Brazzaville in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Brazzaville

31°C (88°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

264mm (10.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Rainy season finale means lush, green landscapes along the Congo River with excellent visibility for boat excursions - rainfall drops to 264mm (10.4 inches) from October's 400mm+ (15.7+ inches)
Cooler morning temperatures of 22°C (72°F) make early exploration of Poto-Poto market and Maya-Maya Airport area comfortable before afternoon heat peaks
Post-rain air clarity offers impressive views from Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Memorial and across to Kinshasa - visibility can reach 15-20km (9-12 miles) on clear days
Local mango season begins, with street vendors offering fresh fruit at 500-1000 CFA francs ($0.80-1.60) - perfect natural refreshment during humid afternoons

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms arrive suddenly around 2-4pm on 10 days throughout the month, often lasting 45-90 minutes and flooding poorly drained streets in Centre-Ville
High humidity at 70% makes outdoor activities feel significantly hotter than the actual 31°C (88°F) - feels-like temperatures reach 35-37°C (95-99°F)
Road conditions deteriorate after heavy rains, particularly on routes to Pointe-Noire - journeys can extend 2-3 hours beyond normal 4-hour drive time

Best Activities in November

Congo River Boat Excursions

November's clearer skies and calmer river conditions make this the ideal time for Congo River trips. Morning departures at 7-8am avoid afternoon storms while offering excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. Water levels are stable after rainy season, and temperatures remain comfortable at 22-25°C (72-77°F) during early hours.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed operators at Port Fluvial 2-3 days ahead. Tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA francs ($24-40) for half-day trips. Ensure boats have life jackets and VHF radios. See current tour options in booking section below.

Brazzaville Market Cultural Tours

November brings fresh produce from interior regions to markets like Poto-Poto and Marché Total. Morning visits (6-9am) avoid both afternoon heat and thunderstorms while experiencing peak trading activity. Vendors are most welcoming during cooler morning hours when foot traffic is manageable.

Booking Tip: Join guided cultural tours typically costing 8,000-12,000 CFA francs ($13-19) for 3-hour experiences. Licensed guides provide safety and cultural context. Book 24-48 hours ahead through hotel concierges or cultural centers.

National Museum and Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

Lower rainfall and morning temperatures of 22°C (72°F) create perfect conditions for exploring Brazzaville's colonial quarter and museums. The Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Memorial offers exceptional views in November's clearer air, while indoor museums provide perfect rainy afternoon alternatives.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration costs only museum entry fees (1,000-2,000 CFA francs/$1.60-3.20). Guided heritage tours range 10,000-15,000 CFA francs ($16-24) for 2-3 hours. Book morning slots to avoid afternoon storms.

Les Rapides Swimming and Recreation

November's warm but not scorching temperatures make Les Rapides area perfect for swimming and picnicking. Water temperatures remain comfortable year-round at 26-28°C (79-82°F), while November's moderate rainfall keeps the area lush without creating dangerous currents.

Booking Tip: Entry fees range 2,000-5,000 CFA francs ($3.20-8) depending on facilities. Bring food and drinks as on-site options are limited. Best visited on weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds. No advance booking required for public areas.

Kinshasa Day Trips via Ferry

November offers excellent conditions for cross-river ferries to Kinshasa with calmer Congo River waters and good visibility. Morning ferries provide impressive city views in clear air, while return trips can be timed to avoid late afternoon storms on the Brazzaville side.

Booking Tip: Ferry tickets cost 3,000-8,000 CFA francs ($4.80-12.80) depending on vessel class. Ensure valid passport and yellow fever certificate. Book morning departures and return by 2pm to avoid weather delays. Purchase tickets day-of at Port Beach.

Corniche Evening Dining and River Views

November evenings along the Congo River Corniche offer perfect conditions - temperatures drop to comfortable 24-26°C (75-79°F) with spectacular sunset views over Kinshasa. Most afternoon storms clear by 6pm, leaving fresh air and excellent visibility for dining and socializing.

Booking Tip: Restaurant meals range 5,000-15,000 CFA francs ($8-24) per person. No reservations needed for most venues, but arrive before 7pm for best sunset viewing spots. Street food options available from 2,000 CFA francs ($3.20) upward.

November Events & Festivals

November 28

Independence Day Celebrations

November 28th marks Republic of Congo's Independence Day with parades, cultural performances, and festivities centered around Place de la République. Street celebrations, traditional music, and local food vendors create busy atmosphere throughout the city center.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - afternoon storms last 45-90 minutes but arrive suddenly with little warning

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as synthetic fabrics become uncomfortable quickly

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 even during partly cloudy conditions

Quick-dry walking shoes plus waterproof sandals - streets flood during storms but drain within 2-3 hours

Insect repellent with DEET 20%+ - post-rain conditions increase mosquito activity, especially near Congo River

Lightweight long pants for evenings - temperatures drop to 22°C (72°F) and provide protection from insects

Power bank and waterproof phone case - sudden storms can disrupt outdoor activities and power supply

Oral rehydration salts - high humidity and heat increase dehydration risk during walking tours

Cash in small CFA franc denominations - many vendors and transport operators don't accept large bills

Yellow fever vaccination certificate - required for entry and ferry trips to Kinshasa

Insider Knowledge

Local cognoscenti know to schedule important meetings and outdoor activities between 9am-1pm - afternoon storms regularly disrupt plans after 2pm throughout November

Street vendors offer best prices on fresh mangoes and pineapples during early morning market hours (6-8am) when produce is coolest and selection is widest

Shared taxi fares increase 50-100% during and immediately after rainstorms due to flooded routes - wait 30-45 minutes after storms clear for normal pricing to resume

Hotel air conditioning systems often struggle with November's high humidity - request rooms on higher floors where natural cross-ventilation provides better comfort

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 2pm without indoor backup plans - November thunderstorms arrive with 15-20 minutes notice and can last over an hour

Wearing non-breathable synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity - cotton and linen are essential for comfort during walking tours and market visits

Underestimating travel times during and after rainfall - flooded streets can double journey times between neighborhoods for 2-3 hours post-storm