Mogadishu in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Mogadishu

31°C (87°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

43 mm (1.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Gu season brings calm seas perfect for fishing and boat tours - winds drop to 10-15 km/h (6-9 mph) making ocean excursions comfortable
Ramadan typically falls outside November, meaning restaurants operate normal hours and cultural sites welcome visitors without religious restrictions
Construction season pause - major infrastructure projects slow down during this period, reducing dust and noise in central districts
Peak lobster season along the coast - local fishermen bring in the best catches, and beachside grills offer fresh seafood at 30-40% lower prices than high season

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms arrive suddenly around 2-4 PM on 10 days of the month, lasting 45-90 minutes with heavy downpours that flood low-lying streets
High humidity makes outdoor activities uncomfortable between 11 AM-3 PM - you'll need frequent shade breaks and extra hydration
Limited evening entertainment options due to ongoing security protocols - most venues close by 9 PM, restricting nightlife experiences

Best Activities in November

Early Morning Fishing Excursions

November's calm waters and lower winds create ideal conditions for deep-sea fishing. Local captains report the highest catch rates of the year during this month, with barracuda, kingfish, and red snapper most active. Departing at 5:30 AM avoids both afternoon storms and peak heat.

Booking Tip: Reserve 7-10 days ahead through licensed boat operators at the main port. Expect to pay $40-70 USD per person for 4-hour trips including equipment. Look for boats with GPS and radio communication. See current fishing tour options in the booking section below.

Historical District Walking Tours

November's moderate morning temperatures (24-26°C/75-79°F) make exploring Old Mogadishu's architecture comfortable before 10 AM. The reduced dust from construction lulls means better photography conditions and clearer views of Italian colonial buildings and ancient mosques.

Booking Tip: Start tours by 7 AM to complete before midday heat. Local guides charge $25-40 USD for 3-hour tours. Ensure guides have proper permits and knowledge of current safe routes. Reference booking widget for verified local guides.

Liido Beach Sunset Sessions

November offers the most consistent sunset visibility of the year with fewer dust storms obscuring the horizon. Beach temperatures drop to comfortable levels after 4 PM, and the post-rain air clarity creates spectacular photo opportunities. Local vendors sell grilled fish and tea.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed, but arrange transport 2-3 hours ahead. Beach access costs $5-8 USD including security escort. Peak sunset time is 6:15-6:45 PM. Combine with beachside dinner for full experience.

Traditional Somali Cooking Classes

November marks the start of premium ingredient season - fresh dates, spices from inland regions, and the best goat meat arrive in markets. Indoor classes avoid weather concerns while teaching authentic preparation of canjeero, bariis, and seasonal specialties using November's finest ingredients.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead with established cultural centers or hotels offering classes. Sessions typically run $30-50 USD for 3-4 hours including meal. Morning classes (8-11 AM) work best before afternoon heat builds.

Camel Market and Livestock Trading Experience

November's cooler mornings bring increased activity to livestock markets as trading picks up before the hotter months. This is peak season for viewing traditional commerce, with herders bringing animals from interior regions to sell before December's heat intensifies.

Booking Tip: Visit between 6-9 AM when activity peaks and temperatures remain manageable. Guided visits through local contacts cost $20-35 USD. Bring cash for small purchases of traditional items. Coordinate through hotel concierge for proper introductions.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Somali Language Week Cultural Celebrations

Local schools and cultural organizations host poetry recitations, traditional storytelling, and language competitions. Visitors can attend public events featuring classical Somali literature and contemporary spoken word performances.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain poncho - sudden afternoon storms create 2-5 cm (1-2 inch) deep street flooding that lasts 30-45 minutes

SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with reflection off sand and concrete intensifies exposure

Breathable cotton long pants - protects from sun while respecting local dress codes, avoid synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - wet marble and concrete surfaces in historical areas become extremely slippery

Lightweight scarf or shawl - useful for mosque visits, sun protection, and dust storms that occasionally occur

Electrolyte powder packets - high humidity and heat require extra sodium replacement beyond normal water intake

Quick-dry shirts - you'll change clothes 1-2 times daily due to humidity and occasional rain exposure

Small waterproof bag - protects electronics and documents during unexpected downpours

Portable phone charger - power outages during storms can last 2-4 hours in some districts

Hand sanitizer - dusty conditions and limited handwashing facilities at outdoor sites require extra hygiene measures

Insider Knowledge

Download offline maps before arrival - cellular coverage drops significantly during thunderstorms, and GPS helps navigate flooded street detours

Exchange money at the main port area in morning hours - rates are 8-12% better than airport exchanges and evening street vendors

Book accommodations on floors 3 and above - ground floor rooms in many hotels experience minor flooding during heavy November rains

Carry small denomination USD bills - many vendors prefer American currency over Somali shilling, especially for tourist services and emergency transport

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 11 AM - humidity and heat make afternoon sightseeing uncomfortable, and afternoon storms frequently disrupt plans

Wearing white or light-colored clothing - red dust from construction sites stains fabric permanently, despite November's reduced construction activity

Assuming restaurants serve alcohol - Somalia maintains strict Islamic law, and bringing alcohol or asking about it can create serious legal issues for tourists