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When To Go · Destination Guide

Union Island and Tobago Cays

Union Island logistics, Tobago Cays magic, and one of the Caribbean's best mixed water-playgrounds

Updated Mar 25, 2026 • 24 sources

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When to go

Best time to visit Union Island and Tobago Cays

The broad sweet spot is December to May, when Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' historical dry season is in effect and February to March are usually the driest months.

Best overall window

December to May

Historical dry season, steadier weather, easier islandhopping, and routine trade winds around 10 km/h to 25 km/h

Outside that window

Inside Atlantic hurricane season, with greater chance of rain, swell, transfer changes, and poststorm disruptions

Choose your trip style

Start with the overall answer, then switch only when scuba, freedive, snorkel, or topside timing changes the trip in a meaningful way.

Month-by-month planner

The overall row stays visible so you can compare it against the currently selected scope.

BestGoodTradeoffsMore variable
ScopeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Overall
Wildlife goals and seasonal highlights

These do not replace the overall planner. Use them only if a specific animal or event is driving your trip dates.

  • Green Turtle Foraging at Baradal

    Best for Snorkel, Freedive, Scuba

    Year-round

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    The Baradal reserve is the signature wildlife stop of Tobago Cays, where snorkelers and freedivers regularly see green turtles feeding over sea grass in shallow protected water.

  • Leatherback Turtle Monitoring on Union Island

    Best for Topside, Snorkel

    Apr to Jul

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    Union Island Environmental Alliance runs turtle monitoring during the nesting season, giving visitors a chance to support conservation and, with luck, witness nesting or hatchling activity.

  • Catholic Rock Seabird Viewing

    Best for Topside, Snorkel

    Year-round

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    Boatbased viewing around Catholic Rock can reveal active seabird colonies and roosting activity without disturbing the sanctuary.

  • Union Island Conch Festival

    Best for Topside

    Feb

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    Usually held toward the end of February, this local food celebration is one of the best reasons to add an extra evening or two on Union rather than treating it only as a transfer island.

  • Easterval and Regatta Energy

    Best for Topside

    Mar to Apr

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    Easter weekend brings extra activity to Union Island, from regatta spirit to beach gatherings and a livelier local social scene.

Always true for this destination
  • December to April is usually the easiest window for mixed groups.
Seasonal cautions
  • Jun, Nov: Usable with flexibility; greener landscapes, some showers, and more weather watching for boat days
  • Jul to Oct: Inside Atlantic hurricane season, with greater chance of rain, swell, transfer changes, and post-storm disruptions

Built from climate references, access rules, and destination operators. Wildlife timing and route flexibility can shift year to year.