TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin SXM in Summer Months

Hey all,
I had originally planned to come back after a 10-year hiatus to the island with my family this coming March, but I've had to cancel due to some medical things that have come up.

The only times I've come to the island have been between December and March. I've never been there during the summer months of June-August. Can anyone comment on whether things are different during the summer versus the winter/spring? I know it's hurricane weather so there's a risk of that, but when it comes to other weather, crowds, stuff open/closed, etc. Is the overall vibe the same during the summer?

Thanks
Scott

I have been to the island about every month except January and November and Just went in mid-August last year. Not every place will be open but most should be. It was not crowded at all and I found it to be extremely warm and humid. I would go back again though without hesitation. Not sure where you would be staying but if on the Dutch side, I would want a place that has a back-up generator in case GEBE is still having issues. The place I stayed at did have a generator and it came in very handy to keep the a/c and electric on.

Been going to SXM i May/June/July for over 20 years. Water is very comfortable and so are the temps. Traffic isn't as bad as it is now and most all restaurants are open and reservations aren't necessary. As mentioned stay at a place that has a back up power system.

We have been going during June timeframe for at least 20 years. Generally, no reservations needed at restaurants, less traffic than high season, airfares lower than high season. Anymore, I would avoid September due to hurricanes, but otherwise, off season is a great time to go!

As long as you and your family are by the pool or the ocean, you"ll be fine!!! Dining overlooking the water or in door AC is best!!!

More than likely, I'd be staying on the French Side in one of the condos from the old Mont Vernon hotel. As for the power outages, I keep hearing about them, are they island-wide? How frequent are they? I mean, if I'm beachside, it wouldn't matter, but in the middle of the night would be something I'd prep for just in case. Do they last long?

The biggest power outages have been on the Dutch side, although they do occasionally happen on the French side. There was one a month or two ago that lasted for several hours on the French side.

We have traveled to Sint Maarten in the low season for 30 years. We much prefer that time as it is less expensive and crowds/traffic are much more tolerable. Virtually everything is open with very few exceptions. If you have a choice, I would suggest June or July simply because the chance of a storm gets greater the later in the summer you go. But saying that, we have gone in August the past two years and it was wonderful.

I've spent several summer post-season months in SXM and like it during this period. While sometimes the trades die down and it gets hot and sticky, the lack of huge tourist crowds more than make up for that. The waves at the beaches tend to be settled and I prefer it over "tourist season".

June and July are great. Winds at Orient are sufficient to stay cool and you get longer days. Less traffic. We love it anytime December to July. Probably love the other months bet never been. Hurricanes are not something to seek out but a last minute trip in those months might be great.

Our only June trip to Orient was very good. A little warmer but the crowds were less and everything was open. I would not hesitate to go in June again.