Things to Do in Mauritania in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Mauritania
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect desert weather - November sits in the sweet spot after summer's brutal 45°C (113°F) heat but before the cooler tourist crowds arrive in December. Daytime temperatures around 28-33°C (82-91°F) make desert exploration actually enjoyable rather than dangerous.
- Zero rainfall and clear skies - You'll get essentially no rain (averaging under 2mm/0.08 inches for the entire month) and crystal-clear visibility for photographing dunes and star-filled night skies. The Sahara looks its absolute best without summer's heat haze.
- Cultural calendar timing - November catches the tail end of date harvest season in the oases, and you'll see traditional processing methods still in action. The Nouakchott International Book Fair typically happens mid-November, bringing together West African writers and artists.
- Comfortable camping conditions - Night temperatures drop to 18-22°C (64-72°F) in the desert, which is genuinely pleasant for sleeping under canvas rather than the sweaty ordeal of September-October. This is THE month for multi-day desert expeditions without suffering.
Considerations
- Harmattan winds starting up - Late November often brings the first serious harmattan dust storms from the northeast. Visibility can drop to 200 m (650 ft) or less, flights get delayed, and that fine Saharan dust gets absolutely everywhere. Pack extra contact lens solution and sealed bags for electronics.
- Limited green landscapes - If you're hoping for any vegetation or lush scenery, November Mauritania will disappoint. The brief rainy season ended months ago, and everything except the date palms looks brown and dormant. This is pure desert experience, not varied landscapes.
- Extreme UV exposure - With clear skies and minimal atmosphere filtering at these latitudes, the UV index hits 9-10 daily. You'll burn faster than you expect, and locals will think you're crazy for being outside midday. The sun here is genuinely aggressive.
Best Activities in November
Adrar Region Desert Expeditions
November is absolutely the prime month for exploring the Adrar's dramatic landscapes - the Guelb er Richat (Eye of Africa), ancient caravan towns like Chinguetti, and endless erg dunes. Daytime heat is manageable at 30°C (86°F) rather than summer's dangerous 45°C (113°F), and night temperatures around 20°C (68°F) make camping comfortable. The air is dry enough that you won't sweat through everything, but not yet cold enough to need serious cold-weather gear. Visibility is typically excellent early in the month before harmattan winds intensify.
Banc d'Arguin National Park Birdwatching
November is peak migration season at this UNESCO World Heritage coastal park - you'll see millions of shorebirds stopping over on their journey south, including flamingos, pelicans, and dozens of wader species. The weather is perfect for boat trips at 24-28°C (75-82°F) with calm Atlantic conditions and no summer heat. The park's shallow waters and mudflats are at their most active, and you'll also spot dolphins and occasionally monk seals. This is genuinely world-class birdwatching that rivals anything in Europe or North America.
Nouakchott Fish Market and Coastal Exploration
November brings excellent fishing conditions as Atlantic waters cool slightly, and Nouakchott's fish market (Port de Pêche) is absolutely chaotic with the daily catch. You'll see traditional pirogues landing tons of fresh seafood, and the wholesale auction that happens around 3-4pm is fascinating street theater. The coastal areas are also pleasant for walking in November - not too hot, and the Atlantic breeze keeps things comfortable. This gives you genuine local life rather than tourist-focused activities.
Terjit Oasis Palm Grove Visits
This small oasis near Atar is stunning in November - the date harvest is finishing up, and you can still see traditional processing methods. The natural pools are refreshing after hot desert drives, and the palm grove provides rare shade. November temperatures make the 45-minute hike down into the canyon actually pleasant rather than dangerous. The contrast between the barren plateau and this green pocket is dramatic, and it's a genuine working oasis, not a tourist recreation.
Traditional Tea Ceremony Experiences
November's pleasant evenings make the traditional three-round Mauritanian tea ceremony particularly enjoyable - you'll actually want to sit outside rather than seeking air conditioning. This is central to Moorish culture, and experiencing it properly (which takes 45-60 minutes, not a rushed tourist version) gives real insight into local hospitality customs. The ritual of preparing the tea, the specific pouring technique, and the social dynamics are fascinating. November timing means you can do this at sunset without freezing or sweating.
Iron Ore Train Experience (Nouadhibou to Choum)
November offers ideal conditions for riding one of the world's longest trains - the 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 mile) iron ore train from Nouadhibou inland. Night temperatures are cool but not cold at 18-22°C (64-72°F), making the overnight journey in open ore cars bearable with proper gear. The stark desert landscapes and the sheer scale of this working freight operation are unforgettable. This is genuine adventure travel, not a tourist train - you're riding in cars filled with iron ore dust or empty cars on the return journey.
November Events & Festivals
Nouakchott International Book Fair (Salon International du Livre)
This annual literary festival typically runs for 5-7 days in mid-November, bringing together authors, publishers, and readers from across West Africa and the Arab world. You'll find book stalls, author readings in Arabic and French, and panel discussions on Mauritanian literature and culture. It's held at the Palais des Congrès in central Nouakchott and offers a rare window into the country's intellectual life. Entry is usually free or minimal cost.
Date Harvest Season (Guetna) Finale
While the main date harvest runs August through October, November catches the final processing and preservation work in oasis communities like Terjit, Chinguetti, and Tichitt. You'll see dates being dried, sorted, and packed using traditional methods unchanged for centuries. This isn't a formal festival but rather ongoing agricultural work that's fascinating to observe, and locals are generally happy to explain the process. The dates harvested now are considered the sweetest of the season.