Asmara in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Asmara

21°C (70°F) High Temp

6°C (43°F) Low Temp

20 mm (0.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect architectural photography light - November's crisp morning air and 21°C (70°F) afternoons create ideal conditions for capturing Asmara's Art Deco buildings without heat shimmer. The 8 UV index provides excellent natural lighting without the harsh summer glare.
Coffee harvest season brings the freshest beans - Local roasters receive new crop Eritrean coffee in November. You'll taste beans roasted within days of harvest at 20-30% lower prices than imported coffee back home.
Comfortable cycling weather for exploring - Morning temperatures of 6°C (43°F) warm to pleasant 21°C (70°F) afternoons, perfect for pedaling Asmara's hilly terrain. Local cyclists are most active during November's ideal conditions.
Minimal tourist crowds and authentic local atmosphere - November falls outside peak season, meaning authentic interactions with locals and unobstructed access to architectural sites. Hotels offer 25-40% discounts compared to December-February rates.

Considerations

Significant temperature swings require layered clothing - The 15°C (27°F) daily temperature variation means you'll need warm clothing for 6°C (43°F) mornings and light layers for 21°C (70°F) afternoons. Pack both winter and summer clothes.
Intermittent light rain affects outdoor planning - With 10 rainy days producing 20 mm (0.8inches) total, you'll face unpredictable light showers that can interrupt walking tours. Indoor backup activities become essential.
Some highland areas become inaccessible due to seasonal road conditions - Routes to monasteries above 2,500 m (8,200 ft) may close temporarily after rain, limiting day trip options to rural areas.

Best Activities in November

Art Deco Architecture Walking Tours

November's variable weather creates perfect conditions for photographing Asmara's UNESCO World Heritage buildings. The 21°C (70°F) afternoon temperatures and high UV index provide excellent natural lighting without summer's heat distortion. Light morning mist at 6°C (43°F) often creates dramatic atmospheric shots of the Cinema Impero and Fiat Tagliero buildings.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work best due to weather variability - download offline maps and architectural guides. Professional guided tours typically cost 400-600 Eritrea and should be booked same-day to accommodate weather changes. Reference booking section below for current architectural tour options.

Traditional Coffee Ceremony Experiences

November coincides with coffee harvest season, offering the freshest possible traditional coffee ceremonies. The cool 6°C (43°F) mornings make the warming ritual particularly meaningful, while locals are eager to share their new crop. Indoor cultural centers provide perfect shelter during the 10 rainy days while maintaining real feels.

Booking Tip: Book through cultural centers or traditional houses rather than hotels for authenticity. Experiences typically cost 200-400 Eritrea including traditional snacks. Morning sessions work best with November's temperature patterns. Check current cultural experience options in booking section below.

Highland Cycling Adventures

November offers ideal cycling conditions with 6°C (43°F) morning starts warming to comfortable 21°C (70°F) afternoons. The variable weather keeps you cool during climbs to Asmara's 2,325 m (7,628 ft) elevation viewpoints. Avoid the 10 rainy days by starting early - most precipitation occurs in late afternoon.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes from local shops for 150-300 Eritrea per day including basic maintenance. Start rides at 8am to avoid afternoon weather changes. Mountain bikes handle the highland terrain better than city bikes. See current bike tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Market Photography

The Medebar Market comes alive in November's comfortable weather as vendors display seasonal produce and coffee beans. The 70% humidity creates softer lighting for portraits, while cooler mornings mean fresh produce displays and active vendor interactions. Indoor sections provide shelter during rain.

Booking Tip: Visit markets between 7am-10am for best light and activity before afternoon weather changes. Photography permits not required but courtesy payments of 20-50 Eritrea per vendor photo are appreciated. Markets operate rain or shine in covered sections.

Museum and Cultural Center Tours

November's 10 rainy days make indoor cultural attractions perfect backup activities. The National Museum and Eritrean Cultural Centre maintain comfortable temperatures during variable weather. Cool mornings encourage deeper exploration of exhibits without heat fatigue.

Booking Tip: Museum entry typically costs 50-100 Eritrea. Plan indoor cultural days around weather forecasts - local museums provide excellent shelter during rain while maintaining educational value. Group discounts available for 4+ people at most cultural sites.

Traditional Restaurant Food Tours

November's cooler evenings make traditional Eritrean dining more comfortable, with injera and spicy stews perfect for 6°C (43°F) nights. Restaurant terraces become usable in 21°C (70°F) afternoon temperatures, offering outdoor dining impossible in hotter months. Indoor venues provide cozy atmosphere during rainy evenings.

Booking Tip: Traditional meals cost 300-600 Eritrea including injera and multiple dishes for sharing. Book restaurants with both indoor and outdoor seating to adapt to November's variable conditions. Evening dining works best starting after 6pm when temperatures cool.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Coffee Harvest Celebrations

Local communities celebrate the coffee harvest with traditional ceremonies and fresh roasting demonstrations. Small neighborhood celebrations occur throughout the city as families process their annual coffee supplies using traditional methods.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system for 15°C (27°F) daily temperature swings - pack thermal base layer for 6°C (43°F) mornings and breathable cotton for 21°C (70°F) afternoons

Lightweight waterproof jacket with breathability - November's 20 mm (0.8 inches) of rain comes in light showers across 10 days, requiring protection without overheating

SPF 50+ sunscreen and sunglasses - UV index of 8 at 2,325 m (7,628 ft) elevation creates intense sun exposure despite cool air temperatures

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - Asmara's hilly cobblestone streets become slippery during the 10 rainy days, requiring grip and stability

Warm evening wear for 6°C (43°F) nights - restaurants and cafes often have limited heating, making warm clothing essential for comfortable dining

Portable umbrella or rain poncho - light rain arrives unpredictably during 10 rainy days, but showers rarely last more than 30 minutes

Power bank and waterproof phone case - variable weather can extend outdoor activities, while 70% humidity requires electronics protection

Wool socks and warm hat - morning temperatures of 6°C (43°F) at elevation make extremities cold, especially during early architectural photography sessions

Breathable cotton undergarments - 70% humidity during 21°C (70°F) afternoons requires moisture-wicking materials to prevent discomfort

Small daypack with rain cover - daily temperature and weather variations require carrying layers and rain protection during full-day explorations

Insider Knowledge

Coffee shops receive fresh harvest beans in November - ask for 'new crop' coffee and you'll get beans roasted within days of harvest at local favorites like Montenegro Vittoria and Dolce Vita, offering the year's best flavor profiles.

Photography permits aren't required for architecture, but avoid photographing government buildings and military installations - focus on the Cinema Impero, Fiat Tagliero, and residential Art Deco buildings which showcase the city's unique character.

Local minibuses (blue and white) cost 5-15 Eritrea per ride and run frequently during November's comfortable weather - they're faster than walking up Asmara's hills and locals are helpful with directions to architectural sites.

Ethiopian Airlines often has November promotions for regional flights, with Asmara-Addis Ababa routes 20-30% cheaper than December-February peak season - book connecting flights when you book accommodation for best rates.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating elevation effects - Asmara sits at 2,325 m (7,628 ft) making sun exposure more intense despite cool air, and alcohol affects visitors more strongly than at sea level

Expecting consistent weather patterns - November's variable conditions mean morning plans may need afternoon adjustments, so avoid booking inflexible day-long outdoor tours

Bringing only summer or only winter clothes - the 15°C (27°F) daily temperature swing requires both warm layers for 6°C (43°F) mornings and light clothing for 21°C (70°F) afternoons