Abidjan in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Abidjan

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season begins - November marks the start of Abidjan's most pleasant weather with minimal rainfall and consistent Atlantic breezes cooling the lagoon districts
Festival season peaks - November hosts the MASA contemporary arts festival and traditional harvest celebrations, offering authentic cultural experiences unavailable other months
Perfect beach weather - Ivory Coast and Grand-Bassam beaches have calm waters, minimal rain, and comfortable 24-26°C (75-79°F) ocean temperatures for swimming
Lower accommodation rates - Tourist season hasn't peaked yet, so beachfront hotels in Ivory Coast cost 30-40% less than December-January rates

Considerations

Harmattan dust hasn't arrived - The cooling, dry Harmattan winds from the Sahara typically start in December, so November still has higher humidity levels around 70%
Evening thunderstorms - While rare, sudden 20-30 minute downpours can happen 2-3 times per week around 6-8pm, disrupting outdoor dinner plans
Construction season - Many hotels and attractions use the pre-peak tourist period for renovations, potentially affecting some facilities

Best Activities in November

Assinie Peninsula Beach Resort Tours

November offers the year's best beach conditions with calm Atlantic waters, minimal rainfall, and comfortable temperatures. Ocean temperature averages 26°C (79°F) - perfect for swimming without wetsuits. Local fishing communities are active during dry season, offering authentic village experiences. Morning beach walks are ideal as temperatures stay comfortable until 11am.

Booking Tip: Book beachfront accommodations 2-3 weeks ahead for best selection. Day trips from Abidjan typically cost 35,000-50,000 CFA francs including transport and lunch. Look for packages that include both beach time and traditional fishing village visits.

Banco National Park Forest Walks

The dry season makes forest trails accessible and wildlife more visible near water sources. November's lower humidity (70% vs 85% in rainy season) makes hiking comfortable. Early morning walks (6-9am) offer the best wildlife spotting - over 200 bird species are most active before temperatures reach 30°C (86°F). The park's elevated boardwalk through primary forest provides impressive views.

Booking Tip: Entry costs 2,000 CFA francs per person. Guided walks are 15,000-25,000 CFA francs for groups up to 6 people. Book through park headquarters or hotel concierge. Bring insect repellent - mosquitoes are active despite dry conditions.

Grand-Bassam Colonial Architecture Tours

November's comfortable temperatures make walking tours of this UNESCO World Heritage site enjoyable. The colonial quarter's French architecture and museums are best explored in morning hours before 11am. Low humidity means less fog obscuring the lagoon views from historic buildings. Traditional craft markets are fully stocked after harvest season.

Booking Tip: Combine with beach time at nearby Ivory Coast. Full day tours including transport from Abidjan cost 40,000-60,000 CFA francs. Museum entries are 1,000-3,000 CFA francs each. Book cultural tours through licensed guides at the tourism office near the old governor's palace.

Plateau District Cultural Walking Tours

November's MASA arts festival transforms central Abidjan into West Africa's premier cultural destination. The historic Niamey's galleries, cultural centers, and street art installations are most active. Comfortable walking weather allows full exploration of the district's 3 km² (1.2 sq miles) of cultural sites from 7am-6pm without heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: MASA festival passes cost 15,000-30,000 CFA francs for multi-day access. Independent walking tours are free - pick up maps at the Cultural Center. Evening cultural events require advance booking. Festival events book out quickly during November.

Traditional Market and Food Tours

November harvest season means markets overflow with seasonal produce, palm wine, and traditional specialties. Adjamé and Treichville markets are most busy 6-10am when temperatures are coolest. Local cooks prepare seasonal dishes like attiéké with fresh fish, available only during dry season. Food safety is highest as vendors don't struggle with refrigeration in cooler weather.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost 20,000-35,000 CFA francs including tastings and transport between 3-4 major markets. Book morning tours to avoid afternoon heat and get the best food selection. Look for tours that include both French and local market districts.

Lagoon Island Boat Excursions

November's calm weather makes lagoon crossings comfortable with minimal choppy water. Boulay and Ile aux Serpents islands are accessible year-round, but November offers the clearest views across Ébrié Lagoon. Traditional pirogue boat rides showcase stilt fishing villages and mangrove ecosystems. Water levels are optimal for navigating narrow channels between islands.

Booking Tip: Half-day lagoon tours cost 25,000-40,000 CFA francs per person including boat transport and guide. Book through lagoon fishing cooperatives or hotel concierges. Bring sun protection - UV reflection off water intensifies exposure. Morning departures offer calmest water conditions.

November Events & Festivals

Early to Mid November

MASA (Marché des Arts et du Spectacle Africain)

West Africa's largest contemporary arts and performance festival transforms Abidjan into a cultural hub. Features theater, dance, visual arts, and music from across francophone Africa. Gallery openings, street performances, and cultural exchanges happen throughout the city.

Throughout November

Traditional Harvest Festivals

Local communities around Abidjan celebrate yam and cassava harvests with traditional drumming, dancing, and feast preparations. Village celebrations in nearby areas like Bingerville offer authentic cultural experiences rarely seen by tourists.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - Brief evening showers occur 2-3 times weekly, lasting 20-30 minutes

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable and slow to dry

SPF 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8, intensified by lagoon water reflection

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes - For forest trails and unpaved market areas, plus protection from dust

Insect repellent with DEET - Mosquitoes remain active despite dry conditions, especially near lagoon areas

Wide-brimmed hat or cap - Essential for market visits and outdoor cultural events during 30°C (86°F) afternoons

Quick-dry swimwear - Perfect beach weather means multiple swimming opportunities at Ivory Coast and Grand-Bassam

Light long-sleeved shirt - For evening cultural events and air-conditioned restaurants where dress codes apply

Portable phone charger - Extended days exploring markets and cultural sites drain batteries quickly

Cash in small CFA franc bills - Many cultural events, markets, and local transport require exact change

Insider Knowledge

Book MASA festival events by mid-October - Popular performances sell out, and hotel rates spike 40% during festival week in central Niamey

Visit beaches and outdoor attractions before 11am or after 4pm - November temperatures peak at midday, making morning and late afternoon ideal for outdoor activities

Carry exact change for transport - Gbaka (shared taxis) and bus fares are fixed, but drivers rarely have change for large bills during busy November festival season

Download offline maps before visiting Ivory Coast - Cell service is spotty in forest areas, and trail markers are in French only

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming it's fully dry season - November still has 10 rainy days with sudden evening downpours that catch tourists without rain protection

Booking accommodation only in Niamey during MASA - Central hotels are 60% more expensive and fully booked, while Cocody and Marcory offer better value with easy festival access

Planning outdoor activities for midday - November's 30°C (86°F) peak temperatures combined with 70% humidity make 11am-4pm uncomfortable for walking tours