Castries
Castries is the capital of Saint Lucia and a working harbor town on the northwest coast. Visit for the central market and the cathedral, both within walking distance of Derek Walcott Square.
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Castries is the capital of Saint Lucia, a Caribbean island in the Windward Islands. The town sits on the northwest coast around a deep natural harbor, and cruise ships dock there. Government offices, shops and the waterfront fill much of the center. The Castries Central Market is where to see local life, with vendors selling fish, fruit, vegetables and spices. Derek Walcott Square, named after the Nobel Prize-winning poet who was born in Castries, is a good place to start a walk.
Castries suits a day or two of walking, market visits and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Pigeon Island National Landmark, a former military site with old fort ruins, is a short drive north. Beach-focused travelers may prefer a base in Rodney Bay and a day in Castries. The drier months run from about December to May, and January to April is the best window. June to November is hurricane season, so check forecasts before you book. Plan one to two days.
Castries in five
- Land at Hewanorra for most international flightsMost international flights land at Hewanorra (UVF) in the south of the island, more than an hour's drive from Castries. Check which airport your flight uses before you book a transfer.Getting around
- Buy a Digicel or FLOW data plan before you landDigicel and FLOW are the two main mobile networks in St Lucia. Compare their prepaid data plans before you fly, since roaming from home can cost more.Phones and eSIM
- Carry East Caribbean dollars for markets and minibusesThe local currency is the East Caribbean dollar (XCD). Market stalls and minibus fares are paid in cash, so withdraw EC cash in Castries before you head out of town.Money and costs
- Agree the taxi fare before you get inTaxis in St Lucia are not metered, so settle the price with the driver first. Ask your hotel what the usual fare is for your route, and carry small notes for the ride.
- Insure for hurricane seasonHurricane season runs from June to November, and storms can close airports and disrupt ferries and tours. Check that your policy covers trip cancellation and delay for storms before you pay.Travel insurance
Need to know
- Currency
- East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
- Entry
- Visa-free for many passports; check your nationality before you fly
- Emergency
- 999 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Check the bill for a service charge before you add a tip
- Time
- UTC-4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry, breezy
- FebruaryDry, breezy
- MarchDry, warm
- AprilDry, warm
- MayDrier, warming
- JuneHurricane season
- JulyWet, storm risk
- AugustPeak storm months
- SeptemberPeak storm months
- OctoberWet, storm risk
- NovemberWet, easing
- DecemberDry season returns
Right now in Castries
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
28
- Feels like
- 31°
- Humidity
- 84%
- Wind
- 22 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Marigot Bay
07:24 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today28°24°100%Monday: Thunderstorms. High 28°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Tue29°24°73%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 73%.
- Wed30°24°37%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 37%.
- Thu32°23°57%Thursday: Cloudy. High 32°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 57%.
- Fri32°23°73%Friday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 73%.
- Sat31°23°39%Saturday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 39%.
- Sun31°22°40%Sunday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 40%.
Updated 06:11 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
- Soufrière and the Pitonsabout 1 to 1.5 hours by roadThe twin Piton peaks, sulfur springs and a colonial town on the west coast. Leave early, as the roads are slow.
- Pigeon Islandabout 30 minutes by carA national landmark with old fort ruins on a headland, close to the beaches of Rodney Bay.
- Marigot Bayabout 30 to 40 minutes by carA sheltered bay on the west coast with a small harbor and a lunch stop.
Before you go to Castries
Rules for Castries, checked
- Drive on the left. Carry your home license and check that your insurance covers rental cars before you collect the vehicle.
- Declare fresh food, plants and animal products on your arrival form. Biosecurity checks at the airport are strict.
- Dress modestly in churches, including the cathedral in Castries, and cover your shoulders and knees.
- Do not carry drugs or buy them from street sellers. Drug offenses carry serious penalties under St Lucian law.
Plan around Castries
Rooms in town and how far you are from the beaches
Read the guideGetting around St LuciaTaxis, minibuses and car hire; traffic keeps to the left
Read the guideMoney and costsEC dollars, cash, cards and typical daily prices
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs a visa and what to carry on arrival
Read the guideSt Lucia travel guideThe island, its regions and when to go
Read the guidePhones and eSIMMobile data options for St Lucia before you land
Read the guideCastries FAQ
How many days do you need in Castries?
One full day covers the market, Derek Walcott Square, the cathedral and a climb to Fort Charlotte on Morne Fortune. Add time for beaches and the Pitons if you want them.
Is Castries worth visiting?
Yes, for the market, the harbor and the view from Morne Fortune. The beaches are outside the city, so Castries works best as a visit for the market and the view.
Where should I stay near Castries?
Stay in Rodney Bay, a short drive north of the city, for beaches and restaurants. Stay in Castries if you want a city base for the market and an early start on day trips.
When is the best time to visit Castries?
January to April is the drier season and the best time for sightseeing. June to November is hurricane season, so book flexible fares and check your insurance.
Do I need a car in Castries?
Not for the city center, which you can walk in parts. You need a taxi or car to reach beaches and the Pitons, and if you drive yourself, remember to keep to the left.