Kingstown - Things to Do in Kingstown in February

Kingstown in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Kingstown

25.6°C (78°F) High Temp
23.3°C (74°F) Low Temp
0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

  • Dry season peak - minimal rainfall despite 10 cloudy days means outdoor activities rarely get cancelled, perfect for island hopping and hiking
  • Cruise ship season winds down after January - fewer crowds at Fort Charlotte and Saint Vincent, plus better restaurant availability downtown
  • Carnival season aftermath - accommodation prices drop 30-40% compared to January while weather remains ideal
  • Northeast trade winds are strongest - perfect sailing conditions and natural cooling that makes 25°C (78°F) days feel comfortable for walking tours

Considerations

  • Post-Carnival lull means some local businesses reduce hours or close for maintenance - particularly smaller restaurants and tour operators
  • Sahara dust season begins - occasional hazy days reduce visibility for photography and can affect those with respiratory sensitivities
  • Regional school holidays create weekend crowds at beaches and popular attractions despite overall lower tourist numbers

Best Activities in February

Botanical Gardens and Fort Charlotte Cultural Tours

February's 70% humidity and cooling trade winds make the 1.6 km (1 mile) uphill walk to Fort Charlotte comfortable in morning hours. Post-Carnival period means local guides are more available and passionate about sharing stories. The Saint Vincent' tropical plants are in peak condition after January rains.

Booking Tip: Book cultural walking tours 3-5 days ahead through local guide associations. Tours typically cost EC$80-120 (US$30-45) and are best scheduled for 8-10am to avoid midday heat. Look for certified guides with historical knowledge, not just transportation operators.

Grenadines Island Hopping Adventures

February offers perfect sailing conditions with steady 15-20 knot northeast trades and minimal rainfall. Sea conditions are ideal for reaching Saintvincentandthegrenadines (1 hour) and Saintvincentandthegrenadines (90 minutes). Water visibility peaks at 30m (100 feet) for snorkeling, and beaches are less crowded than peak season.

Booking Tip: Charter day trips typically cost EC$400-600 (US$150-225) per person for Saintvincentandthegrenadines runs, including lunch. Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed marine operators - look for boats with safety equipment and weather contingency policies. See current island tour options in booking section below.

La Soufrière Volcano Hiking Expeditions

February's lower humidity and cooler mornings make the 6-hour round trip (7 km/4.3 miles) to the crater rim more manageable. Cloud cover is typically higher at 1,220m (4,003 ft) summit, but morning departures often catch clear views. Post-rainy season means trails are well-defined but not muddy.

Booking Tip: Guided hikes cost EC$200-300 (US$75-110) including transportation from Kingstown. Book with experienced local guides who know weather patterns - departures must be by 6am to avoid afternoon clouds. Current hiking tour operators available in booking section below.

Kingstown Market and Food Discovery Walks

February brings post-Carnival food traditions and seasonal fruits like golden apples and soursop. Saturday market (6am-2pm) is less tourist-heavy but fully stocked with local vendors. Cooler morning temperatures make the 2-hour walking tour through narrow market lanes comfortable.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost EC$150-200 (US$55-75) including tastings. Book Friday afternoon for Saturday morning tours - this gives vendors time to prepare special items. Look for tours that include both market visit and local restaurant stops, avoiding busy lunch hours.

Black Sand Beach and Coastal Photography Tours

February's strong UV (index 8) creates dramatic contrasts perfect for photographing volcanic black sand beaches. Lower tourist numbers mean pristine shots at Saintvincentandthegrenadines and Indian Bay. Trade winds keep temperatures comfortable for extended outdoor shoots along the 12 km (7.5 mile) coastline.

Booking Tip: Photography-focused coastal tours range EC$250-400 (US$90-150) for half-day excursions. Book with guides who know tidal patterns and best light conditions. Early morning (7-10am) and late afternoon (4-6pm) slots fill first. Equipment protection from salt spray included by professional guides.

Traditional Rum Distillery and Agricultural Tours

February marks sugarcane harvest season, making distillery visits particularly authentic. Captain Bligh's breadfruit trees are in season, and nutmeg processing is active. Cooler temperatures make walking through outdoor facilities and plantations comfortable for the 3-4 hour experience.

Booking Tip: Plantation and distillery combination tours cost EC$180-280 (US$65-105) including tastings and lunch. Book midweek when facilities operate full production schedules. Transportation from Kingstown typically included, covering 25-35 km (15-22 miles) of rural roads.

February Events & Festivals

Early February

Vincy Mas Recovery Week

Local tradition where islanders recover from January's Carnival with family gatherings and quiet cultural activities. Not a formal festival, but restaurants serve traditional 'recovery foods' and local bands play acoustic sets at smaller venues. Authentic glimpse into post-Carnival Vincentian life.

Mid February

Valentine's Week Cultural Celebrations

Local restaurants and hotels create romantic dinner specials featuring traditional Vincentian cuisine with international twists. Saintvincentandthegrenadines Resort and other venues host cultural performances combining calypso with romantic themes. More authentic and less commercialized than typical Caribbean Valentine events.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve cotton shirts - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable, and UV index 8 requires arm coverage during midday
Waterproof phone case - brief afternoon showers on 10 days can be sudden, and salt spray affects electronics near coastlines
Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - strong Caribbean sun reflects off white sand and water, requiring frequent reapplication every 90 minutes
Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support - Saint Vincent trails include loose volcanic rock and steep sections over 1,220m (4,003 ft) elevation
Quick-dry shorts and swimwear - multiple beach visits and water activities mean needing dry clothes within 2-3 hours
Light rain jacket or poncho - 10 rainy days typically bring 15-20 minute downpours that can soak through cotton quickly
Insect repellent with DEET - post-rain season increases mosquito activity around botanical areas and evening outdoor dining
Comfortable walking sandals with straps - uneven cobblestone streets in downtown Kingstown and wet boat decks require secure footwear
Small daypack for hiking - carrying 2-3 liters of water needed for volcano hikes, plus camera equipment and weather protection
Cash in small bills - many local vendors and taxi operators don't accept cards, and EC$20-50 denominations are most useful for markets and tips

Insider Knowledge

Local banks close at 2pm weekdays and don't open Saturdays - exchange money or use ATMs before weekend island trips when card acceptance drops significantly
Rent cars early morning to avoid afternoon pickup rushes - most tourists realize they need transportation around 11am, creating 2-hour wait times at rental counters
Saturday morning markets (6-9am) offer 40% lower prices than tourist-focused afternoon vendors, plus authentic local breakfast foods unavailable later in day
Book accommodation on the leeward (western) side during February - eastern coastlines face stronger trade winds that can make sleeping uncomfortable and create noise from rough surf

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating hiking difficulty - Saint Vincent requires moderate fitness level and proper footwear, not casual walking shoes many tourists bring
Not booking island tours early enough - February's good sailing weather means popular Grenadines day trips fill up 7-10 days ahead, especially weekends
Overpacking heavy clothes - temperatures rarely drop below 23°C (74°F) even at night, making jackets and long pants unnecessary except for air conditioning

Activities in Kingstown