Martinique is warm year-round, with temperatures usually peaking close to 30°C (around 85°F) during the day. The best time to visit Martinique is the slightly cooler, drier season of late winter to early spring (February to May) when temperatures average about 26°C (85°F). Note that this is also the peak tourist season and prices will be at their highest and attractions and lodgings most crowded.

Fort-de-France is the capital of France’s Caribbean département d’outre-mer of Martinique. With a population of 134,727 inhabitants (1999 census) in the urban area, 94,049 of whom live in the city (commune) of Fort-de-France proper, it is also one of the major cities in the Caribbean. Exports include sugar, rum, tinned fruit, and cacao.