City centre
Ideal for: culture, short stays
Schœlcher Library, the cathedral, the covered market and La Savane park, all on foot.
Fort-de-France
Martinique's main town, with its bay, its market and the Schœlcher Library.
First visit: where to stay
Martinique: the essentials
Plan your stay in Fort-de-France
Best areas to stay in Fort-de-France
Schœlcher
Ideal for: couples, beach
The neighbouring town to the west, more residential, with its coves and seafront.
Les Trois-Îlets (Pointe du Bout, Anse Mitan)
Ideal for: families, beaches
Across the bay, linked to the centre by ferry; hotels and beaches.
When to go to Fort-de-France: the weather month by month
| Month | Average low and high | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 114 mm | |
| Feb | 77 mm | |
| Mar | 71 mm | |
| Apr | 109 mm | |
| May | 133 mm | |
| Jun | 154 mm | |
| Jul | 206 mm | |
| Aug | 247 mm | |
| Sept | 214 mm | |
| Oct | 243 mm | |
| Nov | 237 mm | |
| Dec | 148 mm |
Averages from the Fort-de-France weather station (1991–2020 normals): the weather in any given year may differ. Source: Wikipedia, “Fort-de-France” (accessed 28 October 2026), CC BY-SA 4.0. This table is shared under the same licence.
Practical info about Fort-de-France
Fort-de-France is Martinique’s main town and gateway. Visitors often spend a day here before heading to the beaches in the south or the forest in the north. A car is almost essential to explore the island.
What to see in and around Fort-de-France
- The Schœlcher Library, a colourful landmark in the centre;
- St Louis Cathedral and La Savane park;
- the covered market, for spices and fruit;
- Fort Saint-Louis, on the bay;
- the Balata Garden, on the Route de la Trace;
- Mount Pelée and the northern peaks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2023, and the town of Saint-Pierre, destroyed by the 1902 eruption.
Getting to Fort-de-France
Martinique Aimé-Césaire Airport is in Le Lamentin, about 9 km from the centre. Taxis and car hire desks are waiting at arrivals; book your car ahead in high season.
All our tips for the country in Travel in Martinique.