6 Reasons To Visit Puerto Rico in November: Solo Travel In PR! (2024)

Puerto Rico is a small Caribbean island nation with a really cool capital called San Juan, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture. And it has great beaches! But why is Puerto Rico in November such a great idea, including for solo travelers?

I traveled here for over a month in the summer (yep, during the wet season). Although I have to admit I particularly loved San Juan, I did venture off on a road trip and visited Rincon, Isabela, Ponce, and other destinations across the island.

Anyway, visiting Puerto Rico in November has many perks. When I was there in August, it was LOVELY but also really hot; there were afternoon rain showers and mosquitos. In contrast, November is the first month of the dry season in the Caribbean, and it is still not peak tourist season!

Puerto Rico is a so-called “unincorporated territory” of the United States and is the home of an exotic mix of traditional Spanish and Caribbean cultures. This means that US citizens can conveniently travel here without a passport.

So this is a no-brainer!

Travel Delights: Exploring Puerto Rico In November

There are several really good reasons why November, the first month in the Caribbean dry season, and the crowds have not started forming yet. Here are the November perks:

1. The mild temperatures! While average temperatures remain relatively stable around the island throughout the year, November is an especially cool and pleasant time to visit (because summers can get excruciatingly hot and wet).
   
   November in Puerto Rico is still borderline shoulder season, and the average maximum temperature highs range from 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.6°C) in San Juan to 86°F (30°C) in Fajardo.
   
2. Much smaller crowds! During the height of summer, Puerto Rico’s beaches and attractions can get crowded with tourists. But in November, expect fewer visitors and more open spaces to explore. 
   
3. Lower prices! With fewer people visiting, you’ll also be able to find great deals on airfare and accommodations throughout the island.
   
4. Holiday Festivities! November is the start of Puerto Rico’s holiday season—towns and cities across the island host special celebrations, parades, processions, and lots more fun stuff.
   
5. Seasonal wildlife encounters of a lifetime! November is the first month the humpback whales return to these waters, and you can also experience the incredible bioluminescent water where plankton glow in the dark.
   
6. World Class Golfing! Outside Isabela on the southeastern corner of Puerto Rico, you find Royal Isabela, famous for its incredible, luxurious hotel facilities and the fabulous location of its golf course. And there are lots of other great golfing paradises as well, perfect as the dry season sets in from November.

Read more about each point and some extra useful information for your Puerto Rico holiday below. And FYI, even if you choose to have San Juan as your holiday base, distances are so short you can reach almost “everywhere” on day trips.

Also read: Ultimate Caribbean Packing List From A Frequent Visitor

Perfect Friendly Conditions

In November, temperatures in Puerto Rico are mild and pleasant.

Highs usually reach a comfortable 80-87°F (27-30°C), with low humidity and gentle breezes that keep the air feeling fresh. So you will not evaporate in the heat and humidity, which is super pleasant.

November is the first month outside of the rainy season, which is also mainly the low season. This is when hurricanes and tropical storms are (mainly) a thing of the past, and afternoon rain showers are fewer and further between.

That makes it ideal for outdoor exploring and activities like sunbathing on the beach or heading off on an expedition to El Yunque National Forest. Scuba diving is also great.

Fewer Holiday Crowds

Puerto Rico is a popular destination in general, but especially in the period from December to April, which is the dry season and peak tourist season.

If you plan your trip for November, you can bask freely in the beauty of Puerto Rico while avoiding the crowds.

Fewer people mean more space and time to explore attractions, beaches, local neighborhoods, and off-beaten tracks. Plus, fewer tourists mean lower prices for accommodation and activities.

Friendly Off-Season Prices 

November is considered the “off-season” for travel to Puerto Rico.

This means prices drop significantly compared to peak months like July and August, and even December.

You can expect to find lower rates on airfare, accommodation, car rental, and more – so it’s a great time to save money and enjoy all the delights of Puerto Rico.

Incredible Wildlife Encounters

November is a great time to visit Puerto Rico for wildlife watching – particularly if you’re interested in birds!

During the fall months, many migratory species flock to the island, so it’s the best month to catch a glimpse of some quite rare and beautiful creatures. Keep an eye out for endemic species like the Puerto Rican Amazon parrot or the yellow-shouldered blackbird.

November is also ideal for wildlife enthusiasts who want to see whales, sea turtles, and bioluminescent organisms.

The Humpback Whale season starts from November until April, and you can watch these majestic creatures play and feed in their natural habitat (you can also meet the humpback whales in the Dominican Republic, like I did).

You can also witness the magic of bioluminescent bays and glow-in-the-dark plankton that light up the water in the DR. And lastly, Los Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve and the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge are excellent places to explore sea turtles.

World Class Golfing In Puerto Rico

The rather small territory of Puerto Rico has more than a staggering 30 golf courses scattered around the island!

Making it an excellent destination for golf lovers of the world who also love the Caribbean climate. November is the first month of the dry season and perfect for outdoor activities!

Royal Isabela Golf Resort in Isabela Village

Royal Isabela is just around one and a half hours east of the capital, San Juan, on the north coast of Puerto Rico, in Isabela village.

This closed resort area only accepts guests and members to enter its grounds. Once inside, you can enjoy luxurious amenities and an unsurpassed location “on top of” the Atlantic Sea.

This high-rated golf course has top-notch reviews from happy golfers, and it has an incredible location where you have infinite views of the Atlantic while swinging your clubs around the course.

At the end of the day, you can retreat to your suite at the Royal Isabela Hotel, which offers top amenities and luxurious pampering surroundings for when you have had enough of the green.

In addition to this, this incredible golf resort is situated high above the Atlantic.

The Royal Isabela is also great for honeymooners in Puerto Rico, with its incredible surroundings, cuisine, and luxurious details!

Holiday Celebration Preparations In November

Puerto Ricans love to celebrate, and November is no exception, which is effectively helped by holiday celebrations on the island that start slowly in November.

On November 19th, the island celebrates its patron saint, Virgen de la Providencia, with parades, street parties, live music, and lots of delicious food.

This celebration is over 400 years old, as it started in 1611 when a cleric succeeded in securing the founding of the church by prayer. The saying is that “God helps those that help themselves”; in other words, God will help you if you help yourself first!

November is an excellent time to experience this unique part of Puerto Rican culture and create unforgettable memories.

Where To Visit In Puerto Rico November 

Given Puerto Rico’s diversity of landscapes and activities (despite its modest size), there are so many cool places to visit during your stay!

Here are some highlights: 

• San Juan: Puerto Rico’s vibrant capital city offers a mix of old and modern attractions, from centuries-old fortresses to historic Old San Juan to modern malls and incredible city beaches.
   
• Rincón: Head to the west coast for some surf and sand. This town is often referred to as the surfing capital of Puerto Rico, and the beaches in this town are world-famous! 
  
• Ponce is the second largest city in Puerto Rico, situated on the southern coastline with around 135.000 inhabitants. Known as the Pearl of the South, it is famous for its historical and cultural attractions.
  
• Isabela is a quiet village in the northeastern corner of Puerto Rico, with fierce waves hitting its beautiful beaches. This village is perfect for travelers who want a quiet holiday, rent a holiday home close to the beach, or for those that love golfing!
  
• El Yunque National Forest: This lush rainforest is home to waterfalls, rare wildlife, and stunning views situated only a short drive outside the capital
  
• Vieques Island! This island off the coast of Puerto Rico is known for its pristine beaches, kayaking tours, and starry night skies. It’s also famous for boat tours of Bioluminescent Bay (or Mosquito Bay), where tiny microorganisms give the water a blue-green glow in the dark when disturbed by swimmers!

Puerto Rico November Weather

The average temperatures during the day in Puerto Rico in November is between 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F). Hurricane season is ebbing out, and the coveted dry season is tuning in, while November is still slightly ahead of the peak holiday season.

In November, the weather starts to get slightly colder in Puerto Rico after the hot and humid summer months. This means it is not too cold and not too hot – making it perfect for beach visits and exploring off the beaten path for adventurous travelers!

You can also enjoy the cooler temperatures at higher elevations while exploring mountain trails, waterfalls, and forests on the island, which you should!

On average, November has 17 days of rain, but the downpours are rather short, sometimes lasting just half an hour during the afternoon. You will mainly have good weather!

Puerto Rico Adventures Year Round

In addition to the things to do in Puerto Rico that are unique to November, you can still enjoy all the fun, interesting, and tasty things on the island that you find here all year round.

Get your travel itinerary ready to take some more notes; here are even more cool things to experience in Puerto Rico!

Puerto Rican Cuisine

Puerto Rican cuisine is a particular blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean flavors with distinct dishes, spices, and ingredients that are now unique to Puerto Rico.

November is the preparation month for the holiday season, and with it comes Puerto Rico’s famous Christmas dishes!

Try treats like lechón (roast pig), arroz con gandules (rice with peas), pasteles (meat pies made of plantain), and coquito (Puerto Rican eggnog).

If you’re a foodie, visiting in November is the perfect time to indulge in a food adventure and learn how to cook authentic Puerto Rican cuisine!

Planning Your Puerto Rican Getaway 

Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, November is a really good time to visit Puerto Rico. But as always, a bit of planning is always smart to make sure you create the itinerary that is perfect!

Solo female travel safety.

Solo female travelers might want to check safety advice for Puerto Rico, which I already have an article about after traveling around the island for a month. For short, my conclusion is that Puerto Rico is a safe and comfortable destination.

Transport in Puerto Rico.

If you are wondering – yes, there is Uber, but only in San Juan. Outside of San Juan there are no Uber, few taxis, and no public transport!

In fact, one of the slightly challenging things is the lack of public transpory, especially for solo travelers. The island is not very big, but if you want to explore a bit outside the beaten path, I strongly suggest you book a rental car for a few days.

Traffic is not hard to navigate, and trying to secure a local taxi somewher to take you between destinations will be a challenge, and also expensive.

Adventures and activities.

Be sure to research all the amazing activities you can join around Puerto Rico before you get here, from ziplining through the rainforest to beach hopping in Vieques.

Delish Dining.

And don’t forget the delicious cuisine and drinks you’ll find everywhere, from San Juan’s trendy restaurants to quaint roadside stands.

Festivals In Puerto Rico In November

November is the month to go if you want to experience Puerto Rico’s vibrant cultural heritage, and there are a few fun festivals and events held throughout the island.

Two interesting ones are the Monster Jam San Juan and the National Indigenous Festival, which celebrates the Taino indigenous people.

Also, although in a different season, I just want to mention that spring break in Puerto Rico is super popular!

Read more here about Puerto Rico in November events

National Indigenous Festival

This festival celebrates Puerto Rico’s indigenous roots and the influence of Taíno culture and traditions.

The town of Jayuya was named after one of the big caciques, or chiefs, that lived on the Island when the Spanish arrived in the 1500s and where Taíno hieroglyphs were found carved into a giant boulder.

The Spanish eradicated the Taínos, but their influence is still present in Puerto Rican culture.

Jayuya also has the highest peak in Puerto Rico, some of the best coffee plantations on the island, a moonshine distillery, and a hot air balloon.

Getting there is tricky but worth the trip!

Bonus Tips For Travelers To Puerto Rico

When planning a trip to Puerto Rico, there are a few tips that can help make your holiday fuzz-free and

1. You might want to avoid traveling to Puerto Rico during the peak season, which runs from around December to the beginning of April to avoid the crowds and the highest prices.
2. If you travel during the wet season (May through October) the risk of traveling exactly when a hurricane hits is really very small, just to state that. You will most likely have a wonderful (and cheaper) time in August, September, and October as well. If you decide to travel during this period, it is important to check that your travel insurance covers any incidents caused by a hurricane so you don’t end up with lots of unexpected expenses if this should happen.
3. Lastly, be sure to bring any necessary medications you normally or regularly use, as well as bug repellents (there are mosquitos!), in case of unexpected issues. 

What To Pack For Puerto Rico

Be sure to bring along the following items when traveling to Puerto Rico in November: 

• Lightweight clothing: You’ll want to stay cool and comfortable in the mild temperatures. 
• Rain gear: Since November can still have some rainy weather conditions in Puerto Rico, it is smart to be prepared and bring a lightweight jacket or umbrella for potential rainy days. 
• Hiking shoes: Puerto Rico has plenty of trails for exploring its forests and mountains, so make sure you have a good pair of hiking shoes! 
• Swimwear! There are plenty of beaches to enjoy, even though the water temperatures are not as hot as in the summer months!
• A Spanish phrase book or online translator app! While English is widely spoken in Puerto Rico, it doesn’t hurt to brush up on your Spanish, if only just for fun! 
• Remember sunscreen and aftersun, which are equally important in November as they are for the rest of the year!

Map Of Puerto Rico

FAQs Puerto Rico

Is November A Good Time To Visit Puerto Rico?

Yes, November is a near-perfect time to visit Puerto Rico. There are fewer crowds, nice weather, and slightly off-season, so prices are not yet peaking, and the beaches are, as always, stunning!

Is November Still Hurricane Season In Puerto Rico?

No, well – November is the last month of the formal hurricane season in the Caribbean region. However, it is also known to be the first month of the dry season, and the risk of hurricanes in Puerto Rico in November is very low.

What Will The Weather Be Like In Puerto Rico In November?

The weather will be comfortable, not too hot and not too cold. Hurricane season is ebbing out, and the temperature is great for both beach life and city life, as well as exploring around the island.

There can still be some rain, but it will generally be short showers that just make the air fresh for your next trip to the beach.

The average maximum temperature ranges from 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.6°C) in the capital, San Juan, to 86°F (30°C) in Fajardo.

Is There Uber In Puerto Rico?

Yes, there is Uber in Puerto Rico, but only within the capital San Juan!

There are no public transport options outside the capital in Puerto Rico, so if you want to travel outside San Juan, you need to rent a car, go on an organized tour, book a private transfer, or negotiate with a private taxi cab.

Wrap-Up Puerto Rico In November

In conclusion, November is a really good month to visit Puerto Rico. Hopefully, by now, you are ready to explore all that Puerto Rico has to offer in November!

If you’re looking for a tropical getaway this month, Puerto Rico is an ideal destination.

With its near-perfect weather, incredible wildlife experiences, friendly prices, and unique holiday celebrations, November is the ideal time to visit this beautiful Caribbean island.

This island paradise is a hotspot for tourists all year round. However, visiting slightly off-season means you can get the most out of your trip at a great price. With fewer crowds, mild sunny weather, lower prices, and vibrant festivals, you will definitely have an unforgettable trip.

Enjoy the island’s nature, festive atmosphere, and rich local culture without breaking the bank. So pack your bags and get ready to experience all the delights that Puerto Rico has to offer! 

NB: Be sure to pack sunscreen (it is still the Caribbean Sea), a camera, and an adventurous spirit, and enjoy the delights of Puerto Rico in tranquility before the peak of the holiday season. 

Related blog posts:

6 Best Tours From San Juan PR From An Expert Traveler

Is Puerto Rico Safe For Female Travelers Going Solo?

Is There Uber In Puerto Rico? (From An Expert)