Things to Do in Saint Vincent in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Saint Vincent
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Minimal rainfall despite 10 wet days - when it does rain in September, showers are typically brief and light, averaging just 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) total for the month, meaning you can plan outdoor activities with confidence and rarely need to cancel plans
- Pleasant temperature range of 12-22°C (54-72°F) makes hiking and exploring comfortable without the oppressive heat of summer months - you can tackle the La Soufriere volcano trail starting at 6am and actually enjoy it rather than suffering through it
- Low to medium tourist numbers mean you'll have beaches like Wallilabou Bay and Indian Bay largely to yourself, restaurants don't require advance bookings, and local guesthouse owners have more time to share insider knowledge about the island
- Strong UV index of 8 combined with lower rainfall creates ideal conditions for underwater visibility - diving and snorkeling sites around the Tobago Cays show 20-25 m (65-82 ft) visibility, significantly better than the murkier July-August period
Considerations
- September sits squarely in Atlantic hurricane season (June through November), and while Saint Vincent doesn't get hit frequently, you need trip insurance that covers weather disruptions and should monitor forecasts starting two weeks before departure - hurricanes can form quickly in the Caribbean basin
- That 70% humidity combined with variable conditions means you'll experience unpredictable weather patterns - one day might be brilliantly sunny, the next overcast and sticky, making it harder to plan photography-dependent activities or guarantee perfect beach days
- Some tour operators reduce their schedules in September or close entirely for maintenance before the December high season kicks in - sailing charters to the Grenadines run less frequently, and you might find your preferred catamaran only operates Thursday through Sunday rather than daily
Best Activities in September
La Soufriere Volcano Hiking
September's cooler mornings make the 1,234 m (4,049 ft) summit climb significantly more manageable than the brutal summer heat. The 12°C (54°F) early morning lows mean you can start at dawn without sweating through your clothes before you even reach the trailhead. Variable cloud cover actually works in your favor here - you get dramatic atmospheric shots of the crater, and on clear days the visibility extends across to Martinique. The trail takes 5-6 hours round trip from the Bamboo Range starting point, and with fewer tourists in September, you might have the summit entirely to yourself by 8am.
Tobago Cays Sailing and Snorkeling
The minimal September rainfall and strong UV index create exceptional underwater visibility around these protected reefs - you're looking at 20-25 m (65-82 ft) clarity compared to 12-15 m (39-49 ft) during rainier months. Sea turtles are actively feeding in the seagrass beds, and with fewer day-trippers from cruise ships, you can snorkel Baradal Island's reef without dodging crowds. The 22°C (72°F) daytime highs keep you comfortable on deck without the scorching sun of peak season. Full-day trips typically include lunch on Mayreau and take 8-9 hours including the 90-minute sail each way from Bequia or Union Island.
Dark View Falls and Vermont Nature Trail Exploration
Those 10 rainy days spread throughout September keep the waterfalls flowing beautifully without the dry-season trickle you'd see in February-April. The 70% humidity actually enhances the rainforest experience - ferns and mosses look vibrant, and you'll hear more bird activity in the cooler morning temperatures. Dark View Falls has two cascades, the lower one perfect for swimming in water that stays refreshingly cool year-round. The Vermont Nature Trail offers 2-3 hours of moderate hiking through thick forest where you might spot the rare Saint Vincent parrot. September's variable conditions mean you get dramatic lighting through the canopy rather than harsh midday sun.
Bequia Island Day Trips
The ferry to Bequia runs year-round but September's lower tourist numbers mean you won't be fighting for deck space on the 60-minute crossing from Kingstown. Princess Margaret Beach and Lower Bay remain stunning without the December-April crowds, and that 22°C (72°F) temperature keeps beach time pleasant without feeling roasted. The island's turtle sanctuary operates normally in September, and you can watch hawksbill hatchlings if you time it right. Bequia's compact size - you can walk most of it - makes the variable weather less problematic since you're never far from a rum shop or covered restaurant if brief showers roll through.
Fort Charlotte Historical Tour and Kingstown Market Visits
September's variable weather makes Fort Charlotte ideal for those partly cloudy days when beach plans feel less appealing. The 18th-century fortification sits 200 m (656 ft) above Kingstown with panoramic views across the harbor, and cooler September mornings mean the uphill walk doesn't leave you drenched. The fort's small museum and original cannons take 60-90 minutes to explore properly. Pair this with Kingstown's Saturday morning market where September brings breadfruit season - locals buy 20-30 breadfruits at a time for roasting, and you'll find fresh nutmeg, cinnamon, and bay leaves at prices that make imported spices back home seem criminal. The covered market means brief showers don't disrupt your browsing.
Black Sand Beach Swimming and Coastal Village Exploration
Saint Vincent's volcanic black sand beaches like Argyle Beach and Buccament Bay absorb heat differently than white sand - in September's 22°C (72°F) temperatures they stay comfortably warm underfoot rather than scorching like they do in peak summer. The 70% humidity and occasional cloud cover mean you can spend full afternoons on these beaches without turning into a lobster despite that UV index of 8. September's calm seas make swimming safer at these beaches which can get rough surf during winter months. The black sand creates striking photography with the turquoise water, and you'll often have entire stretches to yourself. Nearby fishing villages like Layou and Barrouallie operate normally, where you can buy fresh-caught tuna and kingfish directly from fishermen bringing in afternoon catches around 3-4pm.
September Events & Festivals
Independence Day Celebrations
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines celebrates independence from Britain on October 27th, but September sees increasing cultural preparation activities - steel pan rehearsals in Kingstown, calypso practice sessions at local rum shops, and craft vendors preparing traditional items for the upcoming festivities. While the main events happen in late October, visiting in September lets you witness the buildup and attend smaller community events without the actual holiday crowds. You might catch impromptu performances and see costume preparations for the independence parade.