Somalia in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Somalia
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season conditions with minimal rainfall (45 mm/1.8 inches) - perfect for overland travel and outdoor exploration across all regions
- Cooler temperatures (22-28°C/72-82°F) make walking tours and cultural site visits comfortable during peak daylight hours
- Gu rains have ended, creating lush green landscapes while roads remain accessible - ideal photography conditions
- Post-harvest season brings abundant fresh produce to markets and traditional celebration foods become widely available
Considerations
- Strong Indian Ocean winds (15-25 km/h or 9-16 mph) can make coastal boat trips choppy and some fishing excursions may be cancelled
- Dust levels increase in interior regions as dry season progresses, potentially affecting those with respiratory sensitivities
- Limited accommodation options require booking 4-6 weeks ahead, with prices 20-30% higher than shoulder months
Best Activities in November
Mogadishu Cultural Walking Tours
November's comfortable temperatures make exploring the capital's historic architecture and markets ideal. The dry conditions mean excellent visibility for photography of Italian colonial buildings and the rebuilt city center. Morning tours (7-10 AM) avoid the midday heat while evening walks (5-7 PM) offer impressive sunset views over the Indian Ocean.
Hargeisa Livestock Market Experiences
November coincides with peak trading season as herders bring livestock to market before the dry season intensifies. This is when you'll see the famous Somali camel auctions at their most active. The cooler morning temperatures (22°C/72°F) make early market visits comfortable, and the cultural significance is unmatched during this traditional trading period.
Berbera Historic Port and Beach Activities
November offers perfect conditions for exploring this ancient Red Sea trading post. The Ottoman and British colonial architecture tours are comfortable in the mild weather, while beach time is enhanced by cooling sea breezes. Water temperatures remain warm (26°C/79°F) for swimming, but strong winds make this better for beach walks than water sports.
Laas Geel Cave Painting Expeditions
The dry November conditions provide optimal access to these 20,000-year-old Neolithic cave paintings. Clear skies offer excellent natural lighting for viewing the rock art, and the 2-hour hike (8 km/5 miles roundtrip) is comfortable in the cooler temperatures. This is arguably the best month for this bucket-list archaeological experience.
Traditional Dhow Sailing Experiences
November's consistent winds make this the prime season for traditional dhow sailing along the coast. These historic vessels, still used by local fishermen, offer authentic maritime cultural experiences. While seas can be choppy, experienced captains know the best protected bays for cultural sailing rather than rough ocean crossings.
November Events & Festivals
Somali Heritage Week
Cultural celebrations featuring traditional poetry, music, and storytelling across major cities. Local communities organize evening gatherings with traditional dances and authentic cuisine. This informal but widely celebrated period showcases Somali oral traditions.
Camel Racing Festivals
Regional camel racing competitions coincide with peak livestock trading season. These events offer incredible insight into traditional nomadic culture and feature elaborate traditional dress, betting, and celebration feasts.