Things to Do in Saint Vincent in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Saint Vincent
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect mango season - local Julie mangoes reach peak ripeness with street vendors selling them for EC$1-2 each, compared to imported varieties available other months
- Optimal whale watching conditions with calm seas and 85% chance of spotting humpback whales during their northern migration through the Grenadines channel
- Pre-hurricane season diving visibility at 30m+ (98ft+) around the pristine reefs off Villa Beach and Indian Bay, before summer storms reduce clarity
- Lower accommodation rates than peak winter season - expect 25-40% savings on hotels and villas compared to December-March pricing
Considerations
- Increasing rainfall frequency with afternoon showers occurring 10 days of the month, typically lasting 45-90 minutes and starting around 2-4pm
- Rising humidity levels at 70% make outdoor activities feel significantly hotter than the actual temperature, especially between 11am-3pm
- Some hiking trails like La Soufriere become muddy and potentially dangerous after rain, with local guides often canceling tours on same-day notice
Best Activities in May
La Soufriere Volcano Hiking
May offers the last reliable window before rainy season intensifies. Morning starts (6am-7am) avoid afternoon showers and provide clearest summit views at 1,234m (4,049ft). The 6km (3.7-mile) round trip takes 4-5 hours with 70% humidity making it challenging but manageable before heat peaks.
Whale Watching Tours
May marks peak humpback whale migration through St. Vincent passage. Calm morning seas (before 11am) provide 85% sighting success rates compared to 60% in other months. Tours depart Villa Beach or Blue Lagoon with optimal conditions lasting until early afternoon.
Falls of Baleine Catamaran Trips
May's calmer seas make the 2-hour sail to this remote 18m (59ft) waterfall more comfortable than later wet season months. The 20-minute hike from beach to falls is manageable before summer vegetation becomes overgrown. Swimming in natural pools is refreshing in 70% humidity.
Bequia Ferry Day Trips
May offers ideal conditions for the 1-hour ferry ride to Bequia with minimal seasickness risk. Princess Margaret Beach provides excellent swimming and snorkeling before summer crowds arrive. The 18km² (7 sq mile) island is perfect for walking or taxi tours in comfortable temperatures.
Botanical Gardens and Colonial Heritage Tours
May's morning hours (8am-11am) provide perfect conditions for exploring the 20-hectare (49-acre) botanical gardens before humidity peaks. Heritage sites like Fort Charlotte offer panoramic views best captured in May's clearer atmospheric conditions before summer haze.
Black Sand Beach Exploration
May's moderate UV levels (index 8) make beach days comfortable with proper protection. Villa Beach and Indian Bay offer calm waters perfect for swimming, while unique volcanic black sand beaches like Wallilabou provide excellent photo opportunities without intense summer heat.
May Events & Festivals
Fisherman's Day Celebration
Local fishing communities celebrate with fresh catch festivals, boat blessings, and traditional music. Multiple coastal villages participate with varying dates, featuring grilled fish, local rum, and calypso performances starting around 4pm.