Things to Do in St. George's in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in St. George's
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season perfection - February sits right in the sweet spot with minimal rainfall (just 2.5 mm or 0.1 inches total) and those brief showers that do come tend to clear within 20-30 minutes, usually in late afternoon. You'll actually get more consistent sunshine now than any other time of year.
- Cruise ship season peaks - The harbor comes alive with 3-4 ships weekly, which means shore excursion operators run their best tours with guaranteed departures. If you're looking to join group activities to Grand Anse or the spice estates, you'll have plenty of options without needing to book private tours.
- Carnival energy without the chaos - While the main Carnival happens in August, February brings J'ouvert and Panorama steel pan competitions as warm-ups. You get the music, the street parties, and the local vibe without the overwhelming crowds or the need to book accommodations a year ahead.
- Perfect hiking conditions - Those 9°C (48°F) highs might sound warm, but at higher elevations like Grand Etang (545 m or 1,788 ft), you'll find cooler temps ideal for the Seven Sisters Falls trail or Mt. Qua Qua. The trails are dry, leeches are minimal, and visibility from the ridges actually extends to the Grenadines on clear mornings.
Considerations
- Surprisingly cool evenings - That 3°C (37°F) low is no joke, especially with 70% humidity that makes it feel damper than the number suggests. Locals break out sweaters after sunset, and waterfront dining can get genuinely chilly if you're used to tropical heat. Most accommodations don't have heating.
- Limited beach swimming comfort - The water temperature drops to around 26°C (79°F) in February, and combined with occasional northeast winds, it's actually the coolest sea temps of the year. Grand Anse and Morne Rouge are swimmable, but you won't get those bathwater conditions you might expect in the Caribbean.
- Variable weather means unpredictable planning - Those 10 rainy days spread across the month create uncertainty. You might get three perfect days followed by two overcast ones. Island tours to Carriacou can get cancelled with rough seas, and that UV index of 8 means you're getting burned even on cloudy days when you least expect it.
Best Activities in February
Grand Etang National Park Rainforest Hiking
February offers the driest trails you'll find all year for tackling the interior rainforest. The Seven Sisters Falls trail (6.4 km or 4 miles round trip) is actually manageable without the mudslides that plague it during wetter months. Start by 7am to finish before midday heat, and you'll encounter mona monkeys and armadillos more active in the cooler morning temps. The crater lake sits at 530 m (1,740 ft) elevation where it's genuinely refreshing rather than hot. Most guided hikes run 4-5 hours and typically cost EC$150-200 per person (US$55-75) through hotel concierges or local guide associations.
Spice Estate Tours and Nutmeg Processing
February hits during nutmeg harvest season, so you'll see actual processing rather than just touring empty facilities. The estates around Gouyave and Sauteurs are working operations where you can watch the mace separation and drying racks being loaded. The cooler mornings (before 10am) make walking the hillside plantations comfortable, and the cocoa pods are also being harvested simultaneously. Tours typically run 2-3 hours and cost EC$80-120 (US$30-45) including tastings of fresh nutmeg oil and cocoa tea that locals drink in this cooler weather.
Underwater Sculpture Park Snorkeling
The 26°C (79°F) water temperature is actually ideal for extended snorkeling without overheating, and February's calmer seas mean better visibility at the Molinere Bay sculpture park. The 75 concrete figures sit in just 2-5 m (6.5-16 ft) of water, so even nervous swimmers can enjoy it. That UV index of 8 means you need a full rash guard or wetsuit anyway, which helps with the cooler water. Afternoon sessions (1-3pm) offer the best light angles for photography. Snorkel gear rental runs EC$25-35 (US$9-13) per day, or guided snorkel tours cost EC$120-180 (US$45-67) for 2-3 hours including equipment and boat access.
St. George's Market Square and Saturday Morning Market
February brings the best produce variety as the dry season harvest peaks. Saturday Market (6am-11am) is when locals shop for provisions, and you'll find soursop, golden apples, and breadfruit that aren't available year-round. The cooler morning temps make wandering the crowded market square actually pleasant rather than sweltering. Vendors sell fresh nutmeg wreaths and cinnamon bark bundles perfect for bringing home. Budget EC$50-80 (US$18-30) for samples, fresh juices, and small purchases. The adjacent fish market gets deliveries by 7am with the overnight catch.
Carriacou Day Trips and Petite Martinique
February offers the most reliable sea conditions for the 90-minute ferry to Carriacou. The Osprey Express runs daily and costs EC$100 (US$37) round trip, with calmer crossings than you'd get in July-November. Carriacou's Tyrrel Bay and Sandy Island are less crowded than Grenada's beaches, and the annual Carriacou Maroon and String Band Music Festival happens in late February (check exact dates for 2026). Day trips work if you take the 9am ferry and return on the 5:30pm, giving you 7 hours to explore. Budget EC$200-300 (US$75-110) total including ferry, lunch, and water taxi to Sandy Island.
Sunset Catamaran Cruises and Coastal Sailing
Those variable February conditions actually create spectacular sunset colors with scattered clouds catching the light. Evening cruises (4-7pm) take advantage of cooler temps and calmer afternoon seas along the southwest coast. Most catamarans include rum punch and snacks, with swimming stops at Morne Rouge or Magazine Beach. The 3°C (37°F) evening lows mean you'll want a light layer once the sun drops and the boat is moving. Cruises typically cost EC$200-280 (US$75-105) per person for 3-hour sails, with private charters running EC$800-1200 (US$300-450) for groups up to 12.
February Events & Festivals
Panorama Steel Pan Competition
The national steel pan competition brings bands from across Grenada to compete at Queen's Park in St. George's. This is where you hear the difference between casual street pan and serious orchestral arrangements. Locals take it seriously - families arrive hours early for good spots, and the energy builds as each band performs. Tickets run EC$30-50 (US$11-18) at the gate, and the competition typically runs 6pm to midnight with food vendors setting up around the perimeter.
Independence Day Celebrations
February 7th marks Grenada's independence, with official ceremonies at Queen's Park and cultural performances throughout St. George's. It's more low-key than Carnival but gives you insight into national pride with school performances, military parades, and political speeches. Most businesses close, but the waterfront Esplanade hosts family activities and food stalls from noon onwards. Free to attend all public events.