Best Time to Visit Grenada

Grenada is the Caribbean’s most breathtaking gem. It’s a tropical hideaway with few tourists compared to its neighboring islands. This remarkable country has over 45 beaches, lush rainforests, and dozens of herb and spice plantations. So, when is the best time to visit this secret oasis?

The best time to visit Grenada is from December to May. The average temperature is 85℉ (29.4C). During these months, you can book a round-trip flight for $256. To save the most money, April is the best month to visit as accommodations cost under $75 per night. Grenada's major festivals include the Pure Grenada Music Festival and Carriacou Regatta Festival.

Grenada has all of the fantastic things the Caribbean offers on one island. There are scenic landscapes, rich history to learn, and nearby islands to boat to. With all the things to do in Grenada, there’s something to please every traveler.

Worst Time to Visit Grenada

The worst time to visit Grenada is in October and November. This is during Grenada’s rainy season, with around 10” of rainfall per month. Grenada has some of the highest rainfall on any Caribbean island.

Grenada also lies in the hurricane belt, so traveling during June and July can put you at a small risk. Though the island rarely gets hit by a hurricane, Grenada can experience high winds and heavy rains if there is a storm in the Atlantic Ocean.

As far as crowds go, Grenada sees the most visitors between January and March. However, the island is never as crowded as some of the larger Caribbean islands. No matter what time of year you visit Grenada, you can find quiet spots on any of the beaches.

What is the Cheapest Time of Year to Go to Grenada?

The cheapest time of the year to visit Grenada is between June and October. This time frame is during the hurricane and rainy season. October is the cheapest month to fly to Grenada, with round trips costing around $360.

It’s 47% cheaper to travel to Grenada during these months. Many travelers visit during the low season to upgrade their trip. You can potentially have a more luxurious stay with the money you will be saving.

The cheapest time of year to stay on the island is between May and November. Even the 4-star hotels continue to offer lower rates into December. During the rainy season, 3-star hotels go as low as $60 per night.

What Time of Year has the Best Weather in Grenada?

Grenada’s tropical climate is consistent all year long. Grenada’s weather is perfect from December to February. Average temperatures are around 84°F (28.8°C).

It’s the most enjoyable time for travelers to soak up some sun on the beaches and trek the rainforests. You won’t have to worry about rain either as these months get less than 3 inches each. March and April are the months with the lowest chance of rain.

January: Go Snorkeling in an Underwater Gallery of Sculptures

The weather in Grenada in January is perfect for outdoor activities and going to the beach. Daily high temperatures are around 83°F (28.3°C). Rainy days are rare, with only a 9% chance throughout the month.

One of Grenada’s most popular snorkeling sites is the underwater gallery of sculptures in the Molinere Beausejour Marine Protected Area. Listed as one of National Geographic’s 25 Wonders of the World, the gallery has 75 sculptures amongst sand patches and gullies.

After snorkeling, you can head to Grenada’s most beautiful beach, Grand Anse Beach. The beach is lined with palm trees, has sugar white sands, and stretches over 3 kilometers long. For activities, you can go scuba diving or rent a kayak.

In the evening, relax at Umbrella Beach Bar at Grand Anse. Enjoy a glass of the island’s homemade, famous rum while watching the sunset.

• Molinere Beausejour Marine Protected Area
• Grand Anse Beach
• Umbrella Beach Bar
• Port Louis Grenada Sailing Festival

February: Celebrate Grenada’s Independence Day with the Locals

If you enjoy clear, blue skies and sunshine, then February is a great time to travel to Grenada. The month has 226 hours of sun, and the average daytime temperature is around 84.2 °F (29.0°C).

Grenada celebrates its independence from colonial rule every February. The festival’s highlight is a military parade at Tanteen. Locals gather for beach parties featuring live music performances and dancing in the evening.

Another great way to spend time with the locals is to participate in Hashing. The Hash House Harriers are a social walking group that meets every Saturday. The group sets up a 2-hour walking trail around the island. Explore the sights and cross the finish line, always at a rum shack.

You can also see where the island’s rum is made by taking a tour at the River Antoine Rum Distillery. It’s the oldest functioning water-propelled distillery in the entire Caribbean.

• Independence Day
• Hash House Harriers
• River Antoine Rum Distillery
• Green Roof Inn

March: Celebrate Carnival in Carriacou

Grenada’s climate in March is great across the board. Average temperature is 81°F (27.2°C), and the sea temperature is perfect for swimming at 82°F (27.7°C). The chance of rainfall is low at 12% for the entire month.

The first carnival festival of the year takes place in Carriacou every March. You will see locals fill the streets in elaborate costumes, and expressive street dance and music performances. The most popular activity of the festival is Shakespeare Mas, a contest where costumed men see who can recite Shakespeare the best.

If you want to have a secluded cove to yourself, visit La Sagesse Beach in St. David. The beach has stunningly clear waters and is never crowded. There is also a hotel and restaurant located on the cove where you eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• Carriacou Carnival
• La Sagesse Beach
• Fort Frederick

Related Read: Best Time to Visit St. Thomas

April: Hear the Sounds of the Caribbean at the Pure Grenada Music Festival

April is a tropical spring month in Grenada. It’s a warmer month than March, with an average high temperature of 86°F (30°C). It’s the month with the least rainfall averaging only 0.64” of precipitation.

Founded in 2016, the Pure Grenada Music Festival is the island’s most prominent music celebration. Attendees gather to hear soul, reggae, and Caribbean music from local and international artists. Billboard Magazine named it one of the must-see festivals in the Caribbean.

To learn some of the island’s history, visit Fort George. The site is considered the most important historical structure in St. George. You can tour the fort’s colonial structures and fortifications that are still standing.

You can also get a taste of Grenada at the local Market Square. Vendors sell produce, crafts, and handmade souvenirs. You can drink out of fresh coconut, eat traditional breadfruit and star apple.

• Pure Grenada Music Festival
• Fort George
• Fort Frederick
• Market Square

May: Watch Leatherback Turtles Lay Eggs on Levera Beach

May is the last month of spring in Grenada. Temperatures range from 79.9°F (26.6°C) and 86 °F (25.5 °C). Grenada receives more rainfall in May compared to April with 2.18”.

Levera Beach is on the island’s northern part in Levera National Park. It’s a secluded spot perfect for a picnic. You can watch Leatherback turtles come on the shores from April to June to lay their eggs. You can see the turtles nesting at night with a guide.

Grenada is known as the “Spice Isle” because it has been a large producer of spices, especially nutmeg. Tours at the Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station only cost $1.00. You can see how workers choose and package the nutmegs.

You can also head to St. Patrick to tour The Belmont Estate. Walk the grounds of the 17th-century plantation, and learn about cocoa processing. The plantation has lavish gardens and a goat dairy farm. There’s a small café onsite with delicious chocolate treats.

• Levera National Park
• The Belmont Estate
• The Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station
• House of Chocolate Grenada

June: Enjoy the Sailing Races at the Fisherman’s Birthday Celebration

June is the first month of summer in Grenada. The months of June and July have the least amount of sunshine. Grenada typically sees rain for up to 17 days during this time. Despite the rain, the beach waters are warm and enjoyable.

The Fisherman’s Birthday Celebration is held each year on June 29th in the fishing town of Gouyave. The festival honors St. Peter and features a mini carnival, sailing races, and fireworks.

After being on the water, you can visit Grand Etang National Park in the mountains of Grenada. At 1900 ft. high, it’s a serene spot to cool off. Check out the endless walking trails, the highwire canopy obstacle, and the Seven Sisters Waterfall.

Another waterfall that is a must-see is Annandale Falls. A 30-feet waterfall in a cave of lush vegetation with a pool beneath that’s deep enough for a swim. Make sure to bring a tube to relax in!

• The Fisherman’s Birthday Celebration
• Grand Etang National Park
• Seven Sisters Waterfall
• Annandale Falls

July: Learn About Grenada’s Boat History at the Carriacou Regatta Festival

July is a moderately hot summer month. Temperatures vary between 83.8 and 87°F (30.5°C). July through September have the least amount of sunshine, with an average of 7 hours per day.

If you’re an adventurer, Grenada has several companies that offer the thrill of tubing down the Balthazar River. Beat the heat on Grenada’s “Great River” as you explore the island’s interior. You’ll get sightings of tropical vegetation and wildlife.

Grenada has a rich history of boat building. Carriacou Regatta Festival celebrates that history every summer at the end of July. For five days, there are races of every variety, including yachts, long open boats, and traditional workboats. It’s a big party with live entertainment, dancing, and fireworks.

• Balthazar River
• Carriacou Regatta Festival
• Tufton Waterfall
• Silversands Grenada

Related Read: Do You Need A Passport To Go To Antigua?

August: Enjoy the Weather at Spicemas Grenada Carnival

Generally, August in Grenada is lovely, with an average temperature of 82°F (28°C). However, due to the extreme humidity, it can feel uncomfortably hot. 

The Spicemas Grenada Carnival is Grenada’s premier cultural event, and culminates in August every year. Grenada’s local celebrations begin in February with smaller launch parties. From April to August, there are monthly musical competitions.

On Carnival Monday, masqueraders dress up and parade through the streets. Performers act out the year’s past events on stages. And the famous Short Knee band chants and drums through the capital’s streets.

Carnival Tuesday feature traditional soca and calypso music performances, street parades, and joyful gatherings. It’s the most festive month on the island, and the busiest.

While visiting for carnival, take a walk along the Carenage. The lively waterfront promenade in St. George is full of life. You’ll find great views of boats coming in and out of the marina.

• Spicemas Grenada Carnival
• Carenage Waterfront
• Fort Matthew
• Dragon Bay

September: Hike to the Top of Mount St. Catherine

September is the first month of autumn, with an average high temperature of 86°F (30°C). During September, the rain falls for 17 days. The seawater is warm this month, which makes swims feel like a relaxing bath.

Mount St. Catherine is the highest point on the island at 2,760 feet tall. This stratovolcano is the youngest volcano in Grenada. You can hike up to the top with a guide. The views of the entire island and ocean from the top are stunning.

To understand Grenada’s history, visit the National Museum in St. George. The museum building has been many things in the past, such as French barracks, a prison, and a hotel. Exhibits include the island’s first settlers, plantation economy, and whaling industry.

• Mount St. Catherine
• National Museum
• Le Phare Bleu
• Concord Falls

October: Experience the Exotic Palm Tree Botanical Gardens

The climate in October is mildly cool with a gentle breeze. The average daily temperature is 79°F (26°C). And the average time that the sky is clear and sunny is 67%.

October is the perfect time to stroll through Palm Tree Botanical Gardens. The two-acre oasis is full of tropical plants from many Caribbean islands. There are over 40 species of palms, anthuriums, and bromeliads. Keep an eye out for the red-foot tortoises in the lily ponds!

Morne Rogue Beach is pleasant in October with no crowds. The horseshoe-shaped bay is nestled in between hills. The waters are full of marine life, and you can rent a transparent bottom kayak to see them up close.

• Palm Tree Botanical Gardens
• Morne Rogue Beach
• Cayaks Grenada
• George’s Vegetable, Spice, and Craft Market

November: Escape the Rain at Sunnyside Gardens

Credit: Heather Cowper / Flickr

November is the wettest month with an average precipitation of 10.1”. If you travel to Grenada this month, you must bring a raincoat and rubber boots. Despite the rain, daily temperatures remain warm at 87.8°F (31.0°C).

On a rainy day, visit the West Indies Beer Company for the perfect indoor activity. The brewery offers a wide variety of beers, ciders, and nonalcoholic beverages. They have even expanded to provide visitors burgers, pizza, and fish and chips.

In between rain showers, visit Sunnyside Garden, an award-winning tropical garden in St. George. There are multiple ponds with koi fish and water lilies. A guide will walk you through and point out all the plant and wildlife species that call Sunnyside home.

• West Indies Beer Company
• Sunnyside Garden
• L’anse aux Epines

December: Go Deep Sea-Fishing in Grenada’s Populated Waters

December also falls in the rainy season but sees 3% less rain than November. It's one of the hottest months, with daily temperatures around 87 °F (30°C).

Tower Estate in St. Paul is an excellent place to learn more about the island’s plantation history. Here you’ll be able to go on garden and farm tours and have brunch on the grounds. You will also get to sample organic floral teas made from plants grown on the estate.

If you enjoy fishing, deep-sea fishing is sure to be a rewarding experience. Many boat charters will take you only 20 minutes off of Grenada’s coast to catch fish. The island’s waters are populated with tuna, Mahi Mahi, and sailfish. December is the best time to fish for blue marlin.

• Tower Estate
• Victory Sportfishing
• Mount Edgecombe Plantation

What is the Best Time to Go to Grenada to Avoid Crowds?

Crowds are lowest in Grenada from June to August due to hurricane season. Though it may seem scary to visit the island during this time, Grenada is relatively safe as hurricanes typically form north of it. It’s a time of tranquility on the beaches, and you’ll have parts of the shore to yourself.

October and November are also low tourist months. These two months are the rainiest and see 6 to 9 days of rain each. If you travel during this time, you may run into occasional showers. Washout days are rare, and you will still be able to do outdoor activities.

May is the busiest month for tourism in Grenada. Hotel rates are 35% higher, and round-trip flights cost nearly $800. However, you can save money when you book far in advance.