St Barts in November: weather, reopenings and what’s on
November is the start of the season in St Barts (Saint-Barthélemy): most hotels and restaurants have reopened after the late-summer closures, the island is quieter and usually better value than in December, and two signature events take place, the St Barth Gourmet Festival (November 9–15, 2026) and the St Barth Cata Cup catamaran regatta (scheduled for November 16–23, 2026). Expect hot days of around 30°C (86°F), sea temperatures near 28°C (82°F), and frequent but usually short tropical showers. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs until November 30.
Is November a good time to visit St Barts?
For many travelers, yes. November sits between the late-summer closure period and the peak winter season, which runs from mid-December to April. You get open restaurants and beach clubs with fewer crowds than in high season, and two festivals that give the month its own character. The trade-offs are a higher chance of rain than in the drier months and the tail end of hurricane season. If you want the most reliable weather, see our month-by-month guide to the best time to visit.
| November in St Barts | Good for | Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Season opening | Open restaurants, calmer beaches, earlier booking availability | A few venues reopen late; check dates |
| Events | Food lovers (Gourmet Festival), sailing fans (Cata Cup), rum enthusiasts | Festival weeks fill restaurants and rooms |
| Weather | Warm sea, long beach days | Frequent short showers; end of hurricane season |
| Thanksgiving week | Families and US travelers | Busier, and rates usually rise (November 26, 2026) |
St Barts weather in November
Long-term averages (weather2travel, based on Met Office and University of East Anglia data) show:
- Daytime highs: about 30°C (86°F); night-time lows: about 24°C (75°F)
- Sea temperature: about 28°C (82°F), warm enough to swim all day
- Rain: about 126 mm across the month, usually in short showers rather than all-day rain
- Sunshine: around 8 hours a day; sunset is at about 5:35 pm
The Atlantic hurricane season officially ends on November 30 (US National Hurricane Center). Major storms are much less common in November than in August and September, but if you travel this month, buy travel insurance that covers weather disruption and keep an eye on forecasts in the week before you fly.
Events in St Barts in November 2026
St Barth Gourmet Festival: November 9–15, 2026
Guest chefs, many from France’s top restaurants, cook alongside island chefs for a week of dinners, tastings and events. The 2026 dates are November 9–15, according to festival sponsor WIMCO (September 2026). Popular dinners sell out, so reserve as soon as the program is published, and see our best restaurants in Gustavia for the venues.
St Barth Cata Cup: November 16–23, 2026
A beach-launched catamaran regatta sailed off St Jean, with racing you can watch from the sand. An events calendar published in June 2026 lists this year’s edition for November 16–23 (Haute Retreats); confirm the final schedule with the organizers closer to the date. Background: our St Barth Cata Cup guide.
Caribbean Rum Awards
The Caribbean Rum Awards return to St Barts in 2026 for their ninth edition (Caribbean Journal, June 2026), with tastings, dinners and parties around the island. The event has been held in November in recent years; at the time of writing we could not confirm the exact 2026 dates, so check the organizers’ announcements. More: our Caribbean Rum Awards guide.
Public holidays
St Barts follows French public holidays, including All Saints’ Day (Sunday, November 1) and Armistice Day (Wednesday, November 11). Some shops and offices close on these days, while restaurants generally stay open.
Planning a November stay?
Book early for festival weeks and Thanksgiving, when the island fills up.
Compare Villas → Explore HotelsWhat’s open in November
Many St Barts hotels, restaurants and boutiques close for part of late August, September and October for maintenance and staff holidays, then reopen through October for the new season (Le Barthélemy Hotel). By November most of the island is open, but each business sets its own dates, so check before you book a specific restaurant or hotel, especially in the first week of the month.
Things to do in St Barts in November
- Beach days with fewer people. Popular beaches such as Saline, Gouverneur and Shell Beach are quieter than in winter; compare them in our complete beach guide.
- Eat your way through the Gourmet Festival week. Book guest-chef dinners as early as possible.
- Watch the Cata Cup from St Jean. The racing happens close to shore.
- Snorkel in warm water. Sea temperatures near 28°C make long swims comfortable.
- Plan around the showers. Keep a flexible morning or afternoon for a long lunch or Gustavia’s boutiques when it rains.
Packing for November
Pack light summer clothing, swimwear, high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen and a hat, plus a light rain jacket or compact umbrella for passing showers. Smart-casual outfits work for dinner. Full list: our St Barts packing list.
Heading out later? Read St Barts in December or the full events calendar.
FAQ: St Barts in November
Is November a good time to visit St Barts?
Yes, for many travelers. Most hotels and restaurants have reopened for the season, crowds are lighter than in December, and the Gourmet Festival and Cata Cup take place. Expect some short showers and the end of hurricane season.
What is the weather like in St Barts in November?
Hot and humid, with daytime highs around 30°C (86°F), lows around 24°C (75°F), a sea temperature near 28°C (82°F) and about 126 mm of rain, usually in short showers.
Is November still hurricane season in St Barts?
Yes. The Atlantic hurricane season officially ends on November 30. November storms are less common than in late summer, but travel insurance that covers weather disruption is a good idea.
When is the St Barth Gourmet Festival 2026?
November 9–15, 2026, according to festival sponsor WIMCO. Confirm the program and book dinners early.
When is the St Barth Cata Cup 2026?
It is scheduled for November 16–23, 2026, off St Jean Beach, according to a published 2026 events calendar. Check with the organizers for the final schedule.
Are restaurants open in St Barts in November?
Most are. Many close for part of late summer and reopen during October, so by November the island is largely open. Check individual opening dates before you go.
Weather figures are long-term averages, not a forecast. Event dates and opening times can change; we verified the details above on October 6, 2026. Please confirm with organizers and venues before you travel. *Affiliate links: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
