November in St. Thomas falls in the final 30 days of Atlantic hurricane season, which officially closes on November 30. Temperatures hold steady in the upper 20s Celsius (low 80s Fahrenheit), and rain falls on roughly half the month's days, usually as short afternoon bursts that clear within 30 minutes. The humidity at Cyril E. King Airport is the first thing you notice. It sits on your skin. The trade winds have not settled into the steadier, drier pattern that defines the December-through-April high season, so mornings before 10 a.m. can feel close and thick.
Charlotte Amalie's Main Street and Dronningens Gade are quieter in November than they will be once 3 to 5 large cruise ships start docking at Havensight and Crown Bay each week from mid-December onward. A slow November week might see 2 or 3 ship calls, which means the waterfront along Veterans Drive feels more like a working Caribbean port town than a floating shopping mall extension. Hotel and villa rates still sit at shoulder-season levels, and the island's hillsides above Frenchtown and Red Hook carry a deep, saturated green after months of accumulated rain. Down at Coki Beach on the northeast shore, the reef snorkeling that draws winter crowds is still there, with warmer water and fewer fins stirring the sand.
The Frenchtown waterfront, settled by French-heritage fishing families from St. Barthélemy, is worth an evening walk in November. The restaurants along the harbor, places like Hook Line & Sinker, serve grilled mahi and johnnycakes to a mostly local crowd, and the smell of charcoal and citrus carries across the docks. Up the hill, the Old Stone Farmhouse on Route 42 sits in what remains of a 200-year-old sugar estate.
To be fair, November does not compete with the dry season for reliability. If you want consistently clear skies and lower humidity, the January-through-April window is the safer bet. But if your dates or your budget point you toward November, the second half of the month tends to reward the gamble. Tropical storm formation in the Atlantic slows significantly by mid-November, and the island begins its transition into the calmer, drier rhythm that defines winter on St. Thomas.
Why visit in November
- Shoulder-season hotel and villa rates run 20-30% below the December-through-April peak, making November one of the more affordable windows for a Caribbean trip. Properties in Red Hook, Bolongo Bay, and the hillside above Frenchtown all participate in the dip before holiday pricing kicks in
- Cruise traffic at Havensight and Crown Bay is lighter than peak months, so Charlotte Amalie's shop-lined Dronningens Gade, Vendors Plaza, and the most popular beaches carry noticeably more space. A weekday morning at Magens Bay might find fewer than 50 people on the sand
- Water temperatures hold near 28°C (82°F), warm enough for extended snorkeling sessions at Coki Beach or Sapphire Beach without any thermal protection. Late-November reef conditions at the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument tend to be calmer than early in the month
- On clear November afternoons, visibility from Drake's Seat on Route 40 can stretch across the Sir Francis Drake Channel to Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, and the outer British Virgin Islands, a view that gets crowded with tour vans in the winter high season
Worth knowing
- Atlantic hurricane season does not officially end until November 30, and while late-season storms are statistically less common than in September, travel insurance covering weather disruption is worth carrying for any Caribbean trip booked before December
- November is the island's third-wettest month, with rainfall averaging 116mm across roughly 16 rain days. Some afternoon downpours arrive with enough force to cancel or delay boat excursions to Buck Island or snorkel trips departing from Red Hook
- A handful of smaller tour operators and water-sport outfitters near Bolongo Bay and the east end reduce their schedules or close entirely between late October and early December, narrowing the menu of niche activities like parasailing and jet-ski rentals
- Morning humidity at 75% can feel heavy before the trade winds strengthen, particularly if you are walking the steep switchbacks on Route 30 above Charlotte Amalie or climbing the 99 Steps to Government Hill
Best for
Think twice if
Average highs reach 27.8°C (82°F) with lows of 26.0°C (79°F), creating a narrow 2°C daily range that keeps evenings almost as warm as afternoons. Rainfall totals 116mm across roughly 16 rain days, making November the third-wettest month after October's 145mm and August's 133mm. Humidity averages 75%. Most rain arrives as concentrated afternoon downpours lasting 20 to 40 minutes rather than all-day drizzle, and mornings often start partly cloudy before the showers build. The trade winds provide some relief but have not locked into the steadier, drier pattern of the winter months. Water temperatures near the reefs off Coki Point and the east end hold around 28°C (82°F).
Seasonal caution
- Atlantic hurricane season runs through November 30. While the statistical peak passes in September, late-season tropical storms remain possible through the final weeks of November. Monitor National Hurricane Center forecasts from early in the month, and carry travel insurance that covers weather-related cancellations or delays on flights through Cyril E. King Airport.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26 | 25 | 33 |
| Feb | 26 | 24 | 72 |
| Mar | 26 | 24 | 32 |
| Apr | 26 | 25 | 65 |
| May | 27 | 26 | 78 |
| Jun | 28 | 26 | 73 |
| Jul | 28 | 26 | 88 |
| Aug | 29 | 27 | 133 |
| Sep | 29 | 27 | 117 |
| Oct | 29 | 27 | 145 |
| Nov | 28 | 26 | 116 |
| Dec | 27 | 25 | 50 |
Holidays and festivals in November
Public holidays
- Veterans Day(Veterans Day)11 November 2026
- Thanksgiving Day(Thanksgiving Day)26 November 2026
Best things to do in November
Snorkeling at Coki Beach and the Coral Reef National Monument
water sportCoki Beach on the northeast shore offers reef snorkeling within 10 meters (33 feet) of the sand, with parrotfish, blue tang, and sergeant majors visible in 2 to 3 meters of clear water. For deeper reef systems, boat trips from Red Hook reach the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument off St. John's southern coast, where elkhorn coral, brain coral, and sea fans sit in 3 to 5 meters (10 to 16 feet).
Reduced tour-boat traffic in November means less propeller wash near the reef sites. Late-November conditions tend to be calmer than early in the month, and 28°C water allows extended sessions without thermal protection.Booking tipSome operators reduce their November schedules. Confirm departure times 2 days ahead rather than assuming the peak-season timetable. Operators departing from Red Hook tend to maintain more consistent schedules than east-end outfitters.
Historic Charlotte Amalie walking tour
sightseeingA self-guided walk through the hillside streets above the waterfront covers Fort Christian (built 1672), the 99 Steps of Danish-era ballast bricks, Government House on Kongens Gade, and the Synagogue of Beracha Veshalom Vegmiluth Hasadim on Crystal Gade, which dates to 1833. The route passes 18th-century sugar-trade warehouses converted into shops and galleries along Royal Dane Mall and Raadets Gade.
Temperatures sit below the August-September peak, and far fewer cruise passengers ashore make the steep climb up the 99 Steps more comfortable and the narrow lanes less congested than in the winter high season.Day trip to St. John via Red Hook ferry
day tripThe passenger ferry from Red Hook to Cruz Bay on St. John runs approximately every hour, with the crossing taking roughly 20 minutes. From Cruz Bay, Trunk Bay (with its underwater snorkel trail), Cinnamon Bay, and the Reef Bay Trail through Virgin Islands National Park are all reachable within a half-day. The park covers about 60% of St. John's land area.
November's lower visitor count means shorter ferry lines, easier parking at the Red Hook terminal, and more open sand on St. John's beaches. Trunk Bay, which can see 200+ visitors on a peak-season afternoon, might have 30 on a November weekday.Booking tipThe ferry runs first-come, no reservations. Arrive at Red Hook 20 minutes before departure on weekends. The last return ferry leaves Cruz Bay in the late afternoon, so check the schedule.
Sunset at Drake's Seat
sightseeingA hilltop overlook on Route 40 with a westward view across the Sir Francis Drake Channel toward Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, and the outer British Virgin Islands. On clear evenings the sky shifts through amber and pink as the sun drops behind the islands. The breeze at this elevation runs noticeably cooler than at sea level, and a few roadside vendors sell fresh coconut water.
November sunsets fall around 5:30 PM, early enough that you do not sacrifice a full evening. Post-rain clearings in the late afternoon produce particularly saturated colors against residual cloud formations. In the winter high season, 4 to 6 tour vans crowd the small parking area.Caribbean Thanksgiving dinner
food and drinkSt. Thomas restaurants and families serve Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November with a Caribbean accent. Expect roast turkey alongside kallaloo soup, johnny cakes, seasoned rice with pigeon peas, and breadfruit or sweet potato sides. Several restaurants in Frenchtown and Charlotte Amalie offer prix-fixe Thanksgiving menus. Gladys' Cafe on Royal Dane Mall typically serves a local-style holiday plate.
Thanksgiving is specific to late November and offers visitors a chance to experience a distinctly Virgin Islands interpretation of the American holiday, with Caribbean spices and local produce folded into the familiar meal.Booking tipRestaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner fill quickly, even in shoulder season. Reserve at least a week ahead at Virgilio's on Main Street, the Old Stone Farmhouse on Route 42, or Hook Line & Sinker in Frenchtown.
Duty-free shopping on Dronningens Gade
shoppingCharlotte Amalie's main shopping street and the parallel alleys of Royal Dane Mall and Palm Passage carry jewelry, liquor, perfume, and electronics at duty-free prices. The U.S. Virgin Islands offer a higher customs exemption for returning U.S. residents than most other Caribbean destinations. Shops stock pre-holiday inventory by early November, and Cardow Jewelers and A.H. Riise have been on the street since the 19th century.
Fresh holiday merchandise arrives without the December-through-March crowds. Shop owners along Dronningens Gade have more time to assist when the sidewalks are not packed with 8,000 cruise passengers from a 3-ship day.Mangrove kayaking near Cas Cay
water sportGuided kayak tours explore the mangrove lagoons and small cays off St. Thomas's southeastern shore near Cas Cay and the St. James Marine Reserve. The root systems shelter juvenile fish, sea turtles, and the occasional southern stingray. Paddlers pass through tunnels of red mangrove roots and across shallow flats where you can see the bottom in a meter of water. Protected lagoon water stays flat even when the open ocean is choppy.
Late November's calmer wind patterns and reduced motorized boat traffic create quieter conditions in the mangrove channels. Water clarity in the lagoons tends to improve as the heaviest October rains taper off, and green herons and pelicans are active feeders along the shoreline.Booking tipMorning tours see calmer water and better wildlife activity. Book 3-4 days ahead, as some operators run only 2-3 departures per week in November.
What to eat in November
In season: fruit
Guavaberry
The small, tart berry native to the Caribbean ripens across St. Thomas's hillsides in October and November. Locals steep batches in rum with cinnamon and sugar to produce guavaberry liqueur, the traditional Christmas drink of the Virgin Islands. Preparation starts in earnest this month. You might find fresh berries at the Charlotte Amalie farmers' market on the waterfront, or a bottle of homemade liqueur at a roadside stand along Route 30.
Passion fruit
Locally called parcha in some neighborhoods, the yellow variety ripens on backyard vines across the island in late fall. The pulp carries an intense, almost aggressive tartness that works well blended into juices. November marks the tail of the season before supply drops off. Roadside vendors near Tutu Park Mall sometimes sell bags of 8 to 10 for a few dollars.
On menus now
Conch fritters
Available year-round but tied to November's community gatherings and Thanksgiving weekend cookouts. The fritters at Gladys' Cafe on Royal Dane Mall and at beachside vendors near Coki Point use queen conch from the surrounding waters, mixed with onion, pepper, and thyme, then deep-fried until the outside crisps while the interior stays tender.
What to drink
Sorrel drink
Dried hibiscus sepals steeped with ginger, cinnamon, and clove produce this deep-red drink. Families across the territory begin batches in November for the holiday season. Most serve it cold with a splash of rum. The tart, warm-spice flavor cuts through the humid air. Look for it at Gladys' Cafe on Royal Dane Mall or at any local cookout.
In markets
Calabaza
This Caribbean pumpkin reaches harvest in fall and appears in soups, stews, and as a roasted side at Thanksgiving tables across the territory. The flavor sits between butternut squash and sweet potato, with a denser texture. November markets carry them at peak freshness, and they show up in the kallaloo soup at most local restaurants.
Regular events in November
D. Hamilton Jackson DayFree
Territorial holiday honoring David Hamilton Jackson, who secured freedom of the press for the Virgin Islands in 1915. Observed territory-wide with community events and parades. Larger celebrations take place on St. Croix, including the traditional Bull and Bread distribution in Frederiksted. On St. Thomas, government offices and some shops close, and you may find informal gatherings near Emancipation Garden.
November 1Veterans DayFree
Federal holiday observed across the U.S. Virgin Islands. Charlotte Amalie typically holds a ceremony near the Veterans Drive waterfront and Emancipation Garden. Most tourist-facing businesses remain open, but post offices and government offices close. Fort Christian, the 1672 Danish-built fortress on the harbor, sometimes hosts a public observance.
November 11ThanksgivingFree
Federal holiday observed across the territory. Local families blend American Thanksgiving traditions with Caribbean staples like kallaloo soup, pigeon-pea rice, and johnnycakes. Many restaurants close or serve limited menus for the day, and grocery stores shut early. Restaurants in Frenchtown and Red Hook that do serve Thanksgiving dinner fill quickly during the brief mainland-tourist influx.
Fourth Thursday of NovemberBest places this November
Fort Christian
historic siteBuilt by the Danish in 1672, this red-brick fortress on the Charlotte Amalie waterfront is the oldest standing structure in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The museum inside covers the island's colonial history, from Danish sugar plantations to the 1917 transfer to the United States. November's quiet streets mean the surrounding Emancipation Garden, which commemorates the 1848 emancipation of enslaved people in the Danish West Indies, is a comfortable place to sit and take in the harbor.
Charlotte AmalieCoki Beach
beachA compact beach on the northeast shore with some of St. Thomas's most accessible reef snorkeling. The coral starts within 10 meters (33 feet) of the sand, and parrotfish, blue tang, and juvenile barracuda patrol the formations. Coral World Ocean Park sits next door, with its underwater observatory and sea-lion encounters. November's lighter visitor counts mean more room on the narrow strip of beach and less sand churn near the reef.
Coki PointSynagogue of Beracha Veshalom Vegmiluth Hasadim
historic siteFounded in 1833 on Crystal Gade in Charlotte Amalie, this is the second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. The sand-covered floor, a tradition recalling the Israelites' desert crossing during the Exodus, is the feature most visitors remember. The small museum traces the history of the Jewish community on St. Thomas, which was one of the largest in the Caribbean during the 19th-century sugar trade.
Charlotte AmalieMagens Bay
beachThis north-shore bay stretches for nearly a mile of white sand backed by coconut palms and sea grapes. In November, the north-facing orientation means calmer water when the trade winds blow from the east, and a weekday morning visit might find fewer than 50 people on the sand. A small entrance fee applies per person. The beach bar serves simple food and cold drinks.
Magens BayDrake's Seat
viewpointA roadside overlook on Route 40 at the crest of the ridge between Charlotte Amalie and the north shore. On clear November afternoons, the view reaches across the Sir Francis Drake Channel to Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, and the British Virgin Islands beyond. Named for Sir Francis Drake, who reportedly used this vantage point to survey the channel for Spanish galleons.
St. PeterFrenchtown
neighborhoodA waterfront neighborhood west of the main harbor, settled by French-heritage fishing families from St. Barthélemy in the mid-1800s. The restaurants along the harbor, including Hook Line & Sinker, serve fresh-caught mahi, snapper, and conch to a crowd that skews local. November evenings along the waterfront carry the smell of grilled fish and the sound of halyards clinking against masts in the small marina.
FrenchtownLindquist Beach (Smith Bay Park)
beachOn the east end of the island near Red Hook, this beach sees fewer visitors than Magens Bay or Coki but offers similarly clear water and soft sand. The eastern orientation catches the morning sun, and a modest entrance fee keeps the crowds thinner. In November, the beach may have a dozen visitors on a weekday, and the reef offshore supports casual snorkeling in 1 to 2 meters of water.
Red HookBlackbeard's Castle
historic siteThis National Historic Landmark sits on Government Hill above Charlotte Amalie with panoramic harbor views. The 17th-century watchtower, one of five historic Danish-era watchtowers remaining on the island, and the surrounding tropical gardens are worth the uphill walk. November's reduced cruise traffic means you are likely to have the viewpoint nearly to yourself on weekday mornings.
Charlotte AmalieMountain Top
viewpointA hilltop bar and observation deck on Route 33 at 480 meters (1,575 feet) above sea level, claiming to be the birthplace of the banana daiquiri. The view north reaches Hans Lollik Island, the British Virgin Islands, and, on the clearest November afternoons, the distant outline of Anegada. The gift shop stocks local rum, hot sauce, and Caribbean spices.
Estate St. Peter
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Insider tips
The north-shore beaches, including Magens Bay and Hull Bay, tend to run calmer in November than south-facing ones like Brewers Bay near the University of the Virgin Islands campus. Prevailing trade winds blow from the east-northeast, pushing rougher water to the southern and western shores. If you see whitecaps at Brewers, drive 15 minutes north to Hull Bay, where local surfers gather only when there is a rare northern swell.
Safari taxis, the open-air truck-bed vehicles that serve as shared public transit, run along the main routes between Red Hook, Charlotte Amalie, and Cyril E. King Airport. Fares between Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie are set by the VI Taxicab Commission and posted at the stops. Wave one down on Route 30 or Route 38 and ask the driver if they are heading your direction.
If you are planning to snorkel at Coki Beach, arrive before 10 a.m. Even in November's lighter crowds, the water near the reef gets stirred up by midday foot traffic and afternoon tour-boat arrivals from Coral World Ocean Park next door. Early morning is when the parrotfish and sergeant majors are most visible in 2 to 3 meters of clear water.
The Synagogue of Beracha Veshalom Vegmiluth Hasadim on Crystal Gade in Charlotte Amalie dates to 1833 and is the second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. The sand floor, a tradition recalling the Exodus, makes it unlike any other house of worship on the island. Admission is free, and November's low visitor count means you might have the interior to yourself.
Gladys' Cafe on Royal Dane Mall in Charlotte Amalie serves a local-style lunch that regulars swear by. The conch fritters and kallaloo soup are the standards. November weekdays rarely have a wait, while January lunch slots fill by 11:30 a.m.
Mountain Top, the hilltop bar and gift shop on Route 33 at 480 meters (1,575 feet) above sea level, claims credit for inventing the banana daiquiri. The view north toward Hans Lollik Island and the British Virgins is the real draw. On clear November afternoons the panorama reaches farther than the winter haze typically allows.
Avoid these mistakes
- Booking a full day of outdoor activities without a rain contingency. November's afternoon showers are predictable enough that beaches like Magens Bay and hikes like the Reef Bay Trail on St. John belong in the morning, with flexible indoor plans for the afternoon, such as the shops along Dronningens Gade or a drink at the Greenhouse Bar on Veterans Drive.
- Driving for the first time without preparing for left-side road rules. The U.S. Virgin Islands drive on the left, a holdover from the Danish colonial era, but nearly all rental cars have left-hand-drive steering. The combination is uniquely disorienting on the steep switchbacks of Route 30 above Charlotte Amalie and the sharp turns of Route 33 up to Mountain Top. Take it very slow for the first hour.
- Assuming the hurricane-season label means constant storms. Most November days are partly cloudy with brief showers, not storm-battered. The label overstates the daily experience, but it should not stop you from carrying trip insurance that covers weather delays on flights through Cyril E. King Airport.
- Planning to rely on rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft. Neither operates on St. Thomas. Your transport options are rental cars, the shared safari taxis along Routes 30 and 38, or prearranged private drivers. The VI Taxicab Commission posts fare schedules at the cruise terminals and the airport.
- Skipping Frenchtown in favor of the Havensight cruise-port shops. The Frenchtown waterfront restaurants, a 5-minute drive west of Charlotte Amalie, serve better food to a mostly local crowd, and November evenings on the docks carry the smell of grilled fish and the clinking of sailboat halyards. Havensight's shops are built for cruise-day volume, not for dining.
Practical tips for November
The U.S. Virgin Islands are a U.S. territory, so American citizens fly in without a passport, though a government-issued photo ID is required for boarding at Cyril E. King Airport. November's shoulder-season status means you can often book hotels and villas 2 weeks ahead and still find good availability, but Thanksgiving week sees a brief demand spike as mainland families arrive for the long weekend. Reserve accommodations for that stretch at least 3 weeks out, and book a table at places like Virgilio's or the Old Stone Farmhouse a week in advance. Car rental agencies near the airport may close for D. Hamilton Jackson Day on November 1 and keep limited hours on Veterans Day, November 11. Book your car in advance if you arrive on or near either date. Most restaurants in Frenchtown and Charlotte Amalie do not require reservations in November, a welcome change from the high season when popular spots like Banana Tree Grille at the Bluebeard's Castle resort fill days ahead. The currency is U.S. dollars, tipping follows mainland norms, and major U.S. cell carriers work on St. Thomas without roaming charges. The Red Hook ferry to Cruz Bay, St. John runs approximately every hour, with fares posted at the terminal.
FAQ
Is November a good time to visit St. Thomas?
November is a fair choice, not the island's strongest month but well short of its worst. You trade the reliability of the January-through-April dry season for shoulder-season pricing and noticeably fewer tourists at spots like Magens Bay and Sapphire Beach. The main variable is weather. Hurricane season runs through November 30, and rain falls on about half the days, typically as 20-to-40-minute afternoon bursts rather than all-day gray. If you can build flexibility into your itinerary, the second half of November tends to deliver solid Caribbean conditions at below-peak rates. Restaurants in Frenchtown and along the Red Hook waterfront stay open year-round, so you won't find a shuttered island.
What is the weather like in St. Thomas in November?
Warm and humid with frequent but short-lived afternoon rain. Highs reach 27.8°C (82°F) and lows barely dip to 26°C (79°F), a range so narrow that evenings on the Frenchtown waterfront feel almost as warm as midday on Magens Bay. Mornings are often partly cloudy and sticky, with 75% average humidity that you feel immediately stepping out of Cyril E. King Airport. Afternoons bring a burst of heavy rain, sometimes with enough force to clear the beach at Coki Point for 20 minutes, before the sun comes back. Clear evenings are common. The trade winds provide some cooling but are not as consistent as they become in December and January, when they lock into a steadier northeast pattern.
Is St. Thomas safe for solo travelers?
St. Thomas scores 6.2 out of 10 for solo-traveler safety (see the TTDI Solo-Safety Index). The main tourist areas of Charlotte Amalie, Red Hook, and beaches like Magens Bay and Sapphire Beach are generally safe during daylight. After dark, stick to well-lit areas along Veterans Drive and the Havensight boardwalk, and avoid walking alone in residential neighborhoods above the hillside like Estate Thomas. The island is a U.S. territory with a familiar legal framework, 911 service, and the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital near Charlotte Amalie, which simplifies matters if you need assistance.
Is St. Thomas crowded in November?
No. November falls before the main cruise season and the winter holiday influx. Charlotte Amalie's Dronningens Gade and the popular beaches carry a fraction of the foot traffic they see from mid-December through April, when Havensight and Crown Bay terminals receive 3 to 5 large ships per week. A slow November week might see 2 or 3 ship calls. The exception is Thanksgiving week, when mainland American families arrive for the long weekend and Magens Bay, Coki Beach, and restaurants in Frenchtown fill up temporarily.
Is St. Thomas LGBTQ+ friendly?
St. Thomas scores 7.5 out of 10 for LGBTQ+ friendliness (sourced from TTDI's editorial rubric). As a U.S. territory, federal protections apply, including marriage equality. The island's atmosphere is generally welcoming, though public displays of affection outside tourist-oriented areas may draw attention in some neighborhoods. Charlotte Amalie's waterfront district, Red Hook, and the Frenchtown restaurant row tend to be the most cosmopolitan parts of the island.
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