Saint Kitts and Nevis / Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis – Let’s explore here

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Major's Bay, Saint Kitts
Copyright © letsexplorehere.com — Major’s Bay, Saint Kitts

What’s it like in Saint Kitts and Nevis?

Saint Kitts and Nevis consists of two small islands in the Caribbean. The two islands are separated from each other by The Narrows, a strait which is 2 miles (3 km) wide. It’s a relatively small country, about two thirds the size of the Isle of Wight, England, UK, with St Kitts being approximately 18 miles (29 km) long and 5 miles (8 km) wide, and Nevis being about 7 miles (11 km) by 7 miles (11 km).

The terrain is mostly mountains and forest, with St Kitts having three mountain ranges, the North West Range, Central Range and South-West Range. Nevis is dominated by Nevis Peak at 3,232 ft (985 m) above sea level. The highest point is Mount Liamuiga, on St Kitts, at 3,793 ft (1,156 m) above sea level.

Saint Kitts and Nevis’ population is around 54,000 (2023), about ⅓ of whom live in the capital, Basseterre. It relies heavily on tourism like many other Caribbean islands.

Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis — Basseterre

A bit about the history of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Early History and European Exploration

Saint Kitts and Nevis were originally inhabited by the Carib and Arawak peoples before the arrival of European explorers. In 1493, Christopher Columbus sighted the islands during his second voyage to the Americas. The Spanish did not settle the islands, leaving the French and English to establish colonies later.

Colonial Era

The English established the first permanent settlement on Saint Kitts in 1624, followed by the French on Nevis in 1628. The islands became a major centre for sugar production, relying heavily on enslaved Africans brought in to work the plantations. Throughout the 17th century, the islands saw conflicts between the French and English as both sought control over the valuable sugar trade.

British Control

By the mid 18th century, Britain had established control over both Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the islands remained part of the British Empire throughout the colonial period. Sugar cultivation continued to dominate the economy, with slavery playing a key role until the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1834. After emancipation, the economy remained dependent on agriculture, although the plantation system began to decline.

Move Towards Self Government

Saint Kitts and Nevis began to move towards self government in the early 20th century. In 1967, the islands became a self-governing colony within the British Commonwealth, with the right to elect their own government. The political relationship with Britain remained intact, but the islands were granted greater autonomy in their internal affairs.

Independence

On 19 September 1983, Saint Kitts and Nevis became an independent nation within the Commonwealth, with full sovereignty and membership in international organisations such as the United Nations. The first Prime Minister of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis was Dr. Kennedy Simmonds.

Modern Saint Kitts and Nevis

Since independence, Saint Kitts and Nevis has worked to diversify its economy, with tourism, manufacturing and offshore banking becoming key sectors. The country remains a member of the Commonwealth and maintains a stable political system. However, it faces challenges such as a reliance on tourism and issues related to the impact of climate change on its economy.

Nevis Peak, Saint Kitts and Nevis
Copyright © letsexplorehere.com — Nevis Peak

Saint Kitts and Nevis road trip

Saint Kitts and Nevis is our 17th planned stop on our road trip through the islands of the Caribbean. Having explored Sint Eustatius, our next stop is Antigua and Barbuda.

Travelling overland between the islands is quite prohibitive due to the lack of transportation options. Travelling between different island countries via ferry is possible, however, ferries only operate between some islands. Chartering private boats between islands is also possible, although travelling with a car in this way is prohibitive. Flying is another option, although again, flights only operate between some islands.

Map of our road trip through Saint Kitts and Nevis

Map of our planned route around the islands of St Kitts and Nevis
Copyright © letsexplorehere.com

This is a map of our planned route around the islands of St Kitts and Nevis

Weather in Saint Kitts and Nevis

When is the best time to visit Saint Kitts and Nevis?

The best time to visit Saint Kitts and Nevis is from December to April. During these months, the islands have 7-8 hours of sunshine per day and rainfall of 1.8 – 4.3 inches (46 – 110mm) per month. The temperature ranges from 23 – 30°C (73 – 86°F).

When is the worst time to visit Saint Kitts and Nevis?

The worst time to visit Saint Kitts and Nevis is from July to November. During these months, the islands still have 7-8 hours of sunshine per day. However, humidity rises and it rains an average of 4.0 – 7.4 inches (102 – 188mm) per month. The temperature ranges from 25 – 31°C (76 – 88°F).

Hurricane Season in the Caribbean

Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 to November 30. Storms tend to be more frequent and more severe in the latter half of the season.

Hurricanes are least likely during December, January and February.

Travel in and around Saint Kitts and Nevis

Ferries between Saint Kitts and Nevis

iConnect Ferries travels between St Kitts and Nevis several times per day, every day. There are also many other boats and water taxis that make the trip.

Ferries to other Caribbean island countries from Saint Kitts and Nevis

Makana Ferry Services travels between Saint Kitts and Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten and Saba several times per week.

Flying from St Kitts and Nevis to Antigua and Barbuda

There are various airlines that fly between St Kitts and Nevis to Antigua and Barbuda.

What’s it like to drive in Saint Kitts and Nevis?

They drive on the left hand side of the road in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Roads are generally in fairly good condition.

We’ve also created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which you might find helpful 🙂

What currency do they use in Saint Kitts and Nevis?

In Saint Kitts and Nevis they use the East Caribbean dollar. Cash is widely used. The use of credit / debit cards is widely accepted in major cities, although not in rural areas. Travellers cheques are not accepted in the main. There are ATMs in cities, although not all accept foreign issued cards.

You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.