Togo - Things to Do in Togo in November

Togo in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Togo

25°C (77°F) High Temp
21°C (69°F) Low Temp
51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect transition weather - post-rainy season humidity drops to comfortable 70% while maintaining warm 25°C (77°F) highs ideal for outdoor activities
  • Harmattan winds begin bringing clearer skies and excellent visibility for Mount Agou hiking and coastal photography around Aneho
  • Local harvest season creates busy markets with fresh palm wine, groundnuts, and yams - street food costs drop 20-30% from peak season pricing
  • Shoulder season means 40% fewer crowds at popular sites like Kpalimé waterfalls and Togoville, plus accommodation rates drop significantly before December holiday surge

Considerations

  • Unpredictable afternoon showers on 10 days mean outdoor plans need flexibility - locals always carry umbrellas and plan indoor alternatives
  • Dust from incoming harmattan winds can reduce air quality in Lomé, particularly affecting those with respiratory sensitivities
  • Some rural roads become challenging after October rains - 4WD recommended for reaching northern attractions like Fazao-Malfakassa National Park

Best Activities in November

Mount Agou Hiking and Coffee Plantation Tours

November's clearer post-rainy season skies offer spectacular views from Togo's highest peak at 986m (3,235 ft). The humidity drop makes the 4-hour round trip comfortable, and coffee harvest season means plantation tours include fresh roasting demonstrations. Morning hikes avoid afternoon shower risk.

Booking Tip: Book through eco-tourism cooperatives 5-7 days ahead. Tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA francs including guide and plantation visit. Look for certified guides who speak French/English and provide proper hiking equipment. See current options in booking section below.

Lomé Beach and Coastal Village Cycling

November's moderate temperatures and reduced humidity make 20-30 km (12-18 mile) coastal rides comfortable. Early morning cycling (6-9am) avoids afternoon showers while catching fishermen's daily catch arrival. Coastal roads are well-maintained after rainy season repairs.

Booking Tip: Rent quality bikes with gears for 3,000-5,000 CFA francs daily from established operators. Half-day guided tours cost 8,000-15,000 CFA francs. Book 3-4 days ahead during November shoulder season. Reference booking widget for current tour availability.

Traditional Medicine and Fetish Market Cultural Tours

November's comfortable weather makes walking the sprawling Lome manageable, while harvest season brings fresh medicinal plants. Post-rainy season timing means optimal herb quality and traditional healers are most active preparing winter remedies.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours with certified guides cost 10,000-18,000 CFA francs for 2-3 hours. Book through cultural centers or established tour operators. Guides essential for respectful navigation and translation. Check current certified guide options in booking section.

Lake Togo Pirogue Trips and Togoville Heritage Tours

November's calmer winds after rainy season create ideal conditions for traditional pirogue navigation across Lake Togo. Water levels are optimal, and the 45-minute journey to historic Togoville offers comfortable temperatures for exploring colonial-era churches and voodoo shrines.

Booking Tip: Pirogue trips cost 5,000-8,000 CFA francs per person including Togoville guide. Book morning departures to avoid afternoon weather changes. Licensed operators provide life jackets and experienced paddlers. Current operators available through booking widget below.

Koutammakou Fortified Settlement Exploration

November's drier conditions improve access to northern Togo's UNESCO World Heritage Batammariba architecture. Cooler morning temperatures make climbing traditional Takienta tower houses comfortable, and harvest celebrations often coincide with visits.

Booking Tip: Multi-day northern tours typically cost 80,000-120,000 CFA francs including accommodation and meals. Book 10-14 days ahead with operators providing reliable 4WD vehicles. Cultural sensitivity training included with reputable guides. See current tour packages in booking section.

Aneho Colonial Architecture and Beach Photography

November's improved visibility and dramatic cloud formations create optimal photography conditions in Togo's former colonial capital. Comfortable temperatures allow extended walking tours of 19th-century German and French architecture, while beaches offer golden hour lighting.

Booking Tip: Photography walking tours cost 8,000-12,000 CFA francs for half-day guided experiences. Professional photography workshops available for 20,000-35,000 CFA francs. Book local historian guides 5-7 days ahead. Current photography tour options in booking widget below.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Yam Festival Celebrations

Various communities across Togo celebrate the yam harvest with traditional dancing, drumming, and ceremonial first-yam cutting. Each village has slightly different customs, but all feature elaborate costumes, palm wine sharing, and communal feasting with fresh yam preparations.

Late November

Lomé Grand Market Harmattan Season Opening

Local traders celebrate the beginning of harmattan trade season with extended hours, special promotions on seasonal goods like shea butter and traditional medicines. Evening cultural performances often accompany the market festivities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but arrive suddenly on 10 days of the month
Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, temperatures stay consistently warm at 25°C (77°F)
SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 with clearer November skies providing less cloud protection
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - post-rainy season surfaces can be slippery, especially around waterfalls and markets
Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes remain active in evening hours despite lower humidity
Light long sleeves for evening - temperatures drop to 21°C (69°F) and provide protection from insects during outdoor dining
Dust mask or scarf for northern travel - harmattan winds begin bringing Saharan dust, particularly affecting Kara region
Waterproof phone case or dry bag - essential for lake excursions and unexpected weather changes
Cash in small denominations - many local guides and market vendors don't accept large CFA franc notes
Power bank and universal adapter - electricity can be intermittent during transitional weather periods

Insider Knowledge

November marks the beginning of palm wine season - freshly tapped palm wine is available from roadside vendors for 500-1,000 CFA francs and offers the most authentic taste before fermentation
Local transport costs drop by 25% after tourist season ends in October - negotiate taxi fares starting at 40% below initial quotes, especially for longer journeys
Togolese dress more conservatively during November's traditional season - wearing colorful local fabrics (available at Lome for 2,000-5,000 CFA francs per meter) shows cultural respect and often results in friendlier interactions
Morning markets (5-9am) offer the freshest produce and best prices before afternoon heat and potential showers - locals do serious shopping early and social shopping later

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodations at October peak-season rates - November prices drop significantly, so book directly with hotels 7-10 days ahead rather than advance booking platforms
Planning inflexible outdoor itineraries - locals always have indoor backup plans for afternoon showers and successful travelers adopt the Easttimor flexibility
Underestimating northern Togo travel time - November road conditions can add 30-50% to expected journey times, especially to Fazao-Malfakassa and Koutammakou

Activities in Togo