Things to Do in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect sailing conditions with consistent southeast trade winds averaging 15-20 knots - ideal for multi-day yacht charters between the Grenadines
- Sea turtle nesting season begins on Mustique and Mayreau beaches - witness hawksbill and leatherback turtles coming ashore at dawn
- Mango season peaks with over 40 local varieties available at markets - experience Julie, Imperial, and Grafted mangoes at EC$2-5 each
- Tourist numbers drop 40% after Easter making beaches less crowded and accommodation rates 20-30% lower than peak season
Considerations
- Afternoon rain showers occur 10 days monthly, typically lasting 45-60 minutes between 2-4pm, affecting outdoor lunch plans
- Humidity stays around 70% making hiking La Soufrière volcano feel more strenuous - start climbs before 7am to avoid heat buildup
- Some dive sites have reduced visibility to 15-20m (49-66 ft) due to increased plankton from rain runoff
Best Activities in May
Grenadines Island-Hopping Sailing Tours
May offers optimal sailing conditions with steady 15-20 knot southeast trade winds and calmer seas. The shoulder season means fewer crowds at Tobago Cays and better anchorage availability. Water temperature holds steady at 27°C (81°F) perfect for swimming and snorkeling stops.
La Soufrière Volcano Hiking
May's morning conditions are perfect for the 6km (3.7 mile) round-trip hike before afternoon clouds roll in. Start at 6am to reach the 1,234m (4,049 ft) summit by 8:30am with clear crater views. The dry morning air makes the challenging ascent more comfortable than humid afternoon conditions.
Sea Turtle Watching Tours
May marks the beginning of nesting season for hawksbill and leatherback turtles. Dawn patrols on Mustique and Mayreau beaches offer 60% success rates for turtle sightings. The calm morning seas make boat transfers comfortable, and fewer tourists mean more intimate wildlife experiences.
Traditional Fishing Village Experiences
May coincides with flying fish season when local fishermen use traditional seine nets at dawn. Witness centuries-old fishing techniques in Barrouallie and Layou, then enjoy fresh catches prepared Vincentian-style. The shoulder season timing means more authentic interactions with fewer commercial tour groups.
Botanical Gardens and Rainforest Walks
Post-shower humidity creates perfect conditions for rainforest photography with enhanced colors and active wildlife. The 8-hectare (20-acre) Botanic Gardens showcases endemic plants at peak growing season. Morning walks before 10am offer the best bird watching with 40+ species active.
Traditional Rum Distillery Tours
May marks sugar cane harvest season when local distilleries like Sunset Shores operate at full capacity. Witness traditional rum-making processes using century-old methods. The working harvest provides authentic experiences unavailable during off-season months.
May Events & Festivals
Vincy Mas Carnival Preliminaries
Traditional mas band launches and calypso competitions begin in May building toward July carnival. Experience authentic local culture without peak-season crowds as communities prepare costumes and practice performances.
Flying Fish Season Opening
Local fishing communities celebrate the start of flying fish season with beach festivals in coastal villages. Join traditional fish fries and witness seine net fishing demonstrations using techniques passed down through generations.