Things to Do in Ivory Coast in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Ivory Coast
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Transition into dry season means increasingly clear skies as the month progresses - early November might see lingering showers, but by late November you're looking at mostly sunny days with temperatures around 32°C (90°F) and genuinely comfortable evenings at 24°C (75°F)
- Tourism infrastructure is fully operational but crowds haven't peaked yet - hotels in Abidjan and Grand-Bassam typically run 30-40% below December rates, and you'll actually have space to move around at popular spots like the St. Paul's Cathedral or Banco National Park
- Cocoa harvest season is in full swing, making November the absolute best time to visit plantations in the interior regions around Yamoussoukro and Man - you'll see the actual harvesting process, not just empty trees, and chocolate cooperatives offer fresh samples
- Harmattan winds haven't started yet, so visibility along the coast is excellent for photography and beach activities - the Atlantic is calm enough for swimming at Grand-Bassam and Assinie, with water temperatures around 27°C (81°F)
Considerations
- Weather can be genuinely unpredictable in early November as the rainy season wraps up - you might get three gorgeous days followed by an afternoon downpour that lasts two hours, making it tricky to plan outdoor activities more than a day ahead
- Roads in rural areas, particularly heading north toward Korhogo or west toward Man, can still be muddy from October rains - what should be a 5-hour drive can stretch to 7 hours, and some secondary routes require 4WD vehicles
- November sits in an awkward spot for festivals - you've missed the major Fêtes des Masques celebrations in Man (typically October) and it's too early for the big December events, so cultural programming is relatively quiet
Best Activities in November
Abidjan Modern Art and Architecture Tours
November's mix of sunshine and occasional cloud cover is actually perfect for exploring Abidjan's contemporary art scene and striking modernist architecture. The Plateau district doesn't get oppressively hot like it does January through March, and you can comfortably walk between galleries in the Cocody neighborhood. The humidity has dropped from rainy season peaks, making those climbs up to rooftop viewpoints at buildings like the Cathedral much more pleasant. The city's art galleries typically launch new exhibitions in November ahead of the holiday season, so you're seeing fresh work.
Grand-Bassam Colonial Architecture and Beach Time
The UNESCO World Heritage colonial quarter is 45 km (28 miles) east of Abidjan, and November offers the best weather window for combining historical walking tours with actual beach relaxation. Temperatures hover around 30°C (86°F) with lower humidity than rainy season, and the Atlantic is calm enough for swimming. The old French colonial buildings photograph beautifully in November's clear light, and you can explore the Costume Museum and old governor's palace without melting. Late afternoon on the beach is perfect - locals show up around 4pm when the heat breaks.
Cocoa Plantation Visits in Central Regions
November is peak harvest season, meaning you'll see actual cocoa pod harvesting and fermentation processes at working plantations around Yamoussoukro and in the Gagnoa region. This isn't a year-round activity - visit in July and you're just looking at trees. The roads have mostly dried out from rainy season but it's not yet dusty from harmattan winds. Temperatures in the interior run slightly cooler than the coast, around 29°C (84°F), making the plantation walks comfortable. Cooperatives are busy processing the harvest, so you'll see the full bean-to-chocolate operation.
Tai National Park Rainforest Trekking
November marks the beginning of the optimal window for visiting this UNESCO World Heritage rainforest in western Ivory Coast. The trails have dried out enough to be passable after rainy season, but the forest is still lush and green, and water levels in streams are perfect for spotting wildlife coming to drink. You're looking at temperatures around 28°C (82°F) under the canopy with manageable humidity. Chimpanzee tracking success rates are higher in November as the primates are more active in the cooler, drier conditions. The 5-6 hour trek through primary rainforest is demanding but genuinely spectacular this time of year.
Yamoussoukro Basilica and Political Capital Exploration
The world's largest basilica sits in Ivory Coast's political capital, 240 km (149 miles) north of Abidjan, and November's weather makes the trip worthwhile. The massive dome and air-conditioned interior provide relief from midday heat, and the surrounding presidential palace grounds and lakes are actually pleasant to walk around in November's 31°C (88°F) temperatures. The drive from Abidjan takes about 3 hours on good roads, and you can easily combine this with cocoa plantation visits. The basilica's scale is genuinely jaw-dropping - it's larger than St. Peter's in Rome - and the Italian stained glass is stunning in November's bright sunlight.
Abidjan Food Market and Street Food Tours
November brings seasonal produce to markets like Marché de Cocody and Adjamé Market, and the slightly cooler evenings make street food exploration genuinely enjoyable. You'll find fresh mangoes, avocados, and attiéké (fermented cassava) at peak quality. The humidity has dropped enough that walking through crowded market halls isn't overwhelming, and evening food stalls in Treichville and Zone 4 come alive around 6pm when temperatures dip to 26°C (79°F). This is when locals eat, so you're getting authentic experiences, not tourist performances.
November Events & Festivals
FEMUA (Festival des Musiques Urbaines d'Anoumabo)
This urban music festival in Abidjan's Anoumabo neighborhood typically happens in late April or early May, not November, so you'll miss it. Worth noting that November is genuinely quiet for major festivals - the big cultural events happen in October or December.