When to go canyoning in Guadeloupe? Seasons, rain and water level

The short answer

You can go canyoning in Guadeloupe all year round. February to April is the driest period; from July to November, showers are more frequent and heavier, and trips depend on the weather on the day. What matters most is the rain on the heights of Basse-Terre: a river can rise within minutes.

Updated 1 November 2026.

All our canyons are in Basse-Terre, on the Soufrière and Mamelles massifs. The rivers come down from the heights: their level depends on the rain that falls upstream, not only on the rain you get on the beach. Here is how to choose your period, and what we do when the weather turns bad.

The seasons in Guadeloupe, seen from the river

There are two main seasons: the dry season (carême) and the rainy season (hivernage). The limits vary from year to year, but the pattern is fairly steady.

What matters more than the season: rain on the heights

A Basse-Terre river can rise within minutes after a shower on the heights, even if the sky is clear where you are. That is why the season is not enough to decide: on the day, the guide checks the forecasts and the water level before setting off.

The water level also changes the canyon. When it is lower, the pools are calmer; when it is higher, the current is stronger and the waterfalls are splashier. The guide then adapts the jumps and slides to the water level of the day.

What happens if it rains on the day of the trip?

In case of heavy rain or a rising river, the guide decides whether to adapt the trip, postpone it, offer another route or cancel it. You are told as early as possible, by WhatsApp or e-mail, then refunded or moved to another slot. A trip is confirmed from 4 participants; below that, we can still run it, offer you another date or refund you.

If you set off on your own, without a guide, on one of the canyons we describe in our route guides, check the Météo-France weather warnings before leaving and give up if the weather is threatening over the heights: on a long route, there are few ways out.

What time do the trips start?

All our trips start in the morning: at 8 a.m. for Bois Malaisé, at 9 a.m. for Acomat, Ravine Chaude, Deshaies and Rivière Noire, at 9:30 a.m. for Bourceau. They last from 3 h to 7 h depending on the route. Allow plenty of time for the drive: journey times in Guadeloupe are often longer than expected.

When to book?

Book a few days ahead, and earlier in the high season, from mid-December. If you come in the rainy season, keep one day free in your stay: if the weather forces a postponement, we can move you to another slot.

Which trip for which period?

All our trips can be done all year round. A few pointers:

• With children from age 8: Acomat (green level, 3 h, €50) or Bourceau (blue level, 3 h 30, €60). See the page family canyoning (in French).
• A first descent with abseils: Bourceau, Ravine Chaude – Bassin Bleu or Grande Rivière Ferry, in Deshaies.
• The sporty one: Rivière Noire, in Saint-Claude (red level, 5 h, €70, from age 16).
• The expert one: Bois Malaisé (black level, 7 h, €110, from age 16). For the full day, the dry season is generally the most favourable period.

To compare all the trips, see our canyoning trips in Guadeloupe and the canyoning levels. Prices are on the canyoning prices page.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go canyoning in the rainy season in Guadeloupe?

Yes. From July to November, showers are more frequent and heavier, but trips remain possible. They depend on the weather on the day: the guide decides whether to adapt, postpone or cancel.

What is the best month for canyoning in Guadeloupe?

There is no bad month, but February to April is the driest period. Rain on the heights matters more than the season, because a river can rise within minutes.

What happens if the trip is cancelled because of the weather?

You are told as early as possible by WhatsApp or e-mail, then refunded or moved to another slot.

Do you need to book far in advance?

A few days ahead in general, and earlier from mid-December, in the high season. Groups are limited to 8 people, with one group a day.

What time do the trips start?

In the morning, between 8 and 9:30 a.m. depending on the trip. The exact meeting time is on the page of each trip and in your confirmation e-mail.

Further reading

• 🌴Calling All Adventurers: Canyoning Guide Wanted in Guadeloupe! 💦
• Canyoning in Bouillante: Bourceau and Bois Malaisé
• Canyoning in Guadeloupe in February
• Do you need to be able to swim to go canyoning? What you need, what we provide, what to bring