Trinidad and Tobago boasts warm tropical temperatures all year, but the true magic happens between January and March. That’s when the islands come alive with Carnival celebrations, the landscape bursts into color, and the climate is simply perfect—plenty of sunshine, minimal rain, and comfortably cool nights.
Come May, though, the dry spell can turn lush green vistas into dusty yellow stretches. The heat builds, and bush fires often dot Trinidad’s hills. By the end of the month, the rainy season kicks in with dramatic downpours that can soak the islands all day long.
The wet season usually lasts through November, but there’s a bright spot in September—the “petit carem.” This brief period brings brilliant sunshine and blue skies, making it a fantastic time to visit. Plus, you’ll enjoy off-season flight prices and fewer crowds at the resorts.
Keep in mind that high season (Dec 15–April 15) means higher rates at many Tobago hotels, and in Trinidad’s Grande Riviere, prices climb during turtle-laying season (March–September). Still, many smaller hotels keep their rates steady year-round. Just be prepared—hotels in Port of Spain double their prices during Carnival week.
Festivals and Vacations in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinbagonians know how to throw a party! Whether it’s a religious event or a public holiday, there’s always something to celebrate. On the thirteen official public vacations, banks and businesses close, beaches fill up, and the air buzzes with concerts, sales, and festivities.
Public holidays in Trinidad and Tobago reflect the nation’s rich cultural mix—Hindu, Muslim, Baptist, Catholic, African, and Indian traditions all get their moment. There’s even ongoing debate about adding Chinese New Year to the list. Everyone agrees there are plenty of days off, but no one’s willing to cut one and risk upsetting a community. Though not an official holiday, Carnival might as well be—the islands shut down for the big Monday and Tuesday before Lent, and things stay quiet through Ash Wednesday.
For the latest events and updates, check out gotrinidadandtobago.com and visittobago.gov.tt.
January
Carnival Season kicks off in Trinidad and Tobago with the first major fête, usually Soca in Moka, early in the month. From then on, the energy builds with calypso tents, steel pan competitions, and non-stop excitement leading up to the main event.
Harvest Festival in Tobago brings feasting and celebrations to Pembroke, Parlatuvier, Spring Yard, and Mount Pleasant.
February
More Harvest Festival fun in Tobago, with parties in Hope, Adelphi, Buccoo, and Bon Accord.
Carnival takes center stage—the country’s biggest festival, packed with street parades, costumes, steel pan, and calypso. Mark your calendars: it usually falls in late February or early March.
March
Tobago’s Harvest Festival continues in Mount Saint George, Mason Hall, and Roxborough.
Phagwah, a vibrant spring festival rooted in Indian tradition, lights up central Trinidad. Though not a public holiday, people of all backgrounds join in the colorful fun.
Goat Races in Tobago are a must-see, held at Mount Pleasant on Easter Monday and Buccoo the next day.
Tobago International Game Fishing Tournament brings anglers to Charlotteville in search of the big catch.
Shouter Baptist Liberation Day on March 30 honors a once-persecuted African-based religion.
Turtle Season begins March 1, with guided viewings of leatherbacks nesting at Grande Riviere, Matura, and Turtle Beach in Tobago.
Easter Weekend in Trinidad means church services, hot cross buns, and the playful “beating of the bobolee”—an effigy of a public figure gets a good thumping. Kite-flying over Port of Spain’s Savannah adds to the festive vibe.
April
Harvest Festival wraps up in Goodwood, Tobago.
La Divina Pastora sees the Black Virgin statue paraded through Siparia, with locals dressed in new outfits and celebrating with food and music.
Point Fortin Borough Day isn’t just a day—it’s a series of events: parties, concerts, beauty pageants, and a lively Jouvert street mas leading into early May.
Pan in the 21st Century brings steel band competition finals to the Jean Pierre Complex in Port of Spain.
Tobago Jazz Experience showcases international and local artists like John Legend, George Benson, and Chaka Khan at venues across the island.
NGC Bocas Lit Fest celebrates Caribbean literature with workshops, readings, film screenings, and the prestigious OCM Bocas Prize.
Looking for more April vacation ideas? Explore our top destination suggestions.
May
Harvest Festival in Tobago continues with celebrations in Whim, Delaford, Belle Yard, and Mason Hall.
Indian Arrival Day on May 30 commemorates the arrival of the first Indian laborers in Trinidad in 1845.
June
Harvest Festival parties move to Lambeau and Bloody Bay in Tobago.
We Beat fills the Amphitheatre on Western Main Road in St. James with music and cultural performances.
June
Fisherman’s Feast (La Divina Pastora) Siparia, mid-June. This extraordinary multi-faith festival honors both the Virgin Mary and the Hindu goddess Kali. Pilgrims flock to the church in Siparia, making it one of Trinidad’s most spiritually powerful gatherings.
Dragon Boat Festival Port of Spain. A spectacular water-based celebration filled with concerts, parties, and non-stop entertainment. The air fills with the sound of steelpan and the energy of the islands.
Corpus Christi June 10. A Catholic public holiday marked by traditional processions in Trinidad’s small villages. While towns may stay quieter, rural areas come alive with faith and festivity.
Labor Day June 19. Celebrating trade unions and the hardworking people of Trinidad and Tobago, this public holiday is especially vibrant in Fyzabad, home to the powerful Oil Workers’ Union.
St Peter’s Day June 29 (or nearest weekend). Fishing communities across the islands honor their patron saint with beachside parties, dancing, and bubbling pots of fish broth. Don’t miss the electrifying all-night beach fete at Man O’ War Bay in Tobago.
July
Harvest Festival Tobago. A true taste of Tobagonian warmth, with feasting and parties lighting up Castara and Black Rock.
Tobago Heritage Festival Late July, island-wide. Step back in time with events like an old-time Tobago wedding, calypso competitions, and traditional sports that preserve the island’s rich cultural roots.
August
Great Fete Tobago. Feel the sand between your toes and the rhythm in your soul with massive beach concerts and parties at Pigeon Point and other stunning island venues.
Harvest Festival Tobago. Speyside comes alive with food, music, and community spirit in this beloved annual celebration.
Emancipation Day August 1. A profound and joyous commemoration of the abolition of slavery in 1834, highlighted by a powerful procession through the streets of Port of Spain.
Great Race Speedboats race from Trinidad to Tobago, braving the treacherous Dragon’s Mouth. The real party happens at Store Bay in Tobago, where crowds cheer the finishers.
Santa Rosa Festival Late August, Arima. Trinidad’s indigenous Amerindian culture shines through music, acrobatics, street feasts, and vibrant processions in this week-long celebration.
Independence Day August 31. Trinidad and Tobago celebrates freedom from British rule in 1962 with national pride, flags, street parties, and the irresistible sounds of soca and dub.
September
Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival A two-week cinematic journey featuring Caribbean gems and international arthouse films. Screenings take place at MovieTowne locations in Port of Spain, Chaguanas, and Tobago.
San Fernando Jazz Festival Late September, San Fernando Hill. Two days of smooth jazz under the stars in one of Trinidad’s most scenic settings.
October
Harvest Festival Tobago. Patience Hill hosts another round of feasting, music, and cultural pride in this month’s harvest celebration.
Steel Pan Jazz Festival Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain. Experience the magical fusion of steelpan and jazz as local virtuosos share the stage with international legends.
Diwali Late October. The Festival of Lights illuminates Trinidad and Tobago. Deya candles glow island-wide, and the National Council of Indian Culture hosts nine days of shows, food, and festivities.
Taste T&T Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain. A food lover’s paradise. Enjoy cooking demos, rum and wine tastings, and live music celebrating Trinidad and Tobago’s culinary creativity.
Blue Food Festival Bloody Bay, Tobago. A delicious tribute to Tobago’s starchy staples like yam and eddoes. Try imaginative dishes—even dasheen ice cream—and embrace true Tobagonian flavor.
November
Hosay A moving Islamic festival with dates shifting annually. The largest gathering takes place in St James, with additional celebrations in Curepe, Tunapuna, Couva, and Cedros.
Harvest Festival Tobago. A final burst of harvest energy sweeps through Plymouth, Les Coteaux, Moriah, and Scarborough with food, music, and community joy.
December
Parang Season October through December. The sound of Spanish-language nativity songs mixed with French patois fills the air. Parang bands perform door-to-door and in local venues, creating an unforgettable holiday atmosphere.
Carnival Calendar
Carnival dates shift each year, taking place on the Monday and Tuesday before Lent. Upcoming celebrations include February 8 & 9 (2016), February 27 & 28 (2017), and beyond. The official tourist board website offers the most current event details. Carnival season unofficially kicks off January 1st.
Opening of Calypso Tents
Calypsonians compete in “tents”—actual venues these days—for a chance at the Calypso Monarch crown. Top spots include Calypso Revue, Kaiso House, and Klassic Russo. Check with the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organization for updates.
Panorama
Steelpan bands battle for the top prize on the Savannah stage. The semi-finals, held two Saturdays before Carnival, are a must-see. Finals take place on Carnival Saturday.
National Chutney Soca Monarch
Trinidad’s best chutney performers compete in this lively and melodic showdown.
Kiddies’ Carnival
Children dazzle in costumes just as elaborate as the adults’. Parades include the Red Cross Children’s Carnival, St James Kiddies’ Carnival, and the Junior Parade of the Bands.
Traditional/Individual Mas
A celebration of traditional Carnival characters like Blue Devils and Dame Lorraine. Parades run from South Quay to Adam Smith Square, with additional events in St James.
International Soca Monarch
“Fantastic Friday” brings the region’s top soca artists to the National Stadium, all vying for the International and Groovy Soca Monarch titles.
Dimanche Gras
The grand finale before Carnival Monday. The King and Queen of Carnival and the Calypso Monarch take the stage at Queen’s Park Savannah in a spectacular display of costume, music, and culture.
Unforgettable Carnival Highlights in Trinidad and Tobago
Experience the vibrant energy and rich traditions of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, a spectacular celebration of music, culture, and creativity. From dazzling costumes to lively street parades, here’s what you can expect during this world-famous festival.
Dimanche Gras
Kick off the Carnival excitement on the Sunday before the main parades at the Queen’s Park Savannah. Talented calypsonians take the stage with theatrical performances of their compositions, while the King and Queen of the Bands showcase breathtaking costumes adorned with sequins, intricate designs, and impressive special effects. It’s a visual feast you won’t want to miss!
Jouvert
Pronounced “joovay” (from the French “Jour Ouvert,” meaning daybreak), Jouvert marks the start of the festivities with a raw, earthy, and energetic celebration known as “dirty mas.” Join an organized band, wear as little as possible (leave your jewelry behind!), and prepare to be covered in mud, paint, chocolate, or oil. It’s a messy, unforgettable experience that captures the true spirit of Carnival.
Carnival Monday Parade of the Bands
From noon until dusk, the streets of Port of Spain come alive with parades. Masqueraders often skip their full costumes on this day, opting instead for creative and skimpy “Monday Wear.” The energy is infectious as revellers dance through the city, setting the stage for the grand finale.
Carnival Tuesday Parade of the Bands
This is the day when the full spectacle unfolds. All costumes are on display as bands parade along the same route as Carnival Monday. If you’re not participating in a band, you can watch the action from the stands at Queen’s Park Savannah (entry fee applies), the bleachers at judging points like South Quay, Victoria Square, Adam Smith Square, or the Socadrome. The parade starts bright and early at 7 a.m., so don’t be late!
Ash Wednesday
After two days of non-stop partying, Ash Wednesday offers a chance to unwind. While the massive cooldown parties at Maracas and Manzanilla have become more low-key in recent years, you can still find gatherings by checking local press or simply following the crowds. Many locals head to Tobago for a peaceful escape.
Public Holidays in Trinidad and Tobago
Carnival Monday, Tuesday, and Ash Wednesday are all public holidays in Trinidad and Tobago. Hindu and Muslim festivals follow lunar and astronomical calculations, so their dates vary. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, it is observed the following Monday. If two holidays coincide, an additional day off is granted.
Jan 1 New Year’s Day
March 30 Shouter Baptist Liberation Day
March/April Good Friday & Easter Monday
May 30 Indian Arrival Day
May/June Corpus Christi
June 19 Labor Day
Aug 1 Emancipation Day
Aug 31 Independence Day
Aug/Sept Eid ul Fitr
Sept 24 Republic Day
Sept/Oct/Nov Divali
Dec 25 Christmas Day
Dec 26 Boxing Day
🌟 The Travaloca Travel Editors Community is a dynamic collective of individuals united by their passion for travel and their dedication to high-quality content creation. This community serves as the driving force behind Travaloca's informative and engaging travel resources. ✨ Core Identity: This group consists primarily of passionate travel enthusiasts who have turned their love for exploration into a commitment to writing and content curation. Members are recognized for their: Extensive Travel Experience: Possessing valuable firsthand knowledge from their journeys worldwide. Aptitude for Writing and Editing: Demonstrating a keen interest and skill in crafting, reviewing, and perfecting travel narratives, guides, tips, and reviews. Dedication to Storytelling: Transforming personal experiences and destination knowledge into accessible, inspiring, and reliable information for a global audience. 📝 Community Focus: The community’s primary role is to contribute, edit, and maintain the diverse range of content on Travaloca's platform. They ensure the information provided is accurate, engaging, and reflective of current travel trends. In essence, the Travaloca Travel Editors Community is where travel passion meets editorial excellence, enriching the user experience and solidifying Travaloca’s standing as a trusted travel resource.
