Gambia in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Gambia

32°C (90°F) High Temp

18°C (65°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect river conditions - Gambia River at lowest levels, exposing sandbanks and creating ideal conditions for hippo spotting at Creek View pools just 45 minutes from Banjul
Peak bird migration season - over 300 species present including European migrants that won't return until October, making Kotu Creek and Abuko Nature Reserve birding extraordinary
Comfortable temperatures for walking - morning temps of 18-22°C (64-72°F) make Janjanbureh Island exploration and Stone Circles visits pleasant before 10am
Harmattan season brings crystal-clear Atlantic waters - visibility reaches 15-20m (49-66 feet) for diving at Bijol Islands, best conditions of the year

Considerations

Harmattan dust reduces photography quality - the Saharan dust creates persistent haze that affects sunset shots and landscape photography, especially after 2pm
Very dry conditions require constant hydration - humidity drops to 30% some days, causing dehydration faster than expected, particularly problematic for older travelers
Cool nights catch tourists unprepared - temperatures can drop to 15°C (59°F) in rural areas like Wassu, requiring warm clothing most don't pack for 'tropical Africa'

Best Activities in November

Gambia River Hippo and Bird Watching Excursions

November offers the year's best river wildlife viewing as low water levels concentrate hippos in specific pools while migratory birds peak. Morning departures at 7am provide coolest temperatures and most active wildlife. The dry season means reliable boat access to remote stretches impossible during rains.

Booking Tip: Reserve 2-3 weeks ahead as this is peak season for European birding groups. Expect costs of $45-65 per person for full-day trips. Look for operators with certified naturalist guides and early morning departure times. Check current river tour options in the booking widget below.

Stone Circles and Archaeological Site Tours

Cool, dry November weather is ideal for exploring Senegambia Stone Circles at Wassu and Ker Batch. Morning temperatures of 18-22°C (64-72°F) make the 2-3 hour walking tours comfortable, while clear skies provide excellent photography conditions before harmattan dust builds up after midday.

Booking Tip: Book combined Stone Circles and Janjanbureh tours for $35-50 per person. Start early (8am departure from accommodation) to avoid midday heat. Licensed cultural guides are essential for historical context. See current archaeological tour options below.

Atlantic Coast Fishing and Beach Activities

Harmattan winds create perfect offshore fishing conditions with calm seas and excellent visibility. Beach temperatures remain comfortable even at midday due to consistent Atlantic breezes. This is prime season for barracuda, red snapper, and captain fish just 3-5 km (2-3 miles) offshore.

Booking Tip: Half-day fishing trips cost $40-60 per person, full-day $80-120. Book through beachfront operators at Kololi or Brufut. November has most reliable weather for boat trips. Check current fishing charter availability in the booking section.

Cultural Village and Market Experiences

November's post-harvest season brings village festivals and active Kampala. Cool morning temperatures make walking tours of Lamin village and Serrekunda market comfortable, while evenings feature traditional music and dance performances celebrating harvest completion.

Booking Tip: Village cultural tours typically cost $25-40 per person including traditional lunch. Wednesday and Saturday are best market days. Book through community tourism operators for most real feels. Reference booking widget for current cultural tour options.

Abuko Nature Reserve and Forest Walks

The dry season concentrates wildlife around permanent water sources in Abuko, making animal spotting more predictable. Cool morning air and reduced vegetation provide excellent conditions for photography of resident monkeys, antelope, and over 250 bird species. Trails are completely dry and easily walkable.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are typically $8-12 per person plus guide fees of $15-20. Early morning (7-9am) visits offer best wildlife activity and comfortable walking temperatures. Book guided walks through park headquarters. See current nature tour options below.

Traditional Music and Dance Workshops

November's cultural season features intensive drumming and dance workshops as harvest celebrations create high demand for traditional performers. Cool evening temperatures make outdoor performances and lessons comfortable, while cultural centers run special programs for the tourist season.

Booking Tip: Workshop sessions cost $20-35 per person for 2-3 hour experiences. Book through cultural centers in Bakau or Serekunda. Evening sessions (6-9pm) offer coolest temperatures and authentic atmosphere. Check current workshop availability in booking section.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Kanilai International Cultural Festival

Three-day celebration featuring traditional wrestling, music competitions, and craft exhibitions. Attracts performers from across West Africa and offers authentic cultural immersion rarely seen by tourists.

Late November

Roots Homecoming Festival

Annual celebration connecting diaspora communities with Gambian heritage, featuring historical site visits, genealogy workshops, and cultural performances at Juffureh and Albreda historical sites.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long pants and long sleeves - harmattan dust irritates skin, and evening temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) in inland areas

High SPF sunscreen (50+) - UV index reaches 8 with little atmospheric moisture to filter sun rays, burns happen quickly

Dust mask or bandana - harmattan winds carry Saharan dust that can trigger respiratory issues and affect comfort during outdoor activities

Insect repellent with DEET - dry season concentrates mosquitoes around water sources where you'll spend most wildlife viewing time

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes - dusty, uneven terrain at archaeological sites and nature reserves requires ankle support

Light rain jacket - while November is dry season, occasional brief showers (10% chance) can occur in early November

Power bank and dust-proof camera bag - dust infiltrates electronics quickly; dry air creates static electricity issues

Electrolyte supplements - low humidity (30-40% some days) causes dehydration faster than expected in tropical climates

Light fleece or hoodie - nights in riverside areas can drop to 15°C (59°F), much cooler than coastal zones

Quality sunglasses - harmattan dust reflects sunlight creating intense glare, especially on water and light-colored surfaces

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by September - November is peak season for European retirees escaping winter, and beachfront properties fill up 8-10 weeks in advance with rates 40-60% higher than other months

Start all outdoor activities by 7am - harmattan dust builds throughout the day, reducing visibility and air quality significantly by afternoon, making early morning the golden time for photography and wildlife viewing

Carry cash in small denominations - November's tourist influx means ATMs often run empty, and many rural guides and craft vendors cannot break large bills (500+ dalasi notes)

The phrase 'harmattan don come' signals locals to start daily dust protection routines - follow their lead by covering electronics and staying hydrated as air moisture drops to desert levels

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cool nights get - tourists pack only for 32°C (90°F) days but shiver in 15°C (59°F) evening temperatures, especially in rural guesthouses without heating

Scheduling outdoor photography for afternoon - harmattan dust creates heavy haze after 1pm that ruins landscape shots, but tourists don't realize morning golden hour (6:30-8:30am) is crucial

Not booking river trips in advance - November's perfect water conditions mean boat tours fill up quickly with birding groups, leaving walk-in tourists disappointed