Things to Do in St. George's in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in St. George's
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season reliability - December sits right in St. George's driest period with only 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) of rain spread across maybe 10 days. You'll get brief afternoon showers that clear quickly rather than day-long washouts, which means you can actually plan outdoor activities with confidence.
- Comfortable temperatures for exploration - That 4°C to 9°C (39°F to 48°F) range is actually perfect for walking tours and hiking. You won't be dealing with the oppressive heat of other Caribbean destinations in December, and the 70% humidity feels manageable rather than suffocating when you're climbing Fort George or wandering the Carenage.
- Strong UV without the scorching heat - The UV index of 8 means excellent beach and water conditions. The sun is intense enough for proper Caribbean tanning and brilliant snorkeling visibility, but the air temperature keeps you from overheating during midday activities. Locals actually prefer December for outdoor work because of this balance.
- Pre-Christmas energy without peak chaos - You'll catch the buildup to holiday festivities with decorations going up around the Carenage and early seasonal events, but you're ahead of the late December tourist surge. Accommodation prices are typically 15-20% lower than the Christmas week rush, and popular spots like Grand Anse Beach feel pleasantly busy rather than packed.
Considerations
- That 70% humidity is persistent - Even with cooler temperatures, St. George's maintains tropical humidity levels that make cotton clothing stick to your back after 20 minutes of walking. The variable conditions mean some days feel fresh and breezy, others feel thick and heavy. Your hair will do unpredictable things, and leather shoes tend to develop mildew if you're staying more than a week.
- UV index of 8 requires constant vigilance - This isn't casual sun exposure. You'll burn in under 30 minutes without protection, and the reflection off white sand beaches and harbor water intensifies it. Locals stay covered or in shade during 11am-3pm for good reason. Tourists consistently underestimate this and end up lobster-red by day two, which ruins the rest of their trip.
- Variable conditions mean unpredictable planning - That weather descriptor is actually code for 'we're not entirely sure what you'll get day-to-day.' December sits in a transition period where you might wake up to brilliant sunshine or unexpected cloud cover. The 10 rainy days are scattered randomly rather than following a pattern, so that boat tour you booked three days out could face choppy seas or perfect conditions. It's the trade-off for visiting during shoulder season.
Best Activities in December
Grand Anse Beach water activities
December's calm seas and strong UV make this the ideal month for the full range of beach activities at Grand Anse. The water temperature hovers around 27°C (81°F), and visibility for snorkeling reaches 15-20 m (50-65 ft) on good days. The 4 km (2.5 mile) stretch of white sand is busy but not overwhelming in early December. That variable weather actually works in your favor here - cloudy days mean fewer sunburn risks while swimming, and the occasional brief shower clears the beach temporarily so you can claim better spots. Water sports operators set up along the southern end, and the gentle waves make it perfect for first-time paddleboarding or kayaking.
Fort George and historical site tours
The 4°C to 9°C (39°F to 48°F) temperature range makes December perfect for the uphill climb to Fort George, which sits 135 m (443 ft) above the harbor. In hotter months this 20-minute walk becomes genuinely uncomfortable, but December mornings are ideal. The fort itself offers 360-degree views of St. George's harbor and the southern coastline. That 70% humidity means you'll still work up a sweat, but the variable conditions often bring cooling breezes at elevation. The historical tunnel network stays naturally cool year-round. December also sees fewer cruise ship visitors in the first two weeks, so you'll actually have space to photograph the old cannons and fortifications without crowds.
Underwater Sculpture Park diving and snorkeling
December's 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) rainfall and calm seas create optimal conditions for visiting the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park just north of St. George's. Water visibility peaks at 18-25 m (60-80 ft) during the dry season, and the sculptures at 3-8 m (10-26 ft) depth are easily accessible to snorkelers. The UV index of 8 means brilliant light penetration underwater, making the coral-encrusted sculptures look spectacular in photographs. That variable weather occasionally brings dramatic cloud formations that create interesting lighting effects underwater. The site sees moderate traffic in December but nothing like the January-March peak. Water temperature of 27°C (81°F) means you'll be comfortable in just a rashguard or thin wetsuit.
Grand Etang rainforest hiking
The 4°C to 9°C (39°F to 48°F) temperatures make December surprisingly pleasant for interior rainforest hikes, though it's worth noting the rainforest microclimate runs several degrees warmer and considerably more humid than coastal St. George's. Grand Etang National Park sits at 530 m (1,740 ft) elevation, and the crater lake trail offers a relatively easy 1.5 km (0.9 mile) loop. December's minimal rainfall means trails are less muddy than wet season months, though that 70% humidity keeps everything perpetually damp. The variable conditions create dramatic mist effects over the crater lake in early mornings. Mona monkeys are active year-round but particularly visible in December when fruiting trees attract them near trails.
St. George's Market Square and spice market exploration
December brings the tail end of nutmeg and mace harvest season, making the Saturday morning market at Market Square particularly vibrant. The 4°C to 9°C (39°F to 48°F) mornings are comfortable for wandering the covered stalls, though the humidity intensifies with crowd density and cooking heat from food vendors. You'll find fresh nutmeg, cinnamon bark, bay leaves, and turmeric at prices locals actually pay - typically EC$5-15 (US$2-6) for substantial quantities. December also sees seasonal produce like golden apples and soursop. The variable weather means occasional light drizzle, but the market operates under permanent roof coverage. Vendors are more relaxed and chatty in December compared to peak tourist months.
Carenage harbor sunset sailing
December's dry season brings reliably clear evening skies and steady trade winds perfect for sunset sailing around St. George's horseshoe-shaped harbor. The variable daytime conditions typically settle into beautiful evenings with that 70% humidity creating dramatic color displays as the sun drops behind the western hills. Water remains calm in the protected harbor, making it ideal for first-time sailors or those prone to seasickness. The UV index drops quickly after 5pm, so you'll get the golden hour light without intense sun exposure. December sunsets occur around 5:45pm, and the temperature drops to a genuinely pleasant 6-7°C (43-45°F) on the water with the breeze.
December Events & Festivals
Carriacou Parang Festival
This traditional Christmas music festival happens on Carriacou island, a 90-minute ferry ride from St. George's. Parang music blends Spanish, French, and African influences with Christmas themes, performed by competing string bands. The festival atmosphere is genuinely local rather than tourist-oriented, with food stalls serving traditional dishes and locals dancing in the streets. Worth the day trip if you're interested in authentic Caribbean Christmas culture rather than resort entertainment.
Christmas lights and decorations around the Carenage
While not a formal event, the waterfront Carenage area transforms throughout December with elaborate light displays and decorations on the historic buildings. Local businesses compete for best displays, and evening walks along the harbor become particularly atmospheric. The reflection of lights on the water creates photo opportunities that don't exist other months. Street vendors set up selling seasonal treats like sorrel drink and black cake.