Cameroon in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Cameroon

29°C (84°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

45 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect wildlife viewing in dry season - elephants and hippos concentrate at water sources, making game drives 40% more successful than wet season months
Crystal clear mountain hiking conditions with 15-20 km (9-12 miles) visibility on Mount Cameroon, compared to rainy season's 3-5 km (2-3 miles)
Beach season begins on Atlantic coast with calm seas averaging 24°C (75°F) and minimal rainfall affecting outdoor activities
Traditional harvest festivals across all ten regions create authentic cultural experiences unavailable during tourist-heavy December-January period

Considerations

Harmattan dust winds from Sahara reduce air quality and create hazy photography conditions, especially in northern regions like Maroua and Garoua
Hotel rates increase 30-40% starting mid-November as peak season approaches, with limited availability in popular areas like Kribi and Limbe
Road conditions deteriorate in remote areas as rainy season damage hasn't been fully repaired, adding 2-3 hours to journeys to places like Bamenda

Best Activities in November

Waza National Park Safari Tours

November marks the start of prime wildlife viewing as animals gather at remaining water sources during the dry season transition. Temperatures drop to comfortable 25-28°C (77-82°F) for morning game drives, with 70% higher elephant sighting rates than rainy months. The park's 170,000 hectares become accessible as flooding recedes, opening remote areas closed since June.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead as this is when safari season officially begins. Tours typically cost 85,000-120,000 CFA (130-180 USD) for 2-day packages. Look for operators with certified local guides who know current animal migration patterns. Reference booking section below for current tour availability.

Mount Cameroon Hiking Expeditions

The 4,095 m (13,435 ft) summit becomes accessible as the rainy season ends, offering clear skies and stable weather for the challenging 2-3 day ascent. November provides the perfect balance - trails are dry enough for safe hiking but vegetation remains lush from recent rains. Morning temperatures at base camp average 18°C (64°F), ideal for early starts.

Booking Tip: Essential to book with certified mountain guides 2-3 weeks in advance. Expeditions cost 180,000-250,000 CFA (270-380 USD) for 3-day climbs including equipment. Verify guides are registered with Mount Cameroon Inter-communal Ecotourism Board. Check current route conditions in booking widget below.

Kribi Beach and Lobé Falls Coastal Tours

Atlantic coast reaches perfect conditions in November with sea temperatures at 24-26°C (75-79°F) and minimal rainfall disrupting beach time. The unique Lobé Falls cascading directly into the ocean create spectacular photography opportunities with clear skies. Local fishing season brings fresh seafood markets and traditional net-casting demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Beach resorts start high season pricing but availability remains good in early November. Day tours typically range 35,000-55,000 CFA (55-85 USD). Book through hotels or licensed coastal operators for combined beach and waterfall experiences. See current coastal tour options in booking section.

Foumban Cultural Palace and Craft Tours

November coincides with post-harvest celebrations in the Bamoun Kingdom, offering authentic cultural experiences without tourist crowds. The Sultan's Palace opens special exhibitions of royal artifacts, while local artisans prepare ceremonial masks and bronze work for upcoming festivals. Cooler highland temperatures of 22-25°C (72-77°F) make walking tours comfortable.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours cost 25,000-40,000 CFA (40-65 USD) including palace entry and craft workshop visits. Book directly with palace tourism office or through certified cultural guides. November timing allows access to preparation rituals usually closed to visitors. Current cultural tour availability shown in widget below.

Dja Biosphere Reserve Rainforest Treks

This UNESCO World Heritage site becomes accessible as river levels drop, allowing deeper forest penetration for gorilla and forest elephant tracking. November's reduced rainfall means 80% fewer river crossings and clearer forest paths. Birdwatching reaches peak season with over 320 species active during the dry transition period.

Booking Tip: Reserve permits required minimum 4 weeks ahead through Ministry of Forestry. Multi-day treks cost 150,000-200,000 CFA (230-310 USD) including guides, permits, and basic camping. Only certified eco-guides allowed in protected zones. Check permit availability and current trek options below.

Douala and Yaoundé Urban Food Tours

November marks the beginning of palm wine season and fresh harvest ingredients in urban markets. Street food becomes more diverse with seasonal specialties like roasted groundnuts and fresh palm fruits. Cooler evening temperatures make night market exploration comfortable, with less humidity affecting food safety concerns.

Booking Tip: Urban food tours range 15,000-30,000 CFA (25-50 USD) for half-day experiences. Best booked same-day through hotel concierges or local food guides. November timing means access to seasonal ingredients unavailable other months. Current urban tour options available in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Ngondo Water Festival Preparation

Traditional Sawa people begin month-long preparations for December's Ngondo festival along Wouri River in Douala. November offers unique behind-the-scenes access to canoe blessing ceremonies and traditional mask carving workshops normally closed to outsiders.

Mid to Late November

Bamoun Harvest Celebrations

Post-harvest thanksgiving ceremonies across Foumban region feature traditional dancing, royal court presentations, and artisan demonstrations. Multiple village celebrations allow authentic cultural immersion without commercial tourism elements.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight hiking boots for varied terrain - many attractions involve 2-5 km (1.2-3.1 miles) walking on uneven surfaces

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8-9 with thinner cloud cover during dry season transition

Light rain jacket for brief afternoon showers - 40% chance of 20-30 minute downpours, especially in forest regions

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - mosquito activity increases during evening hours as temperatures drop to 18-20°C (64-68°F)

Cotton or linen clothing that breathes in 70% humidity - avoid synthetic fabrics that trap moisture

Warm layer for highland areas like Bamenda where temperatures drop to 12-15°C (54-59°F) at night

Dust mask or bandana for northern regions affected by harmattan winds carrying Sahara sand

Waterproof phone case and camera protection for waterfall visits and potential rain exposure

Cash in small CFA denominations - many local operators and markets don't accept cards or large bills

Portable water purification tablets as backup - some remote areas have limited bottled water availability

Insider Knowledge

November hotel rates jump 25-30% after November 15th when European winter tourists start arriving - book early November stays before this date for significant savings

Harmattan season begins late November, creating spectacular golden hour photography but reducing long-distance visibility - plan landscape photography for early morning before dust settles

Local transportation doubles frequency in November as farmers transport harvest to markets - shared taxi wait times drop from 45 minutes to 15 minutes on rural routes

Palm wine tapping season starts in November - ask locals about 'mimbo' fresh palm wine available only during this 3-month period for authentic cultural experience

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all roads are accessible - many rural areas still have rainy season damage, adding 2-4 hours to planned journey times to places like Ring Road or eastern regions

Packing only for warm weather - highland areas like Mount Cameroon base camps drop to 8-12°C (46-54°F) at night, requiring proper warm clothing

Not booking accommodations early enough - many travelers underestimate that November marks the beginning of high season, with 60% of popular hotels fully booked by mid-month