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A view of Blue Hill taken from High Peak Photo by Craig Williams

A view of Blue Hill taken from High Peak by Craig Williams

St Helena Holidays

St Helena Holidays

Remote and far-flung, the tropical island of St Helena is a paradise, partially trapped in a time-warp and largely untouched by the outside world.

Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, Captain Cook and the Duke of Wellington by adventuring to Britain's second oldest remaining overseas territory. A tiny speck out in the Atlantic Ocean, 1200 miles from the west coast of Africa, the rugged island of St Helena is so remote that it was only in 2017 that air travel became possible, opening up this relatively unknown volcanic outpost to tourism. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, the island was used for centuries by ships as a trade-route stopover, and it is here that Napoleon spent the final years of his exile. The house where he lived is now a museum. Other prisoners of war included a revolutionary Zulu king and over 5000 Boers, during the Second Boer War.

Whilst the coastlines are rocky and dramatic, further inland you'll find lush rolling hills, forested mountains and verdant plantations. Indeed the island is also famous for its coffee, said to be amongst the best, and most expensive in the world. Napoleon was apparently a fan.

There are several tours available on the island, or you can hire a car if you prefer to explore independently. In the charming capital of Jamestown, discover a legacy of fortifications and historic buildings, as well as the fascinating St Helena museum, colourful gardens that belonged to the East India Company, and the oldest Anglican church in the Southern Hemisphere, St James' Church. For spectacular views of the town and sea beyond, climb the 699 steps of Jacob's Ladder. Preferably before sampling the spirits!

Out of town visit Plantation House, home of the Governor and also St Helena's oldest resident, Jonathan, a giant tortoise who has been trundling around for 192 years. Hiking is incredible here too, with a multitude of trails winding through wild mango forests and ancient deserts, rewarding hikers with waterfalls and a whole host of endemic plant and bird species that are a huge draw to nature lovers. Diving and snorkelling are superb here, with wrecks, reefs and caves to glide past, and whales sharks and dolphins are often spotted from the shore.

St Helena can easily be combined with a South Africa holiday.

A view of Blue Hill taken from High Peak Photo by Craig Williams

A Hiker's Paradise in the South Atlantic

A Hiker's Paradise in the South Atlantic
£2,745 pp. Learn more

When to go to St Helena

Find out the best time to visit St Helena with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is predominately sunny and hot, with temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees. If you venture out of Jamestown you can expect some rainfall but it rarely more than a light shower. If you're looking to see whale sharks around the island and perhaps swim with these gentle giants, January is the perfect time to visit.

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February

February is sunny and hot, with temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees. If you venture out of Jamestown you can expect some rainfall but it rarely more than a light shower. If you're looking to see whale sharks around the island you will have a good chance of spotting some during February.

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March

March is the hottest month of the year with temperatures reaching up to 32 degrees, with some chance of showers. It is the peak tourist season. If you're looking to walk up Green Mountain it is usually around 4-7 degrees cooler, so it can be pleasant to venture up in March.

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April

The height of the rainy season with frequent showers, yet still remaining warm. There are fewer tourists because it is noticeably cooler than the summer months.

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May

The rainy season still prevails in May with frequent showers, yet still remaining warm with average temperatures reaching 25 degrees. There are fewer tourists because it is noticeably cooler than the summer months.

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June

The rainy season still prevails in June with frequent showers, yet still remaining warm with average temperatures reaching 25 degrees. There are fewer tourists because it is noticeably cooler than the summer months.

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July

During August the weather is noticeably cooler and generally wetter than the summer months. If you visit during low season you can see St Helena's other big marine attraction, humpback whale.

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August

During August the weather is noticeably cooler and generally wetter than the summer months. If you visit during low season you can see St Helena's other big marine attraction, humpback whales - in August they will have calves present.

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September

The weather is noticeably cooler and generally wetter in September than the summer months. If you visit during low season you can see St Helena's other big marine attraction, humpback whale

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October

In October the weather is noticeably cooler and generally wetter than the summer months. If you visit during low season you can see St Helena's other big marine attraction, humpback whale.

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November

November is the main tourist season because it is summer on St Helena with days predominately sunny and hot, with temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees. If you venture out of Jamestown you can expect some rainfall but it rarely more than a light shower.

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December

December is predominately sunny and hot, with temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees. If you venture out of Jamestown you can expect some rainfall but it rarely more than a light shower.

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A tailor-made itinerary just for you.

Speak to a St Helena expert to start planning your adventure,

Ben

Ben

St Helena Specialist
Alistair

Alistair

Africa Specialist

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01768 603 715

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Have a look at our original holiday experiences and then contact us with your brief, or call 01768 603 715

A tailor-made itinerary just for you A tailor-made itinerary just for you

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