Things to Do in St. George's in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in St. George's
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season weather with minimal rainfall - those 10 rainy days typically mean brief evening showers rather than day-long washouts, so you can actually plan outdoor activities without constantly checking the forecast
- Carnival season ramps up through January, culminating in the massive celebrations in February - you'll catch the preliminary events, calypso competitions, and street parties without the peak-season accommodation prices that hit in mid-February
- Cruise ship schedules are lighter in early January compared to February-March, meaning attractions like Fort George and the Carenage waterfront are noticeably less crowded, especially midweek
- Spice harvesting season is in full swing - nutmeg, cinnamon, and cocoa processing facilities are actually operating at capacity, so tours of Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station and Dougaldston Estate show the real production process rather than just empty equipment
Considerations
- That 70% humidity combined with 28°C (82°F) temperatures creates the kind of sticky heat that makes afternoon activities genuinely uncomfortable - locals retreat indoors between 1pm-4pm for good reason, and you'll want to follow their lead
- Accommodation prices remain elevated from the December holiday rush through mid-January, typically 25-35% higher than April-May rates, and don't start dropping until after January 20th
- The UV index of 8 is deceptively intense due to Grenada's 12°N latitude - you'll burn faster than you expect even on overcast days, and that reflected light off the water at Grand Anse Beach is particularly brutal
Best Activities in January
Grand Etang Rainforest Hiking
January's drier conditions make the muddy trails around Grand Etang Lake and the Seven Sisters Falls route actually manageable without specialized hiking boots. The forest is still lush from November-December rains, but paths are firm enough for regular athletic shoes. Start by 7am to finish before the humidity peaks - the 3-4 hour Seven Sisters hike becomes genuinely exhausting after 11am. Wildlife spotting is excellent as mona monkeys and armadillos are more active in the cooler morning temperatures.
Underwater Sculpture Park Snorkeling
January offers the year's best visibility at Moliniere Bay - typically 18-24 m (60-80 ft) compared to 12-15 m (40-50 ft) during rainy season. The calm seas mean even nervous swimmers can handle the 5-minute boat ride, and the sculptures are covered in thriving coral growth that's particularly vibrant after the nutrient-rich December currents. Water temperature sits around 27°C (81°F), so you'll be comfortable in just a swimsuit and rash guard for the 45-60 minute snorkel.
Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Tours
This is genuinely the best month to visit working spice facilities. January sits in the middle of nutmeg harvest season, so you'll see the full production line operating - workers hand-sorting mace, the drying racks full of fresh nutmeg, and the grading process in action. The Gouyave cooperative processes 3-4 tonnes daily in January compared to minimal activity during off-season months. The facility tour takes 45 minutes and costs EC$10 (US$3.70), but the real value is understanding why Grenadian nutmeg commands premium prices globally.
Grand Anse Beach Activities
The 3 km (1.9 mile) stretch of Grand Anse is at its most swimmable in January with minimal seaweed and calm Caribbean-side waters. Early morning (6:30am-9am) and late afternoon (4pm-6pm) avoid the intense midday UV, and you'll share the beach primarily with locals doing their morning exercise walks. Water sports operators offer jet ski rentals (EC$135-200/US$50-75 for 30 minutes), paddleboard rentals (EC$40-55/US$15-20 per hour), and kayak rentals (EC$35-55/US$13-20 per hour). The southern end near Spice Island Resort is quieter than the central public beach area.
St. George's Market Square and Spice Shopping
Saturday morning market (6am-11am) is when local farmers bring fresh produce, spices, and handmade goods to Market Square. January's harvest includes cocoa pods, fresh nutmeg with mace still attached, cinnamon bark, and tonka beans - you'll pay a fraction of tourist shop prices and can watch vendors demonstrate proper spice preparation. The surrounding streets have spice vendors selling pre-packaged sets, but market prices are 40-60% lower. The heat and crowds build quickly, so arrive before 8:30am.
River Antoine Rum Distillery and Northeast Coast Exploration
The 230-year-old water-wheel-powered distillery operates continuously during January's sugarcane processing season. You'll see the actual crushing, fermentation, and distillation process producing Rivers Rum at 150 proof - this isn't a sanitized tourist demonstration but a working facility that hasn't changed methods since 1785. Combine this with nearby Bathway Beach (calmer Atlantic-side swimming thanks to protective reef) and Lake Antoine crater lake. The round trip from St. George's is 90 minutes each way on winding coastal roads.
January Events & Festivals
Carriacou Parang Festival
This traditional Christmas music celebration extends into early January on Carriacou island, featuring parang bands performing Spanish-influenced folk music with string instruments. It's distinctly different from the calypso-focused Carnival events and offers insight into Grenada's mixed cultural heritage. The 90-minute ferry from St. George's to Carriacou costs EC$60-80 (US$22-30) roundtrip.