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Best time to visit Tobago

January to March are often considered the best times to visit Tobago - they are drier and slightly cooler than the summer months, though they are also busier - especially around Carnival. The heat begins to pick up in May, and the rains start to fall from June - but there are bargains to be had. December brings winds for sailing, wind and kitesurfing - while March sees sea turtles beginning to hatch on the beaches.

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Best time to visit Tobago

temperature & rainfall

You may also notice how huge the umbrellas are – this is because sun and rain are dished out in equally fierce, tropical quantities. Temperatures linger in the high 20s and low 30s year round, and when it does fall, the “liquid sunshine” and breezes that may accompany it are usually a welcome break from the intense heat and humidity.

The rainy season is from June-November; downpours arrive – quite literally – out of the blue, but clear up just as fast. This is a great time for photography as the landscapes are emerald-lush with a rainbow of tropical flowers. Sea turtles also nest and hatch from March-August. Tobago’s festivals occur year-round – so you’ll be sure to catch some steel pan, limbo and calypso as you dance your way around this tiny isle.

When to visit Tobago & when not to

a month by month guide

January and February are often considered the best months to visit Tobago as there’s minimal rain and consistently high temperatures without stifling humidity. However, be aware that with the weather brings the crowds and the pre lent carnival in February also increases competition for bed and beach space - although this will be far busier in Trinidad than in tranquil Tobago.

March is a great time to visit Tobago if you want to catch the start of sea turtle hatching season as well as the tail end of migrating species of North American birds.

April and May are the hottest months of the year and perfect for lazy days at the beach with the occasional afternoon shower or refreshing dip in the ocean all that’s required to help you cool off.

June signals the start of Tobago’s rainy season and although you might well get caught out, things clear up very quickly so don’t let this put you off.

Even though July and August are mid-wet season in Tobago there are still plenty of families, both local and foreign, taking a break in the school holidays with Pigeon Point and Buccoo getting most of the custom, particularly over weekends.

September is still thought of as Tobago’s rainy or ‘low’ season but in truth it’s not a bad time to visit as there’s often a let up in the heavier rains (known as Petit Careme) offering an affordable window of opportunity for those seeking bargains without the brolly.

Although it will still be raining well into October and November you’ll find an abundance of tropical flowers and foliage that more than make up for a few soggy afternoons.

December finds the return of salty trade winds across Tobago and if you’re hoping to sail, windsurf or kite surf over Christmas then this is one of the Caribbean’s best spots to do so.

What happens when in Tobago

responsibletravel.com recommends

Gillian Howe, from our supplier Geodyssey, shares her best time to visit Tobago: "The ‘best’ time to visit Tobago is during our winter. It’s generally dry and sunny on Tobago from around the beginning of December until May. It’s a lovely island and if you don’t need constant sunshine every day, then other times of year may suit you well; the island is quieter, things are even more relaxed, and hotel prices are a little lower."

Newton George, one of the most experienced birding guides on Tobago, shares his advice on the best time to visit Tobago if you want to see some of the island’s incredible birdlife: “The best time of year for birders is from November to April. Most nesting begins in January but they start getting together in November. The red-billed tropicbird can also be seen on Little Tobago from November to March; that’s when they are nesting – and they can’t move from their nests. Some species nest early – especially hummingbirds. Outside of this time, from August to September, thousands of waders come in from North America.”

Festivals & events in Tobago

Our cultural pick from the Tobago calendar

Did you know about...?

...Tobago Carnival!
Trinidad’s carnival may cause all the fanfare – but don’t write off its Tobagonian cousin. In typical Tobago style it is a much more chilled, community based affair, with a focus on folk and theatrical events.

Swot up on the local lingo so that you can understand more about the celebrations. The parade is made up of bands: large groups of masqueraded performers, giving them the name mas bands. These have wild, themed costumes and floats. The party starts early, with the J’Ouvert (from the French ‘jour ouvert’ – day open) opening the ceremony at 4am on Monday with a thundering of drums and energetic dancing. Even if you’re not taking part – don’t plan on getting a lie-in! Tobago Carnival, as the locals will tell you, is truly bacchanal.

Tobago Carnival takes place in Scarborough in February or early March, and while the crowds are small compared to those in Trinidad, the streets will still be packed – early arrival is recommended for a good viewing spot.

For a calendar of events, see our Events & festivals page

British Airways

British Airways operates an excellent network to Trinidad and Tobago with twice weekly services to Tobago during winter and a weekly service in the summer. All Tobago flights operate via Antigua. Port of Spain, Trinidad, operates 5 times per week year round via Saint Lucia.

The Boeing 777-200 operates to both destinations offering 3 classes of travel to Tobago and 4 classes to Port of Spain. Club World, World Traveller Plus and World Traveller are available to both destinations with First class available to Port of Spain.

• Read more about flying British Airways to Tobago

• Book your direct flight from Gatwick to Tobago with British Airways