Praia in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Praia
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak windsurfing season with consistent 15-20 knot northeast trade winds making November ideal for all skill levels at Quebra Antarctica and Prainha beaches
- Sea turtle nesting season ends in early November - witness hatchlings at Caboverde Beach with 90% less tourist crowds than December peak season
- Harmattan winds bring crystal-clear visibility reaching 30+ km (18+ miles) - perfect for hiking Pico da Antónia at 1,392m (4,567 ft) with panoramic views
- November marks the end of rainy season with only 10 rain days averaging 15-minute afternoon showers, ideal for outdoor exploration without heavy precipitation
Considerations
- Strong northeast trade winds create choppy seas on northern coasts - swimming conditions at Quebra Antarctica can be rough for inexperienced swimmers
- Harmattan dust from Sahara occasionally reduces air quality and creates hazy conditions lasting 2-3 days mid-month
- Limited fresh produce availability as local harvest season transitions - imported goods increase restaurant prices by 15-20%
Best Activities in November
Cidade Velha UNESCO Site Cultural Tours
November's low humidity and clear skies provide perfect conditions for exploring Cape Verde's first colonial settlement. The 70% humidity is significantly lower than rainy season months, making the 2 km (1.2 mile) walking tour through Ribeira Grande valley comfortable. Early morning tours (8-10am) avoid the stronger afternoon winds and offer golden lighting for the Fortaleza Real de Caboverde.
Santiago Island Highland Hiking
November's clear post-rainy season conditions offer exceptional visibility for mountain hiking. The Pico da Antónia trail to 1,392m (4,567 ft) provides 360-degree views extending to Caboverde 50 km (31 miles) away. Temperatures drop to comfortable 18°C (64°F) at altitude, and trails are firm after the rainy season without muddy conditions.
Traditional Cachupa Cooking Experiences
November marks the post-harvest period when locals prepare cachupa using the year's corn and bean harvest. The moderate temperatures and lower humidity make indoor cooking classes comfortable. This timing coincides with traditional preservation techniques as families prepare for the dry season ahead.
Tarrafal Beach Turtle Watching
November represents the tail end of nesting season with occasional late loggerhead turtle activities. More importantly, it's prime time for witnessing hatchlings making their way to the ocean. The reduced rainfall means clearer beach access, and fewer tourists create less disturbance to wildlife.
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Lessons
November brings the year's most consistent northeast trade winds at 15-20 knots - ideal for beginners learning board control and intermediate surfers perfecting techniques. Water temperatures remain warm at 24°C (75°F) while wind consistency eliminates the frustrating lull periods common in other months.
Live Morna and Coladeira Music Venues
November's comfortable evening temperatures and cultural calendar alignment make this ideal for experiencing Cape Verde's UNESCO-recognized musical heritage. Venues open their outdoor terraces as the intense heat breaks, and musicians perform longer sets in the pleasant conditions.
November Events & Festivals
Festival de Música da Praia
Annual music festival featuring Cape Verdean artists and regional West African musicians. Takes advantage of November's ideal weather conditions with outdoor stages and extended evening performances. Features traditional morna, contemporary coladeira, and fusion genres.
Dia Nacional da Cultura
National Culture Day celebrations include traditional dance performances, craft exhibitions, and food festivals throughout Praia. The timing coincides with harvest celebrations and showcases the year's cultural productions.