Things to Do in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season sailing conditions with steady trade winds averaging 15-20 knots - February is actually the best month for bareboat charters and island hopping between the Grenadines without dealing with summer squalls
- Carnival season peaks in late February with Vincy Mas preliminaries starting - you'll catch calypso tent performances and steel pan competitions without the July crowds, and locals are genuinely more relaxed about visitors joining street parties this time of year
- Turtle nesting season overlaps in February on the southern Grenadine islands - hawksbill turtles are still active on beaches like Petit St. Vincent and Palm Island, with far fewer tourists competing for guided night watches
- Produce markets overflow with seasonal fruit including golden apples, sugar apples, and the tail end of breadfruit season - vendors at Kingstown Market actually have time to chat and explain how to prepare local staples when it's not cruise ship day
Considerations
- High season pricing peaks in February with accommodation rates typically 40-60% higher than May or November - villas on Bequia and Mustique book out 6-8 months ahead, and last-minute travelers end up paying premium rates or settling for mainland options
- Trade winds can make eastern coast beaches like Argyle and Brighton choppy and less swimmable - the Windward side gets 1-1.5 m (3-5 ft) swells that look dramatic but frustrate snorkelers expecting Caribbean calm
- Cruise ship schedule intensifies with 2-3 ships weekly at Kingstown - when ships dock on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Fort Charlotte and the Botanical Gardens get crowded between 9am-2pm, and taxi rates mysteriously double
Best Activities in February
Tobago Cays Marine Park Snorkeling
February brings the clearest water visibility of the year at 20-25 m (65-82 ft) in the Tobago Cays, with water temperatures around 27°C (81°F) making it comfortable for extended snorkeling without a wetsuit. The protected lagoon stays calm even when trade winds pick up, and you'll see spotted eagle rays and hawksbill turtles feeding on seagrass beds. Go early morning before day-charter boats arrive around 10:30am - the difference in crowd levels is dramatic.
La Soufriere Volcano Hiking
February offers the most reliable summit visibility with morning cloud cover typically burning off by 9am - you'll actually see the crater lake and neighboring islands from 1,234 m (4,049 ft) elevation about 70% of days this month. The trail stays drier than rainy season with less mud on the steep sections, though it's still a challenging 5-6 hour round trip. Start by 7am to avoid midday heat and catch views before afternoon clouds roll in around 2pm.
Bequia Island Day Trips
The ferry crossing from Kingstown to Bequia takes 60 minutes and runs smoothly in February's calmer seas - you won't deal with the choppy crossings that make some passengers seasick in October and November. Princess Margaret Beach has gentle waves perfect for swimming, and the Admiralty Bay anchorage fills with impressive yachts worth photographing. Thursday and Friday see fewer cruise tourists than earlier in the week, giving you more authentic interaction with boat builders at the traditional workshops.
Dark View Falls and Richmond Beach Circuit
This north windward combination works beautifully in February when you want to escape the heat - Dark View Falls stays cool even at midday with the 18 m (59 ft) waterfall creating natural air conditioning. The 10-minute walk through forest to the falls is less muddy than rainy season. Afterward, Richmond Beach offers dramatic black sand and powerful waves for watching, not swimming - the Atlantic side gets 2 m (6-7 ft) swells that are genuinely dangerous but photographically stunning.
Kingstown Market and Fort Charlotte Cultural Tour
Saturday mornings at Kingstown Market are when locals shop and vendors bring the full range of produce, spices, and fresh fish - you'll see dasheen, eddoes, and christophene that aren't available mid-week. Fort Charlotte offers the best panoramic views of Kingstown Harbor and the Grenadines chain on clear February mornings before 11am when visibility drops. The historical murals inside the fort depict Carib history that most visitors miss entirely. Go on non-cruise-ship days for a completely different experience.
Mayreau and Salt Whistle Bay Anchorage
February's trade winds make this the prime month for day sailing to Mayreau, the smallest inhabited Grenadine island with just 250 residents. Salt Whistle Bay beach curves in a perfect crescent with water so clear you'll see sand dollars from 3 m (10 ft) depth. The uphill walk to the village church takes 20 minutes but rewards you with 360-degree views of the Grenadines chain. Tuesdays and Thursdays see fewer boats than weekends when yacht charters concentrate here.
February Events & Festivals
Vincy Mas Carnival Preliminaries
Late February marks the start of Carnival season with calypso tent performances, panorama steel band competitions, and soca monarch preliminaries happening across Kingstown. Unlike the massive July finals, February events feel more intimate with locals genuinely welcoming visitors who show interest in the art forms. You'll hear that year's competing calypsos before they become hits, and steel bands rehearse complex arrangements in community panyards where you can watch for free. The energy builds weekly as performers compete for finalist spots.