Freetown in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Freetown

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

End of rainy season means cleaner air and impressive mountain views after brief showers clear dust and haze - visibility extends 15-20 km (9-12 miles) on clear days
Perfect beach conditions with calmer seas and consistent 26°C (79°F) water temperature - ideal for swimming and water sports without rough waves
Harmattan winds begin bringing cooler evening temperatures around 22°C (72°F), making outdoor dining and nightlife comfortable after 6pm
Tourist numbers drop 40% compared to December peak season, meaning shorter lines at Cotton Tree and Sierraleone beaches, plus better hotel rates

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms can arrive quickly - 10 rainy days average with sudden downpours lasting 45-90 minutes that can disrupt outdoor plans
High humidity at 70% makes midday activities feel exhausting - temperatures feel like 35°C (95°F) between 11am-3pm due to humidity
Some rural roads remain muddy from October rains, limiting access to interior waterfalls and requiring 4WD vehicles for mountain excursions

Best Activities in November

Banana Islands Day Trips

November offers perfect conditions for island hopping with calm seas and excellent visibility for snorkeling. Water temperature stays consistent at 26°C (79°F) and morning departures avoid afternoon storms. The 45-minute boat ride is comfortable with minimal waves, and beaches are less crowded than peak season.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed boat operators at Government Wharf. Full day trips typically cost 400,000-600,000 Leones ($20-30 USD) including lunch. Departures usually 8am-9am to maximize good weather window. Look for operators with life jackets and radio communication.

Cotton Tree and Central Freetown Walking Tours

Cooler morning temperatures and post-rain cleaner air make November ideal for exploring downtown Freetown. The iconic Cotton Tree area is best visited 7am-10am before humidity peaks. Recent street improvements in 2024 make walking safer, and November's variable weather means fascinating cloud formations over the mountains.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work well, but guided cultural tours typically cost 150,000-250,000 Leones ($8-12 USD) for 3-4 hours. Book through your hotel or licensed guides at Cotton Tree. Avoid midday tours - heat index reaches 35°C (95°F). Early morning or late afternoon slots are most comfortable.

Western Area Peninsula Forest Reserve Hiking

November marks the best hiking season as trails dry out from October rains but vegetation remains lush and green. Morning mist creates dramatic views over Freetown, and cooler temperatures make the 3-5 hour hikes manageable. Wildlife spotting improves as animals become more active in cooler weather.

Booking Tip: Hire certified guides at the reserve entrance - typically 200,000-350,000 Leones ($10-18 USD) for full day including transport. Start by 7am to complete hikes before afternoon storms. Book 3-5 days ahead during November. Ensure guides carry first aid and know weather patterns.

River Number Two Beach Activities

November provides ideal beach conditions with calmer Atlantic swells and consistent sunny mornings. The 1-hour drive from Freetown on improved roads makes day trips feasible. Beach temperatures remain comfortable with sea breezes, and afternoon storms usually pass quickly without ruining full days.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost 300,000-500,000 Leones ($15-25 USD) including transport and basic meals. Book through established operators with proper vehicles - road conditions require experienced drivers. Departure around 8am recommended to maximize beach time before weather changes.

Freetown Peninsula Fishing Excursions

Post-rainy season brings excellent fishing as waters settle and fish populations recover. November's calmer seas make boat trips comfortable, and local fishermen report strong catches of barracuda and snapper. Morning trips 6am-11am avoid afternoon weather and coincide with peak fishing times.

Booking Tip: Half-day fishing trips cost 400,000-700,000 Leones ($20-35 USD) including equipment and guide. Book through fishing cooperatives at Kissy or Aberdeen for real feels. Verify boats have safety equipment and weather radios. Success rates highest early morning starts.

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary Visits

November's cooler morning temperatures make the 30-minute mountain drive more comfortable, and chimps are most active in cooler weather. Recent facility expansions in 2024 improved viewing areas. Clear post-rain air offers excellent photography conditions and mountain views from the sanctuary.

Booking Tip: Entry fees around 100,000 Leones ($5 USD) plus transport costs 200,000-300,000 Leones ($10-15 USD) round-trip. Book visits 24-48 hours ahead by phone. Morning slots 9am-11am offer best chimp activity and weather. Combine with peninsula hiking for full day mountain experience.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Freetown Music Festival

Annual celebration featuring local and West African artists at various venues across the city. November's cooler evenings make outdoor concerts comfortable, and reduced rainfall means fewer cancellations. Street food vendors and craft stalls create busy atmosphere.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket - November storms arrive suddenly and last 45-90 minutes with heavy downpours

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off water intensifies exposure during island trips

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps moisture and becomes uncomfortable

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat trips and unexpected rainfall during outdoor activities

Lightweight hiking boots with good grip - trails can be muddy and slippery after November's 10 rainy days

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes increase after rains, especially near water and forest areas

Portable phone charger - power outages more common during November storms and you'll need GPS for navigation

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

Microfiber towel - regular towels don't dry in high humidity, especially important for beach and island activities

Electrolyte supplements - high humidity and heat require extra hydration during outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Local fishermen start selling fresh catch at Aberdeen Beach around 6am - November's calm seas bring excellent variety and prices drop 30% from peak season

Poda-poda (shared taxis) become unreliable during afternoon storms - book morning activities and use registered taxi services after 2pm when weather becomes unpredictable

November marks cashew season in surrounding areas - local markets offer fresh cashews at fraction of export prices, and many coastal restaurants feature seasonal cashew-based dishes

Hotel rates drop significantly after November 15th as operators prepare for December rush - booking mid-to-late November can save 25-40% compared to peak season pricing

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon boat trips to islands - November storms typically hit 2pm-5pm making return journeys uncomfortable and potentially dangerous

Underestimating how quickly weather changes - tourists get caught without rain gear when morning sunshine turns to heavy downpours within 30 minutes

Wearing inappropriate footwear for hiking - November trails appear dry in morning but become slippery mud after brief rains, causing injuries on mountain paths