Things to Do in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

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Rainfall

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Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season conditions with minimal rainfall - only 89mm (3.5 inches) across 10 days, making it ideal for inter-island sailing and hiking La Soufrière volcano
Trade winds at 15-20 knots create perfect sailing conditions in the Grenadines, with calm seas and consistent breezes for yacht charters and day sailing
Turtle nesting season begins on windward beaches - March marks the start of hawksbill and leatherback turtle activity with fewer crowds than peak nesting months
Carnival season culminates with Vincy Mas preparations intensifying, offering authentic cultural immersion without the July crowds and accommodation price spikes

Considerations

Higher accommodation rates as March falls in peak season - expect 30-40% price increases compared to September-November, with minimum 3-night stays required at many properties
Strong trade winds can make windward coast beaches choppy and uncomfortable for swimming, limiting beach options to leeward locations like Villa Beach and Indian Bay
Saharan dust occasionally reduces visibility and air quality for 2-3 day periods, affecting photography and those with respiratory sensitivities

Best Activities in March

La Soufrière Volcano Hiking

March offers the driest conditions for tackling the Caribbean's most active volcano. The 5.5km (3.4 mile) round-trip hike to the 1,234m (4,049ft) summit is manageable with minimal mud and clearest views. Early morning starts (6am) avoid afternoon clouds that typically roll in by noon. Rangers report 85% success rate for summit attempts in March versus 60% in wet season.

Booking Tip: Book certified guides 1-2 weeks ahead (EC$80-120 per person). Look for guides certified by the National Parks Authority. Start before 6:30am to avoid clouds and heat. Reference booking widget for current guided tour options.

Grenadines Island Hopping

March delivers ideal sailing conditions with 15-20 knot trade winds and minimal rainfall. Day charters to Bequia, Mustique, or the Tobago Cays benefit from calm seas and excellent visibility for snorkeling. Water temperature reaches 27°C (81°F) with 20-25m (65-82ft) visibility. Inter-island ferries run on schedule 95% of the time versus 70% in wet season.

Booking Tip: Charter boats cost EC$300-500 per person for day trips including lunch. Book 10-14 days ahead through licensed operators. Private charters range EC$1,200-2,000 for full day. Check current island-hopping tours in booking section below.

Windward Coast Black Sand Beach Exploration

March's lower rainfall makes accessing dramatic windward beaches like Owia Salt Pond and Fancy easier via unpaved roads. These volcanic black sand beaches showcase SVG's raw beauty without muddy access tracks. Owia's natural rock pools offer sheltered swimming when Atlantic swells are manageable. Best visited 9am-2pm before afternoon wind picks up.

Booking Tip: 4WD tours cost EC$200-300 per person including transportation and guide. Book through hotels or licensed tour operators 3-5 days ahead. Self-driving requires experienced 4WD handling. See current coastal tour options in booking widget.

Kingstown Market and Rum Distillery Tours

March coincides with peak breadfruit and soursop season, making Kingstown's Saturday market exceptional for local produce. St. Vincent Distillers operates at full capacity producing Sunset Very Strong Rum. Distillery tours (Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am-2pm) showcase traditional column still methods. Market visits best Friday afternoon or Saturday morning for freshest selection.

Booking Tip: Distillery tours EC$25-35 per person, book 48 hours ahead. Combined market and distillery tours through local operators cost EC$75-100. Look for operators with cultural tourism certification. Current cultural tour options available in booking section.

Whale Watching Expeditions

March marks peak humpback whale migration through SVG waters, with sperm whales resident year-round. Success rates reach 80% for whale sightings, higher than any other month. Calm seas and excellent visibility make for comfortable 3-4 hour excursions. Pilot whales and dolphins frequently spotted as bonus wildlife.

Booking Tip: Whale watching tours EC$180-250 per person, operating Wednesday-Sunday weather permitting. Book with operators holding marine wildlife permits. Success rate guarantees common - ask about return trip policies. Check current whale watching options in booking widget below.

Falls of Baleine Catamaran Tours

March's dry conditions ensure Falls of Baleine maintains strong water flow while keeping access paths manageable. The 18m (59ft) waterfall requires a 1km (0.6 mile) coastal hike accessible only by boat. Catamaran tours combine sailing in ideal trade wind conditions with waterfall swimming in fresh mountain water pools. Only accessible via organized boat tours.

Booking Tip: Full-day catamaran tours EC$250-350 per person including lunch and snorkeling gear. Book 7-10 days ahead as boats limited to 20-30 passengers. Departure typically 8:30am, return 4:30pm. Current catamaran tour options in booking section.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Vincy Mas Preparation Season

March intensifies Carnival preparations with mas band rehearsals, costume fittings, and calypso competitions leading to July's main event. Visitors can attend weekly rehearsals at Victoria Park (Wednesdays 6-9pm) and witness authentic cultural preparation without tourist crowds. Steel pan practices echo through Kingstown neighborhoods most evenings.

March 14

National Heroes Day

March 14th celebrates SVG's national heroes with cultural performances, local food festivals, and reduced admission to historical sites. Kingstown comes alive with street performances, traditional drumming, and authentic local cuisine unavailable other times. Government buildings and Fort Charlotte offer free guided tours.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket - brief afternoon showers occur 30% of days for 15-20 minutes maximum

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8-9 daily with little shade on boats and beaches

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support - La Soufrière and Vermont Nature Trail require proper footwear on volcanic terrain

Quick-dry clothing - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable; synthetic fabrics dry within 2 hours

Windbreaker or light fleece - Trade winds and air conditioning can feel cool, especially on boat trips

Waterproof phone case - Essential for boat trips and water activities with unexpected spray

Insect repellent with 20% DEET - Mosquitoes active during brief rain periods and at dawn/dusk

Comfortable walking sandals - For black sand beaches that retain heat and rocky coastal areas

Portable water bottle with filter - Municipal water safe but chlorinated; filtered water tastes better for hiking

Light cotton pants - Required for volcano hiking and cultural site visits; shorts not permitted in some locations

Insider Knowledge

Book inter-island ferries the morning of travel rather than advance booking - March schedule changes frequently due to weather and mechanical issues, local booking ensures current information

Shop for provisions at IGA Arnos Vale before heading to smaller islands - Grenadines grocery prices run 40-60% higher than mainland St. Vincent with limited selection

Time restaurant meals around local schedules - Many establishments close 2-5pm for afternoon break, especially in Bequia and Union Island

Carry small bills (EC$5, $10, $20) - Taxi drivers, market vendors, and small tour operators rarely have change for EC$50 or $100 notes