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
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodations run 25-40% cheaper than December-April peak rates, with plenty of availability even if you book just 2-3 weeks out
- The dry season is winding down but still holding strong - those 10 rain days typically bring brief afternoon showers rather than day-long downpours, and you'll still get long stretches of sunshine for hiking and beach time
- Local fishing season hits its stride in May, meaning the freshest catch at market stalls and the best time to join early morning fishing excursions when the waters are calmer and visibility is excellent
- Fewer cruise ships dock in May compared to winter months, so popular spots like the Botanical Gardens and Fort Charlotte feel more spacious, and you'll actually get decent photos without crowds
Considerations
- That 70% humidity combined with warm days creates the kind of sticky heat that makes midday hiking genuinely uncomfortable - you'll be drenched within 20 minutes of any moderate exertion between 11am-3pm
- May sits in the transition zone before hurricane season officially starts in June, but weather patterns can be unpredictable with occasional unexpected squalls rolling through, particularly in the second half of the month
- Some locally-run tour operations start reducing their schedules as they prep for the quieter summer months, so you might find fewer daily departure options for boat tours and hiking guides compared to peak season
Best Activities in May
La Soufriere Volcano hiking expeditions
May offers some of the clearest summit views before June cloud cover rolls in. The 1,234 m (4,049 ft) ascent takes 3-4 hours up through rainforest that's lush from recent rains but trails aren't yet muddy from summer downpours. Start at 6am to summit by 9:30am before afternoon clouds obscure the crater views. The cooler morning temperatures around 15-18°C (59-64°F) at higher elevations make the steep sections far more manageable than they'd be in humid midday heat.
Tobago Cays marine park snorkeling
Water visibility peaks in May at 18-24 m (60-80 ft) as the seas are calmer before summer swells arrive. Water temperature sits at a comfortable 27°C (81°F), and you'll spot more sea turtles feeding in the seagrass beds during their active season. The trade winds are lighter than winter months, making boat rides smoother and less choppy for those prone to seasickness. Most day trips include 3-4 hours of actual water time across multiple snorkel sites.
Dark View Falls and river bathing
The falls maintain strong flow from April rains but aren't the torrential cascades of October-November that make swimming dangerous. Water temperature stays refreshing at around 24°C (75°F), and the surrounding rainforest is vibrant without being overgrown. The 10-minute walk from the entrance is manageable even after light rain, unlike summer months when the path gets slippery. Go between 8-10am or after 4pm to avoid the midday heat and have the pools mostly to yourself.
Kingstown market and street food exploration
May brings breadfruit season into full swing, and you'll find the freshest dasheen, plantains, and just-caught tuna at Kingstown Market, which operates Tuesday, Thursday, and especially Saturday mornings from 6am-1pm. The covered market stays relatively comfortable even in May's humidity. Local vendors are less rushed than during cruise ship days, actually taking time to explain how to prepare provisions and offering samples of seasonal fruits like golden apples and sugar apples that peak in May.
Black sand beach exploration along the leeward coast
Buccament Bay and Questelles Bay offer calmer waters in May compared to the windward Atlantic side. The black volcanic sand stays surprisingly cool underfoot in morning hours despite the UV index of 8, and the dramatic coastal scenery with palm-lined shores feels more private with fewer visitors. Snorkeling right off the beach reveals coral formations in 2-4 m (6-13 ft) of clear water. The afternoon sea breeze picks up around 2pm, providing natural cooling while you're on the sand.
Vermont Nature Trail birdwatching walks
May marks excellent conditions for spotting the endemic Saint Vincent parrot, which is more vocal during early breeding season. The 2 km (1.2 mile) trail through montane rainforest at 450 m (1,476 ft) elevation stays misty and cool in mornings, around 20°C (68°F), making for comfortable hiking. Recent rains keep the forest canopy active with wildlife but trails remain passable. The parrot population is most active between 6:30-9am and again around 4-6pm when they're feeding.
May Events & Festivals
Breadfruit Festival
This local celebration of Saint Vincent's most important crop typically happens in late May, showcasing dozens of breadfruit preparations from traditional roasted breadfruit to contemporary breadfruit pizza and breadfruit ice cream. It's genuinely a community event rather than a tourist production, with cooking demonstrations, agricultural displays, and live music in Layou. You'll learn why breadfruit matters so much to Vincentian food culture and get to taste varieties you won't find in restaurants.