Things to Do in Daressalaam in November

November Weather in Daressalaam

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Pre-rainy season sweet spot - November sits between dry season and heavy rains, offering manageable 20-30 minute afternoon showers that clear quickly and cool the air
Perfect beach weather with 25°C (77°F) highs and calm Indian Ocean conditions - ideal for Msimbazi Peninsula day trips and Kunduchi Beach activities without the crushing December heat
Cultural festival season - November marks the end of Ramadan preparation period with vibrant local celebrations, traditional ngoma dance performances, and the annual Dar es Salaam Cultural Festival typically mid-month
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates drop 30-40% compared to December-January peak season, while flight prices from Europe and North America remain reasonable before Christmas surge

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon downpours - while brief, the 10 rainy days can disrupt outdoor plans, especially between 2pm-5pm when most storms hit the coast
High humidity at 70% makes the 25°C (77°F) feel closer to 30°C (86°F), particularly challenging for visitors from temperate climates during midday hours
Masala season mosquito activity increases with sporadic rains - malaria risk remains present and dengue cases typically spike in November-December period

Best Activities in November

Stone Town and Spice Island Cultural Tours

November's moderate temperatures and lower crowds make this the ideal time to explore Zanzibar's UNESCO World Heritage Stone Town. The 25°C (77°F) highs are perfect for walking the narrow coral stone streets, and brief afternoon showers provide natural cooling breaks. Local spice farms are in harvest season, offering fresh cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Book cultural tours 5-7 days ahead through certified guides. Expect to pay 45,000-65,000 TZS ($18-26) for half-day Stone Town tours, 80,000-120,000 TZS ($32-48) for full-day spice tour combinations. Look for guides registered with Tanzania Tourism Association. See current options in booking section below.

Dar es Salaam Street Food and Market Experiences

November marks the peak season for local produce markets with mango, passion fruit, and coconut harvests. The moderate evening temperatures of 22°C (72°F) make night market exploration comfortable. Kivukoni Fish Market is most active 5am-8am, while Kariakoo Market bustles until 9pm with manageable crowds.

Booking Tip: Join organized food tours for safety and translation - typically 35,000-55,000 TZS ($14-22) for 3-4 hour experiences. Book 3-5 days ahead, especially for weekend tours. Licensed operators provide transportation and handle vendor negotiations. Current tour options available in booking widget below.

Mikumi National Park Safari Day Trips

November offers exceptional wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources before the rains. The 290km (180 mile) drive from Dar takes 4-5 hours, but cooler 23°C (73°F) morning temperatures mean comfortable game drives. Elephants, lions, and zebras are most active 6am-10am and 4pm-6pm, avoiding midday heat.

Booking Tip: Full-day safaris cost 180,000-280,000 TZS ($72-112) including park fees and lunch. Book 10-14 days ahead for guaranteed vehicle availability. Choose operators with 4WD vehicles and experienced guides. Two-day options include overnight camping. Check booking section for current safari packages.

Indian Ocean Diving and Snorkeling

November delivers excellent underwater visibility of 20-25m (65-82 feet) with water temperatures at comfortable 26°C (79°F). Seasonal northeast winds haven't started, keeping surface conditions calm. Mnemba Atoll and Pemba Island offer pristine coral reefs with whale shark possibilities during this transition period.

Booking Tip: Diving packages range 120,000-200,000 TZS ($48-80) for two-tank dives, 60,000-90,000 TZS ($24-36) for snorkeling trips. Book certified PADI operators 7-10 days ahead. Equipment rental adds 25,000-35,000 TZS ($10-14). Weather backup plans essential due to afternoon storms. See diving options in booking widget.

Bagamoyo Historical and Cultural Immersion

The former slave trade capital, 65km (40 miles) north of Dar, is perfect for November exploration. Moderate temperatures make the 2-3 hour walking tours through ruins comfortable, while local cultural centers showcase traditional Swahili architecture and carving workshops. November coincides with traditional fishing season celebrations.

Booking Tip: Day trips including transport cost 70,000-110,000 TZS ($28-44). Book through established operators offering historical guides and cultural center access. Some tours include traditional lunch experiences. Journey takes 1.5-2 hours each way by road. Current Bagamoyo tour options available below.

Kilifi and Coastal Dhow Sailing

November's consistent but gentle winds create ideal conditions for traditional dhow sailing along the Swahili coast. The transitional weather offers 3-4 hour afternoon sails without the intense December heat or January storms. Sunset cruises particularly spectacular with dramatic cloud formations from the approaching wet season.

Booking Tip: Half-day dhow trips cost 55,000-85,000 TZS ($22-34), full-day excursions with lunch 95,000-140,000 TZS ($38-56). Book traditional wooden dhows through beach operators or hotels 3-5 days ahead. Weather contingency important due to afternoon storms. Browse current sailing options in widget below.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Dar es Salaam Cultural Festival

Annual celebration of Tanzania's 120+ ethnic groups featuring traditional music, dance performances, local craft demonstrations, and regional food specialties. Held at various venues across the city including National Museum and Cultural Centre grounds.

Throughout November

Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) Satellite Events

While the main festival occurs in July, November features year-round programming including documentary screenings, cultural workshops, and local filmmaker showcases at Old Fort and Zanzibar Cultural Centre.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon showers hit 60% of days but last only 20-30 minutes, then humidity spikes to 85%

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which becomes unbearable in 70% humidity, especially during 2pm-5pm peak heat

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days, reflection off white sand beaches intensifies exposure

Closed-toe shoes for walking - Dar's streets flood quickly during afternoon storms, flip-flops impractical for 2-3 hours post-rain

Insect repellent with 25%+ DEET - November rains create breeding grounds, mosquito activity peaks at dawn/dusk when temperatures cool to 22°C (72°F)

Quick-dry towel and waterproof phone case - essential for boat trips and unexpected downpours, especially during spice farm or cultural site visits

Light sweater for air-conditioned spaces - restaurants and hotels blast AC to combat 70% humidity, creating 10°C (18°F) temperature differences

Waterproof daypack cover - protects electronics and documents during sudden storms, particularly important for safari day trips

Electrolyte supplements - high humidity and 25°C (77°F) heat cause rapid dehydration, especially during walking tours and market visits

Anti-malaria medication - consult physician 4-6 weeks before travel, November sits in peak transmission period for coastal regions

Insider Knowledge

Local ngoma dance performances happen spontaneously at Forodhani Gardens on Friday evenings in November - arrive by 6:30pm when fishermen return and drums start, completely free and authentic

November mango season means street vendors offer premium varieties like dodo and kent for 1,000-2,000 TZS (40-80 cents) - locals test ripeness by gentle pressure near the stem

Afternoon storms create perfect timing strategy - plan indoor activities (museums, spice processing centers, craft workshops) between 2pm-5pm, outdoor exploration in morning and evening

November school holidays mean increased domestic tourism at weekends - book accommodations and activities for Tuesday-Thursday arrival for better rates and smaller crowds at major attractions

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling beach activities between 2pm-5pm when afternoon storms are most likely - ruins entire day plans and creates dangerous swimming conditions with sudden weather changes

Wearing dark colors in November humidity - black shirts become unwearable by 11am when temperatures hit 25°C (77°F) and humidity reaches 70%, stick to light colors that reflect heat

Booking accommodation without air conditioning to 'experience local life' - November's combination of 70% humidity and 20°C (68°F) nighttime lows makes natural cooling impossible for most visitors