Things to Do in Saint Vincent in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Saint Vincent
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season tail-end means manageable rainfall - you're looking at maybe 10 rain days total, and most showers are brief afternoon affairs that clear within 30-40 minutes. The island stays green without the relentless downpours of later months.
- Trade winds are still active in March, keeping coastal areas genuinely comfortable despite the 70% humidity. Windward beaches like Argyle and Indian Bay get consistent breezes that make midday beach time actually pleasant rather than punishing.
- Pre-Easter pricing window - accommodation rates haven't hit the April holiday spike yet, and you can typically find guesthouses in Villa/Kingstown for EC$150-250 (US$55-95) per night that'll cost 30-40% more just three weeks later.
- La Soufriere hiking conditions are near-perfect - trails are dried out from the dry season but vegetation is still lush from earlier rains. The 1,234 m (4,049 ft) summit trail takes 3-4 hours up and visibility from the crater rim is typically excellent before afternoon clouds roll in around 2pm.
Considerations
- Sargassum seaweed arrives unpredictably on windward beaches throughout March - some years it's minimal, other years you'll find thick mats on eastern shores like Argyle and Brighton. Leeward beaches like Questelles and Layou Bay stay clearer, but it's worth checking conditions when you arrive.
- March sits in an awkward shoulder period where some businesses operate reduced hours before the April rush. A handful of restaurants in Villa close Mondays and Tuesdays, and water taxi operators to the Falls of Baleine sometimes require minimum group sizes of 4-6 people rather than running daily scheduled trips.
- Heat builds through the month as the island transitions toward the hotter pre-wet season. By late March, midday temperatures regularly push 30°C (86°F) with that sticky humidity, making strenuous hiking between 11am-3pm genuinely uncomfortable unless you're accustomed to tropical conditions.
Best Activities in March
La Soufriere Volcano Summit Hikes
March offers the sweet spot for tackling the 1,234 m (4,049 ft) active volcano - trails are dry enough for solid footing but not yet dusty, and morning visibility is typically crystal clear before clouds form. The 6-7 hour round trip from the Bamboo Range trailhead is strenuous but manageable in March's conditions. You'll want to start by 6:30am to summit before 10am when clouds obscure the crater views. The sulfur vents are actively steaming, and on clear days you can see Grenada 100 km (62 miles) south. March's lower tourist numbers mean you might have the crater rim to yourself midweek.
Tobago Cays Day Sailing Trips
March delivers ideal sailing conditions to this protected marine park 40 km (25 miles) southeast - trade winds average 15-20 knots providing smooth sailing, seas are calmer than wet season months, and visibility for snorkeling the coral reefs regularly exceeds 25 m (82 ft). The shallow lagoons stay 27-28°C (81-82°F), perfect for extended snorkeling sessions with sea turtles. Day trips typically depart Kingstown or Blue Lagoon around 7:30am, reach the Cays by 10am, and return by 5pm. March's lower visitor numbers mean the anchorage isn't crowded with the 20-30 boats you'll see in peak season.
Dark View Falls and Vermont Nature Trails
The northwestern rainforest trails are in prime condition during March - enough residual moisture keeps the forest lush and waterfalls flowing strong, but paths aren't the muddy slogs they become during wet season. Dark View Falls features two cascades accessed via a 15-minute walk through cocoa and nutmeg plantations, with the upper falls dropping 30 m (98 ft) into a swimming hole that's refreshingly cool. Vermont Nature Trail adds another 90 minutes through primary rainforest where you'll likely spot the endemic Saint Vincent parrot if you go early morning. March's moderate rainfall means rivers are scenic rather than dangerously swollen.
Windward Coast Snorkeling and Beach Exploration
March's calmer seas make the typically rougher windward coast more accessible for snorkeling and beach hopping. Sites like Argyle Beach near the airport and the reef off Indian Bay show healthy coral systems with fewer visitors than you'd find at Caribbean tourist hotspots. The black sand beaches are volcanic and dramatic, with consistent waves for bodysurfing but protected reef areas for calmer snorkeling. Water temperature sits at 27°C (81°F) and visibility ranges 15-20 m (49-66 ft) on calm days. That said, check conditions locally as sargassum seaweed can affect certain beaches unpredictably through March.
Kingstown Market and Street Food Exploration
March brings seasonal produce to Kingstown's Saturday market that you won't find other times of year - golden apples, soursop, and breadfruit are at peak availability. The market operates Friday and Saturday mornings from 6am-1pm, with the absolute best selection before 9am. Beyond produce, you'll find local vendors selling coconut sugar cakes, cassava bread, and fried jackfish for EC$5-15 (US$2-6) per item. The surrounding streets have roti shops and juice stands where locals actually eat, serving doubles, saltfish rotis, and seamoss drinks for EC$8-20 (US$3-7). March's weather makes the outdoor market experience comfortable rather than sweltering.
Fort Charlotte Historical Site and Kingstown Harbor Views
This 18th-century British fort sits 195 m (640 ft) above Kingstown with sweeping views across the harbor to the Grenadines. March's clear mornings offer exceptional visibility - you can often see individual islands 30-40 km (19-25 miles) away. The fort contains original cannons, a small museum with Black Carib history, and murals depicting colonial conflicts. The site is undervisited compared to its historical significance, meaning you'll often explore the ramparts alone. March's lower humidity makes the uphill walk from town more manageable, though you'll still want to go morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.
March Events & Festivals
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines National Heroes Day
Observed on March 14th, this public holiday honors Joseph Chatoyer, the Garifuna chief who resisted British colonization. While not a major tourist event, you'll find government ceremonies at Dorsetshire Hill and reduced business hours throughout Kingstown. Banks and most shops close, but restaurants and beach facilities remain open. It's actually an interesting day to observe local commemorations if you're interested in the island's complex colonial history and Garifuna heritage.