Port of Spain in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Port of Spain

32°C (89°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

224 mm (8.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Peak festival season - November hosts Divali celebrations and cultural events throughout the city with street parades and authentic food stalls on every corner
Perfect swimming weather - sea temperatures hold steady at 28°C (82°F) while afternoon trade winds provide relief from humidity during beach visits
Shoulder season pricing - hotel rates drop 25-40% compared to December/January peak season, with excellent availability at mid-range properties
Optimal hiking conditions - morning temperatures of 23°C (74°F) make early starts comfortable for El Tucuche (936m/3,071ft) and other Northern Range trails before afternoon heat

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms - sudden downpours last 30-45 minutes and can flood downtown streets, disrupting walking tours and outdoor markets
High humidity creates discomfort - 70% humidity combined with 32°C (89°F) temperatures makes midday outdoor activities exhausting for visitors from temperate climates
Limited evening breeze - unlike December-March, November lacks consistent cooling winds, making rooftop dining uncomfortable after 6pm

Best Activities in November

Maracas Bay Beach Excursions

November's calm seas and 28°C (82°F) water temperature create ideal swimming conditions. Morning visits (8am-11am) avoid both crowds and afternoon storms. The famous bake and shark vendors operate full menus during shoulder season.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for independent visits. Shared taxi services from Port of Spain cost TT$15-25 per person. Peak swimming hours are 9am-2pm before afternoon weather changes. See current tour options in booking section below.

Queen's Park Savannah Cultural Walking Tours

November's moderate morning temperatures (23°C/74°F) make the 2.2km (1.4 mile) Savannah loop comfortable. Divali preparations and cricket season create authentic local atmosphere. this destination colonial mansions photograph beautifully in November's softer light.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks work well, or book cultural tours typically costing TT$150-250 per person. Start by 8am to avoid heat buildup. Licensed guides available through tourism board operators - see current options below.

Caroni Bird Sanctuary Boat Tours

November marks prime scarlet ibis viewing season as birds gather before December breeding. Late afternoon tours (3:30pm) time perfectly with cooler temperatures and bird feeding schedules. Mangrove channels remain navigable despite occasional rain.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through certified operators. Tours typically run TT$200-300 per adult including boat and guide. Afternoon departures essential for ibis sightings. Weather rarely affects boat operations.

Northern Range Hiking Expeditions

November offers perfect hiking weather with cool 23°C (74°F) morning starts and trails dried out from October rains. El Tucuche and Maracas Waterfall trails accessible with moderate fitness levels. Cloud cover develops by noon, providing natural shade.

Booking Tip: Start all hikes by 6:30am latest. Guided trips cost TT$300-500 for full-day experiences. Independent hiking requires 4WD access to trailheads. Licensed mountain guides recommended for safety - current options available below.

Downtown Port of Spain Food Adventures

November's Divali season brings authentic Indian sweets and street food not available other times. Morning food walks (9am-12pm) avoid afternoon heat while markets operate at full capacity. Accra and surrounding streets offer concentrated food experiences.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost TT$180-280 per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Book 3-5 days ahead during festival periods. Morning timing essential for fresh ingredients and comfortable walking temperatures.

Tobago Day Trip Adventures

November's reduced wind speeds make the 2.5-hour ferry crossing more comfortable than peak season. Tobago's beaches and coral reefs enjoy optimal conditions with calm seas and excellent underwater visibility reaching 20m (65ft).

Booking Tip: Day trips via ferry cost TT$100-150 return plus activities. Book ferry tickets 1-2 weeks ahead for weekend travel. Flight options available for TT$400-600 return. See current Tobago tour packages in booking section.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Divali Festival Celebrations

Hindu Festival of Lights transforms the city with elaborate light displays, authentic Indian food markets, and cultural performances. St. James and Chaguanas areas host the largest celebrations with traditional sweet-making demonstrations and lamp-lighting ceremonies.

Every Saturday in November

Independence Square Cultural Markets

Weekly cultural markets intensify during November with local artisans selling handcrafted goods and traditional foods. Live steelpan performances occur most Saturday evenings, showcasing authentic Trinidadian music culture.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket - sudden afternoon storms last 30-45 minutes but can be intense, flooding downtown streets temporarily

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 causes burns within 15-20 minutes, especially dangerous during morning beach visits

Moisture-wicking cotton or bamboo clothing - synthetic fabrics trap sweat uncomfortably in 70% humidity conditions

Waterproof phone case - essential for beach days and sudden downpours that can damage electronics quickly

Comfortable walking sandals with grip - wet pavement becomes slippery, and many local experiences involve walking on varied surfaces

Lightweight long pants for evenings - protects against mosquitoes that emerge after rain, particularly around Savannah area

Portable water bottle with electrolytes - dehydration happens quickly in humid conditions, especially during outdoor activities

Cash in small bills (TT$20, TT$50) - many local food vendors and taxi services don't accept cards or large denominations

Insect repellent with DEET - post-rain mosquito activity increases significantly, particularly near wetland areas like Caroni

Insider Knowledge

Local timing advantage - Trinidadians avoid outdoor activities between 11am-3pm in November, creating tourist-friendly windows for popular sites during off-peak hours

Currency strategy - US dollars widely accepted at tourist-focused businesses at favorable informal exchange rates, often better than official bank rates

Weather pattern knowledge - afternoon storms typically build from the east and arrive between 2pm-4pm, allowing morning activities to finish before weather changes

Festival food access - November's Divali celebrations offer authentic Indian sweets and snacks sold only during this period, unavailable in regular restaurants year-round

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 11am - November heat and humidity make midday adventures uncomfortable, with afternoon storms disrupting plans

Overpacking for weather - bringing heavy rain gear instead of light, quick-dry layers that work better in tropical storm conditions

Missing festival opportunities - not researching specific Divali celebration locations and dates, missing authentic cultural experiences only available in November