Things to Do in Ivorycoast in November

November Weather in Ivorycoast

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

165 mm (6.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season begins with dramatically reduced rainfall - daily downpours end in late October, leaving November with only 10 rainy days versus 22 in September
Cocoa harvest season brings incredible chocolate tours and fresh cacao fruit tastings unavailable other months - plantations around San-Pédro offer behind-the-scenes access
Harmattan winds start arriving from the north, dropping humidity from August's oppressive 85% to comfortable 70%, making outdoor activities pleasant all day
Post-rainy season wildlife viewing peaks as animals congregate around remaining water sources in Taï National Park - elephant sightings increase 40% compared to wet months

Considerations

Dust from Harmattan winds creates hazy conditions reducing photography quality and can irritate respiratory systems - visibility drops to 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 miles) on dusty days
End of rainy season means some waterfalls like Cascade de Man run at only 30% capacity compared to peak flow in August-September
Road conditions remain challenging as infrastructure repairs from rainy season damage won't be completed until December - expect 2x normal travel times on rural routes

Best Activities in November

Taï National Park Wildlife Tracking

November is the absolute best month for wildlife viewing in West Africa's largest remaining rainforest. Post-rainy season conditions mean animals concentrate around permanent water sources, while reduced vegetation makes spotting easier. Chimpanzee tracking success rates hit 85% versus 40% during rainy months. Morning mist creates magical photography conditions, and afternoon temperatures of 28°C (82°F) make 4-6 hour treks comfortable.

Booking Tip: Book through eco-certified guides 2-3 weeks ahead as November is peak wildlife month. Typical full-day tracking costs 35,000-50,000 CFA (60-85 USD). Look for guides certified by OIPR (Office Ivoirien des Parcs et Réserves). See current tour options in booking section below.

San-Pédro Cocoa Plantation Tours

November coincides with cocoa harvest season when plantations buzz with activity. You'll witness the entire process from pod cracking to fermentation - experiences impossible during off-season months. Fresh cacao fruit tastings and traditional chocolate making workshops are available only during harvest. The dry weather makes accessing remote plantations possible via 4WD vehicles.

Booking Tip: Harvest season tours book up quickly - reserve 10-14 days ahead. Half-day tours typically cost 25,000-35,000 CFA (42-60 USD) including tastings. Ensure tours include working plantations, not just processing facilities. Current plantation tour options available in booking widget below.

Grand-Bassam Beach and Colonial Architecture

November's reduced humidity and occasional Harmattan breezes make Grand-Bassam's 5 km (3.1 miles) of beaches incredibly pleasant. Ocean temperatures remain warm at 27°C (81°F) while air temperatures drop to comfortable levels. The UNESCO World Heritage colonial quarter is best explored in November's dry conditions - many buildings were damaged during rainy season and are finally accessible for photography.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Abidjan typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA (25-42 USD) including transport. Visit weekdays to avoid local crowds. Cultural walking tours of colonial quarter available through certified local guides. Check booking section for current tour combinations with Abidjan departure.

Abidjan Lagoon Boat Tours

November's calmer weather patterns make lagoon excursions ideal - wind speeds drop from rainy season averages, creating mirror-like water perfect for photography. Sunset tours from Treichville to Plateau showcase the city's skyline without rain interruptions. Water levels are optimal after rainy season runoff, allowing access to smaller channels and fishing villages.

Booking Tip: Evening lagoon tours cost 20,000-30,000 CFA (34-51 USD) for 2-3 hours. Book same-day or one day ahead - operators adjust schedules based on wind conditions. Look for boats with safety equipment and local fishing village stops. Current lagoon tour options in booking widget below.

Man Region Mountain Hiking

November marks the return of hiking season in western mountains. La Dent de Man (881m/2,890ft) offers spectacular views now that post-rainy season haze begins clearing. Trails are muddy but passable, and cooler mountain temperatures of 22-26°C (72-79°F) make day hikes comfortable. Traditional villages are accessible again via improved trail conditions.

Booking Tip: Mountain guide services cost 25,000-40,000 CFA (42-68 USD) per day including village visits. Book guides through hotels in Man town or certified operators. Bring hiking boots rated for muddy conditions. Multi-day trek options available through booking section below.

Traditional Mask Festival Experiences

November begins the traditional festival season as communities celebrate successful harvests. Dan and Yacouba mask ceremonies become frequent, especially around Odienné and western regions. Dry conditions allow access to remote villages where authentic ceremonies occur, not tourist performances. This cultural window lasts only through January.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours including festival visits cost 30,000-50,000 CFA (51-85 USD) per day. Authentic ceremonies cannot be scheduled - tours combine multiple village visits increasing chances. Book through cultural tour specialists with local community connections. See cultural experience options in booking section.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

FEMUA (Festival des Musiques Urbaines d'Anoumabo)

West Africa's premier urban music festival transforms Abidjan with three days of Afrobeat, hip-hop, and contemporary African music. International and local artists perform on multiple stages, with free outdoor concerts in Treichville. The festival showcases Ivorian musical innovation alongside regional talent.

Throughout November

Yam Festival (Fête de l'Igname)

Traditional harvest festivals occur throughout northern regions as communities celebrate yam harvests. Villages around Korhogo host elaborate ceremonies with traditional dancing, drumming, and communal feasts. Each village celebrates on different dates, creating opportunities to experience authentic cultural traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - November's 10 rainy days bring sudden 30-45 minute downpours, usually in late afternoon

Dust mask or scarf for Harmattan winds - fine Saharan dust can irritate breathing and gets into electronics

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with reflective dust creates intense sun exposure

Closed hiking boots - trails remain muddy from October rains but are passable with proper footwear

Quick-dry clothing in earth tones - shows dust less and dries faster in 70% humidity

Waterproof phone case - essential for lagoon tours and unexpected rain showers

Cash in small CFA denominations - rural areas and local guides prefer 1,000-5,000 CFA notes

Insect repellent with 25% DEET - mosquito activity increases in standing water from recent rains

Portable charger/power bank - electricity outages more common during weather transition periods

Comfortable walking shoes for cities - avoid white as red dust stains permanently

Insider Knowledge

November is chocolate month - ask plantation workers for fresh cacao pod tastings unavailable to tourists other times. The white pulp around beans is sweet and refreshing.

Harmattan winds bring cooler mornings perfect for early market visits - Adjamé market in Abidjan is most comfortable 6-9am before dust and heat build up.

Post-rainy season means better road conditions to Yamoussoukro - visit the basilica now before December harmattan dust reduces its photogenic white stone contrast.

Local 'kedjenou' chicken dish tastes best in November when free-range chickens are fattest from rainy season feeding - ask for it prepared in traditional clay pots at local restaurants.

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all rainy season attractions are accessible - some waterfalls and forest lodges remain closed through November for maintenance and safety repairs

Not bringing dust protection for cameras and electronics - Harmattan dust is incredibly fine and damages equipment quickly without proper covering

Scheduling tight itineraries - road travel still takes 50-100% longer than dry season due to ongoing infrastructure repairs from rainy season damage