Reading SVG Weather Windows for Charter Itineraries

Reading SVG Weather Windows

The Grenadines sit in the Caribbean trade-wind belt. From December to May expect 12–22 knots ENE; June to November is quieter with a higher chance of squalls and the named-storm risk through the hurricane season.

What to plan around

• Northerly swell (Dec–Feb) affects west-coast anchorages — Wallilabou, Cumberland, sometimes Admiralty Bay. Pick south or east-facing alternatives.
• Christmas Winds — a reinforced trade pattern around Christmas/New Year. Plan downwind legs in the morning. Avoid Young Island and Canouan anchorages when very windy from NE.
• Squall lines — common late afternoon in shoulder season. Brief, often heavy. Reef early.
• Calm spells — June–October regularly drops to 8–10 knots. Excellent for water-sports days and exploring underwater.

Guest comfort tips

Plan the Bequia–Mustique–Canouan–Tobago Cays leg with the wind on the quarter where possible. Cross to St Vincent when squalls are less likely as this trip can be very rough. Build in one quiet day inside the reefs so guests aren't under way every day. Consider Chatham Bay or PSV as a great place to hide from any stronger Christmas winds.

We provide daily weather routing for guest yachts cruising our waters — ask the agency desk.

Planning by month

• December to February: strongest trades and northerly swell. Favour east and south-facing anchorages, plan crossings early in the day.
• March to May: the settled heart of the season. Long guest legs are comfortable.
• June to November: lighter winds, more squalls, and the named-storm season. Watch the tropical outlook daily and keep an exit plan.

Daily routine that works

Check the forecast and the tropical outlook at the same time each morning, agree the day's leg with the guests before breakfast, and keep one alternative anchorage in mind. Squalls arrive faster than they look.

Related: Anchoring notes, Hurricane season planning, Ask the agency desk.