Cruise and Beach Destinations
in the Caribbean, Mexico & Beyond

Caribeez.com
St. Maarten

St. Maarten Weather in December: Rain, Temperatures

Average high temperature and rainfall for St. Maarten in December. © 2021 Scott S. Bateman

After three bad months, St. Maarten weather in December shows a little mercy from the rainfall.

St. Maarten is a top destination for eastern and southern Caribbean cruises.

It is popular because of the lively cruise port at Philipsburg, the island’s most famous beach at Orient Bay and a variety of excursions to smaller nearby islands such as Anguilla and St. Barths.

Most Caribbean destinations including St. Maarten have the worst weather of the year from September through November thanks to the annual Caribbean hurricane season.

The season starts in June and peaks in September and October for most Caribbean islands. But St. Maarten actually has its worst month of the year for total rainfall in November.

Average Rainfall

The total rainfall in St. Maarten during December averages about four inches, according to the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten. That total is better than the six inches in November but not as good as the two to three inches from January through July (except for a brief jump to four inches in May).

The average number of days it rains in December is 13, which is about the same as August through November.

The sun avoids complete cloud cover and shines more than 71 percent of the time or about 21 days a month, the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten says. It is better than the seven previous months.

The above averages are better than the fall months but not as good as late winter to early summer.

St. Maarten Temperatures in December

St. Maarten stays warm even in December with an average high temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low of 75 degrees, according to the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten.

Temperatures aren’t as warm as late spring through late fall, but they decline only about four degrees on average.

Unlike some northern destinations in the Caribbean during December, swimming at St. Maarten beaches shouldn’t be a problem with sea water temperatures hovering between the daytime highs and nighttime lows.

Whether to Go

St. Maarten weather in December shouldn’t stop anyone from going to this appealing Caribbean island.

It is one of the better options for people wanting to get some warmth and sunshine in the first month of winter.

January and February usually have less rainfall, but they also are a few degrees cooler.

• St. Maarten weather in: January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December

Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera.
November 25, 2023

St. Maarten Cruise Port Guide

Philipsburg Front Street
The Philipsburg cruise port is one of the best in the Caribbean. Here is what to expect.

Best Time to Visit St. Maarten

St. Maarten sailing
The best times to visit St. Maarten are December through April when the risk of rain is low.

Top St. Maarten Tourist Attractions

Marigot St. Martin
St. Maarten tourist attractions offer enough to do for any cruise or resort visitor.

St. Maarten Video: Best Time to Go

St. Maarten Beaches Near the Cruise Port

Marigot St. Martin Walking Tour Tips

St. Maarten Travel Tips: Attractions, Beaches, Weather

St. Eustatius Beach Vacation Tips