In mid-January, St. Barts hosts an international collection of musicians as part of the two-week St. Barths Music Festival. February brings a flood of feasting, dancing, music, and parades during Carnival season; the Mardi Gras parade through Gustavia is a high point of the festivities, and lasts for much of two days. The Caribbean Film Festival takes place in April. On July 14 Bastille Day is celebrated with a parade, a regatta, parties, and a fireworks display. Late August brings the Gustavia Festival, with a grand ball and harbor fireworks. In early December the annual St. Barths Marble Tournament attracts contestants of all ages. 

Public holidays include New Year's Day, Easter weekend, Labor Day (May 1), Pentecost (mid- to late  May), Bastille Day (July 14), Pitea Day (commemorates the joining of St. Barths with Pitea in Sweden, Aug. 15), All Saints' Day (Nov. 1), Armistice Day (Nov. 11), and Christmas.

The official language is French, but English is widely spoken.

Tipping - Hotels usually add a service charge of 10% to 15%; always ask if this is included in the price you're quoted. Restaurants typically add a service charge, too. Taxi drivers expect a tip of 10% of the fare.

Weather - The climate of St. Barts is ideal: dry with an average temperature of 72°F to 86°F (22°C-30°C)

Time - When standard time is in effect in the United States and Canada, St. Barts is 1 hour ahead of the U.S. East Coast. When daylight saving time is in effect in the United States (Apr-Oct), clocks in New York and St. Barts show the same time.

Passport and Visas:  A valid passport is preferred from U.S., British, and Canadian nationals. An original birth certificate accompanied by a photo ID that's issued by a government agency is also acceptable, but we recommend that you carry a passport when visiting a foreign country. All arriving visitors must have a departing ticket.

Currency - In 2002, St. Barts, as a political part of mainland France, abandoned its historic French franc and joined the euro umbrella. The current rate of exchange is .77€ to US$1. Just before you leave home, you can check the current exchange rate on the Web at www.xe.com.