The eventual site of Gustavia was first called Le Carénage (The Careening) after the shelter it provided to damaged ships.

The island's small surface area of 24 square kilometres (9 sq mi) allows it to take advantage of the smooth and pleasant blow of trade winds.

Average water and air temperatures move around 27 °C (81 °F), and the year is divided into two seasons: a dry one, referred to as Lent (Careme), and a more humid one in summer.

This latter season sets in between May and November, and the ever-present sun is overcast by short passages of rainclouds with brief showers of 10 to 15 minutes.

The town's public preschools and primary schools, under the authority of the Académie de la Guadeloupe [fr], are:[5]