Best Times to Visit Tobago This Year
Posted Mar 06, 2023
Whether it’s a lively beach getaway in the West, chasing waterfalls in the countryside, dancing the cocoa for Tobago Heritage, or experiencing international musicians for the Tobago Jazz Festival — the best time to visit Tobago depends entirely on what you want to do when you arrive.
For an island of only 115 square miles, there are an endless amount of activities and festivals offered throughout the year. There is never a bad time to visit Tobago. But if you’re looking to pose under the Poui Trees, or catch the sight of a nesting Leatherback, you’ll want to plan to arrive at the right time not to miss it all.
This is your guide to find the perfect time to visit Tobago.
January, February & March
As the skies clear and we move out of the rainy season, the strongest winds remain that make Tobago the perfect destination for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Catch some air at Petit Trou, in Lambeau, or at Pigeon Point with @Radical Sports Tobago.
February 20th & 21st mark Trinidad and Tobago’s National Carnival, with parties and traditional Carnival festivities starting long before then. Panaroma, Kaiso, Queen Shows & Calypso Competitions, J’ouvert, the Parade of Bands, and more! See the full Carnival calendar of events here.
To sit on the golden sands of Grafton and look on as a leatherback turtle emerges from the water to nest. This experience becomes household from the month of March and onward. Tobago is a turtle-watcher’s paradise, as the Leatherback, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley and Green turtle all nest here. Also, every beach in Tobago is a turtle nesting site so your chances of a turtle sighting are very high.
April, May & June
Poui Season is in full bloom! The Claude Noel Highway is laden with yellow poui trees perfect to pose under. April is a month of excitement, with our traditional Easter festivities kicking off, and the return of the renowned Tobago Jazz Experience.
Mount Pleasant Recreational Ground is the place to be on Easter Monday, April 10th. Maypole, music, flat races, and a taste of the goat racing preps you for Easter Tuesday. Buccoo boasts of being the home for the dedicated goat and crab racing track, Tobago’s unique sport.
The rhythms of the world resonate throughout the island as the Tobago Jazz Experience returns on April 20th to 23rd, our annual music festival with international artists at various scenic locations on the island. This year's headliners are Boyz II Men, Koffee, Everton Blender, Richie Spice and more.
The MTB Madness Mountain Bike festival rings in the month of May with an energetic start. Whether a bystander or a competitor, keep the heart racing with the MTB Madness Mountain Bike festival on May 6th to 7th.
The month of June is dominated by the Tobago Dragonboat Regatta; a full day of festivities and fierce competition at the Pigeon Point Heritage Park. On June 10th, take part in the 17th annual Rainbow Cup International Triathlon at scenic Grafton. Competitors come from all around the region, and as far as the UK, Europe and Australia. With 7 races to choose from, the Rainbow Cup is perfect for seasoned athletes as well as juniors as young as seven years old.
Event dates on the horizon for the International Game Fishing Tournament at Charlotteville, and the Tobago Food, Wine & Spirit Festival are still to be determined.
Summer in Tobago, a.k.a. “JAVA”
The July & August Vacation ("JAVA") continues the fun under the sun from May & June in Tobago. If you are looking for clear days to dive, snorkel or just tan on the beach, this is the perfect time to visit.
The Tobago Heritage Festival’s launch is mid-month, with a heap of events that take you into August. This two-week festival peers into the core of Tobago culture that allows each village to showcase its unique culture. See showcases such as the Ole Time Wedding in Moriah, folklore storytelling, drama, traditional dances and of course the indigenous cuisine.
Carib Great Race keeps the energy high in August with the speedboat race’s finish line ending in Crown Point, Tobago. Store Bay Beach Facilities become the partying ground for the day. In a matter of days, you’ll be able to witness our Independence Day military parade, followed by the nighttime fireworks that mark our country’s 61st Independence.
September to December
Another display of fireworks is at the end of the annual Republic Day celebration in Roxborough on September 24th. The day starts with the Defense Force parade through the village of Roxborough, followed by a Powerboat Regatta. Later in the evening the Cultural Show fills the air with rhythm and vibes, showcasing local acts, traditional dances, and the T&T Prison’s Service Band to ring in the Fireworks Display.
If you are a lover of indie film, the Trinidad and Tobago Film festival (TTFF) returns on September 21st to October 1st. The TTFF celebrates film from the Caribbean and its diaspora with numerous social events and film screenings of an average of 110 films held between the two islands.
September 26th to October 1st marks the date of the annual Tobago International Cycling Classic where hundreds of international road cyclists surely take the scenic route around the island in fierce competition for the titles. October boasts of the annual Blue Food Festival. Cuisine lovers are more than welcome at the Blue Food Festival on October 15th at L’Anse Fourmi; a festival dedicated to all things dasheen – also known as Taro, an indigenous root vegetable – from breads to beverages and more.
Tobago’s second-ever Carnival returns on October! From the 27th to the 29th the island is covered in paint, mud, and powder. The beating of steelpan rhythms, the belting of soca and calypso music through music trucks that dot the street amidst the sea of people. Stay tuned for the full calendar of events on the official website.
The holiday season in Tobago is filled with family fun. Kite-flying on Boxing Day is a staple must-experience for this season after tasting the sorrel, ham, turkey, pastelles, fruit cake and more. Stand under the stars and await fireworks of the New Year at one of our many hotels, or view the annual display over Rockly Bay.