Things to Do in South America in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in South America
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
Is November Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
- + Shoulder season pricing kicks in across most countries. You'll find hotel rates 30-40% lower than December-January peak. Better room availability appears in cities like Buenos Aires and Santiago. Smart travelers move now.
- + Wildlife viewing peaks in Patagonia. Penguin colonies at Punta Tombo are active. Whale watching in Puerto Madryn still runs through mid-month. Guanacos start their mating displays. Cameras ready.
- + Spring wildflower blooms explode across central Chile and northwest Argentina. The Atacama's rare desert flowers appear after winter rains. Photographic opportunities only happen 2-3 times per decade. This is one.
- + Pre-summer weather means comfortable hiking temperatures in the Andes. Trails around Machu Picchu and Torres del Paine have clear skies. You skip the brutal December heat that hits 30°C (86°F). Hike happy.
- − November sits in the awkward transition between dry and wet seasons. You might hit early rains in the Amazon basin. River levels start rising. Some remote lodges become inaccessible. Check before booking.
- − Patagonia's infamous winds intensify this month. Gusts reach 120 km/h (75 mph). Boat tours cancel. Hiking turns miserable for days at a time. Pack layers. Lots of them.
- − Brazil's major cities empty out as locals take extended weekends. Restaurants in Rio and São Paulo often close for 3-4 day stretches. Your dining options shrink. Plan accordingly.
Year-Round Climate
How November compares to the rest of the year
| Month | High | Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -2°C | -6°C | 0.1 inches |
| Feb | -1°C | -6°C | 0.0 inches |
| Mar | 6°C | -2°C | 0.0 inches |
| Apr | 12°C | 3°C | 0.1 inches |
| May | 17°C | 8°C | 0.1 inches |
| Jun | 23°C | 13°C | 0.1 inches |
| Jul | 23°C | 15°C | 0.1 inches |
| Aug | 23°C | 14°C | 0.1 inches |
| Sep | 18°C | 10°C | 0.1 inches |
| Oct | 11°C | 5°C | 0.1 inches |
| Nov | 4°C | 0°C | 0.1 inches |
| Dec | 0°C | -3°C | 0.1 inches |
Best Activities in November
Top things to do during your visit
November's your last chance to see southern right whales in Puerto Madryn before they migrate. The Golfo Nuevo stays calm enough for small boat tours. Penguin chicks at Punta Tombo are nearly adult-sized but still clustered near their nests for easy viewing. Bring binoculars.
The world's driest desert enters its clearest sky period in November. Night temperatures hover around 8°C (46°F). Good for extended telescope sessions. The lack of moonlight near month's end reveals the Milky Way in absurd detail. Jaw drops.
Porteños return from winter vacations ready to dance. Milongas in San Telmo and Palermo hit their stride with locals dancing rather than tourist shows. The mild 22°C (72°F) evenings make walking between venues comfortable. Leather soles help.
Pre-rainy season conditions mean firm trails and clear mountain views. The route from Urubamba to Ollantaytambo follows Inca irrigation channels. 3,000m (9,840 ft) peaks reflect in still agricultural terraces. Camera batteries drain fast.
November's 26°C (79°F) beach weather arrives before December crowds. Locals play futevolei on Ipanema until 7pm. Beach vendors start offering seasonal mate tea with lime instead of the usual coconut water. Sip and watch.
November Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Latin America's largest Pride celebration winds from Plaza de Mayo to Congress. The entire city center becomes a street party. Drag shows appear on balconies. Tango dancers perform to electronic music. Buenos Aires roars.
San Antonio de Areco's gaucho festival features horse-breaking demonstrations and asado cooking over open fires. The smell of burning quebracho wood mixes with leather saddles in Argentina's most traditional town. Hunger strikes.
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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
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