Leeward Islands, Island group in northeastern Caribbean Sea
The Leeward Islands form an arc from the Virgin Islands to Guadeloupe, stretching between the 16th and 19th parallels north at the Caribbean entrance. This group lies in the northeastern part of the Lesser Antilles, separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Caribbean Sea.
European powers including Britain, France, Spain, and the Netherlands colonized these islands from the 16th century onward, establishing sugar plantations with enslaved Africans. Control over different territories shifted multiple times until most islands gained independence or remained under administration during the 20th century.
The population across these islands carries African roots from plantation centuries, while various European languages remain spoken on different territories. Each island keeps its own traditions and dialects, which visitors can experience in villages and local markets.
Trade winds keep temperatures moderate throughout the year, while the dry season from December to May offers more comfortable conditions than the wetter summer months. Tropical storms can occur between June and October, so travelers should monitor weather reports during that period.
A volcanic ridge runs from Saint Kitts to Montserrat, forming the youngest islands in the chain, while Soufrière on Guadeloupe stands at 4813 feet (1468 m) as the highest peak in the entire Lesser Antilles. These volcanoes remain active and occasionally release steam or hot springs that visitors can observe in certain areas.
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