Djibouti in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Djibouti

30°C (86°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

15 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with minimal rainfall (only 15mm/0.6 inches all month) and comfortable 23-30°C (73-86°F) temperatures ideal for desert exploration
Prime whale shark season at Ghoubet Bay - visibility peaks at 25-30 meters (82-98 feet) with water temperatures at perfect 26°C (79°F)
Cooler desert nights make camping at Lac Assal and Ardoukoba Volcano comfortable without the scorching summer heat
Traditional Afar salt harvesting season is in full swing - witness authentic caravans departing Lac Assal in early morning hours

Considerations

Strong khamsin desert winds can reach 40+ km/h (25+ mph) mid-month, creating sandstorms that ground helicopter tours to Erta Ale region
Peak tourist season means whale shark tours book out 3-4 weeks ahead and cost 20% more than shoulder months
Intense UV exposure (index 9) in desert areas requires constant protection - many visitors underestimate the reflection off salt flats

Best Activities in November

Whale Shark Swimming Tours at Ghoubet Bay

November offers the absolute best whale shark encounters with 85% success rates. Water clarity peaks at 25-30 meters (82-98 feet) visibility and comfortable 26°C (79°F) temperatures. Juvenile whale sharks feed on plankton blooms that occur during this dry period. Early morning departures (6am) avoid afternoon winds that can make boat rides choppy.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead through PADI-certified dive operators. Tours cost 18,000-22,000 DJF ($100-125) including equipment. Look for operators with marine biologist guides and small group sizes (max 8 people). Reference booking widget for current tour availability.

Lac Assal Salt Lake Expeditions

November's dry conditions make the 4WD access road to Africa's lowest point (-155m/-509ft) passable without mud concerns. Witness traditional Afar salt miners loading camel caravans at dawn - a practice unchanged for centuries. Temperatures are manageable for hiking the salt formations, though still reach 35°C (95°F) by midday.

Booking Tip: Full day tours typically cost 15,000-20,000 DJF ($85-115) including 4WD transport and lunch. Depart by 7am to avoid midday heat. Look for guides who speak Afar language for authentic cultural interactions. Current tour options available through booking section below.

Day Forest National Park Hiking

November's cooler temperatures (18-25°C/64-77°F) make this highland forest perfect for trekking. The juniper and olive forests are at their greenest after October rains. Spot endemic Djibouti francolin and Day Forest baboons. Trails range from 3-12 km (1.9-7.5 miles) with elevation gains up to 400m (1,312 feet).

Booking Tip: Guided hikes cost 8,000-12,000 DJF ($45-70) including park fees and local guide. Book through licensed eco-tourism operators who support forest conservation. Bring layers as temperatures drop 8-10°C (14-18°F) from coast. See current hiking tours in booking section.

Lake Abbe Flamingo Watching Tours

Peak flamingo season coincides with November's ideal weather conditions. Over 15,000 lesser flamingos feed in the alkaline lake while dramatic limestone chimneys create otherworldly landscapes. Clear skies provide perfect photography conditions, especially during golden hour (5:30-6:30pm). Night camping lets you experience the famous steam vents under star-filled skies.

Booking Tip: Two-day camping tours cost 25,000-35,000 DJF ($140-195) including meals, camping equipment, and 4WD transport. Book with operators who have proper camping permits and experienced desert guides. Tours depart Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday. Current availability in booking widget below.

Tadjourah Historic Town Cultural Tours

November's comfortable temperatures make exploring this ancient Arab trading port pleasant on foot. The 13th-century architecture remains largely intact, and local markets buzz with traditional crafts. The former Ottoman influence is visible in whitewashed buildings with intricate wooden balconies. Ferry crossing from Djibouti City takes 90 minutes across the Gulf of Tadjourah.

Booking Tip: Day tours including ferry transport cost 12,000-16,000 DJF ($70-90). Look for guides who speak Arabic and French for historical context. Thursday and Friday markets are most active. Independent ferry tickets cost 2,000 DJF ($11) each way. Book cultural tours through established operators via booking section.

Moucha Island Snorkeling Day Trips

November offers crystal-clear waters (30m/98ft visibility) and calm seas perfect for coral reef exploration. Water temperature hits ideal 26°C (79°F) for extended snorkeling. The island's pristine reefs host parrotfish, angelfish, and occasional dolphin sightings. White sand beaches provide perfect lunch spots between snorkel sessions.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost 14,000-18,000 DJF ($80-100) including boat transport, snorkeling gear, and lunch. Boats depart 8am, return 5pm. Choose operators with life vests and first aid certification. Weekend trips book fastest. Current island tour options available in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Afar Salt Harvest Season

Traditional salt harvesting reaches peak activity as Afar people prepare for the dry season ahead. Witness authentic camel caravans departing Lac Assal at dawn, loaded with salt blocks bound for Ethiopian highlands. This centuries-old trade route remains largely unchanged.

Mid November

Independence Day Celebrations

June 27th anniversary celebrations continue through cultural festivals in November, featuring traditional Somali and Afar music, dance performances in Place du 27 Juin, and local craft exhibitions. Less touristy than main holiday but more accessible for visitors.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 and desert/salt flat reflection intensifies exposure by 40%

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in light colors - protect from sun while staying cool in 30°C (86°F) heat

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support - volcanic terrain and salt crystals are sharp and unforgiving

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - desert winds can reach 40+ km/h (25+ mph) mid-month

High-quality sunglasses with UV400 protection - essential for salt flat glare and desert conditions

Quick-dry pants for boat trips and hiking - water activities and desert exploration in Easttimor day

Reef-safe snorkel gear if you have it - rental quality varies and having your own ensures proper fit

Electrolyte tablets or powder - dehydration happens quickly in dry 65% humidity conditions

Power bank rated for heat - temperatures can affect battery performance in remote areas

Cash in small bills (500-1000 DJF notes) - many local guides and markets don't accept cards or large denominations

Insider Knowledge

Whale shark tours have highest success rates between 8-10am when plankton is most active - avoid afternoon bookings despite lower prices

Bring your own reef-safe sunscreen - it's not available locally and regular sunscreen damages Djibouti's pristine coral reefs

Local guides at Lac Assal often speak Afar language and can arrange authentic interactions with salt miners for small tips (500-1000 DJF)

Thursday ferry to Tadjourah coincides with the traditional market day - book this specific departure for the most authentic cultural experience

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun exposure at Lac Assal - the white salt reflects UV rays intensely, causing severe burns even through shirts

Booking afternoon whale shark tours to save money - success rates drop to 40% after 2pm when winds pick up

Not bringing cash in small denominations - most local experiences require exact change and guides can't break 5000+ DJF notes