Saint Kittsandnevis - Things to Do in Saint Kittsandnevis in November

Saint Kittsandnevis in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Saint Kittsandnevis

29°C (84°F) High Temp
24°C (75°F) Low Temp
89 mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

  • November marks the end of hurricane season with significantly reduced storm risk - perfect for ferry travel between St. Kitts and Nevis without weather disruptions
  • Trade winds strengthen in November providing natural cooling, making hiking Mount Liamuiga (1,156m / 3,793ft) and exploring the rainforest far more comfortable than summer months
  • Sea temperatures remain ideal at 27°C (81°F) while underwater visibility improves as plankton blooms subside, creating optimal diving conditions at sites like Grid Iron wreck
  • November tourism numbers drop 40% compared to December-March peak, meaning shorter lines at Brimstone Hill Fortress and better availability for popular sunset catamaran trips

Considerations

  • Afternoon showers occur 10 days of the month typically lasting 45-60 minutes, often disrupting beach time between 2-4pm when most tourists prefer to be outdoors
  • Some smaller beach bars and local restaurants reduce operating hours as they prepare for December reopening, limiting dining options especially on Nevis
  • Northeast trade winds can make the Atlantic-facing beaches choppy with 1-2m (3-6ft) swells, affecting swimming conditions at Dieppe Bay and other northern shores

Best Activities in November

Rainforest Canopy Zip-lining and Hiking Tours

November's cooler temperatures and strengthening trade winds make traversing the rainforest canopy incredibly comfortable. The reduced rainfall compared to summer months means trails are less muddy while still maintaining lush green vegetation. Morning tours (8am-11am) offer the best conditions before afternoon humidity peaks.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through certified operators offering safety equipment inspections. Tours typically cost $85-120 USD per person. Look for operators including transportation from Basseterre. Check current options in the booking section below.

Brimstone Hill Fortress Historical Exploration

The UNESCO World Heritage site becomes incredibly pleasant in November with trade winds providing natural air conditioning while exploring the 17th-century fortress. Clear November skies offer spectacular views across to Montserrat and Antigua from the 240m (787ft) elevation without summer haze.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits cost $10 USD entry. Guided tours range $45-65 USD including transportation. Morning visits (9am-11am) offer coolest temperatures and best photography lighting. Current tour options available in booking widget below.

Nevis Island Cultural Heritage Tours

November's comfortable weather makes exploring Nevis's plantation ruins and Alexander Hamilton's birthplace ideal. The drier conditions mean better access to remote historical sites while avoiding summer's intense heat when walking through sugar mill ruins and colonial architecture.

Booking Tip: Full-day Nevis tours typically cost $120-160 USD including ferry transport from St. Kitts. Book 5-7 days ahead as November sees reduced ferry schedules. Look for tours combining Nevis Saint Vincent with historical sites. See current options in booking section.

Catamaran Sunset Sailing Adventures

November offers some of the year's most spectacular Caribbean sunsets with clearer skies and reduced atmospheric moisture. Calmer Caribbean-side waters and steady trade winds create perfect sailing conditions. The 5:30pm departure timing aligns perfectly with November's 6:15pm sunset.

Booking Tip: Sunset sails cost $75-95 USD per person including drinks and snorkeling stops. Book 3-5 days ahead as November's perfect conditions make these tours popular with locals too. Choose operators departing from Christophe Harbour for newest vessels. Current availability in booking widget below.

Volcanic Crater Lake Hiking Expeditions

Mount Liamuiga's crater lake hike becomes manageable in November thanks to cooler morning temperatures and reduced rainfall making the 3-hour trek less treacherous. The 1,156m (3,793ft) climb rewards hikers with views into the dormant volcano's crater lake, best attempted when November's trade winds provide cooling.

Booking Tip: Crater lake hikes cost $85-110 USD with certified guides mandatory for safety. Start at 7am to avoid afternoon heat and potential showers. Book 5-7 days ahead through operators providing proper hiking equipment. Limited to 8 people per group. See current tour options below.

Deep Sea Fishing Charters

November marks peak season for blue marlin, wahoo, and mahi-mahi as cooler water temperatures bring fish closer to shore. Calmer seas and reduced storm activity make full-day charters more comfortable, while the 6:15am sunrise timing allows for longer fishing windows.

Booking Tip: Half-day charters (4 hours) cost $400-600 USD for up to 4 people. Full-day trips range $800-1,200 USD. Book 10-14 days ahead as November's excellent fishing conditions increase demand. Choose operators with GPS fish finders and recent catch photos. Current charter options in booking section.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

St. Kitts Music Festival Pre-Season Events

Local venues begin hosting warm-up concerts and cultural shows preparing for the December music festival season. Smaller, more intimate performances at venues like The Strip and local beach bars feature Caribbean artists and steel pan demonstrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - November afternoon showers last 45-60 minutes and can be intense
SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and Caribbean sun reflects strongly off white sand beaches
Quick-dry hiking pants - essential for rainforest trails that remain damp even in November's drier conditions
Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity which becomes uncomfortable quickly
Closed-toe hiking shoes with good grip - volcanic rock trails can be slippery even when dry
Waterproof phone case - protect devices during boat trips and unexpected rain showers
Light long-sleeve shirt for evening ferry rides - trade winds can make 7pm Nevis crossings surprisingly cool
Insect repellent containing DEET - rainforest areas still have active mosquito populations in November
Comfortable walking sandals with back straps - essential for beach-to-town transitions and rocky shore exploration
Small daypack with waterproof liner - perfect for carrying essentials during multi-stop island tours

Insider Knowledge

November ferry schedules between St. Kitts and Nevis reduce to 4 daily crossings instead of summer's 6 - book the 7am or 5:30pm ferries for guaranteed seats and avoid tourist rush
Local restaurants switch to 'shoulder season' menus in November featuring more traditional Caribbean dishes using seasonal provisions like breadfruit and dasheen rather than imported ingredients
The Scenic Railway tourist train operates reduced November schedules (3 days per week vs daily) but offers 30% discounts and smaller groups making for a more intimate experience
Locals know that November's brief afternoon showers create the year's best rainbow viewing opportunities around 4:30pm - position yourself facing east from any elevated location for spectacular photos

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outdoor activities between 2-4pm when November's afternoon showers are most likely - schedule morning tours or after 5pm activities instead
Assuming all restaurants maintain high-season hours - many local favorites reduce operating days in November, so call ahead or have backup dinner plans
Packing only summer clothes without considering that November evening trade winds can make ferry rides and hillside dining surprisingly cool requiring light layers

Activities in Saint Kittsandnevis