Things to Do in Tangier in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Tangier
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Comfortable walking temperatures between 12-19°C (53-67°F) make November ideal for exploring the medina's steep alleyways without the summer heat that sends most visitors retreating to cafes by noon. You can actually enjoy the 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 mile) walk from the Kasbah to the American Legation without breaking a sweat.
- Tourist crowds drop significantly after October school holidays end, meaning you'll have the Caves of Hercules and Cap Spartel lighthouse largely to yourself on weekday mornings. Hotel rates typically drop 30-40% compared to peak summer months, with quality riads in the medina available for 400-600 MAD per night instead of 800+ MAD.
- November sits right in Tangier's cultural season when locals return to evening activities after summer. The Grand Socco and Petit Socco buzz with actual Tangerines rather than tour groups, and you'll catch impromptu Andalusian music performances in cafes that go quiet during tourist season.
- The Atlantic stays swimmable at around 19°C (66°F) for hardy swimmers, and the beaches from Malabata to Achakkar are essentially empty. Surfers particularly love November when Atlantic swells pick up and the water is still warm enough for a 3/2 wetsuit rather than full winter gear.
Considerations
- Rain arrives unpredictably with those 10 rainy days spread throughout the month, and when it hits, it tends to be proper downpours rather than drizzle. The medina's marble steps become genuinely slippery, and many smaller shops simply close for the day. The old drainage systems mean certain alleys near Rue de la Marine flood ankle-deep within 30 minutes.
- Daylight shrinks to around 10 hours by late November, with sunset hitting around 5:45 PM. This cuts into your exploration time, particularly if you want to photograph the medina's blue walls in good light or visit Cap Spartel for sunset views. The early darkness also means some beach cafes and outlying attractions close earlier than their posted summer hours.
- The 70% humidity combined with inconsistent heating in older riads creates that clammy feeling in the evenings. Temperatures drop quickly after sunset, and you'll find yourself layering up indoors. Many traditional accommodations don't have central heating, just portable heaters that struggle with high ceilings and tile floors.
Best Activities in November
Medina Walking and Historical Quarter Exploration
November's mild temperatures make this the absolute best month for tackling Tangier's hilly medina without the exhaustion factor. The 12-19°C (53-67°F) range means you can comfortably navigate the steep climb from the port area up to the Kasbah, explore the narrow souks without overheating, and actually enjoy the 45-minute walk along the ramparts. The lower humidity compared to summer means less haze, giving you clearer views across to Spain from the Kasbah viewpoints. With fewer tourists, shopkeepers are more relaxed and willing to chat rather than hard-sell, and you'll see actual neighborhood life in the residential quarters.
Cap Spartel and Hercules Caves Coastal Tours
The dramatic Atlantic coastline west of Tangier is spectacular in November when summer haze clears and you get those crisp blue-sky days. The 14 km (8.7 mile) coastal route from Tangier to Cap Spartel lighthouse offers stunning views without the tour bus crowds that clog it in summer. November's lower sun angle creates better lighting for photography, especially in the Caves of Hercules where the famous Africa-shaped opening faces west. The wind can be brisk at the cape, typically 20-30 km/h (12-19 mph), but it's refreshing rather than unpleasant at these temperatures.
Tangier Food Market and Cooking Experiences
November brings autumn produce to Tangier's markets including fresh pomegranates, late-season tomatoes, and the first of the winter citrus. The Grand Socco market and the fish market near the port are at their liveliest in the mornings, and the cooler weather means the seafood displays stay fresher longer. This is prime tagine weather when locals shift from summer salads to slow-cooked comfort food. The humidity level is actually ideal for bread-making, and you'll find the medina's community ovens producing exceptional khobz throughout the day.
Chefchaouen Day Trips
November is actually one of the better months for the 2-hour drive south to the blue city of Chefchaouen. The mountain roads are clear of summer tour buses, and the famous blue-washed medina looks particularly vivid under November's softer light and occasional dramatic clouds. At 600 m (1,969 ft) elevation, Chefchaouen runs about 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooler than Tangier, so you'll want a jacket for the afternoon. Rain can occasionally close the mountain road, but this typically only happens 1-2 days per month and clears quickly.
Tangier Beach Walks and Coastal Cafes
The 4 km (2.5 mile) sweep of beach from the port to Malabata Point is wonderfully empty in November. The sand is firm enough for easy walking, and you'll have the beach essentially to yourself except for local fishermen and the occasional surfer. The Atlantic averages 19°C (66°F) in November, cold for most swimmers but refreshing for a quick dip if you're brave. The real appeal is the string of beach cafes that stay open year-round, serving fresh grilled sardines and mint tea while you watch the waves. November sunsets over the Atlantic happen around 5:45 PM and are often dramatic with cloud formations.
American Legation Museum and Literary Tangier Tours
November is perfect for diving into Tangier's fascinating literary and artistic history when the weather makes indoor cultural activities more appealing. The American Legation Museum, the only US National Historic Landmark on foreign soil, is best appreciated when you can spend an hour or two without melting in summer heat. November also marks the period when cultural centers like Institut Francais and Cinematheque de Tanger ramp up their fall programming with film screenings and exhibitions. The city's Beat Generation history and Paul Bowles legacy come alive through walking tours of the neighborhoods where these writers lived and worked.
November Events & Festivals
Throne Day Celebration
November 18th marks Morocco's Throne Day, a national holiday celebrating King Mohammed VI's accession. In Tangier, you'll see Moroccan flags displayed throughout the city, and many locals dress in traditional djellabas for family gatherings. While most businesses close for the day, it's a fascinating time to observe Moroccan civic pride. The medina takes on a festive atmosphere in the evening with families promenading through the souks. This is purely observational for tourists, but it offers genuine cultural insight.
Olive Harvest Season
Late November marks the beginning of olive harvest in the hills around Tangier and throughout northern Morocco. While not a formal festival, you'll notice fresh olive oil appearing in markets, and many rural areas outside the city host small-scale pressing events. Some riads and cultural centers organize day trips to nearby olive groves where you can observe traditional harvesting methods and taste the new season's oil. This is particularly interesting for food-focused travelers.