Photo: Minhas Kamal (CC0), via Wikimedia Commons
The tourist months are the dry, mild ones. Here's the weather month by month, from the long-term records for Cox's Bazar, and what it means for your trip.
The long-term weather records we can point to for this part of the coast are for Cox's Bazar, on the mainland. The numbers below are its 1991–2020 averages (NOAA climate normals): a good guide to Saint Martin's, though a small island out at sea can feel a little different on the day.
These are monthly averages, not a forecast. Check the forecast for your dates before you travel.
The tourist months: November to January
- November: days around 31 °C and nights around 21 °C, with about 54 mm of rain on 3 days in the month.
- December: around 28 °C by day and 17 °C at night, and about 12 mm of rain, usually on a single day.
- January: the coolest month, around 27 °C by day and 15 to 16 °C at night, with about 6 mm of rain.
These are the months the island was open to tourists last season (1 November to 31 January), and they're the driest of the year. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for the day, and a light jacket or shawl for the evenings.
The rest of the year
- February to April: warming up fast, from about 30 °C to 33 °C by day, and still fairly dry (about 15 to 85 mm of rain a month).
- May to September: the monsoon. Rain jumps to about 350 mm in May and close to 1,000 mm in July, falling on 20 to 25 days a month in the wettest months.
- October: the rains ease off (about 255 mm on 10 days), with days around 32 °C.
Outside the season the island is closed to tourists anyway: last season it closed from 1 February for nine months. When it opens for 2026–27 is up to the government; our article on the best time to visit Saint Martin explains the season.
The weather and the ship
The crossing from Cox's Bazar takes about 5 to 6 hours, and news reports last season said the journey time depends on the weather and the currents. Keep a little room in your plans, and ask the ship operator, or us, what happens if the ship doesn't sail because of the weather. If the weather turns while you're with us, tell us on WhatsApp and we'll help you plan around it.
The weather and Chera Dip
The walk to Chera Dip depends on the tide more than the weather: at low tide you can walk across over sand and rocks, and at high tide the sea cuts it off. Check the tide times for your day. Our Chera Dip guide explains the walk.
What to pack for the weather
Sun protection for the day, something warm for winter evenings, sandals or shoes that can get wet, and a refillable water bottle. The full list is in our Saint Martin packing list.
Staying near Chera Dip
El Marena Eco Resort is near Chera Dip beach, at the quiet southern end of the island. Send us your dates on WhatsApp; we'll confirm your cottage or tent and can book your ship seats in the same chat.
