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

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Prime dry season with only 10 rainy days - perfect for inter-island ferry travel and sailing between the Grenadines with minimal weather delays
Northeast trade winds at 15-20 knots create ideal sailing conditions and keep temperatures comfortable at 24-28°C (75-82°F) without the oppressive heat of other months
Peak whale watching season - humpback whales migrate through Vincentian waters December-April, with December offering the calmest seas for boat excursions
Harvest season for local produce - breadfruit, mangoes, and soursop at peak ripeness, plus traditional Christmas foods like black cake and sorrel drinks available everywhere

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation rates increase 40-60% and popular restaurants in Bequia and Mustique require reservations 2-3 days ahead
Ferry schedules fill quickly, especially Bequia Express and Jaden Sun routes - book inter-island transport minimum 48 hours ahead or risk being stranded on outer islands
Harmattan dust from the Sahara occasionally creates hazy conditions affecting photography and visibility for diving, typically lasting 2-3 days when it occurs

Best Activities in December

Tobago Cays Marine Park Sailing Expeditions

December's steady 15-20 knot northeast trades create perfect sailing conditions to reach this pristine marine sanctuary. Crystal clear waters average 27°C (81°F) for swimming, and turtle spotting is at its peak with green and hawksbill turtles feeding on seagrass beds. The protected anchorage offers calm conditions even when outer reefs have 1-2m (3-6ft) swells.

Booking Tip: Full-day catamaran trips typically cost EC$300-450 (US$110-165) per person. Book through licensed operators 5-7 days ahead during December peak season. Look for boats with marine park permits and certified dive masters. Weather rarely cancels trips in December.

La Soufrière Volcano Hiking Tours

December's lower humidity and clear morning skies provide the best visibility from the 1,234m (4,049ft) summit. Early morning starts at 6am avoid afternoon cloud buildup that obscures views after 1pm. The 6km (3.7-mile) trail is driest during December, reducing slip hazards on volcanic rocks.

Booking Tip: Guided hikes cost EC$150-200 (US$55-75) including transport from Kingstown. Essential to book certified guides through the tourism authority - self-guided hiking is dangerous due to sulfur gas vents. Start before 7am for best summit visibility.

Bequia Island Artisan Workshops

December showcases traditional Christmas crafts - hand-carved wooden toys, woven baskets from local vines, and model boat building. The famous Sargeant Brothers boatyard demonstrates traditional whale boat construction techniques passed down for generations. Cool trade winds make workshop visits comfortable during daytime hours.

Booking Tip: Workshop visits cost EC$25-50 (US$10-18) for demonstrations. Most artisans work 9am-4pm Monday-Friday. December features special Christmas craft sessions. No advance booking needed for casual visits, but call ahead for hands-on workshops.

Wallilabou Falls Rainforest Exploration

December's reduced rainfall means river levels are perfect for swimming in the natural pools - not too low like March/April, not torrential like September. The 45-minute forest walk encounters endemic Saint Vincent parrots during their morning feeding between 7-9am. Famous as a Pirates of the Caribbean filming location.

Booking Tip: Access costs EC$10 (US$4) per person plus guide fees of EC$75-100 (US$28-37) for groups up to 6. Local guides essential for wildlife spotting and safety. Best visited 8am-11am before afternoon heat builds in the forest canopy.

Mustique Island Day Trips

December offers the calmest seas for the 45-minute boat transfer from Saint Vincent. This ultra-exclusive private island allows day visitors to experience pristine beaches like Macaroni Beach and Britannia Bay. Swimming and snorkeling conditions are optimal with 25m (82ft) visibility.

Booking Tip: Day trip packages cost EC$400-600 (US$150-220) including boat transfer and beach access. Must book through authorized operators with Mustique Company permits. Limited to 50 day visitors daily - reserve 7-10 days ahead in December.

Kingstown Market Cultural Tours

December brings unique Christmas seasonings, spices, and traditional foods to the Friday and Saturday markets. Local vendors sell fresh nutmeg, cinnamon bark, and bay leaves alongside tropical fruits at peak ripeness. Early morning visits 6-8am offer the best selection and cooler temperatures of 25°C (77°F).

Booking Tip: Market entry is free, cultural tours with local guides cost EC$50-75 (US$18-28) for 2 hours. Fridays and Saturdays have the fullest stalls. Bring small denomination EC$ for purchases - vendors rarely accept US dollars at good exchange rates.

December Events & Festivals

December 16-24

Nine Mornings Festival

Traditional Christmas celebration running December 16-24, featuring pre-dawn street parties starting at 4am with steel pan music, local foods, and cultural performances. Each morning focuses on different communities across Saint Vincent, culminating in Christmas Eve grand finale in Kingstown.

Late December

Bequia Christmas Regatta

Traditional sailing competition featuring local fishing boats and international yachts. Includes shoreside festivities with local food vendors, craft displays, and live calypso music. Spectators can watch races from Admiralty Bay beaches or join chartered viewing boats.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry shorts and breathable cotton shirts - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during midday heat

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - afternoon showers arrive suddenly and last 20-30 minutes with little warning

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflects intensely off white sand beaches and boat decks

Water shoes with good grip - volcanic rock beaches like those near Wallilabou are sharp and slippery when wet

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - trade winds are strong enough to blow caps overboard during boat transfers

Waterproof phone case - essential for ferry rides and snorkeling, local replacement electronics cost 40-60% more than US/Europe

Long-sleeved UV shirt for sailing - December sun combined with wind creates deceptive burn conditions on multi-hour boat trips

Insect repellent with 30% DEET - mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk, especially near freshwater areas like falls

Comfortable walking sandals - many attractions involve short walks on uneven terrain, flip-flops are inadequate

Small daypack with waterproof compartment - for ferry trips between islands when luggage space is limited

Insider Knowledge

Ferry schedules between islands operate on 'island time' - posted 9am departure might leave at 9:30am, but don't be late as they won't wait for stragglers during busy December season

Local restaurants close early on Sundays (many by 3pm) and some close entirely - stock up on snacks Saturday evening or eat at hotel restaurants on Sundays

EC currency gets better prices than US dollars at local vendors - banks in Kingstown give official exchange rates, while vendors often use unfavorable 2.5:1 instead of official 2.7:1

Whale watching boat trips launch from Villa Beach at 7am sharp - humpback whales are most active in morning hours before cruise ship day-trippers arrive around 11am