10 Things to Do in Montego Bay in November

Montego Bay is one of Jamaica's most popular cruise ports and also one of the country's main tourist attractions. Here's what you can see and do in this destination in November.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

11 min read

10 Things to Do in Montego Bay in November

Montego Bay | Lakeisha Bennett

November marks the end of the rainy season in Montego Bay and the formal start of the best weather of the year in the city. In the run-up to summer, you can enjoy pleasant weather, a moderate influx of tourists and a host of outdoor attractions at an affordable price.

Some of the best things to see and do in Montego Bay in November include a half-day trip to the popular Dunn's River Falls, a tour of the Rose Hall Haunted House, a rafting experience on the Martha Brae River, a visit to Aquasol Beach Park, a tour of the local Cultural Centre exhibits, a visit to Abeokuta Paradise Nature Park and a trip to Shining Bay.

1. Tour Rose Hall Haunted House

Rose Hall| ©Press Tour
Rose Hall| ©Press Tour

Touring the Rose Hall Haunted House in Montego Bay during the month of November is a fascinating and mysterious experience. Rose Hall is a historic mansion with a reputation as one of Jamaica's haunted sites. November, with its cool ambience and eerie atmosphere, adds an extra tinge of intrigue to this experience.

This haunted house is known for its intriguing history and legends of paranormal activity. During the tour, you will be guided through the elegant rooms and halls of this imposing mansion, while listening to stories and tales of its dark past and alleged encounters with the spirit of Annie Palmer, the former owner.

November is a perfect time to explore Rose Hall Haunted House, as the smaller crowds of visitors can provide a more intimate and immersive experience. You can immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere and feel the haunting presence that is said to inhabit the corridors and rooms of the mansion. You will also learn about Jamaica's slave-owning past.

At the end of the tour, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the sea views from the Rose Hall Gardens, a must-do on the best guided tours in Montego Bay.

Book the Rose Hall Haunted House Tour

2. Experience rafting on the Martha Brae River

Martha Brae River Rafting| ©Ted Weeks
Martha Brae River Rafting| ©Ted Weeks

A rafting experience on the Martha Brae River in Montego Bay during the month of November is an excellent choice, as this is when the river's water flow is at its peak. November marks the end of the rainy season in Jamaica, resulting in lively and vigorously flowing rivers.

Rafting on the Martha Brae River is a popular activity where visitors can enjoy a relaxing ride on bamboo rafts guided by expert local paddlers. In November, the river is highlighted by cool, crystal clear water, adding excitement and adrenaline to the experience.

During the tour, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding Martha Brae River. As you float down the river, you will see lush tropical landscapes, indigenous flora and fauna, and immerse yourself in the serenity and tranquillity of nature. In addition, in the nearshore area of the tributary, you can enjoy some of the best catamaran tours in Montego Bay.

Book a rafting experience on the Martha Brae River

3. Get seasonal discounts at Whitter Village shopping centre.

Whitter Village| ©Anthony
Whitter Village| ©Anthony

Getting seasonal discounts at Whitter Village Shopping Centre in Montego Bay during the month of November is an opportunity not to be missed. This month marks the start of the holiday shopping season, and many establishments offer special discounts and promotions to entice shoppers.

Whitter Village is a popular shopping destination known for its many shops, boutiques and restaurants. In November, many of these shops offer seasonal discounts, giving you the opportunity to find great deals on a wide variety of products, from clothing and footwear to accessories and home goods.

In addition to the discounts, the festive atmosphere in Whitter Village during November adds a special tinge to the shopping experience. Holiday decorations, festive music and special activities create a cheerful and exciting atmosphere as you shop for the best bargains. You can reach this popular site by public transport, using the tour buses or with a shuttle bus from Montego Bay Airport.

Buy a ticket for the Montego Bay Airport Shuttle Bus

4. Take a half day trip to Dunn's River Falls

Dunn's River Falls| ©Dan Arsenault
Dunn's River Falls| ©Dan Arsenault

Taking a half-day trip to Dunn's River Falls from Montego Bay in November is an unbeatable experience, especially due to the large amount of water that flows over the falls during this time of year. November is the end of the rainy season in Jamaica, which means that the rivers and streams are at their peak flow and the waterfalls are at their best.

Dunn 's River Falls is one of Jamaica's most famous natural attractions and is located just a few hours from Montego Bay. These waterfalls are known for their terraced formation, allowing visitors to climb through the water in a thrilling aquatic adventure. In November the waterfall is very fast flowing, which makes the experience even more thrilling.

During this tour, which is considered one of the best excursions to do from Montego Bay, you will generally be supported by local guides who will take you through the waterfall. Here you can feel the power of the water as you plunge into natural pools and slide down natural rock slides.

After enjoying the adrenaline and beauty of Dunn's River Falls, you'll have time to relax on the nearby beach and soak up the Jamaican sun. The soft sand and turquoise Caribbean waters invite you to relax with a break after the thrilling experience at the falls.

5. Visit Aquasol Beach Park

Boat ride in the park| ©Mick Tobyn
Boat ride in the park| ©Mick Tobyn

For one of the best Montego Bay experiences, a visit to Aquasol Beach Park in Montego Bay during the month of November is an excellent choice as you can enjoy the best weather at this time of year. November marks the end of the rainy season in Jamaica and gives way to sunny and pleasant days, perfect for enjoying the beach and outdoor activities.

Aquasol Beach Park is a popular destination for sun worshippers and water fun lovers. It has a beautiful white sandy beach, crystal clear waters and a wide range of activities to enjoy such as water sports, boating and beach games.

In November, temperatures in Montego Bay are warm and pleasant, allowing you to relax in the sun and enjoy the refreshing waters of the Caribbean Sea. In addition, the lower number of visitors compared to the peak tourist months gives you the opportunity to enjoy the beach park with more peace and quiet and space to yourself.

6. Tour the exhibits at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre

Montego Bay Cultural Centre| ©Topaas
Montego Bay Cultural Centre| ©Topaas

Touring the temporary exhibitions at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre in November is an enriching cultural experience not to be missed. The Cultural Centre is known for hosting a wide range of exhibitions and events that highlight Jamaica's rich history and vibrant culture.

During the month of November, the Cultural Centre presents exciting temporary exhibitions that offer a unique insight into contemporary Jamaican art and creativity. From painting and sculpture exhibitions to photography and multimedia art, these exhibitions provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the island's artistic expression.

Exploring the Cultural Centre's temporary exhibitions will allow you to discover new perspectives and trends in Jamaican art. You will be able to admire the works of local and international artists, appreciating the diversity and creativity in each exhibition. And if you plan to visit Montego Bay in May, you can also attend the opening of the season, which coincides with the end of summer in Jamaica.

In addition to the exhibitions, the Cultural Centre also organises events and activities related to the exhibitions, such as talks, workshops and live performances. These additional events provide an opportunity to interact with the artists and delve deeper into the meaning and inspiration behind their work.

7. Enjoy a catamaran ride with reggae music and snorkelling experience.

Catamarans in Montego Bay| ©Thomas Collins
Catamarans in Montego Bay| ©Thomas Collins

Enjoying a catamaran ride with reggae music and snorkelling experience in Montego Bay in November is an exciting adventure that combines the best of the Caribbean: beautiful scenery, vibrant rhythms and the opportunity to explore the underwater wonders. All this in a pleasant, rain-free climate and at affordable prices.

During the tour you can explore white sandy beaches and listen to reggae music, Jamaica's signature rhythm. The catamaran will also take you to great snorkelling spots. Montego Bay's reef is home to an incredible variety of corals and tropical fish, making it a paradise for snorkellers.

During the tour, you'll usually also have plenty of time to relax on deck, soak up the sun and consume a refreshing drink while admiring the beauty of the coastline and the mountains surrounding the bay as you enjoy the best boat tours in Montego Bay.

Book a catamaran tour in Montego Bay

8. Take part in Cinnamon Hill's golf tournaments.

Cinnamon Hill| ©Enrique Berardi
Cinnamon Hill| ©Enrique Berardi

Participating in the Cinnamon Hill golf tournaments in Montego Bay during the month of November is an exciting opportunity for golf enthusiasts. Cinnamon Hill is a prestigious golf course that combines the natural beauty of Jamaica with a challenging, world-class design.

In November, the weather in Montego Bay is perfect for outdoor golf. Temperatures are warm and pleasant, and the refreshing tropical breeze creates a pleasant playing environment. In addition, the lower tourist influx at this time of year means that you can enjoy a relaxed, unhurried game.

Golf tournaments at Cinnamon Hill are exciting and attract players of all levels. You can compete against other keen golfers and test your skills in spectacular surroundings. Tournaments often have categories for different skill levels, giving you the opportunity to participate regardless of your golfing experience.

In addition to the competition, the setting at Cinnamon Hill is simply breathtaking. The golf course is surrounded by picturesque scenery, including views of the sea and surrounding mountains. You will be immersed in the natural beauty of Jamaica as you enjoy your game.

9. Enjoy the water slides at Jimmy's Buffett Margaritaville

Jimmy's Buffett Margaritaville Sign| ©marco mariano
Jimmy's Buffett Margaritaville Sign| ©marco mariano

Enjoying the water slides at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville in Montego Bay during the month of November is an ideal option for those looking to cool off and have fun in the Caribbean sun. With no rain in sight in November in Jamaica, the weather guarantees sunny and pleasant days to enjoy the water slides to the fullest.

The water slides at Margaritaville are known for their fun and excitement. With a variety of slides to suit all ages and adrenaline levels, you can slide down fast slopes and dive into refreshing pools, ideal if you plan to visit Montego Bay with children.

In addition to the water slides, Margaritaville offers a wide range of activities and entertainment. You can enjoy live music, shows, water sports and delicious food and drink at the themed bar and restaurant. The festive and relaxed atmosphere will immerse you in the authentic Margaritaville experience.

Whether you're a water-slide enthusiast or just looking for a good time, Margaritaville is the perfect place to experience interesting moments in the heart of the Caribbean.

10. Take a trip to Shimmering Bay from Montego Bay

Luminous Bay| ©Mundo de Viagens
Luminous Bay| ©Mundo de Viagens

A trip to Luminous Bay from Montego Bay in November is a magical experience you won't want to miss. This bay, also known as Glistening Waters, is famous for its unique natural phenomenon: bioluminescence. November is an ideal time to visit this beautiful bay, as conditions are conducive to witnessing this luminous spectacle.

Bioluminescence occurs when micro-organisms in the water, known as dinoflagellates, glow with a greenish-blue glow when agitated. At Luminous Bay, you can enjoy a thrilling night-time boat ride to watch the water light up with every movement. November is an ideal time, as bioluminescent activity tends to be most intense during the warmer months and in the absence of rain.

During your tour, you can dive into the glowing waters and see how every movement translates into luminous flashes. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the phenomenon of bioluminescence and its ecological importance in the marine ecosystem.

In addition to bioluminescence, this bay offers other activities to enjoy during your visit. You can relax on the beach, swim in the calm waters and enjoy a delicious dinner in a magical and peaceful atmosphere.

Book a bioluminescent lagoon cruise in Montego Bay

Temperatures in Montego Bay in November

Montego Bay| ©Clive Metcalfe
Montego Bay| ©Clive Metcalfe

November in Montego Bay is pleasant in terms of temperature. During this month, temperatures usually range between 24° and 29°, providing warm and pleasant weather for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities. Nights are also mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 22°.

Note that November marks the end of the rainy season. Although there may still be some occasional drizzle, the amount of rainfall decreases significantly compared to if you visit Montego Bay in October or the previous months. This means that there are more sunny days and less chance of experiencing prolonged rainfall.

Montego Bay tourism in November

Streets of Montego Bay| ©Blake
Streets of Montego Bay| ©Blake

In November, Montego Bay experiences a moderate tourist influx. As the rainy season comes to an end and the weather becomes more pleasant, many travellers choose to visit the region to enjoy its beautiful beaches, outdoor activities and rich Jamaican culture. While the tourist influx is not as high as in the peak months, you can still expect to see a good number of visitors.

The advantage of visiting Montego Bay in November is that you will find fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the busier months. You'll have more space on the beaches, less waiting time at restaurants and attractions, and the opportunity to enjoy a more authentic and relaxed experience.

Prices in Montego Bay in November

Money in Euros| ©Ibrahim Boran
Money in Euros| ©Ibrahim Boran

Costs in Montego Bay in November are generally affordable and offer good value for money for travellers. While tourist demand is lower than in peak months, many establishments and services are still fully operational and offer cheaper rates. This includes hotels, restaurants, excursions and sightseeing activities.

As it is an off-peak month, it is possible to find deals and discounts on accommodation and travel packages. Flight prices and accommodation rates tend to be cheaper compared to the busier months, giving you the opportunity to save on your trip. However, be aware that prices tend to be higher than if you visit Montego Bay in September or during the rainy months.

What to pack for a visit to Montego Bay in November?

Luggage| ©JamesDeMeyer
Luggage| ©JamesDeMeyer

November temperatures in Montego Bay tend to be warm and the weather is generally not very rainy, so I recommend packing the following:

  • Swimming costume
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Beach shoes
  • Lightweight T-shirts
  • Lightweight trousers
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Lightweight coat