Conakry in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Conakry

31°C (88°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

79 mm (3.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Prime dry season begins - November marks the transition from rainy to dry season, with rainfall dropping to just 79 mm (3.1 inches) compared to October's 300+ mm (12+ inches)
Perfect beach conditions - Atlantic waters are warmest at 26°C (79°F) with minimal waves, ideal for swimming at Guinea islands just 20 km (12.4 miles) offshore
Cultural calendar peaks - November hosts the biggest traditional harvest celebrations in surrounding villages, plus preparation festivities for December holidays create busy street life
Optimal visibility for sightseeing - Harmattan winds begin clearing dust and haze, offering the clearest views from Mount Kakoulima at 1,007 m (3,304 ft) elevation all year

Considerations

Accommodation prices surge 40-60% as expats return for holiday season and business travel peaks before December closures
Frequent power outages increase during transition period - expect 2-4 hour daily cuts as national grid adjusts to seasonal demand changes
Road conditions worsen from October rains - many rural routes remain impassable, limiting day trip options to villages within 50 km (31 miles) of the city

Best Activities in November

Îles de Los Island Hopping

November offers the calmest seas and clearest waters for exploring these three islands. Room Dakar, the largest, has pristine beaches with water temperatures at 26°C (79°F). Historical colonial ruins are most visible in November's clear conditions, and fishing village interactions are at their peak as communities prepare for holiday celebrations. Ferry crossings take 45 minutes each way in calm November seas.

Booking Tip: Book ferry transfers 5-7 days ahead through licensed maritime operators at Port de Boulbinet. Day trips typically cost 150,000-250,000 GNF including boat transfer and basic lunch. Verify life jacket provision and radio equipment before departure.

Mount Kakoulima Hiking Expeditions

The mountain reaches 1,007 m (3,304 ft) and November's clear Harmattan-influenced weather provides the year's best visibility - you can see 80 km (50 miles) to neighboring Sierra Leone on clear days. Temperatures drop to comfortable 18°C (64°F) at summit. Trails are firm after rainy season ends but before December dust accumulates. Traditional villages along routes celebrate harvest season.

Booking Tip: Arrange guided hikes 10-14 days ahead through certified mountain guides. Full-day expeditions cost 200,000-400,000 GNF per person including transport from Conakry (2.5 hour drive each way). Essential to have 4WD vehicle - regular cars cannot navigate the final 15 km (9.3 miles) of mountain access roads.

Traditional Market Cultural Tours

November marks harvest season, filling Marché Madina and Marché Niger with seasonal produce, traditional crafts, and celebration preparations. Morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make walking comfortable before midday heat. Local textile vendors showcase special fabrics for December holidays. The 70% humidity is lowest of wet months, making crowded market navigation more bearable.

Booking Tip: Arrange cultural guides 3-5 days ahead through hotel concierges or registered tour associations. Half-day market tours cost 100,000-200,000 GNF including transportation between 3-4 major markets. Start at 7am to avoid crowds and heat - markets are most busy before 10am.

Mangrove Ecosystem Boat Tours

November's receding water levels reveal intricate mangrove root systems and increase wildlife sightings. Manatees are most active in cooler morning waters at 25°C (77°F). Bird migration peaks with over 200 species visible, including rare West African specialties. Calm waters and clear skies create optimal photography conditions in the coastal estuaries 30 km (18.6 miles) south of central Conakry.

Booking Tip: Book eco-tours 7-10 days ahead through environmental associations at the Tourism Ministry. Full-day mangrove expeditions cost 180,000-320,000 GNF including specialized boats, guides, and equipment. Verify guide certification for wildlife interpretation - many boat operators lack ecological training.

Traditional Music and Dance Workshops

November coincides with preparation for major December celebrations, making it the ideal time to learn traditional djembe drumming and authentic dance forms. Cultural centers are most active as communities prepare festival performances. Cooler evening temperatures around 24°C (75°F) make intensive workshop sessions comfortable. Master musicians are available before traveling to villages for harvest celebrations.

Booking Tip: Arrange workshops 5-7 days ahead through established cultural centers in Dixinn or Ratoma districts. Group workshops cost 80,000-150,000 GNF per session, private instruction ranges 200,000-350,000 GNF. Sessions typically run 2-3 hours in late afternoon to avoid midday heat.

Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

November's clearer atmosphere and reduced humidity make extended walking tours comfortable. French colonial buildings in Kaloum Peninsula are most photogenic in November's crisp lighting conditions. The Governor's Palace, Cathedral, and administrative buildings benefit from morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) before heat intensifies. Seasonal Harmattan winds reduce dust accumulation on historic facades.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work well with detailed maps from Tourism Office, or arrange certified guides 2-3 days ahead for historical context. Guided tours cost 75,000-125,000 GNF for 3-4 hour sessions. Start early morning at 7am - by noon, temperatures reach 31°C (88°F) making extended walking uncomfortable.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Traditional Harvest Celebrations

Villages surrounding Conakry hold thanksgiving ceremonies for successful rice and cassava harvests. Features traditional drumming, communal feasts, and ancestral honor rituals. Visitors can participate in community celebrations, learn traditional cooking methods, and witness authentic cultural practices not performed at other times of year.

Throughout November

Fishermen's Festival Preparations

Coastal communities begin elaborate preparations for December fishing season blessings. Traditional boat decorating, net blessing ceremonies, and maritime skill demonstrations occur throughout November. Offers unique insight into Guinea's fishing culture and opportunities to participate in boat preparation activities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve cotton shirts - protect against 70% humidity and UV index 8 while allowing airflow

Quick-dry rain jacket - November's 10 rainy days bring sudden 30-45 minute downpours with little warning

Sturdy walking sandals with grip - November rains create slippery surfaces on concrete and laterite roads

High SPF sunscreen (50+) - equatorial sun with UV index 8 causes burns within 15 minutes of exposure

Lightweight hiking boots for mountain excursions - essential for Mount Kakoulima's rocky terrain above 500 m (1,640 ft)

Portable phone charger - frequent power outages last 2-4 hours daily during November transition period

Cash in small denominations - ATMs often empty during month-end, and markets rarely have change for large bills

Antimalarial medication - November rains create breeding sites, and risk remains moderate despite cooler temperatures

Breathable cotton underwear and socks - synthetic materials become uncomfortable in 70% humidity conditions

Head covering for mosque visits - many cultural sites require modest dress regardless of 31°C (88°F) temperatures

Insider Knowledge

November accommodation booking surge begins mid-October when expat families secure December holiday housing - book 6-8 weeks ahead to avoid 40-60% price increases

Local fruit vendors sell seasonal specialties like sweet oranges and ripe mangoes only in November before December export season - try them at roadside stands for 5,000-10,000 GNF

Shared taxi fares increase 25% during November rains due to road conditions - negotiate fixed prices for day trips outside the city before departure

Traditional fabric shops in Marché Madina stock special celebration textiles in November that disappear by January - prices drop 30% after December 15th if you can wait

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming November is fully dry season - it's transition period with 10 rainy days requiring rain protection and flexible scheduling

Booking ground transportation to rural areas without checking road conditions - many routes remain impassable from October flooding through early December

Underestimating accommodation demand - November begins peak season pricing and availability issues as business travel and expat returns increase significantly