf course, and multiple dining options.
These are just a few suggestions, and there are many other accommodation options available in Saint Kitts and Nevis to suit different preferences and budgets. Be sure to consider factors such as location, amenities, and guest reviews when selecting your accommodation.
CHOOSE ANOTHER DESTINATION
RECENT BLOG POSTS
PLAN YOUR TRIP
VISA SERVICES
Let iVisa take the pain out of travel planning and assist you with electronic visas, Travel Authorizations, Visas on Arrival, and even Paper Visas. They can also help with Health Declarations and Embassy Registrations. If you're from the US, they also provide a One-Stop Shop to renew your Passport securely and error-free.
FLIGHTS
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. These are our favourite flight search engines. They index other travel websites and airlines across the globe to easily find you the best deal.
ACCOMMODATION
Booking.com is our number one resource for researching and booking accommodation. In addition to Booking.com, we have found Agoda.com to consistently returns the cheapest rates in Southeast Asia.
TRANSPORT
DiscoverCars.com is a leader in online car rental bookings; we compare car rental deals from many companies so that you can choose which is best for your trip. 12Go connects the world door-to-door, from transfers to flights, under the same user-friendly ticket.
INSURANCE
Travel insurance can protect you against unexpected illness, injury, theft, and cancellations.
-
Heymondo (International Travel Insurance)
-
World Nomads (Travel / medical insurance for long-term travellers and nomads)
-
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance (Travel / medical insurance for long-term travellers and nomads)
Need more help to book your trip?
Check our complete resource page for all the best companies to use when you travel. You will only find the companies we use ourselves.
Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you,
we may earn a commission if you end up making a purchase.