Things to Do in Harare in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Harare
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Jacaranda season transforms the city into purple paradise - November is peak bloom time for the 70,000+ jacaranda trees lining streets like Churchill Avenue and The Avenues, creating Instagram-worthy canopy drives
- Perfect hiking weather with 27°C (81°F) highs and 15°C (59°F) mornings - ideal for tackling Domboshava rocks or Mukuvisi Woodlands without the scorching October heat
- Fresh produce season means incredible farmers markets - Mbare Musika and Saturday Borrowdale Village markets overflow with mangoes, avocados, and seasonal vegetables at 40-60% lower prices than dry season
- Pre-Christmas energy makes nightlife vibrant - venues like Book Café and Jazz 105 host outdoor concerts taking advantage of pleasant evening temperatures around 20°C (68°F)
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days between 2-5pm, disrupting outdoor plans and making some unpaved roads in townships temporarily impassable
- High humidity at 70% makes midday activities feel oppressive - locals avoid outdoor activities between 11am-3pm, limiting your sightseeing window
- Rain can flood low-lying areas like Mbare and parts of the CBD within 30 minutes, affecting transport and making some attractions temporarily inaccessible
Best Activities in November
Epworth Balancing Rocks and Domboshava Cave Hiking
November's cooler mornings (15°C/59°F) make this the perfect month for tackling Harare's ancient granite formations. The 2.5 km (1.6 mile) Domboshava trail is manageable before 10am, and recent rains create small pools at the base. Locals hike early to avoid afternoon storms.
Mukuvisi Woodlands Wildlife Walks
The 263-hectare conservancy comes alive in November's wet season. Animals are more active in cooler morning temperatures, and migratory birds arrive for summer breeding. The 4 km (2.5 mile) game drive or walking trail showcases zebra, giraffe, and over 200 bird species.
Mbare Musika and Township Cultural Tours
November's harvest season makes Mbare market absolutely electric with fresh produce, traditional foods, and festive energy. The organized township tours include transport through areas that become difficult to navigate during afternoon rains, plus cultural performances that peak before Christmas season.
Victoria Falls Day Trips
November marks the beginning of Victoria Falls' transition from low to medium flow as summer rains begin upstream. At 343 m (1,125 ft) wide, sections of the falls start filling out from October's drier period. Perfect timing for helicopter flights with clearer visibility before December's peak rains.
Harare Gardens and Avenues Jacaranda Photography Tours
November IS jacaranda season in Harare - the only time these purple blooms create natural tunnels along Churchill Avenue, Josiah Tongogara, and through Harare Gardens. Professional photography tours capture the 3-week peak bloom that locals plan their weddings around.
Chitungwiza Arts and Crafts Market Tours
November's pre-Christmas shopping season brings out the best stone sculptures, basket weaving, and traditional crafts as artisans prepare for holiday sales. The 20 km (12.4 mile) journey to Zimbabwe's second-largest city showcases authentic Shona culture away from tourist-focused city center shops.
November Events & Festivals
Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) Preview Season
November features smaller venue performances and artist workshops leading up to the main April festival. Local venues like Theatre in the Park and Book Café host emerging artists, traditional music sessions, and experimental performances in intimate settings perfect for November's pleasant evening weather.
Independence Day Celebrations
November 11th marks Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence (historical commemoration). While low-key compared to April's Independence Day, some museums offer special exhibits and walking tours focusing on pre-independence Harare (formerly Salisbury) history.