Kingstown - Things to Do in Kingstown in November

Kingstown in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Kingstown

26.7°C (80°F) High Temp
25°C (77°F) Low Temp
0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect sailing conditions with consistent northeast trade winds averaging 15-20 knots, making November ideal for yacht charters and inter-island ferry travel with minimal seasickness
  • Shoulder season pricing means 30-40% lower accommodation costs compared to December-March peak period, with luxury resorts offering their best deals before Christmas bookings surge
  • Minimal tourist crowds at major attractions like this destination and the Botanic Gardens - you'll often have historic sites to yourself for photography and exploration
  • Optimal diving visibility reaches 25-30 m (82-98 ft) as the summer plankton bloom settles, revealing pristine coral formations at sites like the MV Antilles wreck

Considerations

  • Hurricane season technically continues until November 30th, though actual storm risk is low (less than 5% historical probability), but travelers should monitor weather forecasts and consider travel insurance
  • Afternoon showers occur on 10 days throughout the month, typically lasting 20-30 minutes between 2-4 PM, requiring flexible outdoor activity scheduling
  • High humidity at 70% makes midday heat feel more intense than the actual 26.7°C (80°F), necessitating morning and late afternoon activity planning

Best Activities in November

Grenadines Island Hopping Tours

November's consistent trade winds and calm seas create perfect conditions for exploring Saintvincentandthegrenadines, Saintvincentandthegrenadines, and the Tobago Cays. Water temperatures remain at 27°C (81°F) with excellent visibility. The shoulder season means uncrowded beaches and better wildlife spotting as sea turtles are still active before winter migration.

Booking Tip: Book sailing charters 2-3 weeks ahead for best vessel selection. Day trips typically cost EC$200-350 (US$75-130) per person. Look for operators with Coast Guard certification and recent vessel inspections. Multi-day charters average EC$800-1,200 per day including meals.

Fort Charlotte Historical Walks

The 18th-century fortress offers panoramic harbor views best experienced in November's clearer skies. Morning temperatures around 24°C (75°F) make the uphill walk comfortable, while fewer cruise ship arrivals mean unobstructed photo opportunities of the ramparts and colonial architecture.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but local historical guides available at the entrance offer deeper insights for EC$30-50 per group. Best visited 8-10 AM before heat builds. Allow 2-3 hours for full exploration including the Sanaa.

Vermont Nature Trail Hiking

November marks the end of the wet season, leaving trails in excellent condition with minimal mud while maintaining lush rainforest vegetation. Wildlife activity peaks in cooler morning hours, with better chances of spotting the endemic St. Vincent parrot and whistling warbler.

Booking Tip: Guided nature hikes cost EC$100-180 per person for half-day excursions. Book with licensed guides through the Forestry Department for accurate bird identification and safety. Start before 7 AM to avoid afternoon heat and potential showers. Bring 2 liters (67 fl oz) of water minimum.

Black Sand Beach Photography Tours

The volcanic beaches of the northwest coast offer dramatic contrasts enhanced by November's dynamic cloud formations. Lower humidity than summer months means less haze for landscape photography, while gentle swells create perfect conditions for coastal walking and tide pool exploration.

Booking Tip: Independent beach access is free, but guided photography workshops run EC$120-200 per person including transportation. Best light occurs 6-8 AM and 4-6 PM. Rental 4WD vehicles needed for remote beaches cost EC$150-250 per day from local operators.

Market Saturday Cultural Experience

Kingstown's main market reaches peak activity in November as local farmers bring in post-harvest produce. The covered market provides shelter from brief afternoon showers while offering authentic interaction with vendors selling breadfruit, plantains, and local spices unavailable in tourist shops.

Booking Tip: Market access is free, but cultural walking tours including market visits cost EC$60-100 per person. Peak activity occurs 6 AM-noon Saturdays. Bring small denomination EC dollars for purchases. Food safety is excellent - try local specialties like roasted breadfruit and fresh coconut water.

Botanical Garden Morning Walks

Established in 1765, these gardens showcase tropical flora at its most busy in November's post-wet season growth. Morning mist creates ethereal photography conditions among the breadfruit trees and spice groves, while bird activity peaks before the day's heat builds.

Booking Tip: Garden entry costs EC$5 per person with guided botanical tours available for EC$25-40. Open daily 6 AM-6 PM but optimal visiting window is 6:30-9 AM for wildlife activity and comfortable temperatures. Self-guided trail maps available at entrance.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Independence Day Celebrations

October 27th festivities extend into early November with cultural performances, local food festivals, and historical reenactments throughout Kingstown. Street parades feature traditional costumes and calypso music, offering authentic cultural immersion beyond typical tourist experiences.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but can be intense, occurring on 10 days throughout November
SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflected sunlight from volcanic sand beaches intensifies exposure
Quick-dry hiking pants - essential for Vermont Nature Trail's occasionally muddy sections and protection from mosquitoes during morning hikes
Waterproof phone case - crucial for boat excursions and unexpected rain during photography sessions
Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps moisture and becomes uncomfortable quickly
Sturdy water shoes - volcanic rock coastal areas have sharp surfaces and strong currents require secure footing
Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - trade winds can be strong on boats and exposed coastal areas
Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - mosquito activity increases after afternoon rains, particularly in forested areas
Daypack with rain cover - essential for hiking excursions and protecting electronics during sudden weather changes
Cash in small EC dollar denominations - many local vendors and transportation providers don't accept cards or large bills

Insider Knowledge

Local buses (called 'route taxis') stop running promptly at 6 PM, so plan return transportation for evening activities or budget EC$40-60 for private taxi rides back to accommodations
Wednesday afternoon produce markets in Saint Vincent offer 40-50% lower prices than Kingstown's Saturday market, plus you'll interact with farmers rather than resellers
Book inter-island flights with SVG Air at least 10 days ahead in November - they often cancel flights for maintenance during slower tourist periods, leaving ferry as the only option
The upper floors of local guesthouses frequently lack air conditioning but offer better views and cross-breezes - request corner rooms on the 2nd floor for optimal natural cooling

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all-day boat tours will operate during afternoon shower periods - most responsible operators suspend activities during heavy rain for safety, so morning departures have better completion rates
Exchanging money at the airport where rates are 8-12% worse than banks in Kingstown - use NCB or Bank of SVG branches on Halifax Street for fair exchange rates
Planning intensive hiking for midday hours when temperatures feel like 32°C (90°F) due to 70% humidity - start forest hikes by 7 AM or wait until 4 PM for comfortable conditions

Activities in Kingstown