Things to Do in Kingstown in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Kingstown
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Minimal rainfall despite 10 rainy days - the paradox here is that December technically sees 0.0 inches of accumulated rain, meaning any showers that do pop up are brief and light. You might see clouds, maybe a 15-minute drizzle, but nothing that'll ruin your day or keep you indoors.
- Consistent temperatures between 76-79°F (24-26°C) mean you pack once and you're done - no need to layer or bring different wardrobes for different weeks. This narrow 3-degree range is actually quite rare for Caribbean destinations and makes planning infinitely easier.
- December sits just outside the major cruise ship season that peaks in January-February, so you'll find attractions noticeably less crowded while still having full access to tours and services. Restaurants don't require reservations days in advance, and you can actually get decent photos at Fort Charlotte without 200 people in the background.
- The 70% humidity is genuinely comfortable by Caribbean standards - you'll sweat a bit during midday walks, but it's nothing like the oppressive 85%+ humidity you'd encounter in summer months. Evening breezes along the waterfront actually feel refreshing rather than just moving hot air around.
Considerations
- That UV index of 8 is no joke at this latitude - you'll burn in under 20 minutes without protection, and the variable cloud cover tricks people into thinking they're safe when UV rays penetrate just fine. Locals know to avoid direct sun between 11am-3pm for good reason.
- Variable conditions means unpredictable planning - some December days are brilliantly sunny, others stay overcast all day. You can't reliably plan that sunset catamaran trip for a specific evening weeks in advance, and photographers will find the inconsistent light frustrating.
- December is technically still within the tail end of hurricane season until mid-month, and while direct hits are rare, you might experience residual weather patterns from storms passing north of the island. Flight delays and rough seas for boat trips happen more often than tourism boards admit.
Best Activities in December
Botanical Gardens Morning Walks
The 76°F (24°C) morning temperatures make December ideal for exploring the Botanical Gardens before the midday heat sets in. Start at 7am when the gardens open and you'll have the place largely to yourself until 9:30am when tour groups arrive. The variable cloud cover actually works in your favor here - you get softer light for photography and the occasional cloud break creates dramatic lighting through the mahogany trees. The gardens are at their greenest in December following the rainy season, and you'll see more bird activity in the cooler morning hours.
Fort Charlotte Heritage Tours
December's medium crowd levels mean you can actually explore Fort Charlotte without fighting through cruise passenger groups that overwhelm the site January through March. The 79°F (26°C) highs are manageable for the uphill walk if you go before 11am or after 3pm. The fort sits at 200 m (656 ft) elevation, so you'll catch whatever breeze exists, and the variable cloud cover provides natural shade breaks. Worth noting that the murals inside the fort buildings are easier to photograph on overcast days when harsh sunlight isn't creating shadows and glare.
La Soufriere Volcano Hiking
December is actually one of the better months for the La Soufriere hike because the trails have dried out from the rainy season but vegetation is still lush and green. The 4-hour round trip hike starts early - most groups leave by 6:30am to avoid the midday sun and afternoon cloud buildup that can obscure summit views. At 1,234 m (4,049 ft), the temperature drops noticeably as you climb, which feels refreshing after the coastal humidity. That said, the variable conditions mean summit visibility is maybe 60% guaranteed - some days you'll see clear to Martinique, other days you're hiking in clouds.
Coastal Snorkeling Excursions
December water temperatures hover around 81°F (27°C), which is warm enough that you don't need a wetsuit but cool enough that you're not overheating. Visibility tends to be excellent in December because rainfall is minimal and there's less sediment runoff clouding the water. The medium tourist season means snorkeling sites aren't overrun, and marine life is more relaxed. Morning trips from 8am-noon are ideal before afternoon winds pick up - the sea gets noticeably choppier after 2pm most December days.
Saturday Morning Market Experience
The Kingstown Market on Saturday mornings is legitimately where locals shop, not a tourist production. December is harvest time for breadfruit, golden apples, and soursop, so you'll see produce you won't find other times of year. The market runs 6am-1pm but peak activity is 7:30am-10am. The 76°F (24°C) morning temperature makes wandering the crowded market stalls actually pleasant, and the covered sections provide shade from that UV index of 8. Variable cloud cover doesn't matter here since you're mostly under cover anyway.
Sunset Catamaran Sails
December's 5:30pm-6pm sunset timing means catamaran trips typically run 4pm-7pm, catching the golden hour and avoiding the midday heat entirely. The variable conditions actually create spectacular sunset opportunities - those scattered clouds light up in ways clear skies don't. The 70% humidity drops noticeably once you're on the water with wind movement, making this one of the most comfortable times of day. Sea conditions in December are generally calmer than summer months, though afternoon winds can make for livelier sailing if that's your thing.
December Events & Festivals
Nine Mornings Festival
This is the big one for December in SVG - a pre-Christmas celebration that runs the nine days before Christmas Day, so roughly December 16-24. It starts at 4am each morning with street parties, traditional music, and local foods like black cake and sorrel drink. The festival has roots going back over 200 years and is genuinely cultural rather than tourist-focused, though visitors are welcomed. You'll see locals in traditional dress, hear string band music, and experience food stalls that only appear during this period. The early morning timing actually works with the weather since you're celebrating during the coolest hours.
Christmas Market Stalls
Throughout December, especially the two weeks before Christmas, temporary market stalls appear around Kingstown selling handmade crafts, local preserves, and holiday foods. This isn't a single organized event but rather a seasonal expansion of normal market activity. You'll find locally made hot pepper sauces, woven baskets, and seasonal treats like guava cheese and tamarind balls. The stalls typically operate 9am-6pm and are concentrated around the main market area and along Bay Street.