Seasonal· St Barthelemy· Leeward Islands
Northerly Swell Season (St Barth)
17° 55.4′ N · 62° 52.3′ W · approximate
Between roughly November and April, North Atlantic storms send long-period 'ground swells' south; the west and north-facing anchorages of St Barth - Colombier, Flamands, Corossol, the Gustavia outer anchorage and Fourchue - can become rolly or untenable for a day or two.
Practical
Position is Colombier (approx). Check swell forecasts, not just wind. In a northerly swell: avoid the outer Colombier buoys (they catch surf), expect surge on Gustavia's quay and a wet dinghy ride from the outer anchorage, and treat beach landings with care. Trade winds of 10-25 knots blow from about October to June and also raise a heavy sea on the windward (east) coast, which is far more exposed than the leeward side. December-March 'Christmas winds' can reach 20-25 knots in the channels.
Best for
Planning where to sit out winter swell
Season
Nov-Apr
Nearby
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