Things to Do in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Fewer tourists compared to winter months - beaches like Macaroni Beach and Lower Bay are noticeably quieter, with resorts typically running at 40-50% capacity. You'll actually get that secluded Caribbean experience without fighting for beach space or restaurant reservations.
- Better accommodation rates - hotels and villas drop prices by 20-35% during August. A beachfront villa that costs US$400/night in February might run US$260/night now. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for the best selection at these lower rates.
- Mango season is in full swing - local markets overflow with Julie, Long and Graham mangoes. You'll find them everywhere from roadside stands (EC$2-3 per pound) to incorporated into restaurant menus. The Breadfruit Festival typically happens in late July/early August, celebrating local produce.
- Excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling - August sits between the spring plankton blooms and autumn storms, giving you 18-24m (60-80 ft) visibility at sites like the Bat Cave off Bequia and the reef systems around the Tobago Cays. Water temperature hovers around 28°C (82°F), comfortable without a wetsuit.
Considerations
- Hurricane season reality - August falls in the active part of the Atlantic hurricane season. While direct hits are statistically rare (SVG averages one significant hurricane every 10-15 years), you need comprehensive travel insurance that covers weather disruptions. Monitor forecasts starting 5-7 days before your trip.
- Afternoon rain is genuinely unpredictable - those 10 rainy days don't tell the full story. You might get three days of sunshine, then two days where it rains on and off. Showers typically last 20-45 minutes but can occasionally settle in for hours. This isn't the reliable 3pm-then-sunshine pattern you get in some tropical destinations.
- Some inter-island services run reduced schedules - the mail boat to Mayreau might skip a day, and a few smaller guesthouses on Union Island close entirely in August. Always confirm transportation and accommodation availability directly, especially for the southern Grenadines.
Best Activities in August
Tobago Cays snorkeling and sailing day trips
August's calm seas and excellent visibility make this the ideal time for the Tobago Cays Marine Park. The five uninhabited islands offer consistently clear water for spotting sea turtles, rays, and reef fish. Tours typically depart around 8am from Union Island or Canouan, returning by 4pm. The morning departure means you're snorkeling during the calmest conditions before any afternoon weather develops. Pack reef-safe sunscreen - the UV index of 8 is no joke when you're floating in clear water for hours.
La Soufriere volcano hiking
The 1,234m (4,049 ft) active volcano is actually more comfortable to climb in August's cloud cover than during the scorching dry season. Start at 6am from the trailhead to finish before midday heat and potential afternoon rain. The hike takes 3-4 hours up, 2-3 hours down. August's humidity means you'll sweat regardless, but the occasional cloud cover at the summit is welcome. Visibility can be hit or miss - some days you'll see Martinique and St. Lucia, other days you're in thick cloud. That's part of the experience.
Bequia boat building and beach hopping
Bequia maintains its traditional boat building culture, and August is when you'll find craftsmen working in open-air workshops along Admiralty Bay - it's too hot to work in enclosed spaces. Watch them hand-craft traditional wooden boats using techniques passed down for generations. Combine this with beach hopping to Princess Margaret Beach and Lower Bay. The 70% humidity makes beach time with occasional swims more appealing than intense hiking. Local water taxis between beaches cost EC$10-20 per person.
Dark View Falls and Vermont Nature Trail exploration
August's rainfall keeps the Dark View Falls flowing impressively - you'll actually see a proper waterfall rather than a trickle. The 10-minute walk from the road is manageable even after rain, though expect mud. The pools at the base are deep enough for swimming, and the 27°C (81°F) water is refreshing in the humidity. Combine this with the Vermont Nature Trail, a 1.5-hour loop through rainforest that's genuinely lush this time of year. Morning visits (8-10am) beat both the heat and the rain.
Fort Charlotte and Botanical Gardens historical touring
When afternoon rain threatens beach plans, the 18th-century Fort Charlotte offers covered viewing galleries with panoramic views over Kingstown and the Grenadines. The adjacent Botanical Gardens (oldest in the Western Hemisphere, established 1765) is best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. The gardens stay open during light rain, and the breadfruit trees descended from Captain Bligh's original plants are worth seeing. Allow 2-3 hours for both sites combined.
Mustique day trip villa viewing and beach exploration
August is when Mustique empties out - many villa owners and celebrities visit during the winter season. This makes it an interesting time to visit on a day trip to see the famous villas (from the road - they're private property) and enjoy beaches like Macaroni and Britannia Bay practically alone. The island is tiny - 5.7 sq km (2.2 sq miles) - so you can explore it thoroughly in a day. Rent a golf cart or bicycle to get around, as there are virtually no cars.
August Events & Festivals
Breadfruit Festival
This food-focused celebration happens in late July or early August (dates vary year to year) in the Mesopotamia Valley area. It showcases breadfruit prepared dozens of ways - roasted, fried, in soups, as chips, even in desserts. You'll also find other local produce like mangoes, plantains, and ground provisions. It's genuinely community-focused rather than tourist-oriented, which makes it more authentic but also less organized than formal festivals. Expect live music, local vendors, and a chance to try foods you won't find in restaurants.
Emancipation Day
August 1st marks Emancipation Day, commemorating the end of slavery in 1834. Expect cultural performances, church services, and community gatherings throughout St. Vincent. It's a public holiday, so banks and most businesses close. Some restaurants and beach bars remain open, but confirm ahead. This isn't a carnival-style celebration - it's more reflective and community-oriented.