Things to Do in Jamaica in November
Do you know where long days are, and the weather is warm in November? Jamaica!
Plan your one-of-a-kind trip to Jamaica to enjoy luscious rainforests, exciting adventures, and the famous blue waters of the Caribbean.
Although November isn’t the most popular time to visit Jamaica, it should be. Jamaica is an ideal November getaway with excellent weather, flight and accommodation deals, fun events, and delicious ripe fruit.
Are you looking to celebrate Thanksgiving in Jamaica? See here. (https://www.jamaicaoceanviewvilla.com/blog/thanksgiving-in-jamaica/)
Here at Villa Serenity, we’re all about making your Jamaican trip as enjoyable as possible. Today we’ll give you the best things to do in November, what to wear, and what you should do when visiting us this November.
Why you should go to Jamaica in November
Before getting into this, I wanted to give you an overview of why you should plan a November trip to Jamaica.
- The Weather. Think of 80-degree days on the beach.
- Fewer Crowds. No lines for you! The tourism rush doesn’t start until mid-December.
- Save Some Money. Flights, accommodations, and activities are cheaper in November than in December to February. You can end up saving thousands.
- The Food. Jamaica has several food-themed festivals in November that will excite any foodie, including year-round food attractions.
- Long Days. In November, you’ll be sunbathing in the 11 hours of light per day. (Read: you’ve escaped the dark days at home).
- Lounge on the Beach. Ok, we know the beach is always there. But, c’mon, escape from the pre-holiday blues with the white sands of Jamaica. With average water temperatures around 80 degrees, you can swim in the warm blue sea instead of shivering at home.
Want more details? Keep reading.
November Weather in Jamaica
The best weather in Jamaica begins in November. If you’re looking for 80-degree days and little rainfall, November is the perfect time to visit.
You’re also coming at the tail end of hurricane season. The season ends on November 30, but historically significant storms are most likely in September and October. Even then, hurricanes are infrequent in Jamaica.
It’s still helpful to buy good travel insurance that will cover you for unprecedented weather or a health crisis.
But you’re likely to enjoy balmy days and low chances of storms.
November Holidays in Jamaica
There are no big holidays in Jamaica in November.
November 25 is a national holiday called Eat Jamaican Day, where locals are encouraged to support their community and eat locally.
The late Governor-General of Jamaica, Sir Howard Cooke, said the intent was to “eat what we grow and grow what we eat.” You can often find activities around that time.
In Jamaica, Thanksgiving is not a national holiday.
But if you want to celebrate you’ll have plenty of options. There are thanksgiving food choices at the supermarket, places to eat and honor, and if you tell your chef at Villa Serenity in advance, he’ll make a Thanksgiving meal, especially for you.
Check out another article about Thanksgiving in Jamaica.
https://www.jamaicaoceanviewvilla.com/blog/thanksgiving-in-jamaica/
November Events in Jamaica
There are many festivals and events in Jamaica during November. Here are just a few of the festivals you can check out in November.
Jamaica Food and Drink Festival
Foodies, listen up. This festival in Kingston features the different foods you can find in Jamaica, from seafood and Asian food to street food.
At the beginning of November, the festival has food for every palate.
Restaurant Week
The highly anticipated week of new menu items and restaurant discounts all across the island is here. Restaurant Week is a great time to take the family out and experience somewhere new.
The event’s 15th year includes 104 participating restaurants offering signature dishes and pre-selected three-course meals for a special rate. Don’t miss this chance to taste the best of Jamaica!
NyamJam Food and Music Festival
Enjoy food from world-renowned local and international chefs at this festival known as Eat and Music in Jamaican and held in mid-November on James Bond Beach.
Reggae Sunsplash
This exciting music festival began in 1978 and had been operating off and on since. In 2020 offered a virtual event; you are likely to have this option again this year to enjoy Jamaica’s phenomenal music scene.
The Collection Moda
Fashion lovers, this is for you. Local and international designers and artisans showcase and promote their work on November’s second or third weekend. Located in Kingston, it’s a great way to shop locally and have fun at the runway show.
Ripe Fruit in November
There are many events to fill your November days, but the fruit begins to ripen in Jamaica this month.
What’s better than fresh fruit? Jamaica grows a diverse number of fruits in its warm tropical climates.
You can enjoy them fully ripened, freshly picked off the tree this November in Jamaica. Here are some of the fruits that are ripe in November.
Citrus
Citrus begins to ripen in November. You’d be amiss to think of only orange, tangerine, and grapefruit. Jamaica has many citruses that you’ve probably never tried before.
The ugli is a cross between the common citrus fruits and is deliciously sweet and juicy.
The ortanique is a mix between the orange and tangerine and the sour-sweet flavor, something you won’t want to miss.
All are ripe in November.
Ackee
The national fruit of Jamaica is ackee. They ripen throughout the year, but the peak season is September to December. Ackee is related to the lychee and has a slightly nutty taste. It is the flavor of the ingredient it is marinated. It’s well-known in the unofficial Jamaican national dish, ackee and saltfish.
June Plum
Think of a mix of sour pineapple and mango flavors with the crunch of an apple, and you have an idea of the taste of t June plum. June plum ripens from October to December in Jamaica.
Avocado
If you hear of Jamaicans referring to “pear,” they’re probably talking about avocado! Enjoy fresh avocados from the tree in November.
How to Prepare to Visit Jamaica in November
Now that you know some of the reasons you should visit Jamaica in November, let’s help you plan your trip.
What to wear
The weather in Jamaica is temperate year-round. It’s generally a quick downpour when it rains in November, followed by clear blue skies.
Pack clothes that are loose and comfortable. And plan for it to be between 70 to 85 degrees. The average low temperature in November is 72 degrees, and the high is 86 degrees.
You should bring one or two pairs of long pants max. Use your packing space for shorts, tops, sundresses, swimsuits, a light coat/raincoat. A light sweater or coat might be helpful if you’re out late, but it hardly ever gets below 65 degrees in Jamaica, no matter what month.
Where to stay
Visiting Jamaica in November is considered shoulder season for tourism: the weather is good, and the crowds are fewer. That means that you have a lot more options for accommodation.
You can get some of the year’s best deals wherever you stay.
If you’re wondering the difference between a villa, resort, and vacation home, we recommend visiting our FAQ page.
There are many benefits when you are renting a villa in Jamaica.
LUXURIOUS ROOMS
Unlike many house rentals in the US, many villas in Jamaica come fully staffed with housekeepers, laundry, chef, and driving all taken care of for you.
You won’t have to worry about pool space, crowded dining halls, or having to dress up. You’ll have your pool, dining room, bar, and beach space. Talk about privacy!
Located in Ocho Rios, Villa Serenity offers oceanfront rooms, personal staff, and a private chef. Our property is spacious, ideal for enjoying the Caribbean with the whole family.
Hospitality is in our genes. Your staff will ensure you feel at home during your stay.
When you arrive at the villa, you can discuss what you want to eat with your chef during your visit, and they’ll plan the rest. The villa staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding safety, events, or anything about Jamaica.
You can enjoy the privacy your all that your villa in Jamaica has to offer, from your private dining room, bar, and private pool.
Your staff will do all the shopping, cooking, cleaning and driving.
Don’t want to stay in the villa? The villa boasts a lot with a private beach and resorts access, but Jamaica has so much to offer outside the villa. Step out and experience the attractions, beauty, and freedom. You’ll have your driver/tour guide o navigate for you and not get stuck in a resort.
The best place to stay on your vacation to Jamaica is at a villa in Jamaica, but we know we’re slightly biased.
For more information, see here. https://www.jamaicaoceanviewvilla.com/jamaica-villa-vacation-faqs/
Covid considerations in Jamaica
Because of the ongoing Covid-situation, here are a few ways you can stay safe and up to date when planning a trip to Jamaica this November.
The best way to know what’s going on in Jamaica currently is to check the website. (https://www.visitjamaica.com/travelauthorization/) The official tourism website of Jamaica will have the most up-to-date info on the rules and regulations regarding pandemic procedures.
Getting cancel-for-any-reason insurance is also worthwhile. Because the pandemic can change in Jamaica or at home, it’s a good idea to book travel insurance that you can rely on so if something unprecedented happens again, you won’t lose your money.
It’s also a good idea for you to choose a suitable villa or resort with all of the amenities you could desire.
If rules change and attractions close, you want to go to a place you know will care for you.
Staying at a villa instead of a resort also limits your exposure, as you won’t eat, swim, or drink in a common area.
You’ll be able to join the wonders of Jamaica with just you and your cohort.
At Villa Serenity, we have a cancellation policy that is often more lenient than third-party sites or hotels.
We always recommend talking to us if you need to cancel or the unexpected comes up.
Must-See Attractions in Jamaica
You have to go to some places in Jamaica no matter what month you visit. We recommend visiting the following during your stay.
Dunn’s River Falls and Park. The tallest waterfall in Jamaica is the most popular tourist attraction.
Blue and John Crow Mountains Park. Even if you aren’t outdoorsy enough to enjoy hiking, you can book tours to visit the tropical landscapes of the mountains.
Blue Lagoon. Catch your breath when you come upon the gleaming blue water hole near Ocho Rios. A must-see look and swim.
Martha Brae Rafting. There is no need to go to Venice to enjoy a romantic ride through the water. A local will guide you through the waters as you relax on the raft.
Top Jamaican Resort Cities
We know we’ve mentioned a few different cities in this article. Here is an overview of the central city destinations in Jamaica.
Montego Bay: Best and Most Choices of Resorts.
When you want to stay at a resort for your stay in Jamaica, this is the place to stay.
Negril: Best Beaches.
We recommend staying here if you want to lie on the beach.
Ocho Rios: Best Variety of Activities.
You can combine beach living with other fun events and activities here.
If you need help choosing, we wrote an article about how to pick the perfect resort town. https://www.jamaicaoceanviewvilla.com/blog/finding-the-best-resort-town-for-your-vacation/
Did we miss anything? Contact us here.
