Saint Vincent - Things to Do in Saint Vincent in March

Things to Do in Saint Vincent in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Saint Vincent

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Is March Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect whale watching conditions - March is peak season for humpback whales migrating through Caribbean waters with 85% success rates on morning tours
  • Ideal hiking weather - dry trade winds keep temperatures at comfortable 22-27°C (72-81°F) with low rainfall, perfect for La Soufrière volcano trails and Vermont Nature Trail
  • Carnival season aftermath - accommodations drop 30-40% after February Carnival but weather remains excellent with fewer crowds at major attractions
  • Northeast trade winds create optimal sailing conditions - consistent 15-20 knot winds perfect for Grenadines island hopping and day sails to Bequia

Considerations

  • Peak dry season means some waterfalls like Trinity Falls run at only 40% capacity compared to wet season volume
  • Sahara dust can create hazy conditions 3-4 days per week, reducing visibility for photography and creating respiratory irritation for sensitive individuals
  • Limited rainfall means botanical gardens and rainforest areas appear less lush, with some flowering plants past their February peak bloom

Best Activities in March

La Soufrière Volcano Hiking

March offers ideal conditions for climbing Saint Vincent's active volcano - morning temperatures start at 18°C (64°F) at the crater rim with minimal rainfall. The 6-hour round trip is most comfortable in March's dry conditions, and Sahara dust creates dramatic sunrise colors from the 1,234m (4,049 ft) summit. Trails are driest and safest after February rains clear.

Booking Tip: Book guided hikes 5-7 days ahead through certified mountain guides. Tours typically cost EC$200-300 ($75-110 USD) and include transportation from Kingstown. Start before 6 AM to avoid afternoon heat buildup. Look for guides certified by the Forestry Department.

Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours

March is peak season for humpback whale migrations along Saint Vincent's leeward coast. Morning tours have 85% success rates spotting whales, with pilot whales and dolphins year-round. Calm seas from northeast trade winds create ideal viewing conditions with 2-3m (6-10 ft) swells maximum.

Booking Tip: Book whale watching tours 10-14 days ahead for best boat selection. Half-day tours typically cost EC$150-250 ($55-90 USD). Choose morning departures (7-8 AM) for calmest seas and highest whale activity. Look for operators with hydrophones for underwater whale song detection.

Grenadines Island Hopping

March trade winds create perfect sailing conditions for day trips to Bequia, Mustique, or Canouan. Consistent 15-20 knot northeast winds provide smooth sailing, while lower humidity (70% vs 85% in wet season) makes full-day boat trips comfortable. Snorkeling visibility peaks at 25m (80 ft) in March.

Booking Tip: Book catamaran or yacht charters 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators at Blue Lagoon Marina. Full-day trips typically cost EC$200-350 ($75-130 USD) including lunch. Choose boats with shade covers for UV protection (index 8). Weather rarely cancels March departures.

Dark View Falls and River Tubing

March offers the perfect balance for waterfall visits - enough water flow from February rains but accessible trails after dry conditions set in. The 15-minute hike to Dark View Falls is comfortable in 25°C (77°F) temperatures, and river tubing on the Cumberland River has ideal water levels without dangerous wet-season currents.

Booking Tip: River tubing tours typically cost EC$80-120 ($30-45 USD) and don't require advance booking in March. Visit waterfalls in early morning (8-10 AM) for best lighting and fewer crowds. Bring reef-safe sunscreen - UV reflects strongly off water surfaces.

Botanical Gardens and Rainforest Tours

While March is drier, the Saint Vincent Botanical Gardens (oldest in the Western Hemisphere, 1765) still showcase exotic Caribbean flora. Morning tours at 22°C (72°F) are comfortable for the 2-hour walking circuit. Vermont Nature Trail offers 1.5km (0.9 miles) of accessible rainforest walking without muddy wet-season conditions.

Booking Tip: Self-guided garden tours cost EC$10 ($4 USD) entry fee. Guided rainforest walks typically cost EC$60-100 ($22-37 USD) for 2-3 hours. Visit gardens early morning (8-9 AM) for bird activity and cooler temperatures. No advance booking needed in March.

Black Sand Beach and Snorkeling

March's calm seas make snorkeling at Buccament Bay and other leeward beaches ideal for beginners. Water temperature holds steady at 26°C (79°F), while northeast trade winds keep beaches comfortable for full-day visits. Volcanic black sand beaches are unique to Saint Vincent and less crowded in March shoulder season.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free at most locations. Snorkel gear rental typically costs EC$25-40 ($10-15 USD) per day from beachfront operators. Choose leeward (western) beaches in March for calmest conditions. Apply SPF 50+ every 2 hours - black sand reflects intense UV.

March Events & Festivals

Early March

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Music Festival

This emerging music festival typically occurs in early March, featuring Caribbean artists, calypso, soca, and reggae performers at outdoor venues around Kingstown. Growing international attendance makes March accommodation booking essential.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - March showers are brief but intense, lasting 15-20 minutes with little warning
SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and black volcanic sand reflects additional radiation
Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester blends in 70% humidity conditions
Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support - volcanic trails are rocky and steep, especially La Soufrière approaches
Quick-dry swimwear - frequent beach and waterfall visits make fast-drying materials essential
Light cotton long sleeves for evening - protection against mosquitoes during 6 PM sunset hours
Waterproof phone case - essential for whale watching tours and waterfall photography
Insect repellent with DEET - March evening mosquito activity increases around sunset
Dust mask or bandana - Sahara dust events occur 3-4 times weekly and affect breathing
Reef-safe snorkel gear if owned - rental quality varies and bringing your own ensures proper fit

Insider Knowledge

Local fishermen at Wallilabou Bay offer unofficial whale watching trips for EC$50-75 ($18-28 USD) - ask at the fishermen's cooperative but understand these lack insurance coverage that licensed operators provide
March mango season begins mid-month - roadside vendors sell Julie mangoes (local variety) for EC$2-3 each, considered the Caribbean's best variety by locals
Sahara dust typically arrives Tuesday-Thursday each week - check local weather apps and plan outdoor photography for clearer Monday-Tuesday windows
Public transport (minibuses) costs EC$2-6 ($0.75-2.25 USD) anywhere on island - locals call them 'ZR vans' and they run frequently until 8 PM, much cheaper than taxis for budget travelers

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