Saint Kittsandnevis in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Saint Kittsandnevis
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect weather window - December sits in the heart of dry season with average temperatures of 29°C (84°F) and only 6 rainy days, making it ideal for beach activities and hiking Mount Liamuiga
- Peak Caribbean trade winds create consistent 15-20 knot breezes, perfect for sailing and windsurfing while keeping humidity comfortable despite 75% levels
- Lowest rainfall of the year at just 75 mm (3.0 inches) means outdoor activities rarely get disrupted, and when rain comes it's usually brief afternoon showers lasting 15-20 minutes
- December marks green sea turtle nesting season on South Friars Beach and North Frigate Bay - you can witness hatchlings making their way to the ocean, especially during early morning hours around 6:30 AM
Considerations
- Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to September-October, with beachfront resorts charging EC$800-1,200 (US$300-450) per night versus EC$500-700 (US$185-260) in shoulder season
- Popular beaches like Frigate Bay and Cockleshell Bay become crowded between 11 AM-3 PM when cruise ships dock (typically 2-3 ships per week in December), making early morning or late afternoon beach time essential
- Trade winds, while cooling, can make snorkeling conditions choppy on the Atlantic side - stick to Caribbean coast beaches like Cockleshell and Major's Bay for calmer waters
Best Activities in December
Mount Liamuiga Crater Hike
December's dry conditions make this 1,156 m (3,793 ft) volcano hike absolutely perfect. The trail is least muddy during this month, and clear skies offer impressive views into the crater lake. Morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) at base rising to 18°C (64°F) at summit create ideal hiking conditions. Trade winds keep you cool on the 6-hour round trip.
St. Kitts Scenic Railway
The sugar plantation railway offers 58 km (36 miles) of Caribbean and Atlantic coastal views. December's clear weather provides exceptional visibility of neighboring islands Antigua, Montserrat, and Saba. The 3.5-hour journey includes both train and bus portions, perfect for December's comfortable temperatures.
Nevis Catamaran and Snorkeling
December's calm Caribbean waters and 30 m (98 ft) visibility make this perfect for underwater exploration around Nevis coral reefs. Trade winds provide excellent sailing conditions, and you'll likely spot hawksbill turtles and southern stingrays. Water temperature stays at 27°C (81°F).
Brimstone Hill Fortress and West Coast Exploration
UNESCO World Heritage fortress offers panoramic views that are clearest in December's dry air. Combine with visits to Romney Manor botanical gardens where December blooms include bougainvillea and royal poinciana trees. Comfortable walking weather with temperatures around 28°C (82°F).
Deep Sea Fishing
December marks peak season for blue marlin, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna due to cooler water currents. Trade winds create ideal offshore conditions, and December typically sees the year's largest catches. Charter boats report 70% hookup rates during this month.
Frigate Bay Golf and Beach Combination
Royal St. Kitts Golf Course offers year-round play, but December's trade winds and lower humidity make 18 holes comfortable even during midday. Course conditions peak in December after rainy season irrigation. Combine with Frigate Bay's dual beaches - Caribbean side for calm swimming, Atlantic for surfing.
December Events & Festivals
St. Kitts Music Festival Preparations
While the main festival occurs in June, December features warm-up concerts and cultural events throughout Basseterre. Local calypso and soca artists perform at various venues, giving visitors authentic musical experiences without festival crowds.
Christmas in the Caribbean Celebrations
Local Christmas traditions include community carol singing, traditional foods like stewed saltfish and johnny cakes, and Boxing Day beach picnics. Many hotels host special Christmas dinners featuring local ingredients and Caribbean holiday music.