Carriacou

Island Small Grenadian island noted for beaches and culture

A small Grenadian island famed for sailing, shallow reefs and relaxed beach towns like Hillsborough. Visitors arrive by ferry for snorkeling, boat charters, community festivals and a slower pace compared with the main island’s tourism.

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Carriacou is an island in the Grenada Grenadines, politically part of the state of Grenada. It is known for its small towns, sheltered bays and boating culture.

The island offers beaches, coral reefs for snorkeling and sailing facilities, with popular anchorages such as Tyrell Bay used by visiting yachts. Local cultural events, boatbuilding traditions and small-scale fishing are visible in community life.

Carriacou has a history of indigenous settlement, European colonial contact and African-Caribbean cultural development; it has long served as a maritime and agricultural community. The island economy centres on tourism, fishing and local crafts.

Situated to the north-east of Grenada in the southern Lesser Antilles, the island lies within the Grenadines chain and is a short boat crossing from the main island of Grenada.

  • Main settlements: Hillsborough serves as the island's main town and harbour, and Tyrell Bay is a common anchorage for visiting yachts.
Carriacou
Carriacou Island, Grenada
12.4733, -61.4543

How to Get to Carriacou #

Regular ferry service connects Grenada (St. George’s) to Carriacou (Hillsborough), with journeys typically taking about 1-2 hours depending on the vessel. Flights to Lauriston Airport (CLJ) are available from Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) on small carriers. Ferries and flights are seasonal-book ahead.

Tips for Visiting Carriacou #

  • The easiest public access is via the weekly ferry from Grenada (St. George's) to Hillsborough-check schedules as they change seasonally.
  • Rent a scooter in Hillsborough to explore the island; main roads are short but often unpaved.
  • Visit on market days (usually Wednesdays or Saturdays) to see local produce, boatbuilding, and a lively small‑island economy.

Best Time to Visit Carriacou #

Best from December to May for reliable ferries and sun; watch ferry timetables and book crossings in advance during holiday periods.

Dry season
December-May · 24°C-30°C
Calmer seas for ferries and good weather for beaches and walking.
Wet season
June-November · 24°C-30°C
More rain and possible ferry cancellations, but lower tourist numbers and greener landscapes.

Weather & Climate near Carriacou #

Climate

Carriacou's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1828 mm/year), wettest in October.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
25° 30°

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (193 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
25° 30°

Weather

193 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (224 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

224 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (187 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 31°

Weather

187 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (184 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
28°C
Temperature
25° 31°

Weather

184 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (261 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

261 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (230 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

230 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (163 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°

Weather

163 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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