Things to Do in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season with only 8 rainy days - perfect for inter-island sailing and beach activities with consistent trade winds averaging 15-20 knots
- Humpback whale migration season - January offers 80% success rates for whale watching tours between Bequia and Mustique with calm seas
- Carnival season preparation creates vibrant local atmosphere with steel pan practice sessions and costume workshops open to visitors
- Ideal sailing conditions with steady northeast trades and minimal hurricane risk - charter costs 20-30% lower than February-March peak
Considerations
- Tourist accommodation prices at second-highest point of year - budget guesthouses from US$80-120/night vs US$50-70 in low season
- Inter-island ferry schedules reduced on Sundays and some routes require 2-3 day advance booking due to maintenance season
- Hiking trails on St. Vincent can be extremely dry with limited water sources - some guided tours suspended until February rains
Best Activities in January
Tobago Cays Marine Park Sailing Tours
January's consistent 15-20 knot northeast trades create perfect sailing conditions to this protected marine sanctuary. Sea turtles are most active in the shallow lagoons, and visibility reaches 30m (98ft) for snorkeling. The five uninhabited cays offer pristine beaches with minimal current, ideal for swimming.
Bequia Whalebone Bay Whale Watching
Humpback whales migrate through Vincentian waters January through April, with January offering the most consistent sightings. Traditional whaling boats now serve as whale watching platforms with experienced local captains who know feeding areas 5-8km (3-5 miles) offshore.
La Soufrière Volcano Summit Hikes
Dry January conditions make this challenging 1,234m (4,049ft) ascent most manageable with clear summit views. Trail conditions are optimal with minimal mud, though water sources are limited. Morning starts essential to avoid afternoon heat building up from the crater.
Mustique Island Day Trips
January's calm seas make the 45-minute boat transfer from St. Vincent most comfortable. This private island opens select beaches to day visitors, offering pristine white sand and celebrity-spotting opportunities. Basil's Beach Bar operates full January schedule.
Salt Whistle Bay Beach Activities
Mayreau's famous horseshoe bay reaches peak perfection in January with calm turquoise waters and consistent sunshine. The protected bay offers ideal conditions for kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach relaxation with minimal waves.
Kingstown Market and Rum Distillery Tours
January brings peak harvest season for local produce including breadfruit, mangoes, and root vegetables. St. Vincent Distillers offers enhanced tours during rum production season. Saturday market days showcase traditional Carnival foods being prepared.
January Events & Festivals
Carnival Preparation Season
While main Carnival occurs in July, January marks intensive preparation with steel pan practice sessions, costume workshops, and calypso competitions. Visitors can attend pan yard practices and witness costume construction in Kingstown workshops.
Mustique Blues Festival Preparation
Local musicians prepare for the annual festival with practice sessions and smaller venue performances across St. Vincent. Jazz and blues sessions occur at various hotels and beach bars.