Bissau in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Bissau

33°C (91°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

10 mm (0.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

November begins the dry season with minimal rainfall (only 10 mm/0.4 inches), making it ideal for exploring the Bissagos Islands without weather delays
Cashew season preparation creates busy local energy - farmers begin harvesting preparation activities, offering authentic cultural experiences unavailable in peak tourist months
River temperatures are perfect for boat excursions at 26-28°C (79-82°F), with calm waters ideal for visiting remote Bijagó villages and spotting hippos in Rio Corubal
Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to December-February peak season, with excellent availability at boutique properties like those near Fortaleza de São José da Amura

Considerations

Afternoon temperatures regularly hit 33°C (91°F) with 70% humidity, making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable - plan indoor breaks between 12-3pm
Some outer Bissagos Islands may have limited boat service due to seasonal operator schedules - verify island accessibility 2-3 weeks before travel
Road conditions to interior regions like Bafatá can be challenging after late-season rains, requiring 4WD vehicles and adding 2-3 hours to journey times

Best Activities in November

Bissagos Islands Archipelago Tours

November's calm seas and reduced rainfall make this the perfect month to explore the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Morning departures at 7am avoid afternoon heat while maximizing wildlife viewing opportunities. Temperatures are ideal for walking through sacred forests and observing traditional Bijagó matriarchal society rituals that intensify before harvest season.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed operators in Bissau 14-21 days ahead. Tours typically cost 35,000-55,000 CFA francs ($60-95) for day trips including lunch and cultural guide. Multi-day island camping tours range 85,000-150,000 CFA francs ($145-255). Verify boat insurance and emergency communication equipment.

Fortaleza da Amura Cultural Walking Tours

Early November mornings (6:30-9:30am) offer perfect temperatures for exploring Bissau's Portuguese colonial architecture before the midday heat. The golden hour lighting is exceptional for photography, and you'll encounter fewer crowds at the National this destination and Pidjiguiti Memorial.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work well, but local cultural guides enhance the experience significantly. Expect to pay 8,000-15,000 CFA francs ($15-25) for 3-hour guided walks. Book current tour options through the booking section below, or arrange through major hotels upon arrival.

Rio Corubal Hippo Watching Expeditions

November's lower water levels concentrate hippos in deeper pools, dramatically improving sighting chances to nearly 90%. Morning temperatures of 22-25°C (72-77°F) make dawn departures comfortable, and reduced vegetation offers clearer viewing opportunities compared to wet season months.

Booking Tip: Two-day expeditions typically cost 75,000-120,000 CFA francs ($130-205) including camping gear, meals, and specialized guides. Book 3-4 weeks ahead as only 4-5 operators run these tours. Verify guide experience with hippo safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Traditional Cashew Farm Cultural Experiences

November marks pre-harvest activities on cashew plantations, offering unique insight into Guinea-Bissau's primary export industry. Participate in traditional preparation rituals, learn processing techniques, and taste fresh cashew fruit juice unavailable outside harvest regions. Morning farm visits avoid afternoon heat while capturing authentic rural life.

Booking Tip: Community-based tourism initiatives cost 12,000-25,000 CFA francs ($20-40) for half-day experiences including transport and traditional lunch. Book through hotel concierges or see current community tour options in the booking section below. Bring cash in small denominations.

Mangrove Creek Kayaking Adventures

November's calm conditions and 26°C (79°F) water temperatures create ideal kayaking weather. Reduced tidal variations make navigation safer for beginners, while morning launches offer excellent bird watching - over 100 species are active before 10am including African fish eagles and pied kingfishers.

Booking Tip: Half-day guided kayak tours range 25,000-40,000 CFA francs ($45-70) including equipment and naturalist guide. Full-day expeditions with lunch cost 50,000-75,000 CFA francs ($85-130). Book 10-14 days ahead through licensed operators - verify life jacket quality and guide first aid certification.

Traditional Music and Dance Workshops

November cultural preparation for harvest celebrations means increased traditional music activity. Learn gumbe rhythms, kussundé dance steps, and traditional instrument techniques. Evening workshops (5-8pm) avoid daytime heat while capturing authentic cultural education unavailable during peak tourist seasons.

Booking Tip: Evening workshops cost 15,000-30,000 CFA francs ($25-50) for 3-hour sessions including instrument use and light refreshments. Weekly intensive workshops range 60,000-100,000 CFA francs ($100-170). Book through cultural centers or see current workshop options in the booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

National Independence Preparation Activities

While the main Independence Day celebration occurs in September, November features community preparation events, traditional craft-making workshops, and rehearsals for cultural performances that offer authentic participation opportunities

Mid to Late November

Pre-Harvest Cashew Ceremonies

Traditional Bijagó and Balanta communities hold blessing ceremonies for the upcoming cashew harvest season, featuring traditional music, dance, and spiritual rituals rarely witnessed by outsiders

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight moisture-wicking shirts - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable after 30 minutes of activity

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 with minimal shade on islands and boats

Quick-dry hiking pants - essential for mangrove walks and village visits where shorts are culturally inappropriate

Waterproof phone case - boats encounter spray and occasional 10-minute showers during island transfers

Comfortable closed-toe shoes - flip-flops inadequate for rocky coastlines and traditional village protocols

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - mosquitoes are active during dawn/dusk river and mangrove activities

Lightweight rain jacket - brief afternoon showers occur 10 days per month, usually lasting 20-30 minutes

Portable battery pack - electricity is unreliable on outer islands and during long boat excursions

Cash in small denominations - CFA francs in 1,000 and 5,000 notes for village purchases and tips

Basic first aid kit including anti-diarrheal medication - medical facilities are limited outside Bissau city

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations at least 3 weeks ahead in November - it's shoulder season but limited quality options fill quickly with NGO workers and business travelers

Withdraw CFA francs at Ecobank or BCEAO in Bissau before traveling to islands - outer regions have no ATMs and euros have poor exchange rates

Schedule boat departures for 6:30-7:00am starts - afternoon sea breezes can create choppy conditions and tours frequently cancel after 2pm

Bring gifts for village chiefs when visiting Bijagó communities - small phone credit vouchers (1,000-2,000 CFA) or quality batteries are most appreciated, avoid alcohol or religious items

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating travel time between locations - what looks like 2 hours on maps often takes 4-5 hours due to road conditions and boat schedules

Not carrying enough cash - credit cards work only at top hotels in Bissau, and even ATMs frequently malfunction for 2-3 days

Planning too many activities per day - November heat and transportation challenges mean 1-2 quality experiences per day is realistic maximum