Port of Spain in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Port of Spain

32°C (89°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

229 mm (9.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak season for leatherback turtle nesting at Matura Beach - July is the absolute best month to witness these giants laying eggs between 9pm-2am, with guided tours typically costing TT$180-250
Mango season reaches its peak in July with over 30 varieties available at local markets - Julie, Doux Doux, and Ceylon mangoes are at their sweetest, selling for TT$5-12 per dozen
Lowest accommodation rates of the year due to being between Carnival and tourist high season - hotel prices drop 30-40% compared to February, with quality rooms available for TT$400-600 per night
Perfect weather window for hiking the Northern Range - morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) and lower humidity before 10am make this the ideal month for tackling Cerro del Aripo trail to Trinidad's highest peak at 940m (3,084 ft)

Considerations

Rainy season brings intense afternoon downpours lasting 45-90 minutes on 10 days of the month, typically between 2pm-5pm, which can flood Port of Spain's downtown streets within 30 minutes
High humidity at 70% makes outdoor activities feel significantly hotter than the actual temperature - expect to feel like 35°C (95°F) during midday hours
Some popular attractions like Maracas Bay can become overcrowded on weekends as locals escape the city heat, with parking filling up by 11am and beach vendors running out of popular items like bake and shark by 3pm

Best Activities in July

Leatherback Turtle Watching at Matura Beach

July is peak nesting season for leatherback turtles, the world's largest marine reptiles. These 680kg (1,500 lb) giants come ashore between 9pm-2am, offering an unforgettable wildlife experience. The cooler evening temperatures and less crowded beaches make July optimal for this once-in-a-lifetime encounter. Tours include transportation, guides, and red flashlights to avoid disturbing the turtles.

Booking Tip: Book turtle watching tours 14-21 days ahead through Nature Seekers or certified eco-tour operators. Tours typically cost TT$180-250 per person and include pickup from Port of Spain. Choose moonless nights for best sightings. See current tour availability in the booking section below.

Northern Range Rainforest Hiking

July's morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) and reduced rainfall make it ideal for tackling Trinidad's mountain trails. The Asa Wright Nature Centre trails offer 12km (7.5 miles) of marked paths through primary rainforest where you'll spot trogons, manakins, and over 159 bird species. Start by 7am to avoid afternoon heat and potential showers.

Booking Tip: Independent hiking is possible, but guided nature walks (TT$120-180) provide expert bird identification and safety. Book through certified nature centers 7-10 days ahead. Bring 2 liters (68 oz) of water and expect 3-5 hour excursions. Current guided options available in booking section below.

Tobago Day Trips and Snorkeling

July's calm seas and excellent underwater visibility (15-20m or 50-65 ft) make it perfect for exploring Tobago's coral reefs. Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool offer pristine snorkeling with sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish. The 20-minute flight from Port of Spain costs TT$400-600 return, while ferry takes 2.5 hours but offers scenic views.

Booking Tip: Day trips to Tobago typically cost TT$800-1,200 including flights, transfers, and reef tours. Book flights 10-14 days ahead for best prices. Snorkeling equipment rental costs TT$50-80. Glass-bottom boat tours available for non-swimmers. See current Tobago packages in booking section below.

Port of Spain Food and Market Tours

July's mango season transforms local markets into tropical fruit great destinations. Downtown Port of Spain's this destination buzzes with vendors selling 30+ mango varieties, fresh coconut water (TT$5-8), and traditional doubles. Early morning tours (7am-10am) avoid peak heat and catch vendors at their freshest. Experience authentic Trinidadian breakfast culture and learn about local spices.

Booking Tip: Food walking tours cost TT$150-250 per person and last 3-4 hours. Book through local cultural guides 5-7 days ahead. Tours include tastings, market visits, and historical context. Start early to beat crowds and heat. Current food tour options in booking section below.

Caroni Bird Sanctuary Boat Tours

July's late dry season provides optimal conditions for spotting Trinidad's national bird, the Scarlet Ibis. Evening boat tours through 15,000-acre mangrove swamps offer incredible bird watching as thousands of ibis return to roost at sunset. The spectacle peaks between 5:30pm-6:30pm when birds create a crimson cloud against the sky.

Booking Tip: Sunset boat tours cost TT$180-280 per person and last 2.5 hours. Book 7-10 days ahead as tours are limited to preserve the ecosystem. Bring insect repellent and cameras with good zoom. Tours depart from Belgium jetty, 45 minutes south of Port of Spain. See current availability in booking section below.

Historical Walking Tours of Port of Spain

July's morning coolness makes it ideal for exploring Port of Spain's colonial architecture and busy neighborhoods. Walk through the Magnificent Seven mansions, this destination (2.2km or 1.4 miles perimeter), and downtown's historic buildings. The National Museum and this destination parliament building offer air-conditioned respites during midday heat.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is free, but guided cultural tours (TT$100-180) provide historical context and access to private buildings. Start by 8am to complete before afternoon heat. Allow 4-5 hours for complete tours. Wear comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets. Current guided options in booking section below.

July Events & Festivals

Mid to Late July

Tobago Heritage Festival

Two-week celebration of Tobago's cultural heritage featuring traditional drumming, folk dancing, storytelling, and authentic cuisine. Village-based events showcase different aspects of local culture, from cocoa processing demonstrations to traditional wedding ceremonies. Free admission to most events with paid performances ranging TT$50-150.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - afternoon showers in July are intense but brief, lasting 45-90 minutes with little warning

Moisture-wicking shirts in light colors - avoid dark polyester in 70% humidity, choose cotton or linen blends that dry quickly

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 and tropical sun burns skin within 15 minutes, even on cloudy days

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - essential for boat tours, beach visits, and unexpected downpours that can damage electronics

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Port of Spain's streets become slippery when wet, avoid smooth-soled shoes

Insect repellent with DEET 20%+ - mosquitoes are active during evening turtle tours and rainforest hikes

Quick-dry shorts and swimwear - perfect for transitioning between beach activities and city exploration

Light long-sleeve shirt for evenings - protects against insects during turtle watching and provides comfort in air-conditioned restaurants

Reusable water bottle (2 liter/68 oz capacity) - staying hydrated is crucial in high humidity, and reduces plastic waste

Waterproof hiking boots if planning Northern Range trails - paths become muddy after rain and good ankle support prevents injuries on 940m (3,084 ft) elevation hikes

Insider Knowledge

Local vendors at this destination speak fluent English but appreciate basic Trinidadian phrases like 'wha happening' (hello) and 'lime' (hang out socially) - prices often drop when tourists show cultural interest

Maxi taxis (shared vans) are the cheapest transport around Port of Spain at TT$4-6 per ride, but learn the route system - green band serves eastern areas, yellow serves central, and red serves southern suburbs

Book turtle watching tours directly with Nature Seekers community group rather than hotel concierges - you'll pay 30% less (TT$180 vs TT$250) and support local conservation efforts directly

The best doubles (traditional breakfast sandwich) in Port of Spain are found before 9am at roadside vendors near Accra - after 10am, vendors often run out and quality decreases as oil gets overused

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities between 2pm-5pm when afternoon thunderstorms typically hit - schedule indoor activities like museums or shopping during these hours instead

Wearing all cotton clothing which takes hours to dry in 70% humidity - pack moisture-wicking synthetic blends that dry within 30 minutes

Booking turtle tours during full moon periods when visibility is poor and turtles are less likely to come ashore - new moon periods offer optimal viewing conditions