Cox’s Bazar is open all year, but the experience changes dramatically with the season — and Saint Martin Island is only reachable for part of it. Here is how we plan trips for our travellers.
November to February: peak season
This is the golden window. Skies are clear, humidity is low and the Bay of Bengal is calm enough for the ships from Teknaf to Saint Martin to run daily. Expect cool mornings (16–20°C), warm afternoons and spectacular sunsets at Laboni and Kolatoli beach. Hotels fill up quickly around December holidays, so book at least three weeks ahead.
March to April: shoulder season
Temperatures climb but the sea is still safe. Prices drop noticeably after the winter rush and the beach is quieter on weekdays. Saint Martin ships usually stop around early April, so if the island is on your list, aim for March.
May to October: monsoon
Heavy rain, rough sea and red-flag days. Saint Martin is closed to tourists. That said, Cox’s Bazar itself has a moody, dramatic beauty in the rains, and resort rates are at their lowest — good for a quiet couple’s escape if you don’t mind the weather.
Our tip
Combine Cox’s Bazar with Saint Martin between mid-November and mid-March and add a night at Inani for the rocky beach. Our 4-day Cox’s Bazar & Saint Martin package covers transport, sea-view hotels and ship tickets, so you only have to pack.