Liberia in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Liberia

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Post-rainy season clarity makes November ideal for wildlife viewing at Sapo National Park - animals concentrate around water sources and vegetation is lush but not overgrown, with 6-8 hours of clear daylight for game drives
Dry Harmattan winds haven't arrived yet, so coastal waters remain calm and clear for surfing at Robertsport - waves consistently 1-2 m (3-6 ft) with minimal wind chop, perfect for intermediate surfers
Rice harvest season creates busy cultural experiences in rural areas - you can participate in traditional harvest ceremonies and taste fresh palm wine, with local communities welcoming visitors to family farms
Shoulder season pricing means accommodations cost 30-40% less than December peak season, and domestic flights to Harper or Greenville are typically $120-180 compared to $220+ in high season

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms occur 10 days per month - while brief (20-30 minutes), they can disrupt outdoor plans and make dirt roads to remote attractions temporarily impassable
High humidity at 70% makes midday activities uncomfortable - you'll need frequent breaks and will sweat through clothes quickly, especially during hiking or cultural site visits
Some rural accommodations and restaurants reduce hours or close temporarily for maintenance before December tourist season, limiting dining options outside Monrovia

Best Activities in November

Sapo National Park Wildlife Tracking

November is prime time for spotting forest elephants, pygmy hippos, and over 600 bird species. Post-rainy season means animals gather at predictable water sources, and the 20°C (68°F) morning temperatures make 4-6 hour treks comfortable. Afternoon rains clear by 3pm, giving you two optimal viewing windows daily.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through certified eco-tourism operators (typically $150-250 per day including guide and transport). Look for operators with Forestry Development Authority permits. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Robertsport Surfing Adventures

November delivers Liberia's most consistent surf conditions - southwest swells produce clean 1-2 m (3-6 ft) waves with offshore morning winds. Water temperature stays warm at 26°C (79°F), and you'll avoid December's crowded lineups. Perfect for intermediate surfers looking to progress.

Booking Tip: Surf packages typically cost $80-120 per day including board rental and instruction. Book accommodation in Robertsport 10-14 days ahead as options are limited. Check current surf tours and lessons in the booking widget below.

Traditional Village Cultural Immersion

Rice harvest season in November offers authentic cultural experiences unavailable other times of year. Participate in communal harvesting, traditional cooking classes, and evening storytelling sessions. Villages in Lofa and Bong counties welcome visitors, and cool morning temperatures make rural travel comfortable.

Booking Tip: Community-based tourism experiences cost $40-80 per day including meals and basic accommodation. Arrange through cultural tourism associations 1-2 weeks ahead. Rural transport requires 4WD vehicles during rainy periods.

Monrovia Historical Walking Tours

November's moderate temperatures and lower tourist numbers make exploring Monrovia's this destination, Ducor Hotel ruins, and this destination more enjoyable. Morning tours (8-11am) avoid afternoon heat and occasional showers. You'll have better access to local guides and can photograph sites without crowds.

Booking Tip: Walking tours typically cost $25-45 per person for 3-4 hours. Book through licensed guide associations or hotels. Best to arrange day-of or 2-3 days ahead. Tours often combine multiple historical sites with market visits.

Kpatawee Waterfall Hiking

November offers the perfect balance for waterfall visits - still enough water flow from rainy season but trails are drying out and becoming more manageable. The 2.5 km (1.6 mile) hike to Liberia's tallest waterfall is best tackled in morning coolness, with pool temperatures ideal for swimming.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost $60-90 including transport from Monrovia and guide fees. Book through adventure tour operators 5-7 days ahead. Requires moderate fitness for 3-4 hour round trip hike. See current hiking tours below.

Coastal Fishing Village Experiences

November's calmer seas make fishing village visits along the coast near Buchanan and Grand Bassa ideal. You can join morning fishing expeditions, learn traditional net-making techniques, and participate in daily fish market activities. Cooler temperatures make these active experiences more comfortable.

Booking Tip: Fishing village experiences cost $50-80 per day including meals and boat trips. Arrange through coastal tourism cooperatives 1-2 weeks ahead. Early morning departures (5-6am) offer best fishing and avoid afternoon storms.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

National Rice Festival

Celebrates Liberia's rice harvest with traditional music, dancing, and cooking competitions. Experience authentic rural culture, taste local rice varieties, and watch traditional farming demonstrations. Multiple counties host regional celebrations.

Late November

Thanksgiving Cultural Exchange

Unique Liberian-American cultural celebration combining American Thanksgiving traditions with local customs. Features traditional foods from both cultures, storytelling, and community gatherings in Monrovia and larger towns.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon thunderstorms last 20-30 minutes but can be intense, and you'll want protection during outdoor activities

Quick-dry cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which becomes unbearable in 70% humidity, pack 2-3 changes per day as you'll sweat through clothes

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even with cloud cover, reapply every 2 hours during outdoor activities

Waterproof phone case - essential for wildlife viewing and coastal activities, especially during November's unpredictable weather patterns

Sturdy hiking boots - trails can be muddy from recent rains, especially on approaches to waterfalls and in national parks

Insect repellent with 20% DEET minimum - mosquitoes are active in humid conditions, particularly around water sources and at dawn/dusk

Portable charger/power bank - power outages increase during storm season, and you'll need devices for navigation in remote areas

Cash in small denominations USD - rural areas don't accept cards, and you'll need $1-5 bills for local transport and market purchases

Basic first aid kit - include anti-diarrheal medication and rehydration salts for adjusting to local food and climate

Headlamp or flashlight - essential for early morning wildlife viewing and evening cultural activities, plus backup during power outages

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before November 20th - many properties close briefly for maintenance before December high season, and remaining options fill up with regional business travelers

Schedule outdoor activities for 7-11am window - this avoids both midday heat and afternoon storm patterns, plus wildlife and cultural activities are most active during these hours

Carry exact change for shared taxis - November sees increased rural travel for harvest activities, making popular routes like Monrovia-Gbarnga more expensive without proper change

Download offline maps before traveling - cell coverage drops during storms, and rural roads to cultural sites and parks often lack clear signage for GPS navigation

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling important outdoor activities after 2pm - afternoon thunderstorms are unpredictable and can strand you on remote roads or cancel boat trips with little warning

Overpacking heavy clothes - many first-time visitors bring too many layers expecting cooler weather, but November temperatures rarely drop below 20°C (68°F) even at night

Not bringing enough cash - rural cultural experiences and national park fees require USD cash, and ATMs outside Monrovia are unreliable during storm season power outages