November weather in Puerto Plata can be both good and bad. The good is that it is the end of hurricane season with the last day coming on the last day of the month. Additionally, there is typically very little tropical development during the month despite it still being a part of the official hurricane season. On the other hand, this month ushers in the two wettest months of the year for the region. Therefore, even without tropical development, visitors will need to be prepared for the possibility they will get rained on at least for some part of their vacation.
Despite the rainfall, temperatures remain very warm, although they have cooled off slightly from their yearly highs just a few months prior. The average afternoon high for this time of the year is still a very pleasant 31°C (88°F). This temperature is still plenty warm enough for visitors to enjoy all that the region has to offer. The overnight lows have cooled enough for long sleeves or a light jacket and will bottom out at 19°C (66°F). However, this cooling off is very typical of the region and visitors can see how it compares. Water temperatures are slower to cool off than land and the average sea surface temperature remains at 28°C (82°F) for the month.
Sunshine during the month also becomes a little harder to come by because of the shorter days and also due to the substantial increase in the average amount of rain. In the month, the region will receive approximately 6 hours of sunlight per day and the chance of seeing a sunny day drops to 33 percent. The average amount of rainfall skyrockets to an impressive 241mm over an average of 12 days per month. During these days, it will be a good idea for visitors to visit some of the region's indoor sites.
Maimon Beach is located on the north side of the island and features part cove, part beach and part river. There are numerous swimming opportunities at the beach and it is a little more private than some of the more popular beach spots. With water temperatures in November still reaching 28°C (82°F), the water is warm enough for a long swim. The waters are clear enough for snorkeling so visitors should be sure to bring some gear to check out the underwater sea life.
Located at the Cofresi Palm Beach is a Dominican style restaurant that caters to visitors with excellent food and drink choices. Always highly rated, the soup is not to be missed. The atmosphere is casual and inviting and always popular throughout the year.
Visitors should take advantage of the wonderful November weather and enjoy the 31°C (88°F) average afternoon highs and check out Catedral San Felipe. No matter a visitor's religion, a mass at the church will not soon be forgotten. When there on a day other than Sunday, visitors can go in without a fee to admire the architecture of this historic church.
For visitors who want to learn more about the history of the region, be sure to check out La Isabela. Located in Puerto Plata, the area was one of the first European settlements in the Americas. It was founded by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the New World in 1493. Today, visitors can take a self-guided tour to learn more about the history of the early Spanish explorers.
