Kingstown - Things to Do in Kingstown in August

Kingstown in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Kingstown

27°C (81°F) High Temp
25°C (77°F) Low Temp
0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

  • Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 0 mm (0.0 inches) official rainfall but brief 20-30 minute afternoon showers on about 10 days that actually cool things down
  • Perfect sailing and diving conditions with calm seas and 30m+ (98+ ft) underwater visibility around the Grenadines - August has the calmest waters of the year
  • Carnival season preparations create busy cultural atmosphere with steel pan practice sessions echoing through neighborhoods and costume workshops open to visitors
  • Consistent trade winds at 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) keep temperatures comfortable and make it ideal for hiking the Vermont Nature Trail without oppressive heat

Considerations

  • Hurricane season technically runs June-November, though direct hits on SVG are rare - weather can change quickly and inter-island flights may face delays
  • Higher accommodation prices as this coincides with Caribbean high season - expect 40-60% premiums over October-November rates
  • Tourist crowds peak in August, especially around Saintvincentandthegrenadines and the Saintvincentandthegrenadines, with day-trip boats arriving by 10am daily

Best Activities in August

Tobago Cays Marine Park Sailing Adventures

August offers the calmest seas of the year for sailing to this pristine marine sanctuary. Crystal-clear waters with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility make snorkeling with sea turtles spectacular. Trade winds provide perfect sailing conditions without the choppy waters of other months. Swimming with turtles is virtually guaranteed in August.

Booking Tip: Book catamaran day trips 2-3 weeks ahead as August is peak season. Full-day tours typically cost EC$200-300 (US$75-110) and include lunch. Look for operators with marine park permits and turtle-watching guarantees. See current sailing tour options in the booking section below.

La Soufrière Volcano Hiking Expeditions

August's lower humidity (70% vs 85% in other months) and consistent trade winds make the challenging 6-hour round-trip hike to the 1,234m (4,049 ft) summit much more manageable. Clear skies offer spectacular views across all the Windward Islands. The volcanic crater lake is at its most dramatic after recent rains.

Booking Tip: Start at 6am to avoid midday heat. Guided hikes cost EC$150-250 (US$55-95) per person. Book with certified guides who know current trail conditions and provide proper safety equipment. See current hiking tours in the booking section below.

Bequia Island Traditional Boat Building Workshops

August is prime time for boat building on Saintvincentandthegrenadines as the dry weather is perfect for working with wood. Local craftsmen welcome visitors to their workshops along Admiralty Bay. This is when the famous Saintvincentandthegrenadines Easter Regatta boats are being prepared, offering authentic cultural immersion unavailable other times of year.

Booking Tip: Half-day workshops cost EC$100-150 (US$37-55) and include hands-on experience plus local lunch. Contact workshops directly or through Saintvincentandthegrenadines Tourism Association. Book 1-2 weeks ahead as spaces are limited to 4-6 people per session. See current cultural experiences in the booking section below.

Kingstown Market and Fort Charlotte Cultural Tours

August brings the best selection of tropical fruits to Kingstown Market - breadfruit, mangoes, and soursop are at peak season. The 10am-2pm timeframe offers the most vendor activity before afternoon heat. this destination provides panoramic harbor views and historical context, with August's clear skies offering visibility to neighboring islands.

Booking Tip: Walking tours combining market, fort, and downtown cost EC$80-120 (US$30-45) for 3-4 hours. Book morning tours to avoid afternoon heat and catch markets at their busiest. Local guides provide cultural context unavailable in guidebooks. See current walking tours in the booking section below.

Dark View Falls and Vermont Nature Trail Adventures

August's lower rainfall means trails are less muddy while waterfalls still maintain good flow from earlier seasonal rains. The 45-minute hike through rainforest to the two-tiered falls is most comfortable in August's reduced humidity. Natural pools are perfect for swimming after hiking.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are EC$10 (US$3.70) with optional guides for EC$40-60 (US$15-22). Combine with Vermont Nature Trail for full-day nature experience costing EC$100-150 (US$37-55) total. Best visited 8am-11am before heat peaks. See current nature tours in the booking section below.

Mustique and Palm Island Day Excursions

August's calm seas make inter-island ferry rides comfortable, with services running reliably due to good weather. Saintvincentandthegrenadines's pristine beaches and exclusive resorts welcome day visitors, while Saintvincentandthegrenadines offers all-inclusive beach club access. Perfect weather for beach-hopping and luxury resort dining.

Booking Tip: Ferry and beach club packages cost EC$300-500 (US$110-185) including transport and resort day passes. Book through licensed ferry operators 1 week ahead as August sees high demand. All-inclusive options provide best value. See current island-hopping tours in the booking section below.

August Events & Festivals

Throughout August

Carnival Preparation Season

While main Carnival is in July, August sees intense preparation for smaller regional carnivals and next year's events. Steel pan yards are active with practice sessions open to visitors, costume workshops welcome observers, and calypso competitions happen in local venues. Authentic cultural immersion without tourist crowds.

Various weekends in August

Breadfruit Festival Celebrations

August marks peak breadfruit season with local communities hosting harvest festivals featuring traditional cooking demonstrations, breadfruit recipe competitions, and cultural performances. Different villages host events on weekends throughout the month.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - brief afternoon showers happen on 10 days but only last 20-30 minutes
SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and you'll spend significant time on water with reflected sun
Quick-dry hiking pants for Saint Vincent trek - trails can be muddy despite low rainfall, and pants protect from vegetation
Waterproof phone case - essential for boat trips and snorkeling, plus protects during sudden rain showers
Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it doesn't breathe well
Sturdy hiking boots with good grip - volcanic terrain on Saint Vincent requires proper ankle support and traction
Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes are more active during brief rainy periods
Lightweight long sleeves for evening - trade winds can make evenings surprisingly cool, plus protects from insects
Waterproof day pack - for hiking and boat trips where gear needs protection from spray and rain
Reef-safe snorkel gear - rental quality varies and having your own ensures proper fit for turtle encounters

Insider Knowledge

Local ferries between islands are half the price of tourist boats and run on 'Caribbean time' - they leave when full, not on schedule. Ask locals at the dock for the real departure times.
August is mango season - roadside vendors sell bags of perfectly ripe mangoes for EC$5-10. The Julie variety is sweetest and locals know which trees produce the best fruit.
Kingstown shuts down from 12pm-2pm daily during August heat. Plan shopping and errands for morning or after 3pm when everything reopens and locals reemerge.
The best conch shells and sea glass are found on windward beaches after August's brief storms. Local fishermen at Saintvincentandthegrenadines will show you their secret spots for a small tip.

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodation less than 6 weeks ahead - August is peak season and many hotels are fully booked by early July, forcing visitors into overpriced last-minute options
Underestimating Saint Vincent hike difficulty - the 1,234m (4,049 ft) elevation gain in tropical conditions exhausts unprepared visitors even in August's better weather
Assuming all businesses accept US dollars - while many do, the exchange rate given is poor. Bring EC dollars or use ATMs for 15-20% better rates on purchases

Activities in Kingstown