Eritrea in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Eritrea

26°C (79°F) High Temp

14°C (57°F) Low Temp

85 mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect highland climate - warm 26°C (79°F) days and refreshingly cool 14°C (57°F) nights ideal for exploration without extreme heat
Post-harvest season brings busy green landscapes and active local markets selling fresh sorghum, millet, and seasonal vegetables
Clearest visibility of the year for photographing Asmara's Italian Art Deco architecture - minimal dust and haze from recent rains
Optimal conditions for the 2,400 m (7,874 ft) highland trekking with comfortable daytime temperatures and excellent trail conditions

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms on 10 days require flexible scheduling - outdoor activities best planned for morning hours before 2 PM
Significant temperature swings of 12°C (22°F) between day and night require layered clothing and can catch unprepared visitors off guard
Higher accommodation prices as November marks the start of peak tourist season - book 6-8 weeks ahead to secure reasonable rates

Best Activities in November

Asmara Architecture Walking Tours

November's post-rain clarity provides exceptional conditions for photographing the world's largest collection of Italian Art Deco buildings. Cool morning temperatures of 16°C (61°F) make the 3 km (1.9 mile) central district walk comfortable, and the 26°C (79°F) afternoon warmth is perfect for café stops at Cinema Lesotho or Montenegro Zilli. UNESCO recognition has increased preservation efforts, with several buildings restored in 2024-2025.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are most rewarding. Download offline maps as WiFi is limited. Licensed local guides typically charge 500-800 Nakfa for half-day tours. Book through established tour operators 1-2 weeks ahead for weekend visits.

Red Sea Coastal Excursions

November offers ideal conditions for Massawa and surrounding coast exploration. Sea temperatures remain warm at 26°C (79°F) while inland temperatures are comfortable for the 65 km (40 mile) journey from Asmara. Post-rain season brings excellent visibility for the Ottoman and Italian colonial architecture. Local fishing activity peaks as weather stabilizes.

Booking Tip: Coastal day trips typically cost 1,200-1,800 Nakfa including transport and lunch. Book through licensed operators with reliable vehicles - road conditions improve significantly after October rains. Allow full day for Massawa plus Adulis archaeological site visits.

Highland Village Cultural Immersion

November coincides with post-harvest celebrations in villages around Keren and Mendefera. Cool morning temperatures make the highland journeys comfortable, and communities are most welcoming during harvest season. Traditional coffee ceremonies are frequent as families celebrate successful crops. Villages at 1,800-2,200 m (5,906-7,218 ft) offer impressive scenery.

Booking Tip: Village homestays cost 400-600 Nakfa per night including meals. Arrange through community tourism cooperatives 2-3 weeks ahead. Bring small gifts like notebooks or soap. Transport to villages typically adds 300-500 Nakfa per day.

Dahlak Islands Marine Adventures

November marks the beginning of optimal marine conditions with calmer seas and excellent underwater visibility reaching 20-25 m (66-82 ft). Water temperatures of 26°C (79°F) are perfect for snorkeling without wetsuits. Reduced winds make boat transfers more comfortable, and marine life is abundant as post-summer feeding patterns establish.

Booking Tip: Multi-day island trips cost 2,500-4,000 Nakfa including boats, accommodation, and meals. Book minimum 3 weeks ahead through Massawa-based operators. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and underwater camera. Single-day trips possible but rushed given 2-hour boat transfers.

Archaeological Site Exploration

November's moderate temperatures and post-rain landscape provide excellent conditions for visiting Adulis, Qohaito, and Beta Giyorgis sites. Morning temperatures of 18°C (64°F) are perfect for extensive walking, and recent rains often reveal artifact fragments. Archaeological activity increases in November as excavation seasons begin.

Booking Tip: Site entry fees range 100-200 Nakfa. Guided archaeological tours cost 800-1,200 Nakfa per day. Book licensed guides through the Banjul in Asmara. Bring sturdy walking shoes and plenty of water - sites have minimal shade facilities.

Highland Trekking Adventures

November offers perfect highland trekking conditions with stable weather, clear mountain views, and comfortable daytime temperatures around 22°C (72°F) at 2,000 m (6,562 ft) elevation. Post-rain vegetation is lush, water sources are reliable, and morning visibility often exceeds 50 km (31 miles). Trails around Filfil Solomuna National Park are in excellent condition.

Booking Tip: Multi-day treks cost 1,500-2,200 Nakfa per day including guides, permits, and camping equipment. Book through licensed trekking operators 2-4 weeks ahead. Permits required for Semenawi Bahri National Park - arrange through tour operators who handle paperwork.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Harvest Season Celebrations

Traditional harvest festivals occur throughout highland villages featuring coffee ceremonies, folk dancing, and communal meals. Each village celebrates on different dates based on local crop timing. Particularly busy celebrations in Tigrinya and Tigre communities with traditional music and blessing ceremonies.

Mid November

Asmara Film Festival

Annual celebration of African cinema held at historic this destination and Cinema Lesotho. Features documentaries, feature films, and shorts from across Africa with particular focus on Horn of Africa productions. Evening screenings take advantage of November's comfortable temperatures.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing from 14°C (57°F) at dawn to 26°C (79°F) afternoon, requiring both warm fleece and breathable cotton

Lightweight waterproof jacket - afternoon thunderstorms on 10 days produce heavy downpours lasting 30-45 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 at 2,400 m (7,874 ft) altitude creates intense sun exposure

Sturdy walking shoes with ankle support - Asmara's cobblestone streets and archaeological sites require secure footing on uneven surfaces

Insect repellent containing 20-30% DEET - post-rain conditions increase mosquito activity especially around Massawa coastal areas

Power bank and universal adapter - electricity can be intermittent, and Eritrean Type C and L outlets require adapters

Cash in small denominations - credit cards rarely accepted, and most transactions require Nakfa notes under 100 denomination

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees - particularly important for mosque visits in Massawa and church visits throughout highlands

Altitude sickness medication if sensitive - Asmara sits at 2,325 m (7,628 ft) and some visitors experience mild symptoms

Offline maps and translation apps - internet connectivity is limited outside major towns, and English isn't widely spoken

Insider Knowledge

Morning coffee ceremonies happen 7-9 AM throughout Asmara - join locals at small coffee houses near Medebar Market for authentic cultural experiences lasting 45-60 minutes

Afternoon thunderstorms follow predictable patterns - clouds build by 1 PM, rain typically starts 2-4 PM, then clears by 5 PM for beautiful evening photography

Local buses (bus bajaj) operate most efficiently 6-8 AM and 4-6 PM when temperatures are comfortable - midday services are irregular and overcrowded

November marks traditional moving season for highland families - increased vehicle traffic on mountain roads can delay travel by 30-60 minutes, especially weekends

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature drops after sunset - visitors wearing only day clothes often get uncomfortably cold during evening activities

Planning outdoor activities for 2-4 PM when afternoon thunderstorms are most likely - ruins entire afternoon schedules with sudden heavy rainfall

Bringing insufficient cash reserves - ATMs frequently run out of money, and the 5,000 Nakfa daily limit requires multiple withdrawal days for longer trips