Things to Do in St. George's in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in St. George's
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - those 10 rainy days in August typically mean brief morning drizzles rather than all-day washouts, giving you maximum flexibility for outdoor activities without the constant weather-watching that defines other months
- Comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring - that 15-23°C (59-73°F) range is genuinely ideal for the island's steep trails and historic fort walks, unlike the sweltering heat of summer months when you'd be drenched in sweat by 9am
- Spice Mas carnival season reaches its peak in mid-August - this is THE cultural event of the year in Grenada, with J'ouvert morning parties, costume parades, and soca competitions that transform the entire island into one massive celebration you simply cannot experience any other month
- Lower accommodation rates compared to winter high season - you're looking at savings of 25-35% on hotels and guesthouses compared to December-March pricing, while still getting excellent weather conditions that make August one of the best value months to visit
Considerations
- Hurricane season is technically active, though August historically sees fewer storms than September-October - worth noting that St. George's has excellent early warning systems and most hotels offer flexible cancellation policies during this period, but you should absolutely purchase travel insurance with weather coverage
- Some restaurants and smaller guesthouses close for annual maintenance during non-carnival weeks - the local hospitality industry uses August's lower tourist numbers to refresh properties, so your favorite spot from online reviews might be temporarily shuttered, though major establishments stay open
- That 70% humidity combines with warm temperatures to create conditions that feel muggy, especially midday - if you're someone who struggles with humid climates, you'll want to plan indoor activities or beach time during the 11am-3pm window when it feels most oppressive
Best Activities in August
Grand Etang National Park hiking trails
August's lower rainfall and comfortable temperatures make this the perfect month for tackling the island's interior rainforest trails. The Seven Sisters Falls hike, about 3.2 km (2 miles) round trip, is significantly more manageable when you're not dealing with muddy conditions or extreme heat. Morning hikes around 7-9am take advantage of cooler temperatures around 18°C (64°F) and clearer skies before afternoon cloud cover rolls in. The national park sits at 530 m (1,740 ft) elevation, so you'll actually feel cooler than at sea level in St. George's.
Fort George and Carenage waterfront exploration
The historic fort and harbor area are genuinely more pleasant to explore in August's moderate temperatures compared to the blazing heat of May-July. That 23°C (73°F) high means you can comfortably walk the fort's ramparts and explore the town's Georgian architecture without feeling like you're melting. The Carenage waterfront comes alive during Carnival season with extra food vendors and impromptu musical performances. Early morning walks around 6-8am offer the best light for photography and fewer crowds.
Grand Anse Beach water sports and swimming
August sits in the sweet spot for Caribbean beach conditions - seas are calmer than the choppy winter months, water temperature hovers around 28°C (82°F), and you get those picture-perfect turquoise conditions without the seaweed accumulation that sometimes hits in summer. The 3.2 km (2 mile) stretch of white sand is never crowded outside of Saturday afternoons when locals descend. That UV index of 8 means you'll burn in about 15-20 minutes without protection, so plan beach time for early morning or after 3pm when sun intensity drops.
Spice plantation tours and chocolate processing visits
August marks the tail end of nutmeg harvesting season, so you'll actually see processing in action rather than just touring empty facilities. The combination of recent rains and warm temperatures means the spice estates smell incredible - that distinctive nutmeg and cinnamon aroma is significantly stronger than during drier months. Tours typically run 2-3 hours and include chocolate making demonstrations using locally grown cocoa. Morning tours around 9-11am avoid the midday humidity peak.
Underwater Sculpture Park snorkeling
August's calm seas and excellent visibility - often reaching 18-24 m (60-80 ft) - make this the ideal month for exploring the Caribbean's first underwater sculpture gallery. Water temperature around 28°C (82°F) means you can comfortably snorkel for 45-60 minutes without a wetsuit. The sculptures sit in just 2-5 m (6-16 ft) of water in Molinere Bay, making them accessible even for nervous swimmers. Marine life is particularly active in August as water temperatures peak.
Saturday morning market and street food exploration
The St. George's Market Square explodes with activity every Saturday from 5am-noon, but August brings special Carnival-season energy with extra vendors selling traditional foods and handmade costumes. This is where locals actually shop, not a tourist market, so you'll find oil down (the national dish), callaloo soup, and fresh nutmeg at genuine local prices. The covered market stays relatively comfortable even as humidity builds - that 70% humidity is most noticeable in direct sun. Arrive before 8am for the full experience before cruise ship crowds arrive around 9:30am.
August Events & Festivals
Grenada Carnival (Spice Mas)
This is the single biggest cultural event in Grenada's calendar, typically running for two weeks culminating on the second Monday and Tuesday of August. J'ouvert kicks off around 4am Monday with paint and mud parties flowing through the streets, followed by the massive costume parade on Tuesday. Soca monarch competitions, calypso shows, and street parties happen throughout the two weeks. Unlike Trinidad's massive Carnival, Spice Mas maintains an intimate, participatory vibe where tourists can actually join mas bands without months of advance planning. The energy is absolutely infectious and transforms normally quiet St. George's into a 24-hour party zone.
Rainbow City Festival
St. George's hosts this week-long cultural celebration in early August featuring local art exhibitions, theater performances, and food festivals throughout the Carenage area. It's significantly smaller than Carnival but offers a more accessible introduction to Grenadian culture without the overwhelming crowds. Evening performances typically run 7-10pm with tickets around EC$20-40 (US$7-15). The festival showcases both traditional and contemporary Grenadian artists and includes several free outdoor events.