Guadeloupe November holidays

Festivals and events in Guadeloupe in November

Route du Rhum is a solo transatlantic sailing race that takes place every 4 years. The exhilarating competition begins in northern Brittany, France, and ends in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, covering 3542 nautical miles across the Atlantic. Top ocean racers from around the world enter this popular maritime event. Racers take between 7-14 days to complete the voyage, and those that finish are greeted at the ACTe Memorial in Pointe-à-Pitre. The main prize-giving ceremony is held in Paris later in the month, giving all the athletes time to complete the race.

On 1st November, All Saints' Day is celebrated in Guadeloupe. This is a day free of work. Instead, families gather at cemeteries in remembrance of the deceased. Tombs and graves are illuminated by hundreds of candles, producing an enchanting feel to the evening's festivities. The cemetery of Morne a l'Eau is the most visited of the Guadeloupe Islands. The cemetery is shaped like an amphitheatre, and almost all graves are chequered with eye-catching black and white tiles. Tombs resemble small houses and are filled with photos, flowers and space for the living to stop by.

Armistice Day on 11th November is a National Holiday in Guadeloupe. The day of remembrance is honoured with a parade.

Top places to visit in Guadeloupe in November

As we come to the end of the wet season, landscapes are full of colour after the past months' rainfall. Bear in mind that it is still quite wet in November and may not be the best time for long walks and hiking the volcano. It is a great time to spend your days at the beach or try out surfing. There are waves to suit both first-timers and seasoned surfers in Guadeloupe. Grande-Terre offers the greatest surf spots; beginners should try out Port Louis, Petit Havre and Anse a la Bouelle. Le Moule - Damencourt, Anse Bertrand and La Perle have faster waves for the more advanced surfer.

Hire a car and explore the best of Guadeloupe's largest islands – Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre. At the top of your list should be the beaches, make sure you visit Plage de La Caravelle, Plage Petit Havre, Plage de Grande Anse, Plage de la Datcha and Plagne de Malendure. Discover the two best waterfalls in the archipelago - Cascade aux Ecrevisses and Chutes de Carbet (Carbet Falls). Explore the rainforest canopy from a series of rope walkways at Parc des Mamelles. Lastly, tick off all the top viewpoints - Pointe des Chateaux, Pointe du Piton, Pointe de la Grande Vigie and Le Chameau in Terre-de-Haut.

What’s the weather like in Guadeloupe in November?

In November, Guadeloupe has an average temperature of 26°C, with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. There is still a moderate chance of rainfall with an average of 17 days of rain in the month. Usually, when it rains, it is in short downpours followed by glorious sunshine. November is the last month of the wet season and becomes drier for longer periods than December.

What to pack for a holiday in Guadeloupe in November

General packing tips for November:

• Pack light clothing, swimwear and shoes suited to a summer holiday.
• Smart-casual outfits for the evening
• Bring a light raincoat or small umbrella for downpours and a jumper or cardigan for the cooler evenings.
• Don’t forget sun cream, sunglasses and a hat for protection from the sun.
• Strong bug spray and after-bite remedy.
• Travel plug adapter.
• Prescription medicines.
• Tote bag for shopping and a plastic bag for muddy shoes.
• Hiking shoes if you plan on visiting the rainforest and volcano in Basse-Terre.
• Waterproof shoes for swimming in waterfalls.
• Extra layers for hiking to higher altitudes
• If you wish to snorkel from the beach, bring your own snorkelling equipment. Wear a rash vest to avoid sunburn.