Sint Maarten travel guide

Getting there

Princess Juliana International Airport is a major regional hub with flights from North America and Europe. Ferries link the island to Anguilla, Saint-Barthélemy and Saba, and it is a popular cruise port.

Best time to visit: Dec–Apr – dry and sunny season.

Flights: see the cheapest month to fly from your nearest airport.

Tougher months: August to October – the height of hurricane season, with higher storm risk.

Weather by month in Philipsburg

• 28°J●
• 28°F
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• 29°A●
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• 31°S●●
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• 30°N●●
• 29°D●

Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).

Time zone: America/Lower_Princes. Compare with your local time.

Official advisory: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions (U.S. Department of State, updated 2026-08-24). Read the advisory.

Stay

Most trips to Sint Maarten are based around Philipsburg, Maho Beach or Mullet Bay. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.

Typical daily budget: about US$80–120 for a backpacker and US$180–320 mid-range, per person.

Connect

Plug types: A, B, C, F. Voltage: 110 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.

Calling code: +1721.

Mobile data: set up a travel eSIM or check your roaming plan before you fly, so data works as soon as you land.

Do

• Philipsburg (South · capital): A bustling town with Front Street shopping, the boardwalk and Great Bay Beach.
• Maho Beach (West · beach): Famous for low-flying planes and lively beach bars.
• Mullet Bay (West · beach): A beautiful, calm bay with soft sand and good swimming.
• Simpson Bay (West · lagoon & marina): A hub for yachts, restaurants and nightlife on the lagoon.
• Fort Amsterdam (South · historic site): Ruins of a seventeenth-century fort with views of Great Bay.
• Guana Bay (East · beach): A wild, windswept beach popular with surfers and bodyboarders.

Things to do

• Watch planes at Maho Beach. Stand on the sand as jets roar just overhead on their approach to the airport.
• Shop on Front Street. Browse duty-free jewellery, electronics and local crafts in Philipsburg's main street.
• Relax at Great Bay Beach. Lounge on a sweeping beach right beside the capital's boardwalk.
• Cross to the French side. Drive across the open border for croissants in Marigot and the restaurants of Grand Case.
• Snorkel at Little Bay. Swim among reef fish near the Fort Amsterdam ruins.
• Hike to Fort Amsterdam. Explore the remains of the island's first Dutch fort on a headland above Great Bay.
• Sail in a racing yacht. Try your hand at sailing on a former America's Cup boat in a team race.
• Eat at a lolo. Enjoy grilled ribs, chicken and johnny cakes at a roadside barbecue.

Eat and drink

• Johnny cakes – fried bread
• Conch and dumplings – stewed conch with dumplings
• Saltfish – salted cod with peppers
• Guavaberry liqueur – the island's traditional drink

Money and safety

Currency: Caribbean guilder (XCG). Currency and plug checker.

Tipping: 15% in restaurants if not already added.

Emergency numbers: 911 police, fire & ambulance.

• The official currency is the Caribbean guilder, but US dollars are used almost everywhere; the French side uses the euro.
• Cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are common, often dispensing US dollars.
• The island is generally safe, but petty theft and car break-ins occur – don't leave valuables in cars or on beaches.
• At Maho Beach, keep a safe distance from the airport fence, as jet blast can be dangerous.