Things to Do in St. George's in December

December marks the beginning of Grenada's dry season, making the harbour and bay area of St. George's pleasant. Expect daytime highs around 28–29°C (83–84°F), overnight lows around 23°C (74°F), and sea temperatures hovering at a warm 27°C — good for swimming right off the Carenage or down at Grand Anse Beach. Rainfall drops sharply from the October–November peak; you'll still get the odd afternoon shower, but nothing that will derail a day out on the water.

December is widely regarded as one of the best months to be in St. George's: the hurricane season officially closes on 30 November, the trade winds return, and the island dries out noticeably compared to October. You'll get around 8–9 hours of sunshine a day, low humidity by Caribbean standards, and very little risk of prolonged rain. The main caveat is that this is also when high-season pricing kicks in, from the 15th onward as Christmas visitors arrive.

Grand Anse Beach (a short taxi ride from the capital) is at its most enjoyable in December's calm, dry weather — snorkelling, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat trips all run daily. In town, Fort George rewards a short climb with sweeping views over the harbour, while the Carenage waterfront fills with atmospheric Christmas decorations and impromptu carolling sessions in the evenings. December is also an excellent month to book a day trip to Belmont Estate in St. Patrick to see how Grenada's prized nutmeg and chocolate are produced, as tours run reliably throughout the dry season.

Yes — for weather, December is as good as it gets. The combination of reliable sunshine, lower humidity, and warm seas makes it objectively the most comfortable time of year to explore the island. The trade-off is cost: hotels and guesthouses typically charge 20–40% more than low-season rates, and popular dive operators and boat charters can book out around Christmas and New Year. If you're flexible, the first two weeks of December offer high-season weather before the full rush of holiday visitors descends.

Grenada takes Christmas seriously, and St. George's is the centre of it. Look out for parol-making — traditional lantern displays hung outside homes and businesses from early December — and community carolling on the Carenage, which tends to happen on weekend evenings in the lead-up to Christmas. Midnight Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Christmas Eve is a genuine local tradition worth attending. New Year's Eve brings fireworks over the harbour; check locally nearer the date for organised events at the Esplanade and nearby resorts.

St. George's is noticeably busier in December than in the low season, but Grenada has never attracted the industrial-scale cruise tourism of Barbados or St. Maarten — so crowds stay manageable. Cruise ships do call at the terminal just north of the Carenage, and on days when two or three ships dock simultaneously the market and Fort George can feel congested between roughly 9 am and 3 pm. The last week of December through New Year is the peak within the peak; if you're visiting then, book accommodation and any guided tours well in advance.

Lightweight, breathable clothing is the core of any December packing list — linen or cotton for daytime, with one layer (a light cardigan or long-sleeved shirt) for air-conditioned restaurants and the occasional cool evening. Reef-safe sunscreen is essential; the December sun is still intense. Bring sturdy walking sandals for the cobbled streets around the Carenage and Fort George, and a compact umbrella or rain shell for the brief afternoon showers that pass through even in the dry season. Snorkel gear is worth bringing if you plan to explore the Underwater Sculpture Park, though rental is available locally.

December is high season, and prices reflect it. Budget guesthouses in and around St. George's typically run USD 80–120 per night, mid-range hotels USD 150–250, and waterfront or resort properties USD 300 and upward — all roughly 25–40% higher than you'd pay in September or October. Eating out is more affordable than you might expect: a proper lunch at a local rum shop or market stall costs USD 8–15, and even sit-down restaurants on the Carenage stay reasonable by Caribbean standards. Confirm rates for tours and water sports directly with operators, as December pricing can vary significantly.

Absolutely — December is one of the best months for it. Sea temperatures sit around 27°C (81°F), visibility is typically excellent after the lower-rainfall period, and wave action is calmer than during the wetter months. Grand Anse and Morne Rouge beaches, both within a short drive of St. George's, are the go-to spots for a straightforward swim. For snorkelling with a purpose, book a boat trip to the Moliniere-Beauséjour Marine Protected Area, home to Jason deCaires Taylor's famous Underwater Sculpture Park — most operators run morning and afternoon sessions throughout December.