November is one of the most stable and comfortable times to visit San Juan. This month gives you the ideal start for a trip. Crowds are lighter, beaches are calmer, and daily plans are easier to follow. Other parts of Puerto Rico may still see more rain in November, especially the central mountains and some southern towns. However, San Juan has better and stable weather, so your plans are less likely to change, and renting a car helps you easily move between beaches, food spots, and local sights. Keep reading and learn why November is the best time to visit San Juan.
November in San Juan offers ideal weather, minimal tourist traffic, and many cultural events, making it one of the best times to visit. In this shoulder season, you can take advantage of lower travel costs and more personal encounters with local life.
San Juan’s November weather is warm and sunny but not overwhelmingly hot. Daytime highs typically reach 27 to 30°C with lower humidity and gentle breezes. This means you can wander Old San Juan’s colourful streets or hike in nature without “melting” in intense heat. November marks the end of the rainy season, so while an occasional brief shower might occur, the heavy summer downpours are over. By this time, hurricane season has passed, and major storms become very unlikely by late autumn. Conditions are ideal for exploring. In short, you’ll have great weather for walking tours, outdoor attractions, and beach days.
Another big November perk is the reduced number of tourists in San Juan. Since it’s shoulder season, you’ll find far fewer visitors compared to the winter high season from December to March. Popular sites that are usually crowded, like Castillo San Felipe del Morro, La Fortaleza, or the museums, are more accessible. You can explore the forts and cobblestone streets without the crowd. Plus, you’ll have plenty of space to yourself for photos and leisurely visits. Even San Juan’s beaches and parks see fewer people in November.
If you’re budget-conscious, November will make your wallet happy. This month falls just before peak tourist time, so flights and hotels are typically cheaper than they’ll be in December and beyond. In fact, late summer and autumn, including November, are the cheapest time of year to visit Puerto Rico. Airlines often drop fares in November since the summer rush is over and the holiday rush hasn’t begun.
Likewise, many resorts and guesthouses in San Juan offer attractive discounts or promotions to fill rooms before the high season. You can often find deals on car rentals, tours, and packages as well. Essentially, your money goes further in November. You could stay an extra night, enjoy a guided excursion, or try more restaurants with the savings.
November marks the beginning of the island’s long holiday season, so there’s a joyful atmosphere building up. You’ll find towns and neighborhoods hosting special events and festivals this month. Around mid-November, the island celebrates Discovery of Puerto Rico Day (Día del Descubrimiento de Puerto Rico) on November 19th with colorful parades, fairs, and cultural activities.
It’s a public holiday when schools and offices close, and people hit the streets to enjoy music and festivities. It's the perfect chance to see patriotic celebrations and maybe catch a live bomba y plena performance (traditional Afro-Puerto Rican music and dance). November also includes Thanksgiving, which Puerto Ricans celebrate with their own traditional meal. Don’t be surprised to find your turkey stuffed with mofongo, a garlicky plantain stuffing, and sides of rice and local spices at a “Turkey Day” feast.
In the latter part of November, Christmas decorations start going up, and you might even hear some carols or parranda music as anticipation builds for Navidad. Additionally, ongoing cultural events happen with less tourist fanfare. For instance, art fairs or outdoor concerts. Every last Sunday of the month, there’s Ventana al Jazz, a free open-air jazz concert by San Juan Bay, where locals gather with picnic blankets to enjoy music at sunset.
One of the top things to do in San Juan in November is enjoying its beautiful beaches, especially Condado, Isla Verde, and Ocean Park. The humidity has decreased, the water is very warm, and the days are longer. The ocean around Puerto Rico remains around 28 to 29°C (82 to 84°F) in November, which is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. You can comfortably splash in the sea or try paddleboarding and not feel cold at all.
What’s more, you’ll find the famous beaches far less crowded than in winter or spring. On a November weekday, you might find only a handful of sunbathers on Condado Beach, where in February it could be packed. Fewer tourists mean you can grab the best spot on the sand, and you won’t have to compete for shade under a palm tree or beach umbrella.
If you’re into surfing, November can be a good time on Puerto Rico’s beaches, too. It’s before the peak winter swells. So, beginner and intermediate surfers can catch manageable waves, especially on the north coast, while the massive surf spots out west start to pick up. For most visitors, the calm, clear waters in November are ideal for a casual dip or reef snorkeling.
With the slightly cooler and drier weather, November is a fantastic time for outdoor adventures around San Juan. If you’ve been wanting to visit El Yunque National Forest, this is an ideal month. The trails in El Yunque are less muddy as the rain eases up, and the temperatures in the forest are comfortable for hiking. You can trek to a waterfall or a lookout point with far less discomfort from heat, and also with fewer people on the paths.
November’s moderate conditions mean you’ll sweat less and enjoy the trek more. It’s also an excellent time for eco-tours. For example, you could take a guided kayak through the mangroves or visit a coffee plantation in the hills. A highlight for many is visiting the bioluminescent bay. Laguna Grande is the nearest to San Juan, where microscopic organisms make the water glow at night.
The cooler season and smaller groups make the experience more enjoyable. You might even spot migrating wildlife in late autumn. For instance, November is roughly when humpback whales start to return to Caribbean waters. Prime whale-watching near Puerto Rico generally comes a bit later in winter, but you might get lucky if you’re out on a boat tour. Moreover, with November being an off-peak month, it’s perfect for day trips to nearby islands like Vieques or Culebra. These islands boast pristine beaches and wildlife refuges. The ferries and flights to these islands are less booked up than in the holiday season.
As the holiday season starts, you’ll notice seasonal dishes and festive flavours showing up on menus. Many restaurants and bakeries begin offering traditional Christmas treats early. For example, you might spot coquito, a creamy coconut-and-rum holiday drink similar to eggnog, being served as early as November. It’s a beloved Puerto Rican festive beverage.
Local eateries may also feature dishes like pasteles (Puerto Rican tamale-like packets made from yucca or plantain masa) or roasted pork. Thanks to the great weather, November is perfect for food tours and outdoor dining. You can comfortably sit outside in a plaza or by the beach in the evenings, enjoying pinchos (grilled meat skewers) or fresh seafood. In Old San Juan, many restaurants have lovely open-air courtyards.
It’s also an excellent time to visit the local markets. With fewer tourists around, a trip to places like the Santurce Market (La Placita) is less crowded. You can browse stalls of tropical fruits, chat with vendors, and try local street foods. Seafood is also excellent this time of year; fishermen are active, and you can savour dishes like fresh grouper or snapper at restaurants.
San Juan’s famous nightlife doesn’t hibernate in November. The city’s night scene ranges from fiery salsa clubs to laid-back outdoor bars. In November, you can enjoy it all with more elbow room. The weather at night is balmy, usually around 24 °C (75°F), perfect for strolling between venues or enjoying an al fresco drink.
Many bars and lounges in areas like Condado and Old San Juan have terraces or open-air sections. November is an ideal time to sit outside, savor a rum cocktail, and feel the tropical breeze. Live music is a huge part of San Juan’s culture, and you’ll find plenty of it. On weekend nights, head to La Placita de Santurce. This market plaza transforms into a lively block party with multiple bars playing music. You can dance salsa right in the street alongside locals, which is a fantastic experience for newcomers. There are also salsa clubs where you can enjoy a range of music, from Latin jazz to reggaetón.
Some theaters and venues also begin presenting holiday-themed shows or folkloric dance performances in late November. Plus, casinos, dance halls, and even street performers in tourist spots are more engaging and less rushed. You can dance till 2 AM or enjoy a casual drink with live guitar music.
November is a great month for San Juan road trips because the roads stay dry and traffic is lighter. This makes driving simple, safe, and comfortable for most travellers. You can follow the scenic highway along Avenida Ashford in Condado to enjoy ocean views and easy beach stops.
The drive along Avenida Isla Verde is also smooth in November, bringing you close to wide, sandy shores and clear water. You can take the short route along Avenida Muñoz Rivera toward Escambrón Beach, where the sea looks bright and calm. Renting a car in November also allows you to explore different parts of the city. You can drive through Old San Juan’s waterfront roads, visit Ocean Park Beach, or head toward the Miramar area for food and views of the lagoon.
November in San Juan offers ideal weather, fewer crowds, and great prices all at once. The city’s rich culture, historic sights, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and vibrant music are all yours to enjoy. Consider treating yourself to a trip to San Juan before the peak winter season arrives.
Rent a car in San Juan with Final Rentals to have a smooth trip when you land. You can pick up your vehicle at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport with no delays. Choose the best vehicle for your journey, whether it’s a compact car for San Juan or an SUV for longer routes. Booking is easy, with clear prices and instant confirmation. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
