Roseau
Roseau is a small harbor capital on Dominica's Caribbean coast. It suits travelers who plan to spend their days hiking, swimming and driving into the island's rainforest.
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
Roseau is the capital of Dominica, an island nation in the Lesser Antilles between Guadeloupe and Martinique. The town lies on the island's western coast, on the Caribbean Sea, and is the country's main port and seat of government. Its waterfront, older colonial-era buildings and market streets are small enough to walk in an afternoon.
Dominica is known more for its nature than its beaches. Volcanic peaks, dense rainforest, hot springs and waterfalls cover much of the interior, and sperm whales are regularly seen offshore. Trips here suit hikers, divers, nature lovers and travelers who want a quiet, rural Caribbean stay. The dry season, roughly December to April, is the most comfortable time to hike, while the hurricane season runs from June to November. Allow extra time on mountain roads, which are slow.
Roseau in five
- Get East Caribbean dollars for small purchasesSmall shops and minibuses often want cash in East Caribbean dollars (XCD). Withdraw or change money in Roseau before you head into the national parks.Money and costs
- Book Boiling Lake with a licensed guideThe Boiling Lake hike needs a licensed guide and is a full day with steep, muddy sections. Arrange the guide through your lodging or a recognized operator before the day you plan to go.Tours and tickets
- Plan the drive on the leftDominica drives on the left, and the roads from Roseau into the hills are narrow and winding. Check that your rental insurance covers mountain roads before you collect the car.Getting around
- Set up an eSIM before you leave RoseauSignal can be patchy in the park and on the hill roads. Load an eSIM or local SIM in town and download offline maps for the trailheads.Phones and eSIM
- Agree the taxi fare before you get inTaxis in Roseau are not metered, so settle the fare before the ride. Ask your lodging what the usual rate is to the trailhead or the next town.
Need to know
- Currency
- East Caribbean dollar (XCD); US dollars widely accepted
- Entry
- Check entry rules before you book flights; they are set by Dominica's immigration service
- Emergency
- 999 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Check your bill for a service charge before you tip
- Time
- UTC-4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDrier, cooler
- FebruaryCarnival season
- MarchDry, quieter
- AprilDry, warm
- MayRains begin
- JuneWet, green
- JulyWet, green
- AugustHurricane season
- SeptemberHurricane peak
- OctoberCreole Day
- NovemberRains ease
- DecemberHoliday season
Right now in Roseau
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
29
- Feels like
- 33°
- Humidity
- 77%
- Wind
- 30 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 43%
Roseau
04:40 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today29°25°43%Monday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 43%.
- Tue30°25°24%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 24%.
- Wed30°25°9%Wednesday: Partly cloudy. High 30°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 9%.
- Thu30°25°14%Thursday: Cloudy. High 30°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 14%.
- Fri30°24°38%Friday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 38%.
- Sat30°25°33%Saturday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 33%.
- Sun30°25°22%Sunday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 22%.
Updated 01:28 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 2.7 XCD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Morne Trois Pitons National Parkabout 1 hour by carA UNESCO World Heritage park with the Boiling Lake trail, reached by a guided day.Read the guide
- Trafalgar Fallsabout 20 min by carTwo waterfalls in a short walk from the road, an easy half day from Roseau.Read the guide
- Scotts Headabout 40 min by carA village at the southern tip of the island, with snorkelling and a view of the bay.Read the guide
Before you go to Roseau
Rules for Roseau, checked
- Boiling Lake hikes need a licensed guide. Check the current guide rules with the Discover Dominica Authority before you book.
- Dominica drives on the left. Ask your rental company which driving permit or licence you need before you collect the car.
- Dial 999 for police, fire or an ambulance anywhere in Dominica.
- Check entry rules before you book flights, since they are set by Dominica's immigration service and can change.
Plan around Roseau
Island regions, national parks and getting around
Read the guideGetting around DominicaRoads, hire cars and taxi use on the island
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical prices to expect
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules to check before you book flights
Read the guideWhere to stayGuesthouses and hotels in and around Roseau
Read the guideCaribbean islandsDominica set beside other islands in the region
Read the guideRoseau FAQ
Is Roseau worth visiting?
Yes, as a base for the national parks and as a quiet capital with a waterfront and a market. The centre is small, so it suits a short stay rather than a long city trip.
How do you get to Roseau from the airport?
Flights land at Melville Hall on the east coast, then you take a taxi or hire car. The drive to Roseau takes over an hour. Ferries from Martinique also reach Roseau; check schedules before you book.
How many days do you need in Roseau?
Two nights gives time for the centre and one day in the park. A single night works if you are heading straight to the hills.
Can you walk around Roseau?
Yes, the centre is walkable in daylight. Take a taxi back to your lodging after dark and to reach the trailheads.
When is the best time to visit Roseau?
December to April, the drier months. The hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk from August to October.
Do you need a car in Roseau?
Not for the centre, which is walkable. A car helps you reach the national parks and the south coast on your own schedule.