Saint Georges - Things to Do in Saint Georges in November

Things to Do in Saint Georges in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Saint Georges

29°C (84°F) High Temp
24°C (75°F) Low Temp
165 mm (6.5 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

  • Dry season begins with cleaner air and better visibility for Grand Etang National Park hiking - trails are accessible after October's closures
  • Turtle nesting season at Levera Beach peaks in November, offering guaranteed sightings of leatherback turtles laying eggs between 8pm-2am
  • Spice harvest season means nutmeg, cocoa, and cinnamon plantations offer fresh processing demonstrations and 30% lower prices on authentic spices
  • Hurricane season officially ends October 30th, bringing calmer Caribbean seas perfect for snorkeling at Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park

Considerations

  • Tourist season begins mid-November causing accommodation prices to jump 40-60% after November 15th and requiring bookings 8-10 weeks ahead
  • Afternoon rain showers occur 10 days monthly, typically 2pm-4pm, disrupting beach time and outdoor dining plans
  • High humidity at 70% makes hiking feel more strenuous than temperature suggests - 29°C (84°F) feels like 33°C (91°F)

Best Activities in November

Grand Etang Rainforest Hiking Tours

November marks the reopening of hiking trails after October maintenance closures. Dry conditions make the 3 km (1.9 mile) crater lake trail safely accessible, while recent rains keep waterfalls at Annandale and Seven Sisters at peak flow. Morning departures (7am-11am) avoid afternoon showers and offer the best wildlife spotting as mona monkeys are most active before midday heat.

Booking Tip: Book through certified eco-guides 5-7 days ahead. Tours typically cost EC$120-180 (US$45-67) including transport. Look for guides certified by the Grenada Tourism Authority. Morning slots fill quickly - avoid afternoon tours during rainy season.

Turtle Watching at Levera Beach

Peak leatherback nesting season runs through November with 90% success rate for sightings. Female turtles emerge between 8pm-2am to lay eggs on the protected northern beaches. November offers the perfect combination of calm seas and active nesting before December crowds arrive. Rangers provide mandatory guidance and red-light flashlights to avoid disturbing nesting females.

Booking Tip: Advance booking essential through Ocean Spirits or certified turtle guides. Tours cost EC$100-150 (US$37-56) per person. Book 10-14 days ahead as only 20 visitors per night are permitted. Tours include transport from St. George's and educational briefing.

Spice Plantation Walking Tours

November coincides with spice harvest season when nutmeg, cocoa, and cinnamon are actively processed. Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station runs full operations Tuesday-Friday, offering live demonstrations unavailable during off-season months. Fresh spice purchases cost 30% less than tourist shops, and plantation walks reveal traditional drying techniques still used after 300 years.

Booking Tip: Self-guided plantation visits cost EC$25-40 (US$9-15) entrance. Guided tours with spice tasting run EC$75-100 (US$28-37). Visit Tuesday-Friday when processing stations operate. Book plantation tours through local guides for authentic farm-to-table experiences.

Underwater Sculpture Park Snorkeling

Post-hurricane season brings 20-25 meter (65-82 feet) visibility to Molinere Bay, revealing all 75 life-sized sculptures clearly. November's calmer seas make this perfect for beginner snorkelers, while coral spawning activity attracts tropical fish in higher numbers. Water temperature remains 27°C (81°F) with minimal current - ideal conditions before January's rougher seas.

Booking Tip: Half-day snorkeling tours cost EC$120-160 (US$45-59) including equipment and boat transfer. Book through licensed marine operators 3-5 days ahead. Morning tours (9am-12pm) offer best visibility before afternoon weather changes. Equipment rental separately costs EC$40-50 (US$15-19).

Chocolate and Rum Heritage Tours

November harvest season means Belmont Estate and other working plantations offer fresh cocoa bean processing demonstrations. Traditional cocoa dancing and bean-to-bar chocolate making coincide with sugar cane harvest for rum production. River Antoine Rum Distillery operates vintage water-wheel equipment daily, producing overproof rum using 19th-century methods during active grinding season.

Booking Tip: Estate tours cost EC$50-80 (US$19-30) including tastings and lunch. Combination chocolate-rum tours run EC$100-140 (US$37-52). Book directly with estates or through hotel concierges. Weekend tours fill quickly - weekday visits offer more personalized attention and active production viewing.

Saturday Spice Market and Local Food Tours

St. George's Saturday Market reaches peak activity in November as local farmers bring fresh harvest produce including lesser-known spices like wild cinnamon and bois bandé. Oil down (national dish) ingredients are freshest during breadfruit season. Local vendors offer samples and cooking tips unavailable to cruise ship day-trippers who arrive weekdays only.

Booking Tip: Market opens 6am-2pm Saturdays with peak activity 8am-11am. Food walking tours cost EC$80-120 (US$30-45) including market visit and oil down cooking class. Book food tours through local cultural guides 1-2 days ahead. Bring EC dollars for direct vendor purchases - most don't accept cards.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Grenada Chocolate Festival

Annual celebration of Grenada's cocoa heritage featuring estate tours, chocolate making workshops, and farmer demonstrations during active harvest season. Local chocolatiers showcase traditional and modern techniques while cocoa trees are fruiting and processing stations operate at full capacity.

Throughout November

Carriacou Regatta Preparation Season

Traditional boat builders begin crafting racing vessels for February's Carriacou Regatta. November workshops in Windward and Petite Martinique demonstrate hand-building techniques using local wood, offering cultural insight into maritime heritage before tourist season peaks.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket - afternoon showers last 30-45 minutes with little warning, and umbrellas are useless in tropical downpours
Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 daily and reflection off white sand beaches intensifies exposure by 15%
Moisture-wicking hiking shirts - 70% humidity makes cotton feel soggy, synthetic fabrics dry faster during active plantation tours
Water-resistant day pack - protects cameras and documents during sudden rain showers and boat transfers to sculpture park
Closed-toe water shoes - essential for turtle beach walks over sharp coral fragments and Grand Etang rocky trail sections
Insect repellent with 30% DEET - rainforest hikes and evening turtle watching expose you to mosquitoes and sand flies
Red LED flashlight - required for turtle watching tours and useful for early morning spice market visits before full daylight
Cotton sleep clothes - air conditioning is limited in eco-lodges and humidity makes synthetic pajamas uncomfortable
Dry bag for snorkeling gear - essential for protecting electronics during boat transfers and unexpected rain during water activities
Light long pants for evening dining - upscale restaurants in St. George's maintain dress codes and pants protect against evening mosquitoes

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before November 15th when tourist season pricing kicks in - early November rates are 40-60% lower than late November weekend prices
Turtle watching tours often run late due to unpredictable nesting patterns - eat dinner before tours and bring snacks for 4-5 hour excursions that may not return until 3am
Saturday Market vendors speak Grenadian Creole - learn basic phrases like 'wa dis cost?' (how much?) and 'tank yu' (thank you) to get better prices and genuine interactions
Spice plantation tours during active harvest offer free samples and bulk purchase opportunities - nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, and cocoa balls cost 70% less than hotel gift shops

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 2pm when afternoon rain showers peak - morning tours have 80% better weather success rates
Buying spices at cruise ship terminals instead of plantation sources - tourist shops charge triple the price for lower quality imports
Attempting turtle watching without certified guides - unauthorized beach access results in EC$500 fines and disturbs protected nesting sites

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