Things to Do in Timbuktu in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Timbuktu
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect dry season weather with zero rainfall - all roads and desert routes are accessible, unlike the impassable mud tracks during rainy season
- Cool harmattan winds from the Sahara bring comfortable 17°C (63°F) nights, ideal for desert camping and stargazing without the oppressive heat of other months
- River Niger reaches optimal levels for pinasse boat trips - high enough for navigation but not the dangerous floods of August-September
- Post-harvest festival season when Tuareg communities celebrate with authentic cultural events, music, and traditional foods like fresh dates and millet
Considerations
- Harmattan dust storms can reduce visibility to 100m (328 ft) and delay flights - Air Mali and ASKY often experience 2-3 hour delays
- Extreme temperature swings of 18°C (32°F) between day and night require both summer and winter clothing in the same day
- Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and the limited hotel rooms (only 8 proper hotels in the city) fill up quickly
Best Activities in November
Sankore University and Manuscript Library Tours
November's dry conditions preserve the ancient manuscripts perfectly, and cool morning temperatures 18-22°C (64-72°F) make the 2-hour walking tours comfortable. The harmattan winds have settled dust, providing clearer views of the 15th-century architecture. Local scholars are most available during post-harvest season.
Niger River Pinasse Expeditions
November river levels are perfect - high enough for navigation but stable unlike the unpredictable flows of rainy season. Morning mist creates mystical photography conditions, and afternoon temperatures drop to comfortable 28°C (82°F) on the water. Hippos are most active during these cooler months.
Sahara Desert Camel Trekking
Cool November nights make desert camping actually enjoyable rather than the 45°C (113°F) torture of hot season. Clear harmattan skies offer incredible stargazing with minimal light pollution. Sand is firm from recent seasonal moisture, making walking easier for camels and humans.
Traditional Music Festival Experiences
November coincides with post-harvest celebrations when authentic Songhai, Tuareg, and Fulani musicians perform traditional pieces rarely heard by tourists. Cool evenings encourage longer performances, and the dry season brings nomadic musicians to the city who are absent during rains.
Salt Market and Trading Post Tours
November marks the return of salt caravans from Taghaza mines after the harsh summer heat. Witness authentic 500-year-old trading practices as massive salt blocks arrive by camel. Cool morning temperatures make the 3km (1.9 mile) market walk comfortable, and photography conditions are excellent.
November Events & Festivals
Festival of the Desert (Preliminary Events)
While the main festival varies by year, November features preparatory musical gatherings and instrument-making workshops in Timbuktu's cultural centers. Local musicians practice traditional pieces and craft authentic instruments using techniques passed down through generations.
Post-Harvest Celebrations
Traditional Songhai and Fulani communities celebrate successful millet and rice harvests with authentic dancing, communal feasts, and storytelling sessions. These genuine cultural events welcome respectful visitors and offer insights into living traditions.