Overview
If you're seeking a varying mix of cultures with all the frills of a beach vacation, hop a flight to St. Maarten and enjoy the mix of Dutch and French influence that surrounds this Caribbean island. The French and Dutch have shared this island for centuries - the Dutch on the southern half, the French to the north. Travelers booking trips to St. Maarten (also referred to as St. Martin) are in for a unique vacation experience.
Flights to St. Maarten arrive on the Dutch side. Dutch St. Maarten is widely known as a tourist hotbed for shopping. The duty-free shops welcome thousands of tourists a year who come via cruise ship or flight to St. Maarten. While the Dutch side is arguably more populated and offers more for the first-time visitor to explore, the French side is scenic and calm, providing a the necessary respite for tourists needing a break from everyday life.
St Maarten climate
Like many of its Caribbean neighbors, St Maarten is sunny and warm all year long. Average temperatures range from the upper 60s to the upper 80s F. It rains frequently, but showers are short-lived.
