The 7 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in November

Every year, people from around the world flock to the Caribbean for winter sun and a relaxing break. As autumn and winter roll around, you might be wondering what are the best Caribbean islands to visit in November? You’ve chosen a great month to avoid the hurricane season and benefit from the shoulder season. Most tourists don’t venture this way until December, so now’s the time to discover the real Caribbean.

With so many options, deciding can be tricky. In this blog, we’ll simplify your decision by listing the top 7 Caribbean islands worth visiting in November. We’ve visited all of the islands listed in this article, all of the images our ours and these are our honest opinions.

7 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in November

1. Barbados

We’ve selected Barbados as one of the best Caribbean islands to visit in November because it is the gateway to the eastern Caribbean. It’s the most developed of the eastern Caribbean islands and is equipped to handle a lot of tourism. You’ll find the biggest choice of resorts, restaurants and things to do here, like swimming with turtles or going a walking food tour. We particularly recommend it as the best Caribbean island in November for first-timers. 

In November, you’ll get to experience Barbados in all its glory because the nation goes all out celebrating its independence from British Colonial Rule. Independence Day isn’t until November 30th, but events for all the family run throughout the whole month, and much of the island is decorated in the classic blue and gold of the Barbados flag.

We’ve been lucky enough to experience Barbados at multiple times of year, and can say November is perfect. We loved being able to experience a more authentic local atmosphere because most of the tourists hadn’t arrived yet. This allowed us to enjoy the best beaches and things to do without the crowds.

Need inspiration? Here’s some things to Do in Barbados

2. St Lucia

Usually, when people visit Barbados, they set their next Caribbean destination at St Lucia as it’s the next well-known eastern Caribbean island. It made our list of the Caribbean islands to visit in November because it’s shoulder season. It’s one of the islands that, during peak season, will be noticeably busier, so we recommend experiencing it during a quieter month. 

Often, people think St Lucia is a romantic destination suited only for couples. Yes, there are a bunch of things to do in St Lucia for couples, but there is so much adventure and cultural experiences for everyone. We particularly love the nature of St Lucia, the mountainous landscapes, rainforests, and waterfalls. There’s still a big choice for resorts, hotels and restaurants here too.

We fell in love with St Lucia after spending around 6 weeks on the island. It’s known for some amazing resorts, but we’d recommend renting a car in St Lucia and exploring the island and immersing yourself in local life. The landscapes are incredible, the people are welcoming and there is such a chilled vibe.

Need inspiration? Here’s some things to do in St Lucia

3. St Vincent and the Grenadines

If you’re looking for a quiet, less-developed slice of paradise, then St Vincent and the Grenadines should be the next place you visit in the Caribbean. Made up of 32 islands and cays, this place can only be described as paradise. You won’t find the huge tourist crowds here (it’s one of the quieter Caribbean countries). In fact, the first large resort only opened in early 2024, Sandals St Vincent, so getting here is even more accessible than ever.

The best way to describe these islands is authentic. Coming here is like stepping back in time – in the best way possible. Our top tip would be to base yourself in Bequia, the largest island in the Grenadines. It’s just 7 square miles in size, but it’s the perfect base for exploring the country, and the most equipped for tourism. 

During our travels, we’ve been fortunate enough to spend over a year in SVG, which tells you how much we fell in love with it. There’s so much to enjoy here and all the islands are different. Black sand beaches, waterfalls and lush rainforest on St Vincent. Amazing sailing, snorkelling, diving and pristine white sand beaches in Bequia and the Grenadines.

Sadly, in July 2024 Hurricane Beryl caused devastation across the southern Grenadines, including Mayreau, Canouan, and Union Island, but we returned in September 2024 and will be back in 2025 again. The country is still beautiful and the people are welcoming, and they need support from tourism now more than ever!

Need inspiration? Here’s some things to do in St Vincent and the Grenadines

4. Cuba

Cuba is one of the most eye-opening and memorable travel experiences we’ve ever had, which is why we had to add it to this. This huge nation is stuck in time. Blacklisted by the US since the late 60s and cut off from much of the developed world, the pictures you see of people driving classic cars through the streets of Havana are 100% authentic – it’s not just for tours. 

There are areas of Cuba that most tourists visit, where there are large resorts that you’ll never have to leave, including Varadero, Cayo Largo del Sur, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Coco, and Cayo Guillermo. Here, you’ll get ultimate luxury holidays, often at a much cheaper price than other destinations in the Caribbean.

However, if you want to experience the real Cuba, then you should consider visiting places like Havana, Vinales and Trinidad. Yes, the Cuban people have an incredibly challenging life economically, but they have a real party spirit and a welcoming nature. So, whether you want to lounge in a luxury resort or enjoy cultural experiences you’ll remember forever, then we recommend Cuba as one of the best Caribbean islands to visit in November.

Need inspiration? Here’s some things to do in Cuba

5. Grenada

The simplest way to put it is that Grenada has absolutely everything. Pristine beaches with crystal clear water, luscious rainforest and mountainous landscapes, and cascading waterfalls – it perfectly combines relaxation and adventure all into one. It’s like the perfect fusion of St Lucia and Barbados while still retaining that traditional Caribbean charm because it is not as developed.

Grenada ranks in our top three places we’ve ever visited, so naturally it makes our list of best Caribbean islands to visit in November. It feels a lot less crowded than other islands, and we found Grenadians to be the most welcoming in the region. To put it bluntly, you have to visit Grenada at least once in your life.

Need inspiration? Here’s some things to do in Grenada

6. Puerto Rico

Unlike the other islands in this blog, Puerto Rico is a US territory, meaning it’s a fusion of cultures. You’ll also benefit from access to many products and services you’d find at home.

We loved Puerto Rico because it’s an adventurer’s paradise. You’ve got the historic city of San Juan and Old San Juan, one of the most impressive National Parks, El Yunque, the beautiful beaches of Fajardo, the cool surfer scene in Rincon, and so much more. Oh, you can even do a little island hopping and visit the tiny paradise islands of Vieques and Culebra.

Because it’s hard to know which part of Puerto Rico to visit, we did a lap of the island, a 3-week road trip, and loved every second. There is so much to do and see, it’s a real fusion of cultures, and you get access to all the comforts of home.

If we hadn’t got our ESTA revoked because we visited Cuba, we’d be back to Puerto Rico as often as possible because we know there are so many more hidden gems to explore.

Need inspiration? Here’s some things to do in Puerto Rico

7. British Virgin Islands (BVI)

If you’re into sailing or looking for somewhere to enjoy a yacht charter, then the BVI should be on your list of Caribbean travel destinations. This country is made up of over 60 islands and cays, with just a handful of inhabited islands. There’s nothing more relaxing and freeing than sailing between tiny islands, enjoying some of the best beaches in the BVI and snorkelling around some of the most impressive reefs in the Caribbean. You can also stay on land in the BVI and explore the region by ferry or on day trips. 

Yes, the islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke are absolute paradise, but don’t expect the traditional Caribbean you’d experience on islands further south in the Caribbean. The BVI has a mix of cultures, as you’d expect, there is a big British influence and you’ll find quite a lot of US tourists in the region too (it’s neighbours with the USVI).

The BVI is another place we’ve spent a lot of time (around a year), and can’t recommend it enough. especially if you like sailing or getting under the water.

Need inspiration? Here’s some things to do in the BVI

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