Guineabissau in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Guineabissau

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

180 mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

82% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Bijagós Islands are at their most pristine - crystal clear waters after rainy season washout, perfect for island hopping and marine wildlife viewing with 30m+ (98ft) visibility
Cashew season begins with early harvesting - experience traditional cashew wine (caju) production and taste the freshest cashews at 30-40% lower prices than imported versions
Bird migration peak brings over 200 species to mangrove areas - November is prime time for spotting rare African fish eagles and flamingo colonies in Orango National Park
Shoulder season pricing means accommodation costs drop 25-35% from peak dry season rates, with fewer crowds at major sites like Fortaleza d'Amura

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall patterns - while transitioning to dry season, sudden downpours can last 2-3 hours and flood unpaved roads, particularly affecting rural excursions
High humidity (82%) combined with temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F) creates challenging conditions for extensive walking or outdoor activities between 11am-4pm
Some remote islands in Bijagós Archipelago may be inaccessible during heavy rain days due to rough seas and limited boat services

Best Activities in November

Bijagós Islands Archipelago Tours

November offers the perfect window for island hopping as waters clear from rainy season runoff. Marine life is incredibly active with sea turtles nesting season ending and dolphins frequently spotted. Temperatures are warm enough for swimming (26°C/79°F water temperature) but rain provides natural cooling. Book multi-day camping tours to experience traditional Bijagó culture during rice harvest celebrations.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through local operators in Bissau. Multi-day tours typically cost 25,000-35,000 CFA francs ($45-60) per day including basic meals and camping gear. Look for operators with proper life jackets and GPS equipment. Weather can change quickly so ensure flexible itineraries.

Orango National Park Wildlife Watching

Peak bird migration season brings spectacular viewing opportunities. November's mix of wet and dry conditions creates ideal habitat diversity. Early morning (6-9am) and late afternoon (4-7pm) offer the best wildlife activity when temperatures drop to comfortable 24°C (75°F). Saltwater hippos are most active during this transition period.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead, typically 15,000-20,000 CFA francs ($25-35) for day tours. Choose operators with experienced local guides who know seasonal animal patterns. Bring waterproof binoculars and expect some muddy trails after rain showers.

Traditional Cashew Farming Experience

November marks the beginning of cashew harvest season. Visit working plantations to see traditional processing methods and taste fresh cashew fruit juice. Many villages offer homestay experiences during harvest time. The rural roads are challenging but manageable between rain periods, offering authentic cultural immersion.

Booking Tip: Arrange through cultural associations in Bissau 3-5 days ahead. Village experiences cost 8,000-12,000 CFA francs ($15-20) per day including meals. Best accessed with 4WD vehicles. Local guides essential for navigation and cultural context.

Bissau City Cultural Walking Tours

November's frequent afternoon showers make morning walking tours (8-11am) ideal before heat peaks. Explore Portuguese colonial architecture, busy Bandim Market, and waterfront areas. Rain creates dramatic lighting for photography and locals gather in covered markets creating lively cultural scenes.

Booking Tip: Book day-of or 1-2 days ahead, typically 5,000-8,000 CFA francs ($10-15) for 3-4 hour tours. Start early to avoid afternoon heat and rain. Look for guides who speak Portuguese or French in addition to Creole for historical context.

Mangrove Kayaking Adventures

High water levels from recent rains provide access to narrow mangrove channels usually unreachable. November's moderate winds and calm morning conditions (before 10am) create perfect paddling. Wildlife is incredibly active including manatees, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species in their post-breeding abundance.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 days ahead through eco-tourism operators, typically 12,000-18,000 CFA francs ($20-30) for half-day tours. Morning departures essential before wind picks up. Ensure operators provide proper safety equipment and waterproof storage bags.

Traditional Fishing Village Experiences

November brings peak fishing season as waters calm after rainy season storms. Join local fishing communities for dawn departures (5:30am) when temperatures are coolest at 22°C (72°F). Experience traditional net fishing techniques and sample incredibly fresh seafood prepared with local spices and palm oil.

Booking Tip: Arrange through fishing cooperatives 2-3 days ahead, typically 10,000-15,000 CFA francs ($18-25) including boat ride and meal. Early departure essential for best fishing conditions and to avoid midday heat. Basic Portuguese or Creole phrases helpful for interaction.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Cashew Harvest Festival Celebrations

Rural communities celebrate the beginning of cashew harvest with traditional music, dance, and cashew wine ceremonies. Each village has its own timing but celebrations typically involve balafon music, traditional masks, and communal feasting with fresh cashew-based dishes.

Late November

Rice Harvest Ceremonies

Bijagó communities on the islands perform traditional rice harvest rituals with ancestral ceremonies and community feasting. These intimate cultural events offer rare insights into traditional religious practices and agricultural customs passed down for centuries.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants - essential for humid 82% conditions and muddy trails after 180mm (7.1 inches) monthly rainfall

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 even on cloudy days, reapply every 2 hours during outdoor activities

Lightweight waterproof rain jacket - afternoon thunderstorms can dump 50mm (2 inches) in 30 minutes with little warning

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid synthetic materials that trap moisture in 82% humidity conditions

Waterproof hiking boots with good grip - trails become extremely slippery and some areas flood during heavy rains

Insect repellent with 30% DEET minimum - mosquito activity peaks during humid transition season, malaria risk present

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - sudden downpours common, electronics vulnerable to moisture damage

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - essential sun protection plus secure fit for boat trips and windy conditions

Electrolyte supplements - sweating increases dramatically in hot humid conditions, dehydration risk high

Flip-flops or water shoes - many accommodations require shoe removal, useful for muddy conditions and boat boarding

Insider Knowledge

Always carry 1,000 CFA franc notes - vendors rarely have change for larger bills and ATMs are unreliable outside Bissau city center, often empty for days at remote locations

Learn basic Creole greetings 'Kuma di korpu?' (how are you?) - Portuguese is official but Creole opens doors with locals, especially in fishing villages and rural areas where tourism is rare

Book accommodations with backup generators - power outages increase during November storms and can last 6-12 hours, affecting air conditioning and phone charging

Travel with a local SIM card from Orange Bissau - international roaming is expensive and coverage spotty, local cards cost 2,000 CFA francs ($3.50) with better rural coverage

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning extensive outdoor activities between 11am-4pm when temperature hits 30°C (86°F) with 82% humidity - locals rest indoors during these hours for good reason

Booking accommodation only in Bissau city - the real experiences are in fishing villages and islands, but book island stays 7+ days ahead as options are extremely limited

Expecting Western-style infrastructure on islands - bring all necessary medications, batteries, and supplies as shops are minimal and imports expensive or unavailable