Kingston in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Kingston

32°C (89°F) High Temp

22°C (71°F) Low Temp

142 mm (5.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season with 30% fewer crowds at Blue Mountains and this destination compared to December-February peak
Hurricane season officially ends October 31st - November has lowest storm risk with only 5% chance of tropical weather
Coolest temperatures of the year make outdoor activities like hiking Blue Mountain Peak (2,256m/7,402ft) actually enjoyable in morning hours
Mango season begins mid-November - street vendors sell Julie mangoes for J$50-100 and locals celebrate with fresh fruit festivals throughout parishes

Considerations

Short Caribbean rainy season continues through mid-November - expect 20-minute downpours 4-5 afternoons per week that can flood downtown Kingston streets
Higher accommodation prices as North American snowbirds arrive - expect 25-40% premium over September-October rates
Some Blue Mountains coffee tours reduce schedules before December rush - limited to 3 days per week at many plantations

Best Activities in November

Blue Mountain Peak Sunrise Hiking

November's cooler mornings (22°C/71°F at 4am start) make the 7-hour round trip to Jamaica's highest peak manageable. Dry conditions mean clearer views of Cuba on clear days. Coffee estates along trails offer fresh harvest tastings unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Book certified Blue Mountain guides 2-3 weeks ahead. Tours typically cost J$8,000-12,000 including transport from Kingston. Start times are 2am for sunrise viewing. Look for operators with 4WD vehicles and emergency communication equipment.

Kingston Cultural Heritage Walking Tours

Comfortable temperatures and lower humidity make 3-4 hour walking tours through downtown Kingston, Trench Town, and Spanish Town bearable. November timing avoids both summer heat and December crowds at Bob Marley Museum and this destination.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours (8am-11am) before afternoon heat builds. Prices range J$4,000-7,000 for group tours. Choose operators offering both uptown and downtown perspectives, including transportation between areas.

Port Royal Fishing Village and Fort Charles Exploration

November's calm seas (post-hurricane season) make the 30-minute drive and boat tours to historic this destination ideal. Fewer cruise ships mean uncrowded access to earthquake ruins and authentic fishing village experience.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost J$5,000-8,000 including boat transport and guide. Book through Kingston hotel concierges for vetted operators. Morning tours offer better photography light and fresher seafood at Gloria's Restaurant.

Hellshire Beach and Seafood Experience

Post-rainy season water clarity peaks in November, making the 30-minute drive to Hellshire Beach worthwhile for swimming and authentic Jamaican beach culture. Cooler evenings perfect for beachside dining on escovitch fish and festival bread.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for beach access (J$200 parking). Budget J$2,000-3,500 for full seafood meal for two. Visit Sunday afternoons for live music and local family atmosphere. Avoid holiday weekends for parking availability.

Hope Botanical Gardens and Zoo

November's moderate temperatures and lower rainfall make the 200-acre garden comfortable for 2-3 hour visits. Many tropical plants bloom post-rainy season, and zoo animals are more active in cooler weather.

Booking Tip: Entry fees J$300 adults, J$150 children. Open 10am-5pm daily. Best visited 10am-1pm before heat builds. No advance booking required. Combine with nearby this destination for full day cultural experience.

Blue Mountain Coffee Estate Tours

November marks early harvest season for Blue Mountain coffee - tours include fresh bean tastings and processing demonstrations unavailable in off-season. Cool mountain temperatures (18°C/64°F) provide relief from Kingston heat.

Booking Tip: Book 1-2 weeks ahead as harvest season increases demand. Tours cost J$6,000-10,000 including transportation from Kingston. Choose estates offering roasting demonstrations and multi-varietal tastings. Morning tours offer better weather conditions.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival

Annual festival at various Kingston venues featuring international and local artists. Mix of outdoor and indoor concerts accommodate November's variable weather patterns.

Early November

Restaurant Week Jamaica

Kingston's top restaurants offer prix fixe menus at J$3,000-5,000 for three courses. Excellent introduction to uptown dining scene with 40+ participating establishments.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket - afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but can be intense, flooding sidewalks temporarily

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days, reflecting off concrete in downtown Kingston

Breathable cotton or moisture-wicking shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, which feels suffocating

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Kingston sidewalks become slippery during rain showers

Light sweater for Blue Mountain excursions - temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) at elevation

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes increase after November rains, especially near Hope Gardens

Waterproof phone case - protect electronics during sudden downpours common 4-5 afternoons weekly

Cash in small bills - many vendors and taxi drivers don't accept J$5,000 notes, US dollars widely accepted

Portable umbrella - more practical than rain jacket for short Kingston walks between buildings

Insider Knowledge

Use JUTC buses (J$150) instead of route taxis for safe, air-conditioned transport - locals avoid route taxis during afternoon rain

Book accommodations in New Kingston or Cracow areas - better drainage during November rains than downtown flooding zones

Shop at Sovereign Supermarket or Megamart early morning (7am-9am) when locals stock up before afternoon weather

November mango season means fruit vendors on every corner - Julie and East Indian varieties peak quality, J$50-100 each

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 2pm when afternoon thunderstorms typically begin - plan sightseeing for morning hours

Underestimating Kingston traffic during rain - 20-minute drives become 45+ minutes when roads flood downtown

Packing only summer clothes - Blue Mountain temperatures require layers, and November evenings cool to 22°C (71°F)