Kingstown - Things to Do in Kingstown in March

Kingstown in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Kingstown

25.6°C (78°F) High Temp
23.9°C (75°F) Low Temp
0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

  • Dry season perfection - March sits in Kingstown's driest period with zero accumulated rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and island excursions that get cancelled during wetter months
  • Shoulder season pricing - Accommodation costs drop 25-40% compared to peak December-February rates, with luxury hotels averaging EC$280-350 vs EC$450+ in peak season
  • Perfect sailing conditions - Northeast trade winds at 15-20 knots (28-37 km/h) create ideal conditions for yacht charters and inter-island ferry services, with calm seas and excellent visibility
  • Mango season begins - Local Julie and Rose mangoes start ripening in March, appearing in markets and local dishes, while breadfruit season overlaps, creating the best period for authentic Caribbean cuisine

Considerations

  • Higher UV intensity - With minimal cloud cover, UV index reaches 8+ daily, requiring serious sun protection and limiting comfortable outdoor activities to early morning (before 9am) and late afternoon (after 4pm)
  • Carnival aftermath - Post-Vincy Mas cleanup means some venues and beaches may still be recovering from February festivities, with limited local festival energy until Easter preparations begin
  • Variable weather unpredictability - Despite being 'dry season,' March sees 10 rainy days with sudden afternoon showers that last 20-30 minutes but can disrupt outdoor plans without warning

Best Activities in March

Tobago Cays Marine Park Snorkeling

March offers the clearest water visibility of the year (20-25m/65-82ft) in the protected lagoons. Calm seas make the 90-minute boat ride comfortable, and green turtle sightings peak during their feeding season. Water temperature holds steady at 27°C (81°F), perfect for extended snorkeling without wetsuit discomfort.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed marine operators. Day trips typically cost EC$180-250 including lunch and snorkel gear. Choose morning departures (8am) to avoid afternoon wind pickup and return before potential evening showers.

La Soufrière Volcano Hiking Tours

Dry conditions make the 6-hour round trip to the crater (1,234m/4,049ft summit) safest and most enjoyable. Clear March skies provide spectacular views across the Grenadines, and cooler morning temperatures (22°C/72°F at dawn) make the steep ascent manageable before midday heat.

Booking Tip: Start at 6am to complete ascent before 11am heat. Guided tours cost EC$150-200 per person. Book through certified eco-tour operators who provide proper hiking equipment and safety gear. Allow full day and high fitness level required.

Bequia Island Day Trips

March's calm seas make the 1-hour ferry ride pleasant, and the island's boat-building workshops are most active preparing for Easter regatta season. Princess Margaret Beach offers perfect swimming conditions, while local restaurants serve peak-season lobster at pre-tourist-rush prices.

Booking Tip: Take morning ferry (9am) from Kingstown terminal, return on 4pm service. Ferry tickets EC$20 each way, island tours available for EC$80-120. Book accommodation transfers in advance as taxis fill up with day-trippers by noon.

Botanical Gardens and Parrot Sanctuary Tours

March marks breeding season for the endangered St. Vincent Amazon parrot, increasing chances of sightings in the early morning hours (6:30-8:30am). The 20-Israel gardens showcase peak flowering of frangipani and flamboyant trees, while cooler mornings make the 2km (1.2-mile) walking trails comfortable.

Booking Tip: Arrive by 7am for best parrot viewing opportunities. Entry EC$10, guided tours EC$40-60. Combine with nearby this destination (30-minute walk uphill) for panoramic harbor views. Avoid midday visits due to heat and reduced wildlife activity.

Dark View Falls and Vermont Nature Trail

Dry season ensures safe river crossing to reach the two-tiered falls (18m/59ft and 6m/20ft drops). March water levels are perfect - not too low for swimming, not too high for dangerous currents. The 45-minute nature trail showcases endemic birds most active during cooler morning temperatures.

Booking Tip: Visit between 8-10am for optimal lighting and wildlife activity. Entry EC$15, local guides EC$25-40. Wear water shoes for river rocks and quick-dry clothing. Combine with nearby Saint Vincent drive for full-day eco-tour experience.

Kingstown Food Market and Culinary Walking Tours

March brings the best local produce variety - breadfruit, plantain, and early mango season overlap. Saturday market (6am-2pm) offers authentic Caribbean ingredients at peak freshness. Local food vendors serve traditional dishes like callaloo soup and saltfish buljol at their seasonal best.

Booking Tip: Visit Saturday market before 9am for best selection and cooler temperatures. Street food costs EC$8-15 per dish. Look for guided culinary tours EC$60-80 that include market visit plus local restaurant tastings. Bring cash - many vendors don't accept cards.

March Events & Festivals

Late March

Easter Festival Preparations

Local communities begin Easter celebration planning with church concerts and community gatherings. Traditional hot cross bun preparation starts in bakeries, and local fishing communities prepare for Easter weekend celebrations with boat blessing ceremonies.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8+ daily with minimal cloud cover, reapply every 2 hours during outdoor activities
Lightweight quick-dry rain jacket - Sudden 20-30 minute showers occur 10 days per month, often without warning in late afternoons
Breathable cotton or linen clothing - Avoid polyester in 70% humidity, stick to natural fibers that dry quickly and don't trap heat
Water shoes with good grip - Essential for volcanic rock beaches, river crossings at Saintvincentandthegrenadines, and snorkeling entries over coral
Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - Trade winds can be strong (20+ knots) on boats and elevated viewpoints, secure hats prevent loss
High-quality polarized sunglasses - Intense sun reflection off water and white sand beaches, crucial for boat trips and beach activities
Insect repellent with DEET - Mosquito activity increases with occasional rainfall, especially important for rainforest hikes and evening activities
Lightweight daypack (20-30L capacity) - For carrying water, snorkeling gear, and supplies on island day trips and hiking excursions
Cash in EC dollars - Many local vendors, markets, and small tour operators don't accept credit cards, ATMs can be limited outside Kingstown
Waterproof phone case - Essential for boat trips, snorkeling activities, and protection during unexpected rain showers

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations on windward (eastern) coast for cooler trade wind relief - leeward side properties can be 3-5°C (5-9°F) hotter during March days
Shop at Saturday Kingstown market before 8am - vendors offer best prices and selection before heat builds up, plus free fruit samples when building customer relationships
Ferry schedules change without notice due to weather - always confirm departure times the evening before, especially for outer island trips during variable weather periods
Local fishing boats offer unofficial inter-island transport at half the cost of tourist operators - ask at Indian Bay or Saintvincentandthegrenadines, but ensure proper safety equipment is aboard

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating afternoon heat intensity - tourists often schedule outdoor activities for 12pm-4pm when temperatures feel like 32°C+ (90°F+) due to humidity and UV
Not carrying cash for local experiences - relying solely on credit cards means missing authentic food vendors, local transport, and small-operator island trips
Overpacking for rain - March's 'rainy days' are usually brief showers, not all-day events, so tourists bring unnecessary heavy rain gear instead of light, quick-dry options

Activities in Kingstown