Travel to Trinidad and Tobago — everything you need to know
When to go to Trinidad and Tobago?
- Jan – May — Dry season : Ideal period: dry weather, Carnival (Feb/Mar), calm seas, best diving conditions in Tobago
- Jun – Dec — Wet season : Frequent but short rain showers, lush vegetation, fewer tourists. Trinidad and Tobago is generally spared from hurricanes.
Weather in Trinidad and Tobago
Check the weather city by city, starting with Port of Spain.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 31 to 33 °C depending on the season, 150 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Trinidad and Tobago?
Trinidad and Tobago is a twin Caribbean gem sitting just south of the hurricane belt, combining Trinidad's cultural vibrancy — birthplace of Carnival and the steelpan — with Tobago's natural serenity and unspoiled coral reefs. Trinidad is a mosaic of African, Indian, Chinese and European cultures, reflected in its unique cuisine and legendary festivities. Tobago, quieter, offers pristine beaches, sea turtles and some of the best-preserved primary forests in the Caribbean.
Port of Spain & Carnival
Port of Spain comes alive every year for Trinidad Carnival, one of the largest and most colourful in the world, celebrated two days before Ash Wednesday. The city is also the birthplace of the steelpan, the national instrument invented in the 1930s, which can be heard at Sunday evening panorama competitions. Queen's Park Savannah, the Botanical Garden and downtown's lively markets round out a visit to this cosmopolitan capital.
Highlights : Trinidad Carnival — world-famous street festival (Feb/Mar), Queen's Park Savannah — central park and colonial architecture, Chaguanas Market — Indo-Trinidadian shopping hub.
Asa Wright Nature Centre
The Asa Wright Nature Centre is one of the most renowned bird sanctuaries in the Caribbean, tucked into the wooded foothills of northern Trinidad. Over 400 bird species have been recorded in the reserve, including the rare oilbird (cave bird), visible in its unique cave with controlled access. The lodge's terrace offers close-up views of hummingbirds, tanagers and manakins just a few metres away.
Highlights : Viewing terrace — hummingbirds and tanagers within arm's reach, Oilbird cave — rare nocturnal birds, Forest trails — exceptional tropical biodiversity, Maracas Bay — popular beach 30 min from Port of Spain.
Tobago — Speyside & Coral Gardens
Speyside, a fishing village nestled in a bay on Tobago's east coast, is the island's diving capital, home to some of the best-preserved coral reefs in the Caribbean. Little Tobago, an islet reachable by boat, is a protected bird sanctuary where frigatebirds and masked boobies nest. The Blue Waters Inn and the secluded beaches nearby offer a paradise setting far from the crowds.
Highlights : Speyside — diving on pristine coral reefs, Little Tobago — bird sanctuary island, Leatherback turtle nesting — Grande Rivière (June–August), Buccoo Reef & Nylon Pool — reef accessible by glass-bottom boat.
Crown Point & Pigeon Point
Crown Point, Tobago's gateway, is home to the island's most famous beaches, including Pigeon Point with its iconic thatched-roof jetty stretching over shallow turquoise waters. The area is ideal for beginner snorkellers and kayakers, as well as the island's laid-back nightlife. Nearby Store Bay is known for its curried crab and dumplings vendors, Tobago's signature dish.
Highlights : Pigeon Point Heritage Park — iconic beach with turquoise waters, Kayaking and snorkelling — shallow reefs suitable for everyone, Fort Milford — colonial fortification with panoramic views.
Travel budget for Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is one of the most prosperous countries in the Caribbean thanks to its oil, which is reflected in prices slightly higher than its neighbours. Tobago is generally more expensive than Trinidad for beachfront accommodation.
- Backpacker : 55–80 €/j — Guesthouse, street food, maxi-taxis, inter-island ferry
- Comfort : 110–200 €/j — Beach hotel, varied restaurants, rental car
Practical tips for travelling to Trinidad and Tobago
- Flight from Paris : 10–13h with a stopover (London, Amsterdam, Miami or Fort-de-France)
- Visa : No visa required for French citizens (stay ≤ 90 days)
- Currency : TT Dollar (TTD) — cards accepted in hotels and major restaurants
- Language : English (official) — Trinidadian Creole understood in informal settings
- Electricity : Type A/B (115V, 60Hz) — adapter needed for Europeans
- Health : Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines recommended. Dengue risk — mosquito protection essential.
- Hurricanes : Trinidad and Tobago generally lies south of the hurricane belt — low but non-zero risk
- Carnival : Trinidad Carnival in February/March — book accommodation several months in advance
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