Home › When to Visit › December
St. George's - Things to Do in St. George's in December

Things to Do in St. George's in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

Good time to visit Shoulder Season · Good Value

December Weather in St. George's

Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance

46°F (8°C) High Temp
38°F (4°C) Low Temp
0.1 inches (3 mm) Rainfall
70% Humidity
⚠ Near-freezing temperatures, pack warm layers

Is December Right for You?

Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking

Advantages
  • + Cruise ships thin out after Thanksgiving, so Fort George's colonial alleys feel half-empty and the nutmeg-scented air around the 1750-era spice warehouse belongs to locals again. Walk slowly. Breathe. This is the real town.
  • + Trade-wind pattern shifts mean mornings stay glass-calm. Good for the 8 km (5 mi) paddle out to Flamingo Bay reef. You can hear parrotfish crunch coral before you even put your mask on.
  • + December 13 is Carriacou Parang Festival. String-band music drifts from house to house. Homemade sorrel wine appears in recycled rum bottles. Nobody expects you to know the chorus. Just clap on the off-bbeat.
  • + Room blocks released after yacht-race week (late November) drop rates 25-30 %. The same balcony overlooking the Carenage where captains toasted with rum punch last week now costs less than a mediocre dinner back home.
Considerations
  • − Humidity hovers at 70 % and the UV index punches to 8. Sunburn arrives in 12 minutes, not 20. Shade is scarce on the 1 km (0.6 mi) walk up to Fort Matthew's crumbling ramparts.
  • − Ten days of brief, hard showers arrive without warning. The cobblestones around the market square turn slick as ice. Every taxi suddenly costs extra for 'rain short-hop' even if you're only going 500 m (1,640 ft).
  • − Last-minute Christmas shoppers from the diaspora pack Saturday-morning ferries from Trinidad. If you're day-tripping to Carriacou, book the 6:30 AM sailing. Or stand for two hours in a queue that smells of diesel and hair conditioner.

Explore Other Months

Find the best time for your trip

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
View Year-Round Climate Guide →
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Best Activities in December

Top things to do during your visit

December in St. George's has a crisp edge. Daytime warmth gives way to cool evenings. You will need a sweater. The air carries charcoal smoke from roadside grills and the sweet, spiced scent of holiday sorrel brewing. This is when the island's rhythm shifts. Grenada Sailing Week ends, sending crews into the Carenage bars. The clink of rum punch glasses meets the metallic ring of live steel-pan music over the water. Over in Carriacou, the wandering string bands of the Parang Festival fill the night with Afro-French carols. This sound is as integral to December as the taste of coconut drops from welcoming hosts. The light is sharp and clear. It illuminates the red-tiled roofs climbing St. George's hillside and the deep blue harbour with its bobbing fishing boats.

Private Guided Grenada Island Tour "BY THE HOUR"

Private Guided Grenada Island Tour "BY THE HOUR"

 private_tour
★ 5.0 121 reviews from $40

A private guided tour of Grenada by the hour lets you set the pace. Turn a morning into a curated discovery. Your driver-guide might point out nutmeg-drying trays catching the December sun. They could detour to a cliffside where Atlantic spray cools your face. You will hear the stories behind the pastel warehouses lining the Carenage in St. George's.

2 hours minimum, often extending to 4. Moderate. Morning, to avoid afternoon sun glare.
This format offers ultimate flexibility. It is good for travelers who prefer spontaneous, deep examinations of specific corners over a fixed plan.
Insider tip: Book the first hour for a focused introduction to St. George's. Use your guide's knowledge to navigate the steep, winding streets and find the best harbour views.
Book now on Viator →
Seven Sisters Falls Hike / Annandale Falls / Grand Etang National Park & Lake

Seven Sisters Falls Hike / Annandale Falls / Grand Etang National Park & Lake

 adventure
★ 4.9 112 reviews from $130

This hike connects the cool, misty rainforest of Grand Etang with the thunderous plunge of its waterfalls. You will feel the spongy trail underfoot. You will hear tree frogs and taste the clean, moist air. It ends at Seven Sisters Falls, where you can stand in the pool feeling the spray. The tour typically includes Annandale Falls. Its cascade is framed by thick ferns, offering a more accessible taste of the lush interior.

Half day. Expensive. Early morning, when the forest is most alive with sound and light filters through the canopy.
It delivers the classic Grenadian rainforest experience. This combines physical immersion with impressive natural landmarks.
Insider tip: Wear shoes with aggressive tread that you do not mind getting soaked and muddy. The trails are slippery, even in December's drier spells.
Book now on Viator →
Private Full-day Tour in Grenada with Pickup

Private Full-day Tour in Grenada with Pickup

 day_trip
★ 5.0 62 reviews from $195

A private full-day tour with pickup allows for a complete, unhurried circuit of Grenada. It is crafted entirely to your interests. You might spend an hour smelling the earthy, pungent aroma of a cocoa fermentary. Later, feel the cool breeze at a northern beach, listening to sea grape leaves rustle. The day develops at your command. Your guide provides continuous context on everything from colonial history in St. George's to modern fishing techniques.

Full day. Expensive. An early start makes the most of daylight.
It is the most thorough and personalized way to understand the island's varied geography, culture, and history in one day.
Insider tip: Communicate your priorities clearly at the start. If you prefer more time at a rum distillery over an extended beach stop, your guide can tailor the route.
Book now on Viator →
Grand Tours Grenada Call the Boss Taxi Luxurious Island Tour

Grand Tours Grenada Call the Boss Taxi Luxurious Island Tour

 transport
★ 5.0 47 reviews from $120

Call the Boss Taxi has a luxurious island tour. Travel between sights becomes part of the pleasure in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. You will see the island through large windows. See the colorful fishing boats in Gouyave and the emerald expanse of Grand Etang Lake. You will hear your driver's curated commentary and stories. The service emphasizes convenience and a premium, relaxed experience.

Full day. Expensive. Mid-morning start.
For travelers who prioritize comfort, easy logistics, and a stress-free overview of Grenada's highlights, this service is ideal.
Insider tip: Ask your driver to include a brief stop at a local bakery. Taste a warm, buttery slice of nutmeg cake, a specialty that embodies the island's spice heritage.
Book now on Viator →
Full-Day Tour: Belmont Estate, Rum Distillery, Grand Etang

Full-Day Tour: Belmont Estate, Rum Distillery, Grand Etang

 food
★ 4.9 37 reviews from $120

This full-day tour is a journey for the senses. It connects you to Grenada's agricultural and culinary soul. At Belmont Estate, you will see the centuries-old process of turning cocoa beans into chocolate. You will smell their rich, fermented scent. Later, a distillery tour surrounds you with the sweet, molasses-heavy air of rum production. It ends with a tasting of complex, aged varieties. The contrasting calm of Grand Etang Lake provides a visual respite. Its still, green water is ringed by misty peaks.

Full day. Expensive. Morning departure.
It expertly combines historic plantation culture with the island's most famous modern exports: chocolate and rum.
Insider tip: Pace yourself during the rum tasting. The samples, while small, are potent. You will want a clear palate for the chocolate demonstration later.
Book now on Viator →
Half-Day Grenada Tour With Easy

Half-Day Grenada Tour With Easy

 guided_experience
★ 5.0 36 reviews from $125

A half-day Grenada tour provides a condensed but rich sampler of the island's character. It is good for cruise visitors or those with limited time. You will get a sweeping view of St. George's from the heights of Fort Frederick. You will feel the cool stone of the fortifications and hear the history of the island's turbulent past. The tour typically includes a drive through the lush interior. It offers glimpses of spice trees and local life before returning you to your start.

Half day. Expensive. Either morning or early afternoon.
It delivers maximum scenic and cultural impact within a short, efficient timeframe.
Insider tip: Request a stop at the Sendall Tunnel in St. George's. Walk through the narrow, dimly lit passage built in the 18th century. This is a quick but memorable immersion into the town's historic infrastructure.
Book now on Viator →

December Events & Festivals

What's happening during your visit

Mid December
Carriacou Parang Festival

String bands wander house-to-house playing Afro-French Christmas carols. Hosts offer sorrel wine and coconut drops. Visitors welcome. Just clap along and leave EC$20 in the guitar case.

Early December
Grenada Sailing Week After-Party

Yacht crews spill into the Carenage bars after racing ends. Live steel-pan sets up on the wharf and rum punch flows until the harbour lights blur. Even land-lubbers get invited if they bring a smile and tolerance for sea stories.

Packing Checklist

Bookmark this page — your progress is saved between visits

Need the full list with shopping links?

Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.

View St. George's Packing List →

Essential Tips

Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid

Insider Knowledge
Saturday-morning market on the Carenage ends by 10 AM. Arrive at 7 AM to see tuna being filleted while nutmeg vendors still set out burlap sacks. After 9 AM only souvenir spice baskets remain. If a taxi driver quotes in US dollars, he's aiming at cruise traffic. Insist on Eastern Caribbean dollars and the fare drops roughly 20 %. Or walk 200 m (656 ft) up the hill to the bus depot and pay local rates. The Sendall Tunnel closes to vehicles after 6 PM; pedestrians can still walk through and you'll catch the echo of late-night domino games drifting from upstairs windows above the shops. Step inside after dark. The tunnel breathes cool air. Domino chips clack overhead. You feel the city's pulse without traffic. River Antoine's 'John Crow' rum is only sold at the distillery gate - buy the unlabelled bottle, not the prettily-wrapped version; it's the same spirit minus the gift-box markup. Skip the ribbon. Pocket the change. The rum burns anyway. Taste beats packaging every time. December pirogues (fishing canoes) land at Gouyave on Friday afternoon. Follow the smell of woodsmoke to beach shacks where kingfish steaks grill over coals and cost half of restaurant prices. Trace the smoke. Sand sticks to your sandals. Cheaper, fresher, better. Eat with your fingers.
Avoid These Mistakes
Waiting until 10 AM to head underwater - the trade wind switch turns glassy seas choppy by 10:30 and viz drops from 15 m (49 ft) to 5 m (16 ft). Set your alarm. Beat the switch. Clear water waits early. After that, it's murk and bounce. Assuming 'island time' applies to inter-island ferries. The Osprey leaves St George's at exactly scheduled time and will cast off while you're still paying for your juice at the kiosk. The clock rules here. Juice in hand or not. They go. You swim. Booking a rental car without requesting a local driving permit in advance - police set up roadblocks on the 11 km (6.8 mi) coast road and fines start at EC$500 if you can't produce the paper slip. Order the permit first. Roadblocks love tourists without it. EC$500 stings.
Explore More Activities in St. George's

Didn't see anything interesting yet?

Browse Viator's full catalog of tours, day trips, food experiences, and private guides in St. George's.

See All St. George's Tours on Viator

Continue Planning Your Trip

November

Travel guide for November

January

Travel guide for January

Where to Stay in December

Accommodation guide for St. George's in December

Climate Guide in December

Weather and seasonal patterns for St. George's in December

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Weather Like in St. George's Bay in December?

December marks the beginning of Grenada's dry season, making the harbour and bay area of St. George's genuinely 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 — ideal 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.

What Is St. George's, Grenada Like Weather-wise in December?

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, particularly from the 15th onward as Christmas visitors arrive.

What Are the Best Things to Do in St. George's in December?

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.

Is December a Good Time to Visit St. George's, Grenada?

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.

What Events and Festivals Happen in St. George's in December?

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.

How Crowded Is St. George's in December?

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.

What Should I Pack for St. George's in December?

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.

How Expensive Is St. George's in December?

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.

Can You Swim and Snorkel in St. George's in December?

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.