You're looking at a map and November in Puerto Rico seems like a gamble. Is it still hurricane season? Yes. Will it rain every day? Kinda, but not really. If you've ever stood in Old San Juan when a tropical downpour hits, you know it feels like the sky just opened a bucket, but then ten minutes later, you're squinting at the sun reflecting off the blue cobblestones.
November is a transition. It’s the month where the island shakes off the oppressive humidity of August and September and starts leaning into that "perfect" winter weather everyone pays thousands for in January. It’s a sweet spot for people who hate crowds.
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The Reality of Weather November Puerto Rico
Temperatures are actually pretty steady. You’re looking at daily highs around 84°F to 86°F. At night, it drops to a very comfortable 74°F. If you head into the mountains—places like Adjuntas or Cayey—it gets significantly cooler. I'm talking "bring a light hoodie" cool, which catches most people off guard.
Rain is the big question mark.
Statistically, November is one of the wetter months, often seeing about 6.5 inches of rain in San Juan.
But here is the thing: tropical rain doesn't behave like a gloomy Tuesday in London or Seattle. It's fast. It’s loud. It usually happens in the afternoon for about 20 minutes, then clears up. You’ll likely see some rain on 17 to 19 days of the month, but it rarely ruins a whole day.
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Hurricane Season: Should You Worry?
Technically, hurricane season ends November 30th.
Historically, major hurricanes hitting Puerto Rico in November are incredibly rare.
The "peak" of the season is mid-September.
By November, the wind shear usually increases and the water starts to cool just enough to discourage massive storms.
Is there a risk? Sure.
Is it high? Not particularly.
Just get travel insurance that covers "Cancel for Any Reason" if you’re a nervous traveler.
Water Temperatures and Beach Days
The ocean is still like bathwater.
The sea temperature stays around 82°F.
If you want to go snorkeling at Cayo Icacos or take the ferry to Culebra to see Flamenco Beach, November is fantastic.
The water is clear, and the sun isn't as "angry" as it is in July.
The UV index is still around 9, though.
Basically, you’ll burn in 15 minutes if you don't use reef-safe sunscreen.
What to Wear When the Humidity Hits
Humidity in November stays around 75% to 80%.
It feels "heavy."
Linen is your best friend.
Cotton works too, but avoid heavy denim if you plan on walking a lot.
A lightweight raincoat is more useful than an umbrella because the wind in San Juan will just flip an umbrella inside out the second a squall hits.
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Regional Differences to Keep in Mind
- San Juan (North Coast): More frequent, short showers.
- Ponce (South Coast): Generally drier and hotter. The mountains block a lot of the rain coming from the north.
- El Yunque (Rainforest): It's going to rain. It’s in the name. Expect it to be about 10 degrees cooler than the coast.
- Rincon (West Coast): This is when the surfing season starts to wake up. The swells begin to hit the north and west coasts in late November.
Why Locals Love This Month
Tourism hasn't hit its peak yet.
The "Snowbirds" usually arrive in mid-December.
This means you can get a table at that trendy spot in Santurce without a three-week lead time.
Prices for Airbnbs are often 20-30% lower than they are during the Christmas holidays.
Plus, the island starts decorating for the world's longest Christmas season right after Thanksgiving.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Book the morning tours: Rain almost always hits between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Do your hiking and boating before noon.
- Track the Tropics: Download the NHC (National Hurricane Center) app. If something is brewing, you’ll know a week in advance.
- Pack for the "Micro-climates": If you are visiting the coffee plantations in the interior, you will need pants and a long-sleeve shirt for the evening.
- Flexible Itinerary: Keep a "rainy day" list. The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in Santurce is world-class and a great place to hide from a downpour.
- Rental Car: If you’re heading into the mountains, get something with a bit of ground clearance. Heavy November rains can lead to localized flooding or debris on mountain roads.