Weather in Cayenne

Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana, is a humid, colourful port city where Creole, French, and South American influences mix on streets lined with pastel colonial wooden houses and busy outdoor markets. As part of France (and the EU), it's an unusual blend — euro prices, French bureaucracy, and baguettes alongside Amazonian rainforest, Caribbean-style markets, and a Carnival that runs for weeks. It's also the gateway to the Guiana Space Centre at nearby Kourou, one of the world's most important satellite launch sites.

Best areas to stay in Cayenne

Cayenne city centre

The colonial core around Place des Palmistes, with pastel wooden buildings, cafés, and the central market.

Marché de Cayenne

The bustling covered market, a good spot for Creole food, spices, and local produce.

Kourou

The town housing the Guiana Space Centre, around an hour from Cayenne, with tours and occasional launch viewings.

Rémire-Montjoly

A coastal suburb with Cayenne's main beaches, popular for weekend visits.

Getting to Cayenne

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Flights

Fly into Cayenne-Félix Eboué Airport (CAY), typically via Paris with Air France.

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From London

~12-15 hours from London via Paris.

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Getting around

Taxis and local buses cover Cayenne and nearby towns; a rental car is useful for visiting Kourou and the coast.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Cayenne?

The dry season from roughly July to December offers less rainfall, though the climate is consistently hot and humid year-round as Cayenne sits near the equator.

Do I need a visa for French Guiana?

As an overseas department of France, French Guiana follows French/EU entry rules — UK travellers should check current visa requirements as these can differ from mainland Schengen rules.

What currency is used in Cayenne?

The Euro, as French Guiana is part of France and the EU, despite its location in South America.

Can I visit the Guiana Space Centre?

Yes, guided tours of the Centre Spatial Guyanais in nearby Kourou (about an hour from Cayenne) are available, and rocket launches can sometimes be viewed from public areas.

What language is spoken in Cayenne?

French is the official language, with Guianese Creole widely spoken informally.

Traveler reviews

★★★★☆

Such an unusual mix of France and the Amazon, baguettes and euros but also rainforest and Creole markets. Cayenne's old town is really photogenic.

Élodie M. · September 2023

★★★★★

Timed our visit with a rocket launch from Kourou, watching it from the viewing area was genuinely thrilling and not something you can do many other places.

Bram V. · July 2024

★★★★☆

The market in Cayenne was a real highlight, so many spices and Creole dishes to try. Hot and humid but worth pushing through for the food alone.

Solène P. · December 2023