Beaches & Islands · Best Dec–Apr
St. Barts packing list for families
St. Barts is a little more dressed up than most Caribbean islands, and getting there usually means a small plane or ferry. Here is how our family packs light, stays chic, and still has everything the kids need.
Kristina's notes on St. Barts
- Most families reach St. Barts on a short hop from St. Maarten on a small plane or by ferry. The planes have tight bag limits, so soft duffels and one carry-on per person make the connection much smoother.
- Outlets are French, and so is the voltage. Check that hair tools and kids' sound machines are dual voltage before you pack them, or plan to borrow from the hotel.
- Many hotels and restaurants close for part of September and October, and the holiday weeks book up a year out. For families, I love April and early May, when the water is calm and the island feels relaxed.
Best timeDec–Apr
PlugsType C/E, bring an adapter
MoneyEuro (US dollars widely accepted)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
St. Barts
This time of year
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Carry-on18
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Soft-sided duffel bagKristina's pickSmall inter-island planes have strict baggage limits.
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Swim cover-ups
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Linen button-down for dinnersDinners in Gustavia lean polished but relaxed.
Shoes3
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Beach & pool14
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Sand toys that nest flat
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
Waterproof phone pouch
After-sun aloe
Sand-free beach towel
Kids' snorkel mask setCalm coves like Shell Beach and Colombier are great for first snorkels.
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things20
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries19
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech18
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Dual-voltage travel hair dryerFrench outlets run at 220 volts.
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType C/E, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Riviera blues
White, Riviera blue, cream, lemon
For photos
- Blue, white, and one lemon accent
- Early morning, before the crowds
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
St. Barts weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 82°F 28°C | Dry season with steady trade winds and sunny, comfortable days | St Barth Music Festival with concerts around the island |
| February | 82°F 28°C | Dry season with steady trade winds and sunny, comfortable days | |
| March | 83°F 28°C | Dry season with steady trade winds and sunny, comfortable days | St Barths Bucket Regatta, with superyachts racing just offshore |
| April | 84°F 29°C | Dry season with steady trade winds and sunny, comfortable days | Les Voiles de St Barth sailing regatta Calm, clear water and easier dinner reservations after the winter rush |
| May | 86°F 30°C | Warm and calmer, with occasional showers and quieter beaches | Calm, clear water and easier dinner reservations after the winter rush |
| June | 87°F 31°C | Warm and calmer, with occasional showers and quieter beaches | |
| July | 87°F 31°C | Hot and humid with passing showers; hurricane season underway | |
| August | 88°F 31°C | Hot and humid with passing showers; hurricane season underway | |
| September | 88°F 31°C | Peak hurricane risk; many hotels and restaurants close for part of this stretch | |
| October | 87°F 31°C | Peak hurricane risk; many hotels and restaurants close for part of this stretch | |
| November | 85°F 29°C | Peak hurricane risk; many hotels and restaurants close for part of this stretch | |
| December | 83°F 28°C | Dry season with steady trade winds and sunny, comfortable days | New Year's week in Gustavia harbor, lined with yachts and fireworks |
Questions families ask
St. Barts with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit St. Barts with kids?
The best time is Dec–Apr. Dry season with steady trade winds and sunny, comfortable days
What's the weather like in St. Barts?
Typical daytime highs range from about 82°F (28°C) in January to about 88°F (31°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for St. Barts?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for St. Barts?
Type C/E, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for St. Barts with kids?
Most families reach St. Barts on a short hop from St. Maarten on a small plane or by ferry. The planes have tight bag limits, so soft duffels and one carry-on per person make the connection much smoother.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.