Timing is everything when it comes to planning the perfect vacation. Traveling to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is no exception — the timing of your trip to this gorgeous spackling of islands can really impact the outlook of your vacation. Of course, vacation timing can depend on a number of factors, including your available free time, airline and resort availability, budget, and personal preferences. Even still, there are some basic guidelines on the best time to visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines that you need to know.
A private boat transfer from Argyle International Airport to Sandals Saint Vincent.
Saint Vincent, and the small islands that surround it, the Grenadines, are located in the Eastern Caribbean. This region has a sunny, tropical climate, picturesque landscapes, and lots of beautiful natural features that can be fun to explore year-round. In this post, we’ll discuss the best time to visit this destination and touch on the various seasons so you know what to expect!
Good to know: Saint Vincent & The Grenadines are known for their amazing beaches and vibrant culture. A visit here can be well spent at one of the island’s adults-only, all-inclusive resorts, which will put you near the action and provide lots of room to relax.
Traveling to Saint Vincent during the high season: December to April
High season or peak season is perhaps the busiest time to visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This season is typically between the months of December to April. Peak season can be a great time to travel if you want a vacation that’s filled with excitement and plenty of options for tours. Added to that, the high season tends to see some of the best weather, which can equate to more beach days and hours spent poolside at your all-inclusive resort. As many travelers are seeking to get away from colder temperatures elsewhere during peak season, you can expect to encounter lots of cruise visitors as well as regular vacationers around this time.
An aerial view of Sandals Saint Vincent overlooking the picturesque mountain landscape.
Traveling to Saint Vincent during the shoulder season: May to June
In between peak season and low season, you’ll find the shoulder season. This season can be the best of both worlds for travelers who can’t quite decide when to go or for those who want some of the benefits of both the low and high seasons at a more reasonable cost. The shoulder season for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is between the months of May and June. During this time of year, you can still enjoy some of the great weather seen during peak season while making your way around with fewer crowds. Though there is still plenty to do in the islands during the shoulder season, you’ll find an abundance of serene moments to enjoy as well.
Traveling to Saint Vincent during the Low Season: July to November
Low season or off-peak season is when things start to slow down a bit in terms of travel. This can be a great time to head to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines if you’re looking for a quieter experience. The low season in this destination is from July to November. There can be occasional rain showers during this time, but these don’t usually last very long. On the upside, landscapes tend to be more lush and vibrant during this time, and waterfalls are more robust as well. Traveling during the low season can be the perfect opportunity to explore without having to navigate large crowds.
Saint Vincent weather
Temperature & humidity in Saint Vincent
Saint Vincent has a tropical climate, meaning the temperature is more or less consistent year-round. On average, you can expect temperatures on this island to range between 77°F to 85°F. Temperatures in the Grenadines are quite similar to that of the mainland.
When headed to an island on vacation, one of the things you might be wondering about is the humidity. Islands like Saint Vincent & the Grenadines tend to have somewhat high humidity levels throughout the year. This is largely due to the location of these islands. Humidity in this destination can range from 70% to 80% on average. This contributes in a wonderful way to the lushness of the rainforests and the vibrant vegetation that you’ll see everywhere you look.
Wet season in Saint Vincent
Destinations like Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Eastern Caribbean observe just two seasons, wet and dry. The wet season is from the months of June to November. These months are during the off-peak season. During the wet season, there can be more rainfall on some days. Even with that said, these showers don’t often last long, and you can be back to enjoying the beach in no time. Storms can sometimes occur during the wet season, but most of these tend to be quite mild. Overall, rainfall in SVG really varies throughout the year.
The benefits of the increased rainfall during the wet season can be seen in the landscape of the island — the greenery in SVG is captivating and refreshing, to say the least. There are many tours and excursions that will allow you to explore the natural beauty of this island that you can experience throughout the year.
Dry season in Saint Vincent
The dry season in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is marked by a period of relatively low rainfall. The dry season is observed from December to April which is also peak season. The weather during this time of year tends to be drier and more consistently sunny. This makes it the perfect time to plan outdoor adventures and beach excursions. Rainy days in the dry season can occur but are usually less than that of the wet season.
Seasonal festivals and events in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Vincy Mas – Saint Vincent Carnival
Caribbean islands like Saint Vincent are known for their lively festivals and events that take place throughout the year. Saint Vincent & The Grenadines is most known for its annual carnival event, known as Vincy Mas. This celebration usually takes place in June and July and features parades, costumes, music, and plenty of dancing. To participate in Vincy Mas, you can sign up with a local carnival band. This can be done online and most often needs to be done well in advance of the festival, as costumes sell out pretty quickly. There are a number of carnival bands to choose from in Saint Vincent and quite a lot of parties and shows happening around this island.
The Bequia Music Fest
In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Bequia is the largest of its 32 islands and cays. It’s a small, idyllic place, just 7 square miles and with around 5,000 residents. It features pristine sandy beaches, lush green hills, and a stunning natural harbor with turquoise waters, making it a favorite destination for Caribbean cruising enthusiasts.
Image credit: Salim October/Shutterstock.com
In 2004, the Bequia Music Fest was established and has since grown into a prominent and appealing live music festival in the region. It attracts a variety of international, regional, and local musicians from different genres, offering exceptional entertainment to both residents and visitors. Musicians are captivated by Bequia’s relaxed atmosphere and unique charm, as well as the warmth of the welcome they receive. The Bequia Music Fest 2024 is planned for January 24th – 28th, 2024, and the annual event typically takes place in January.
Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Independence Day
Independence Day in SVG is celebrated on October 27th, and this is another exciting time to be on the island. SVG’s Independence is typically marked by parades and various festivals and events, making this time of year the perfect time to get a taste of the local culture.
The best time to go diving and snorkeling in Saint Vincent
If diving into the deep is your idea of a good time in the islands, then consider traveling to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines a done deal. These islands are widely recognized as one of the best places to go diving in the world. The best time to go diving in SVG, whether snorkeling or scuba diving, is between December and April.
Again, these months are during peak season, so you can expect great weather. Visibility is likely to be better during this time of year as well due to calmer, crystal-clear waters. While diving in SVG, you’re likely to come across some incredible sea life, everything from stunning coral reefs and tropical fish to sea turtles, rays, octopuses, and more.
The best time to go sailing in Saint Vincent
Sailing can be a blissful activity for nature lovers. Whether you’re a sailor, yacht enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys being near the ocean, this is a relaxing and fun activity that can allow you to see the island from a different perspective. The best time to head to SVG if you plan on sailing is between the months of December and June. During this time, there are steady trade winds which can equate to smoother sailing conditions. While out on the waters in SVG, you’re likely to see lots of beautiful cays and hidden bays.
The best time to go bird-watching in Saint Vincent
You don’t have to be an all-out nature enthusiast to appreciate the beauty of nature in SVG. You can start off by simply going bird-watching, which can be a mood boost in itself. The months of September and October are the best time to bird-watch in SVG, and there are a number of scenic places where you can do this. If you want some of the best sightings and a chance to encounter indigenous and migratory birds, the Vermont Nature Trail can be a great stop. You can also make plans to visit some of the uninhabited islands of the Grenadines, which are great for spotting birds and wildlife.
The best time for whale and dolphin encounters in Saint Vincent
Saint Vincent & The Grenadines is a wonderful destination for whale or dolphin watching. If you want to set up whale-watching excursions or just want a chance to encounter these magnificent creatures while exploring SVG, the best time to go is between the months of February and April. During these months, you’re likely to spot these creatures in the waters surrounding SVG as they make their way along their migratory route. The whale watching season falls in the peak season for travel to this destination, and you’re likely to find many different excursions to go whale watching, diving, or even island hopping.
The best time to go island-hopping in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent & the Grenadines is an excellent destination for travelers who thrive on adventure. In addition to the opportunity to explore the wondrous island of Saint Vincent, visitors can also make their way over to the various islands of the Grenadines by boat. It won’t be difficult to set up a boat trip to some of the nearby islands or even set up island-hopping adventures where you can explore multiple islands in one day. Some of the most popular islands to visit in the Grenadines include the laid-back Canuan, bohemian Bequia, and luxurious Mustique. The best time to go island-hopping in the Grenadines is between the months of December and June, as the seas are calmer during this time.
The perfect time to visit Saint Vincent for your ideal getaway
The best time to visit any destination will depend on what you hope to get out of your vacation. This can vary depending on whether you’re looking for a getaway with lots of beach time, dedicated cultural immersion, a quiet retreat, or a chance to really get out there and explore nature. When it comes to Caribbean islands like Saint Vincent, there really isn’t a bad time to go. Temperatures in SVG are sunny and consistent year-round, making this an enchanting destination to explore any time of year.
Once you’ve decided on the best time to go, the next step will be figuring out your accommodations. All-inclusive resorts are a great choice when headed to destinations like SVG because no matter which season you travel in, you’ll find lots to do within your resort. Saint Vincent’s all-inclusive resorts will ensure that you have everything you need, from entertainment night and day to multiple themed restaurants, unlimited land and water sports, “suite” accommodations, and so much more!
Good to know: Planning an all-inclusive vacation can take some work, but it will be worth it when you get to your stunning Caribbean retreat! Islands like Saint Vincent can be a great option as you can choose from a range of hotels and resorts at a wide range of price points.
