Things to Do in Saintvincent in May

May Weather in Saintvincent

29°C (84°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

180 mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Rainy season brings dramatic waterfalls to full flow at Dark View Falls and Trinity Falls - the 61 m (200 ft) drops are most spectacular in May compared to dry season trickles
Lush green landscapes make hiking the 1,234 m (4,049 ft) La Soufrière volcano trail stunning with tropical vegetation at peak vibrancy
Lower tourist numbers mean easier access to the Tobago Cays Marine Park with better snorkeling conditions and fewer boats - typical day trips see 40-50% fewer visitors than dry season
Hotel rates drop 25-35% compared to December-April peak season, with beachfront properties averaging EC$200-400 (US$75-150) versus EC$350-600 (US$130-220) in high season

Considerations

Afternoon rain showers occur 60% of days, typically lasting 45-90 minutes between 2-5pm, which can disrupt outdoor activities and beach time
Higher humidity at 70-85% makes hiking and strenuous activities more challenging, with temperatures feeling 3-5°C (5-9°F) hotter than actual readings
Ferry services to Bequia and other Grenadines islands face occasional cancellations during rough weather - expect 10-15% chance of disrupted inter-island transport

Best Activities in May

La Soufrière Volcano Hiking

May's recent rains create ideal conditions for the 4-hour round trip to the 1,234 m (4,049 ft) active volcano crater. The trail through tropical rainforest is at its most lush, with cooler morning temperatures (22-24°C/72-75°F) perfect for the steep 2-hour ascent. Recent volcanic activity monitoring makes this both exciting and safe with proper guides.

Booking Tip: Book guided hikes 5-7 days ahead through certified volcano guides. Tours typically cost EC$150-200 (US$55-75) per person. Start at 6am to avoid afternoon rains. Reference booking widget for current certified operators.

Tobago Cays Marine Park Snorkeling

May offers the best value and experience ratio for the UNESCO World Heritage marine park. Fewer cruise ships mean pristine snorkeling with sea turtles, and rain actually improves underwater visibility by reducing surface glare. Day trips include 5 uninhabited cays with white sand beaches.

Booking Tip: Full-day catamaran tours cost EC$300-450 (US$110-165) including lunch and snorkel gear. Book 10-14 days ahead as fewer boats operate in low season. Weather permitting, 85% of scheduled trips proceed as planned.

Dark View Falls and Vermont Nature Trail

May transforms these twin waterfalls into thundering 61 m (200 ft) cascades compared to gentle dry-season flows. The 3 km (1.9 mile) nature trail showcases peak tropical vegetation with colorful birds and butterflies most active after rain showers.

Booking Tip: Independent access costs EC$10 (US$4) entrance fee. Guided botanical tours available EC$80-120 (US$30-45) for 3-hour experiences. Visit morning or late afternoon to avoid peak rain times.

Kingstown Market and Food Tours

May brings seasonal fruits like soursop, golden apple, and breadfruit to Kingstown's Saturday market. The covered market provides shelter during rain while offering authentic Vincentian cuisine experiences. Local cooking classes feature ingredients at peak freshness.

Booking Tip: Market visits are free, but food tours cost EC$100-180 (US$37-65) for 4-hour experiences including multiple tastings. Saturday mornings (7am-11am) offer the best selection before afternoon rains.

Bequia Island Day Trips

May's lower tourist numbers mean authentic experiences on this 7 square km (2.7 square mile) island famous for boat building and whaling history. Princess Margaret Beach and Lower Bay offer excellent swimming with fewer crowds, while local restaurants have more availability.

Booking Tip: Ferry tickets cost EC$20 (US$7.50) each way, running hourly when weather permits. Day tours including transport and lunch range EC$200-300 (US$75-110). Book ferry tickets same day, but reserve island tours 3-5 days ahead.

Mesopotamia Valley Agricultural Tours

Known as 'Mespo,' this fertile valley showcases SVG's agricultural heritage with banana, coconut, and arrowroot plantations thriving in May's rainy conditions. The 15 km (9.3 mile) valley drive offers stunning mountain views when skies clear between showers.

Booking Tip: Self-drive tours possible with rental cars EC$120-180 (US$45-65) daily. Guided plantation tours cost EC$150-220 (US$55-80) for half-day experiences including traditional lunch. Morning tours 8am-12pm best for weather.

May Events & Festivals

Throughout May

Vincy Mas Carnival Preparation Season

May marks intensive preparation for July's Vincy Mas carnival with band launches, calypso competitions, and costume workshops. Visitors can witness authentic cultural preparations and attend preliminary events showcasing local music and artistry.

Late May

Breadfruit Festival

Annual celebration of SVG's national dish features breadfruit prepared 50+ different ways. Local communities showcase traditional cooking methods while explaining the fruit's historical significance brought by Captain Bligh in 1793.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants for volcano trails - cotton takes hours to dry in 70% humidity and frequent rain showers

Waterproof phone case rated IP68 - essential for waterfall photography and sudden tropical downpours

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days, and regular sunscreen damages marine parks

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - afternoon showers last 45-90 minutes and arrive with little warning

Closed-toe water shoes with good grip - essential for slippery waterfall rocks and volcanic terrain hiking

Moisture-wicking synthetic t-shirts - avoid cotton which stays damp in high humidity and takes forever to dry

Small backpack with waterproof compartments for day trips - keep electronics and documents dry during activities

Insect repellent with 30% DEET - mosquitoes and sandflies more active after rains, especially near water sources

Portable phone charger/power bank - frequent power outages during storms and long hiking days drain batteries faster

Light cotton scarf or bandana - protects from sun, dust on mountain roads, and provides modesty for church visits

Insider Knowledge

Time outdoor activities for 9am-2pm window - afternoon rains typically start between 2-5pm, so plan indoor activities or travel time after lunch

Local 'dollar vans' (minibuses) cost EC$2-5 (US$0.75-1.85) for routes under 16 km (10 miles) and run more frequently during rain to help locals avoid getting soaked

Many restaurants close Sundays and Mondays in May due to lower tourist numbers - call ahead or ask locals for weekend dining options to avoid disappointment

Exchange US dollars at local banks for better rates than hotels - First Caribbean and Bank of SVG offer rates within 2% of official exchange versus 8-10% hotel markups

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling all outdoor activities for afternoon - 60% of days see rain between 2-5pm, ruining volcano hikes and waterfall visits without morning backup plans

Packing only flip-flops for footwear - SVG's volcanic terrain requires proper hiking shoes for trails, and flip-flops are dangerous on wet rocks

Not bringing cash - many local restaurants, transport, and small tour operators don't accept cards, especially in rural areas and smaller islands