Things to Do in Saintvincent in December

December Weather in Saintvincent

28°C (82°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

150 mm (5.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season begins - December marks the start of the Caribbean dry season with 40% less rainfall than November, making it ideal for hiking La Soufrière volcano and exploring the windward coast waterfalls
Perfect sailing conditions - Northeast trade winds at 15-20 knots (17-23 mph) create optimal conditions for yacht charters and inter-island ferry travel, with calm seas and visibility up to 30 m (98 ft) for diving
Whale watching peak season - Humpback whales migrate through Vincentian waters from mid-December through April, with 80% success rates for sightings on leeward coast boat tours
Festival season begins - December kicks off the cultural calendar with Nine Mornings Festival starting December 16th, featuring traditional quadrille dancing, string band music, and local delicacies like black cake and sorrel

Considerations

Peak tourist pricing - Accommodation rates increase 30-50% from December 15th onwards as Caribbean high season begins, with minimum 7-night stays required at many resorts
Limited last-minute availability - Popular activities like Tobago Cays day trips and Falls of Baleine excursions book out 2-3 weeks ahead due to increased demand from cruise ship passengers
Afternoon humidity spikes - Despite being dry season, humidity reaches 85% between 2-4pm, making midday hiking uncomfortable for visitors not accustomed to tropical conditions

Best Activities in December

Tobago Cays Marine Park Sailing Tours

December's northeast trade winds and minimal rainfall create perfect conditions for full-day catamaran trips to this pristine marine sanctuary. Water temperature holds steady at 27°C (81°F) with 25-30 m (82-98 ft) visibility for snorkeling with sea turtles. The protected lagoon remains calm even when Atlantic swells affect other areas.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead through licensed marine operators. Full-day tours typically cost EC$300-450 (US$110-165) including lunch and snorkeling equipment. Departure times shift from 8:30am to 7:30am in December to maximize calm morning conditions.

La Soufrière Volcano Summit Hiking

December's drier conditions make the challenging 6-hour roundtrip hike to the active volcano crater much more manageable. Morning cloud cover typically clears by 10am, offering spectacular views across the Caribbean. Trail conditions are at their best with minimal mud and stream crossings reduced from rainy season levels.

Booking Tip: Start hikes by 6am to avoid afternoon humidity and UV exposure. Guided hikes cost EC$150-250 (US$55-90) per person. Book through certified guides familiar with volcanic activity protocols - see current options in booking section below.

Windward Coast Waterfall Adventures

Falls of Baleine and Trinity Falls are accessible by boat in December's calmer seas, while land-based Dark View Falls maintains strong flow from November rains but manageable river crossings. December offers the perfect balance of robust waterfalls without treacherous rainy season conditions.

Booking Tip: Morning boat trips to Falls of Baleine work best in December's conditions. Expect to pay EC$200-300 (US$75-110) for boat transfers plus hiking. Land-based waterfall tours cost EC$75-125 (US$30-45). Book through operators with proper marine insurance.

Leeward Coast Diving and Snorkeling

December marks peak diving season with 30 m (98 ft) visibility at sites like Bottle Reef and the MV Astron wreck. Water temperature of 27°C (81°F) eliminates need for thick wetsuits. Calm leeward conditions mean dive boats operate daily, unlike windward exposure sites.

Booking Tip: Two-tank dives typically cost EC$250-350 (US$90-130), snorkeling trips EC$125-200 (US$45-75). Book 7-10 days ahead with PADI-certified operators. Equipment rental adds EC$50-75 (US$20-30) daily.

Vermont Nature Trail and Gardens Exploration

December's lower humidity and reduced rainfall make hiking the 2 km (1.2 mile) Vermont Nature Trail comfortable for all fitness levels. Morning temperatures around 24°C (75°F) are perfect for birdwatching, with migratory species joining resident parrots and hummingbirds.

Booking Tip: Self-guided trail access costs EC$10 (US$4) entry fee. Guided nature walks with local botanists cost EC$40-60 (US$15-22) per person. Best visited 7am-10am before humidity rises.

Historical Kingstown Walking Tours

December's drier weather makes exploring Kingstown's Georgian architecture and bustling Friday market more comfortable. Morning temperatures of 25°C (77°F) and afternoon breezes from the harbor create ideal walking conditions for the 2-hour historical circuit.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours using heritage trail maps are free from Tourism Authority. Guided tours cost EC$50-75 (US$20-30) per person. Combine with Friday market visits (6am-2pm) for authentic local culture experience.

December Events & Festivals

December 16-24

Nine Mornings Festival

This unique Vincentian Christmas tradition begins December 16th at 4am with street festivities, traditional quadrille dancing, and steel pan music. Locals celebrate with sorrel drinks, black cake, and fish broth while moving through neighborhoods in a colorful street party that continues for nine consecutive mornings.

Throughout December

Christmas Calypso and Soca Shows

Local venues host nightly performances featuring Vincentian calypsonians and soca artists throughout December. The Victoria Park Cultural Centre and various rum shops stage impromptu competitions, offering visitors authentic insight into Caribbean musical traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants - December humidity drops to 70% but trail conditions remain muddy from overnight moisture, making synthetic fabrics essential for volcano and waterfall hikes

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 despite cloud cover, and marine parks strictly enforce reef-safe products for snorkeling and diving activities

Lightweight rain jacket - Brief afternoon showers occur 10 days in December, typically lasting 15-20 minutes with little warning

Water shoes or reef boots - Essential for waterfall pools and snorkeling sites with sea urchins and coral, also useful for wet boat boarding

Insect repellent with DEET - Mosquitoes remain active in December evenings, particularly around mangrove areas and after rainfall

Breathable cotton shirts - Avoid polyester in 70% humidity, especially for daytime activities between 10am-4pm when temperatures reach 28°C (82°F)

Sturdy hiking boots - La Soufrière trails require ankle support on volcanic rock, while waterfall hikes involve stream crossings and slippery roots

Dry bag for electronics - Boat trips to Tobago Cays and Falls of Baleine involve spray and potential rain exposure for cameras and phones

Light sweater for evenings - Temperatures drop to 22°C (72°F) after sunset, particularly noticeable on hilltop accommodations and boat returns

Snorkeling mask (optional) - Rental quality varies, bringing your own ensures proper fit for optimal underwater visibility in 30 m (98 ft) conditions

Insider Knowledge

Book inter-island transport to Bequia and Mustique before December 20th - ferry schedules increase frequency but fill quickly as regional visitors arrive for Christmas holidays, with same-day tickets often unavailable

Visit local markets between 6-8am in December - Vendors bring best produce before tourist crowds, and morning temperatures make browsing comfortable. Friday Kingstown market offers exotic fruits like soursop and golden apple at peak freshness

December whale watching is best from leeward coast - While tour operators market windward trips, experienced locals know humpback whales prefer the calmer western waters near Petit Byahaut and Cumberland Bay

Carry cash in EC dollars - December's tourist influx means ATMs run dry frequently, especially during festival weekends. US dollars accepted but change given in EC at poor exchange rates

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating December booking requirements - Many visitors assume shoulder season pricing continues, but Caribbean high season begins December 15th with significantly higher costs and minimum stay requirements

Planning afternoon hiking activities - December's 2-4pm humidity spike to 85% makes volcano and waterfall hikes extremely uncomfortable, yet tourists consistently ignore morning start recommendations

Expecting consistent weather patterns - December sits at the transition between wet and dry seasons, creating unpredictable afternoon showers that catch visitors without rain protection despite overall drier conditions