Things to Do in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Prime sailing conditions with consistent northeast trade winds at 15-20 knots - December sits right in the heart of the Caribbean sailing season when winds are reliable without being overwhelming. Charter boats are plentiful and seas between islands are typically 1-2 m (3-6 ft) swells, manageable for most travelers.
- Dry season reliability means you can actually plan outdoor activities with confidence. While you'll get the occasional shower (about 10 days this month), they're usually brief afternoon affairs lasting 20-30 minutes rather than the all-day soakers you'd see June through November. Mornings are consistently clear and gorgeous.
- Sea visibility peaks at 20-30 m (65-100 ft) for diving and snorkeling, particularly around the Tobago Cays. The reduced rainfall means less runoff clouding coastal waters, and water temperatures hover around a comfortable 27°C (81°F) - warm enough you won't need a wetsuit for most activities.
- Tourism infrastructure is fully operational but not yet slammed. December sits in that sweet spot where everything's open and staffed properly, but you're ahead of the January-March crush when cruise ships arrive daily and popular anchorages in the Grenadines get genuinely crowded. You'll still need to book ahead, but you have more options than peak season.
Considerations
- Prices reflect high season rates - accommodations, yacht charters, and even some restaurants shift to their premium pricing structure in December. Expect to pay 30-40% more than shoulder season months like May or November. If you're booking a week-long yacht charter, that difference can amount to several thousand dollars.
- Christmas week specifically gets genuinely expensive and booked solid. December 20-31 is when wealthy yacht owners and charter groups lock up the best boats and moorings months in advance. If your dates are flexible, the first three weeks of December offer significantly better availability and slightly lower rates than that final week.
- Humidity at 70% isn't brutal by Caribbean standards, but combined with 29°C (84°F) temperatures, you'll feel sticky by midday. The trade winds help considerably on the coast and between islands, but hiking inland on Saint Vincent proper - like the La Soufriere volcano trail - can feel properly oppressive in the afternoon heat.
Best Activities in December
Tobago Cays Marine Park Sailing and Snorkeling
December offers the most reliable conditions for experiencing this protected marine park - five uninhabited islands surrounded by horseshoe reefs. The northeast trades are consistent enough for comfortable sailing but not the aggressive winds you sometimes get February-March. Water clarity is exceptional this month with visibility reaching 25-30 m (80-100 ft), and you'll likely spot hawksbill turtles feeding on the seagrass beds. The park does see daily visitors, but December crowds are manageable compared to the January-February peak when multiple cruise ships anchor nearby.
La Soufriere Volcano Hiking
Saint Vincent's active volcano offers one of the Caribbean's most rewarding hikes, and December's drier conditions mean trails are less muddy and slippery than rainy season. The 1,234 m (4,049 ft) summit typically takes 3-4 hours up and 2-3 hours down. Start at dawn - seriously, aim for a 5:30-6:00 AM trailhead departure - because afternoon heat and humidity make the exposed upper sections genuinely grueling. December mornings often provide clearer views of the crater and neighboring islands before clouds roll in around 10-11 AM. The trail passes through distinct vegetation zones from tropical forest to elfin woodland, and you'll likely have the summit to yourself if you start early enough.
Bequia Island Exploration and Turtle Watching
Bequia offers a more accessible Grenadines experience than some of the smaller cays, with December bringing optimal conditions for both beach time and hawksbill turtle encounters. Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary operates year-round but December falls within nesting season when you might spot turtles coming ashore at dawn or dusk on beaches like Industry Bay and Spring Bay. The island's laid-back vibe contrasts with busier Saint Vincent, and Princess Margaret Beach offers excellent snorkeling right off the sand. Water conditions in December are typically calm enough for swimming at most beaches, unlike the rougher summer months.
Dark View Falls and Windward Coast Exploration
Saint Vincent's windward Atlantic coast offers a completely different character from the calmer Caribbean side - dramatic black sand beaches, powerful surf, and lush rainforest. Dark View Falls provides an accessible waterfall experience with two cascades you can actually swim beneath, and December's rainfall keeps them flowing nicely without the flooding that sometimes closes access during peak rainy season. The drive itself along the windward highway showcases coconut plantations, fishing villages, and coastal views that feel genuinely off most tourist itineraries. Water temperature in the falls pools stays refreshingly cool year-round at around 22-24°C (72-75°F).
Mustique Day Visits and Beach Time
December offers your best shot at visiting this famously exclusive island when weather conditions are ideal and the rich and famous haven't yet descended for their Christmas holidays. The island permits day visitors, and beaches like Macaroni Beach and Britannia Bay are genuinely stunning - powdery white sand, turquoise water, and usually uncrowded. The island maintains a carefully managed low-density feel, which means even during high season you won't encounter the crowds you'd see at more accessible beaches. Swimming and snorkeling conditions in December are typically excellent with calm seas and clear water.
Kingstown Market and Local Food Exploration
December brings seasonal produce and a festive atmosphere to Kingstown's markets, particularly the main produce market near the ferry terminal. Saturday mornings are busiest when vendors from across Saint Vincent bring fresh provisions - look for December mangoes, soursop, and locally grown nutmeg. The market provides genuine cultural immersion rather than a sanitized tourist experience, and you'll see locals shopping for their own kitchens. December also coincides with increased preparation for Christmas meals, so you'll find vendors selling seasonal specialties. The covered fish market operates most days with the day's catch arriving early morning.
December Events & Festivals
Nine Mornings Festival
This uniquely Vincentian pre-Christmas tradition runs from around December 16-24, featuring early morning street parties starting at 4-5 AM with music, dancing, and traditional foods. Each morning has a different theme and location, moving through various Kingstown neighborhoods. It's genuinely local rather than tourist-oriented, which makes it a rare authentic cultural experience. Expect parang music, string bands, and locals in festive spirits despite the early hour. Street vendors sell traditional Christmas foods like black cake soaked in rum, and sorrel drink.
Christmas Sailing Regatta Preparations
While major regattas happen in other months, December sees the yachting community preparing for the season with informal racing and social events, particularly around Bequia and the Grenadines. Frangipani Hotel in Bequia often hosts jump-up parties and live music sessions that intensify as Christmas approaches. The atmosphere in yacht anchorages becomes increasingly festive through the month, with boats decorated and evening gatherings common.