Saint Lucia in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Saint Lucia

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

216 mm (8.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect turtle watching season - leatherback and hawksbill turtles nest on beaches from October through February, with November offering prime viewing without Christmas crowds
Dry season begins - while brief afternoon showers occur 10 days in November, they're typically 20-30 minute bursts that cool the air and clear quickly
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates drop 25-40% compared to December-April peak season, with better availability at premium resorts
Ideal hiking conditions - morning temperatures around 24°C (75°F) with lower humidity make early Piton climbs and rainforest trails comfortable before 10am

Considerations

Hurricane season tail end - while rare, November can still see tropical storms affecting plans for 2-3 days with rough seas and cancelled boat tours
Afternoon humidity peaks at 85% between 2-4pm, making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable and requiring indoor breaks
Variable rain patterns - some years see heavy downpours lasting 2-3 hours, disrupting beach days and outdoor dining plans

Best Activities in November

Piton Hiking and Rainforest Exploration

November's cooler mornings (24°C/75°F at 6am) create perfect conditions for tackling Gros Piton's 2-hour ascent or exploring rainforest trails before heat builds. Rain typically holds off until afternoon, giving clear morning weather windows. Visibility is excellent after brief evening showers clear the air.

Booking Tip: Book guided hikes 7-10 days ahead through certified local guides. Early morning starts (6-7am) are essential - afternoon hikes become uncomfortable after 11am. Typical cost ranges from $45-75 USD per person. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Turtle Watching and Beach Conservation Tours

November marks peak nesting season for leatherback and hawksbill turtles on beaches like Grande Anse and Levera. Evening tours (7-10pm) offer 70% success rates for turtle sightings. Cooler evening temperatures make beach walks comfortable, and reduced tourist crowds mean more intimate wildlife encounters.

Booking Tip: Reserve turtle tours 10-14 days ahead through marine conservation groups. Tours run $35-55 USD per person and include beach access fees. Weather rarely affects evening tours - only severe storms cause cancellations. Check current availability in booking section below.

Snorkeling and Marine Tours

November waters average 27°C (81°F) with excellent visibility after rain clears sediment. Whale watching peaks as humpback whales migrate through Caribbean waters. Morning tours (8am-12pm) avoid afternoon rain showers and capture best underwater lighting for photography.

Booking Tip: Book marine tours 5-7 days ahead - operators typically charge $65-95 USD for half-day trips including equipment. Morning departures have 85% completion rates versus 60% for afternoon tours due to weather patterns. Current tour options available in booking widget below.

Sulphur Springs and Drive-In Volcano Tours

November's variable weather makes covered or partially-indoor attractions valuable backup options. Morning visits (9-11am) avoid both afternoon rain and peak heat. The therapeutic mud baths feel refreshing in November's warmth, and steam vents provide natural air conditioning.

Booking Tip: Self-drive or guided tours cost $25-45 USD including entrance fees. No advance booking required - perfect for flexible scheduling around weather. Covered walkways and facilities make this rain-friendly. See tour combinations in booking section below.

Catamaran Sailing and Sunset Cruises

November's trade winds (15-20 knots) create ideal sailing conditions without peak season's gusty weather. Afternoon showers often clear by 5pm, creating dramatic sunset backdrops with enhanced colors. Seas are calmer than late dry season, reducing seasickness for sensitive travelers.

Booking Tip: Book sailing trips 7-10 days ahead, especially for sunset cruises which fill quickly. Half-day sails cost $75-120 USD including drinks and snacks. Afternoon departure times (2-6pm) work around morning rain patterns. Current sailing options in booking widget below.

Plantation and Cultural Heritage Tours

November harvest season showcases active cocoa and spice plantations at peak production. Covered estate tours provide excellent rainy-day alternatives while morning visits capture optimal temperatures for walking extensive grounds. Local guides share seasonal farming knowledge unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Plantation tours cost $40-70 USD and run regardless of weather due to covered facilities. Book 3-5 days ahead through cultural heritage sites. Morning tours (9am-12pm) include traditional breakfast elements using seasonal ingredients. See current cultural tour options below.

November Events & Festivals

Late November

Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival Warm-up Events

Local venues begin hosting preview concerts and artist showcases building toward the main festival season. Intimate performances at smaller venues offer authentic cultural experiences with emerging Caribbean musicians.

Throughout November

Chocolate Heritage Month

Cocoa harvest season brings special plantation tours, chocolate-making workshops, and farm-to-table dining experiences celebrating Saint Lucia's cocoa heritage. Many estates offer hands-on processing demonstrations unavailable year-round.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain poncho or lightweight jacket - afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes and umbrellas are useless in tropical downpours with wind

Moisture-wicking shirts (merino wool or synthetic blends) - avoid cotton which stays damp in 70% humidity and takes hours to dry

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflects off white sand beaches, requiring reapplication every 90 minutes

Closed-toe water shoes - volcanic beaches have sharp rocks and coral fragments that flip-flops won't protect against

Insect repellent with 20% DEET minimum - November's humidity increases mosquito activity, especially during evening turtle tours

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - sudden rain showers and boat spray can damage electronics during marine activities

Light cotton scarf or shawl - air conditioning in restaurants and tour vehicles drops to 18°C (65°F), creating 12°C temperature swings

Hiking boots with good tread - rainforest trails become slippery after showers, and Piton climbs require ankle support on volcanic rock

Portable battery pack - humid conditions drain phone batteries 30% faster, and you'll use GPS frequently for plantation tours

Anti-chafing balm - humidity increases friction during hiking and walking tours, especially on longer Piton climbs

Insider Knowledge

Local fishermen launch boats at 5:30am from Castries and Soufriere - join them at Castries Central Market dock for authentic cultural interaction and fresh fish purchases at wholesale prices

November cocoa harvest means estate workers often share samples of fresh cocoa pods during plantation visits - the white pulp around beans tastes like tropical lychee and isn't available processed

After afternoon rain showers, locals head to Rodney Bay between 5-7pm when temperatures drop 3-4°C and humidity decreases - this is prime time for waterfront dining with comfortable conditions

Saint Lucian creole speakers use November to prepare traditional 'oil down' (national dish) using seasonal breadfruit harvest - ask resort concierges about authentic family-style preparations rather than tourist restaurant versions

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 12-3pm when humidity peaks at 85% and afternoon storms are most likely - always book morning tours starting before 9am

Bringing only swimwear and summer clothes - evening temperatures drop to 24°C (75°F) and air conditioning in vehicles/restaurants requires light layers for comfort

Expecting consistent weather patterns - November is transition month where some years have 15 rainy days and others have 5, making rigid itineraries problematic without flexible backup plans