Central Africa in November: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for November
Average temperature across Central Africa in November.
Country Weather in November
| Country | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | 31° | 22° | 261 mm | very high | Warm |
| Cameroon | 30° | 23° | 127 mm | very high | Warm |
| Chad | 36° | 19° | 0 mm | very high | Warm |
| Republic of the Congo | 30° | 22° | 265 mm | very high | Warm |
| Central African Republic | 31° | 20° | 92 mm | very high | Warm |
| Gabon | 29° | 23° | 471 mm | very high | Warm |
| Equatorial Guinea | 29° | 21° | 260 mm | very high | Warm |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | 29° | 22° | 150 mm | very high | Warm |
Representative figures from each country's largest city. High / low are average daily temperatures (°C); “Feels” allows for humidity.
Gulf of Guinea Coast & São Tomé (coastal Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, western DRC, São Tomé & Príncipe)
November usually marks the return of a shorter rainy season on the Gulf of Guinea fringe with more frequent afternoon downpours and muggy conditions in Libreville and Douala. São Tomé sees renewed rainfall and cloud, though short bright windows persist. Travelers should be ready for river level changes and fewer intercity connections; take waterproof footwear and be aware that low-lying streets can flood quickly.
Congo Basin Rainforest (central DRC, northern Republic of the Congo, southern Central African Republic)
November sees persistent, sometimes heavy rainfall return across broad stretches of the Congo Basin and nearby floodplains, with many side channels overflowing into roads and camps. Habitual wet-season challenges - mosquitoes, muddy trekking and slow transfers - reappear, though rivers are excellent for aquatic wildlife viewing. It’s a low season for many properties; consider travelling with operators that have robust wet-season logistics.
Northern Sahelian Fringe (northern Cameroon, Chad, northern Central African Republic)
November typically offers pleasant, dry conditions with cooler nights and clear skies - ideal for mobile camping and desert-edge exploration in Chad and northern Cameroon. Harmattan dust may begin to return later in the month but usually with milder intensity than mid-winter; daytime temperatures are comfortable. This is one of the best windows for long overland circuits and photography of open landscapes.
Great Lakes & Albertine Rift Highlands (Rwanda, Burundi, eastern DRC - Goma, Bukavu, Virunga, and surrounding highlands)
November sees the short rains in full swing across many highland locations: persistent showers make for misty mornings and abundant foliage, but muddy trails and occasional landslips can affect mountain routes. Gorilla and chimpanzee treks are still possible, but expect harder walking and more physical demands. Travel with experienced guides, pack gaiters and expect slower travel times between towns.
Cameroon Highlands & Mount Cameroon (Bamenda Plateau, Mount Cameroon, western highlands)
November usually becomes drier relative to the heart of the wet season, with more stable mornings and fewer afternoon storms across the highlands; trail conditions improve steadily. Buea and Bamenda see clearer skies that favour longer hikes and cultural visits, and Mount Cameroon routes firm up for safer ascents. Pack for chilly nights and consider booking climbs in the clearer windows that increasingly appear.