Things to Do in Saint Vincent in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Saint Vincent
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- December marks the start of dry season with 70% fewer rainy days compared to September-November, making it ideal for outdoor activities and island hopping
- Trade winds pick up significantly in December, creating perfect conditions for sailing and windsurfing with consistent 15-20 knot winds
- Whale watching season peaks in December as humpback whales migrate through Vincentian waters - visibility rates exceed 85% on calm days
- Tourist crowds remain minimal until Christmas week, meaning uncrowded beaches, easier restaurant reservations, and better service at attractions
Considerations
- Accommodation prices spike 40-60% during Christmas and New Year weeks (Dec 20-Jan 5), with many properties requiring 5-7 night minimum stays
- December mornings can be surprisingly cool at 24°C (75°F) with strong trade winds, requiring light jackets for early hiking or boat trips
- Some local businesses close intermittently during Christmas week as staff travel to visit family on other islands
Best Activities in December
La Soufriere Volcano Hiking
December offers the clearest summit views of the year as trade winds blow away moisture and volcanic gases. The 6-hour round trip hike to 1,234m (4,048 ft) is most comfortable in December's lower humidity. Start at 6am when temperatures are coolest at 22°C (72°F). The crater views extend to neighboring islands on 8 out of 10 December days.
Whale Watching Tours
December marks peak humpback whale migration season with sighting success rates above 85%. Calm morning seas and excellent visibility make December ideal for spotting mothers with calves. Tours typically run 3-4 hours starting at 7am when seas are calmest. The cooler December temperatures make boat time more comfortable than summer months.
Bequia Island Day Trips
December's reliable trade winds and calmer seas make the 1-hour ferry ride to Bequia most comfortable. Princess Margaret Beach has perfect swimming conditions with 27°C (81°F) water temperatures. The island's turtle sanctuary is most active in December as hawksbill turtles prepare for nesting season starting in January.
Black Sand Beach Photography Tours
December's lower sun angle creates dramatic lighting on Saint Vincent's volcanic black sand beaches. The contrast between black sand and turquoise water is most striking during December's golden hour (5:30-6:30pm). Richmond Beach and Wallilabou Bay offer the most photogenic compositions with minimal tourist crowds.
Botanical Gardens and Rainforest Walks
The 20-acre Montreal Gardens are at their lushest in December after November rains but before dry season stress. December's 70% humidity keeps the rainforest canopy vibrant while making walking comfortable. The breadfruit tree where Captain Bligh's specimens grew is best photographed in December's soft light.
Sailing and Catamaran Charters
December brings the year's most reliable sailing conditions with consistent 15-20 knot trade winds and minimal rain interruptions. Multi-island sailing trips take advantage of December's clear visibility between islands. Water activities like snorkeling are ideal with 26-27°C (79-81°F) sea temperatures and excellent underwater visibility.
December Events & Festivals
Nine Mornings Festival
Saint Vincent's most important cultural celebration runs from December 16-24 with pre-dawn street parties, traditional string band parades, and local food vendors. Locals wake at 4am for dancing and singing in the streets before work. Experience authentic Vincentian culture with no tourist commercialization.
Christmas Eve Parang Festivities
Traditional Venezuelan-influenced parang music fills the streets on Christmas Eve with house-to-house caroling using guitars, cuatros, and maracas. Local families welcome visitors to join the musical processions that continue until dawn on Christmas Day.