Best Time to Visit St. Vincent | When to Go

Deciding on the best time to visit St. Vincent essentially comes down to choosing the perfect weather that’ll make your stay on this beautiful Caribbean island all the more magical.

Whether you’re curious about when the best temperatures are, when you can find the most affordable accomodation, or when the least busy season is, we’ve got you covered.

We’ll also cover the worst time to visit St. Vincent, the attractions worth seeing, and the activities worth doing, so let’s get right into it.

Why You Should Visit St. Vincent

Slightly off the beaten track, St. Vincent is one of the most authentic-looking and “untouched” Caribbean islands. With its magnificent coral reefs, picturesque mountains, banana plantations, and lush rainforest, it truly resembles heaven on Earth.

The surrounding deep waters invite passers-by to swim, dive, or anchor their yachts and enjoy the view of the rainbow-colored fish that take the sea’s beauty to another level.

Its caves have a separate story to tell only to those ready to listen, and the vast beaches stand for what true freedom feels like.

If what we shared so far isn’t enough, here are seven more reasons why you should visit St. Vincent:

• You can visit St. Vincent Botanical Gardens, the oldest gardens in the West Indies, established in 1765.
•  Offering spectacular views over Kingstown, Fort Charlotte is a must-see attraction. Do note there’s a bit of a steep walk to actually reach the fort. Also, hiring a local guide will help you enjoy your tour even more.
• Protected by reefs, the so-called Tobago Cays is made up of five uninhabited islands — perfect for adventurous souls who want to dive into the calm waters and enjoy the coral gardens.  
• If you want to boast about visiting St. Vincent’s highest peak — take a  hike to La Soufrière volcano’s crater. 
• Head over to Salt Whistle Bay, one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful bays. It’s accessible only by boat, so make a solid plan to get there.
• Visit Kingstown, the capital of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Enjoy 19th-century buildings, as well as the Assumption Cathedral, known for its unique combination of Romanesque, Moorish, Venetian, Flemish, and Byzantine styles, and St. George’s Cathedral, famous for the glass-stained window gifted by Queen Victoria.
• For a luxurious experience, go to Petit St. Vincent. The villas there are without TVs or telephones — you’ll use colored flags instead to let the staff know about your needs. Relax as you disconnect from the world and reconnect with your inner self.  

All in all, if you want to stay away from crowded cities, industrial buzz, chaotic streets, or regions where it’s difficult to get around, and enjoy nature to its fullest instead, St. Vincent island should definitely be on your bucket list.

That said, you don’t have to stay only on this island. You can easily go from one island to another during your stay in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and see as much as you can.

Plus, it’d be a shame not to visit all there is to visit, knowing the island enjoys Hollywood fame as a result of the Pirates of the Caribbean films. We can go on and on, but it’s probably fair to leave something to your imagination too!

Overall Best Time to Visit St. Vincent

The best time to visit St. Vincent is from December through April. Consequently, accommodation rates are at their highest, so we suggest booking well in advance.

The average temperature during this period ranges between 69.8°F and 84.2°F. What makes this period so popular among tourists is that northerners are usually looking for warm locations to avoid the harsh winters and soothe their traveling souls.

December is pretty much a dry month, known for the Nine Mornings Festival. During the festival, communities organize numerous parties with street music, bicycle riding, and various forms of entertainment and dances (or in the local language, fêtes).

Travelers also visit the surrounding islands and attend other events, such as the Bequia Music Festival in January, the Mustique Blues Festival in January/February, and the Bequia Easter Regatta in April.

Cheapest Time to Visit St. Vincent

The cheapest time to travel to St. Vincent is in May or June. In May, the average temperatures vary between 73.4°F and 86°F.

In June, the average temperatures range from 88.9°F during the day to 75.5°F at night. These two months are a sweet limbo between the hurricane season in summer and the peak season in winter.

This means travelers can take advantage of discounted flights and accommodation deals while still enjoying pleasant weather. While there isn’t much going on on St. Vincent island during this time, you can always visit Canouan and enjoy the Canouan Regatta festival.

It includes games, sports, boat races, beauty pageants, back-in-time dances, calypso competitions, and the highlight of the festival, which is sailing.

Least Busy Time to Visit St. Vincent 

If you want to visit St. Vincent when there are fewer crowds, consider going in November.  In November, the average temperatures range from 87.7°F during the day, while at night, they fall to 74.5°F.

Most travelers skip this month and decide to go in December instead to attend the Nine Mornings Festival and experience more island buzz.

However, as this month is “caught up” between the rainy and peak seasons, it ends up being perfect for travelers who want a laid-back trip, less crowded attractions, quiet streets, and almost empty beaches.

Worst Time to Visit St. Vincent  

Arguably, the worst time to visit St. Vincent is during the July-October period. July is a hot summer month, albeit rainy, with average temperatures ranging between 73.4°F and 86°F.

The same can be said for October, which is when you can expect similar, if not the same, temperatures as in July. July is hands-down the month with the most rainfall, with St. Vincent’s mountains enduring the biggest hit.

Tropical storms also threaten the island until October. However, if you don’t mind getting wet and enjoying a more adventurous watery island experience, then the worst time to visit St. Vincent could very well be an awesome time for you personally.

Plus, this is when the crowds wane significantly, and prices drop even more noticeably. If you go in July, you can attend the most important cultural event of the year — Vincy Mas.

Vincy Mas isn’t just a Caribbean carnival — it’s a spectacular celebration that cherishes heritage, culture, and tradition. It’s an abundance of colors, costumes, dance, drinking, and music.

Finally, if you visit St. Vincent in October, you get to celebrate Independence Day, another big event that promotes freedom and creates a buzzing atmosphere on the island’s streets.

Seems like a great way to compensate for an otherwise off-season!

Things to Consider

To ensure your trip to St. Vincent is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, consider the following tips:

• Dress for tropical temperatures. Cotton clothing is recommended. That said, if you decide to dine in some of the finest restaurants, dress appropriately (a tie, shirt, and jacket for men, a smart dress or pants for women). Also, keep in mind that wearing camouflage clothing is against the law in the country.
• Stay on track with the UV index. Limit your sun exposure when the UV index is at its highest, as unprotected eyes and skin can burn in a matter of minutes.
• Tipping is discretionary. It’s meant to reflect how happy you are with the service you received. However, many restaurants may add a service charge of 10%.
• Take part in games and sports. Some popular activities there include squash, soccer, cricket, volleyball, windsurfing, and netball.
• Don’t neglect the underwater world. To fully experience what the island of St. Vincent has to offer, the shallow bays and coves are perfect for snorkeling. Be ready to be thrown into an exotic universe of green turtles, stingrays, coral gardens, and highly vibrant sea life.
• Bathe under the cascading waterfalls. Don’t underestimate this spectacular experience — nothing will make you feel more like you’re on a tropical island than swimming in the Dark View Falls (the exciting hike to get there is an extra bonus!) or the Falls of Baleine.
• Embark on a food & drinks adventure. Try breadfruit, madongo dumplings, callaloo soup, buljol, seafood, and banana fritters. Fruits and vegetables are always fresh, and you should definitely eat as much as you can while you’re there. Beer lovers have to try the Hairoun beer and allow the citrus notes to tease their noses. Don’t forget the sea-moss drink and rum!
• Read about rules and specific laws that may be relevant to you. For instance, same-sex sexual activity is considered illegal in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Punishment includes up to ten years in jail. If you identify as an LGBT person and travel with your partner, it’s best to avoid public displays of affection.
• Be ready in case of potential natural disasters. In the Caribbean, the hurricane season runs from June to November. Make sure to monitor local/international weather updates, such as those from the National Hurricane Centre and the World Meteorological Organisation, and follow instructions from local authorities. The same applies to volcanic activities — for example, back in 2020, it was announced that the La Soufriere volcano on St. Vincent was in an active state of effusive eruption. You can get more safety insights in our FAQ section.
• Driving is on the left. Also, to drive on the island, you need to obtain a temporary driving license. Most car rentals help with this process. Take extra care while driving — there are many rural areas and small bumpy roads, so keep your eyes peeled. Also, pedestrians frequently walk on the road, so make sure to adjust your speed accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the national wear of St. Vincent and the Grenadines?

St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ national wear and national costume were officialized in 2019. The winning design for National Wear for females includes a white ankle-length cotton dress, lacing at the front part of the bodice, and a top with puff sleeves gathered near the elbow.

There’s also a long flowy skirt, combined with an apron with a triangular shape at the front. Patterns of yellow, green, and blue add a nice contrast to the overall design.

Next, the winning design for National Wear for men is made up of a traditional, yet at the same time contemporary looking, three-piece outfit (a shirt, a waistcoat, and black pants).

The shirt resembles the African dashiki, the waistcoat is made from African kente fabric (an important detail is the bottom’s shape, which resembles the diamonds from the country’s national flag), and finally, the black pants mimic the hints of black found in the kente fabric.

The National Costume for women includes a white cotton bodice with frills and a quarter-length sleeve, and a skirt with side panels combined with a few layers of frills.

A wide band highlights the waist, and it’s tied in a long bow at the front. Finally, the National Costume for men consists of knee-length blue pants, combined with a long-sleeved shirt, a cravat, and a waistcoat.

Do hurricanes hit St. Vincent?

Yes, since 1900, eight major storms have hit St. Vincent, out of which Hurricane Allen was the strongest one (category 4 in 1980). Hurricane Hazel (category 1) and Hurricane Lenny (category 4) have also severely damaged the whole country.

You can always track any recent hurricanes in St. Vincent and the Grenadines online and stay informed.  

Is Saint Vincent and the Grenadines safe to visit?

Yes, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is generally safe to visit, however, it’s always good to be aware of the following safety tips:

• The country is at risk of numerous natural hazards, such as cyclones, floods, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, droughts, landslides, and hurricanes (which we just covered).
• While most trips end up being trouble-free for the majority of travelers, there have been some crime incidents, such as assaults, murders, or robberies. However, such events may take place wherever you travel, so it’s best to maintain the same level of precaution there as you would in any other country.
• We suggest avoiding isolated areas, such as secluded beaches and unbusy roads, especially during the night.
• Use only licensed taxis and practice caution at most crowded events, such as street parties (especially during the festival season), as these are the opportunistic moments for robberies.  
• Don’t carry a lot of cash or expensive jewelry with you. Leave valuables and travel documents in a safe or safety box, depending on where you’re staying.

Is Saint Vincent cheap?

This depends on your standard of living in your county and what you plan to spend your money on during your visit. As we mentioned, visiting during the peak season means more expensive accommodation and flights.

On the other hand, coming in the shoulder season allows you to score some nice flight deals and more affordable lodging options. That said, we understand that having some form of an estimate is useful.

This should help you plan your expenses during your stay on the island:

• EC$157 (if you’re traveling on a budget);
• EC$358 (if your expenses fall in the mid-range category);
• EC$678 (for those seeking a luxurious experience).

So, When Is the Best Time to Visit St. Vincent?

St. Vincent is an amazing island to visit any time of the year, however, understanding your personal weather preferences and travel needs is key to making sure you have an awesome stay there.

• With all things considered, the best time to visit St. Vincent is from December through April. It’s the peak season, there’s a lot going on, and the island is thriving with energy. Do note that these months see the highest prices too.
• If you belong to the group of budget-minded travelers, however, you should consider visiting in May or June. Prices and crowds drop, but the weather is still spectacular.
• Those keen to avoid large crowds on their St. Vincent adventure should visit in November, as the island is at its most quiet during this time. 
• And if you plan to travel during the July-October period, know that July is the worst month rain-wise, and you’re more likely to witness tropical storms in this period than in any other.

However, events such as Independence Day or Vincy Mas are worth all the weather troubles you may encounter (trust us when we say it pays off to plan an entire journey around the Vincy Mas celebration alone).

In the end, one thing is certain — whenever you decide to visit St. Vincent, you’ll have the trip of a lifetime. So what are you waiting for — book your trip today!