Best time to travel to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Location

Climate

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a Caribbean archipelago renowned for its paradisiacal beaches, lush nature and rich culture.

The climate: between dry and wet seasons

Like many Caribbean islands, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has two distinct seasons: dry and wet. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's up to you to choose the one that suits you best!

Dry season: December to May

There dry season generally runs from December to May, with pleasant temperatures averaging 25°C. Rainfall is rare during this period, making it the ideal time to enjoy beaches and outdoor activities. It's also the period when hotels and flights are most expensive, as this is the peak tourist season.

Wet season: June to November

There wet season extends from June to November, with heavier rainfall, especially in August and September. However, temperatures remain pleasant, around 27°C. If you're prepared to put up with showers, you'll be able to take advantage of more affordable rates on accommodation and flights. What's more, nature is particularly lush during this period.

Major cultural events

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a rich culture, punctuated by numerous events and festivities throughout the year. Here are the main events not to be missed during your trip.

Vincy Mas Carnival: June and July

The Vincy Mas Carnival is the biggest festival in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and takes place every year in June and July. It celebrates music, dance and local culture, with colorful parades, concerts and street parties. It's a must if you like to party and discover Caribbean culture.

Sailing week: in January

Every January, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines hosts a week of international sailing competitions. The regattas take place between the various islands of the archipelago, and offer an opportunity to discover the region's magnificent landscapes. If you're passionate about sailing, this is the event for you.

Rhythms of the Island music festival: in November

The Rhythms of the Island music festival takes place every November, showcasing local and international talent in a variety of styles, including reggae, calypso and soca. It's an excellent opportunity to discover the musical diversity of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and enjoy a festive atmosphere.

Public holidays

When visiting Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, it's important to take into account public holidays, which can affect the opening hours of shops and tourist attractions. Here are the main dates to remember:

• January 1st New Year's Day
• March/April Good Friday and Easter Monday (dates vary)
• May 1st Labour Day
• May 25 Ascension Day (date varies)
• June 8 Queen's Day
• October 27 Independence Day
• December 25 : Christmas
• December 26 : Boxing Day

Low and high season

Finally, it's essential to take into account the low and high season periods when planning your stay in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

High season: December to April

There high season runs from December to April and corresponds to the dry season. The beaches are magnificent, the sun shines and temperatures are pleasant. It's also the most expensive time to travel, with hotel and flight prices higher than during the rest of the year.

Low season: May to November

There low season extends from May to November and corresponds to the wet season. Showers are more frequent, but temperatures remain comfortable. If you're prepared to put up with rain, you'll benefit from more affordable accommodation and flights. Nature is also greener during this period.

Key immigration figures for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

According to available data, here are some important figures concerning immigration to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines:

• Total population Approximately 111,000 inhabitants (2020 estimate)
• Net migration rate -4.8 per 1,000 inhabitants (2020 estimate)
• Number of immigrant men around 7,000 men in 2019

Origin of immigrants to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

The majority of immigrants to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines come from neighboring countries or other Caribbean islands. Among the main sources of immigration are :

• Trinidad and Tobago
• Guyana
• Barbados
• Grenade
• Antigua and Barbuda

Most popular visa types in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

There are several types of visa available for foreigners wishing to visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The most commonly requested are :

Tourist Visa

Tourist visas are the most common type of visa requested by foreign visitors. It allows visitors to stay in the country for vacations or to visit friends and relatives. The maximum length of stay varies according to the applicant's nationality.

Business Visa

The business visa is intended for people wishing to visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for professional reasons, such as attending meetings, conferences or training courses. This visa does not allow you to work or be employed in the country.

Work visa

This type of visa is granted to people with a job offer in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Applicants must obtain a work permit before applying for this visa. The duration of the visa generally depends on the length of the work contract.

Student visa

The student visa is granted to people wishing to study full-time at an institution of higher education in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The duration of this visa is generally equal to the duration of the study program.

International tourism figures for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

The tourism sector is a key contributor to the economy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Here are some figures on international tourism in the country:

• Number of international tourists : approximately 76,000 in 2019
• Tourism revenue The new U.S. economy: nearly US$100 million in 2019
• Tourism's contribution to GDP : about 7 % in 2019

Origin of international tourists

Tourists visiting Saint Vincent and the Grenadines mainly come from North America and Europe. The main sources of visitors are the United States, Canada United KingdomFrance and Germany.

Popular tourist attractions

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines offers a variety of tourist attractions that attract thousands of visitors every year. Among the most popular are:

• THE beaches white sand and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing
• There Soufrièrean active volcano offering hiking trails and panoramic views
• THE Tobago Caysan archipelago of small uninhabited islands protected by a marine reserve.
• THE Kingstown Botanical Gardenone of the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere
• Fort Charlottea historic fort with spectacular views of Kingstown and the surrounding islands