Facts and Figures

Weather
Being in the tropics, and close to the equator, St. Martin and St. Maarten experience very little variation in temperature throughout the year. Its always comfortable with now and than a short but heavy shower. Usually after a shower it is party cloudy or even clear. In addition to the temperature, vacationers should consider humidity, trade winds, rainfall and hurricane season when thinking about the climate of the island

Temperatures will range anywhere from 75 degrees Fahrenheit, 25 degrees Celsius in the winter to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, 33 degrees Celsius in the summer. The average temperature is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, 28 degrees Celsius and this will generally only vary a few degrees, even in the summer months.

The average temperature of the crystal clear waters surrounding St Maarten/St Martin ranges from 78-80F in the winter, and 82-84F in the summer. The sun rises year round in average at 6 AM and the sunset is around 6.30PM every day. The winds blow a fairly regular 15 knots from mid-November to mid-April. In the summer, thermal effects and tropical waves can bring a bit stronger drafts, and rain showers are to be expected. They are usually brief, but intense.

Hurricane season starts in the beginning of June and goes through November in the Atlantic. Although hurricane strikes are rare on St. Martin and St. Maarten, it is during these months that the island experiences the most rainfall. The island receives an average of 45 inches of rainfall a year.

Electricity
The Dutch side of St. Maarten has 110V electricity system. The electrical outlets are the same as the USA. The French side of St. Martin has the 220V European system with similar outlets. Converters or adapters for US electrical cords are required.

Currency
The official currency of Dutch St. Maarten is the Netherlands Antilles guilder (ANG). In French St. Martin, it is the Euro. However, US dollars, traveler's checks and major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the island.

Official Dutch Holidays
New Year's Day Jan 1, 2009
Good Friday Apr 10, 2009
Easter Sunday Apr 11, 2009
Easter Monday Apr 13, 2009
Carnival Apr 17 to May 4, 2009
Public Holiday Apr 29, 2009
Queen's Birthday Apr 30, 2009
Labour Day May 1, 2009
Ascension Day May 21, 2009
Antillean Day Oct 21, 2009
St. Maarten's Day Nov 11, 2009
Christmas Day Dec 25, 2009
Boxing Day Dec 26, 2009

Official French Holidays
New Year's Day Jan 1, 2009
Epiphani Jan 6, 2009
Carnival Early February
Good Friday Apr 10, 2009
Easter Sunday Apr 11, 2009
Easter Monday Apr 13, 2009
Labour Day May 1, 2009
Ascension Day Early May
Bastille Day July 14, 2009
Schoelcher Day July 21, 2009
Assumption Day August 15, 2009
All Saints Day November 1, 2009
St. Martin Day November 11, 2009
Christmas Day December 25-26, 2009

Official Holidays 2010
New Year's Day Jan 1, 2010
Easter Apr 2-5, 2010
Start of Carnival April, 2010
Queen's Birthday Apr 30, 2010
May Day May 1, 2010
Ascension Day May 13, 2010
White Monday May 24, 2010
Bastille Day July 14, 2010
Schoelcher Day July 21, 2010
Antillean Day Oct 21, 2010
All Saints Day Nov 1, 2010
St. Maarten's Day Nov 11, 2010
Kingdom Day Dec 15, 2010
Christmas Day Dec 25, 2010
Boxing Day Dec 26, 2010

Drinking Water
Tap water on the island comes from desalinated seawater and is drinkable. Bottled water is also readily available.

Car rentals
This is by far the most convenient way to move around St. Maarten/St. Martin. Rates are reasonable and most agencies offer unlimited mileage, pickup, delivery, emergency services and additional insurance. You'll need a driver's license and a major credit card or cash deposit. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road throughout the island. Once you've had a chance to evaluate local etiquette, you'll find driving here is easy to pick up

Taxi
You'll never have to wait long for a taxi on the island. They are generally available at hotels, major streets and venues throughout both sides of the island. It's a great, personalized way to see the island and learn your way around. Taxi drivers often have a host of useful information and are more than willing to share their knowledge.
Taxis are not metered here; the government sets rates, which are based on carrying two passengers. A fee may be added for additional passengers. Your hotel's front desk can arrange for a taxi 24 hours a day.

Buses
To really see St. Maarten/St. Martin, hop aboard one of the island's buses. They regularly run between Philipsburg and Marigot (via Cole Bay), Dutch Quarter, French Quarter, St. Peters and Mullet Bay. Prices range from $1,50 to $3, and routes often include breathtaking scenery without the responsibility of driving yourself.