Things to Do in Tangier in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Tangier

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Tourist crowds drop by 70% after October - medina walkways aren't shoulder-to-shoulder, cafés have available tables, and locals have time for conversations
Hotel rates fall 40-60% from peak season - luxury riads that cost €200+ in summer now run €80-120, and you can negotiate walk-in rates
Perfect temperature for medina exploration - 19°C (67°F) highs mean comfortable walking for hours without the exhausting heat of summer months
Authentic cultural immersion - November marks the return of local life as residents reclaim spaces from summer tourists, traditional hammams aren't packed, and neighborhood festivals happen organically

Considerations

Rain disrupts outdoor plans 10 days per month - afternoon showers last 1-2 hours and can flood narrow medina streets, making navigation difficult
Many beach clubs and seaside restaurants close for winter maintenance from mid-November through March, limiting coastal dining options
Shorter daylight hours (sunrise 7:15am, sunset 6:30pm) compress sightseeing time and some rooftop terraces close earlier due to cool evening temperatures

Best Activities in November

Medina Cultural Walking Tours

November's cooler temperatures make exploring Tangier's UNESCO-listed medina actually enjoyable. With fewer tourists, you can spend quality time with artisans in their workshops, navigate the souks without crowds, and discover hidden courtyards locals use. The 70% humidity keeps dust down, and morning temperatures around 15°C (59°F) are perfect for the steep climbs through the Kasbah district.

Booking Tip: Book cultural walking tours 3-5 days ahead through licensed guides (look for official Ministry of Tourism badges). Tours typically cost 250-400 MAD ($25-40) for 3-4 hours. Morning tours (9am-12pm) avoid afternoon rain showers. Reference booking widget below for current English-speaking guide options.

Traditional Hammam and Spa Experiences

Cool November weather makes hammam visits incredibly refreshing rather than overwhelming. Local hammams aren't packed with tourists, so you get authentic treatments. The humid 70% air means your skin absorbs the argan oil treatments better. Evening sessions (5-7pm) are perfect after day exploring, and many riads offer private hammam experiences during low season.

Booking Tip: Book traditional hammam sessions same-day or 1 day ahead. Public hammams cost 30-50 MAD ($3-5), private riad experiences run 300-600 MAD ($30-60). Thursday afternoons are women-only at most traditional hammams. See current spa options in booking section below.

Cap Spartel and Hercules Caves Day Trips

November's clear post-rain air offers stunning Atlantic and Mediterranean views from Africa's northwestern tip. The 19°C (67°F) temperatures make the 14 km (8.7 mile) coastal drive comfortable with windows down. Fewer tour buses mean you can actually photograph the lighthouse and caves without crowds. Morning visits (10am-1pm) avoid afternoon weather changes.

Booking Tip: Book half-day coastal tours 2-3 days ahead through local operators. Tours typically cost 400-650 MAD ($40-65) including transport and guide. Private tours offer flexibility for weather delays. Grand taxis cost 200-300 MAD ($20-30) if booking independently. Check current tour availability in booking widget below.

Chefchaouen Blue City Excursions

November weather makes the 2-hour mountain drive to Chefchaouen comfortable, and the blue city's Instagram-famous streets aren't overcrowded. The 600m (1,970 ft) elevation means temperatures drop to 16°C (61°F) - perfect for uphill medina walks. Rain washes the blue paint bright, creating better photography conditions. Fewer tour groups mean authentic interactions with locals.

Booking Tip: Book day trips to Chefchaouen 5-7 days ahead as November is popular for photography tours. Full-day trips cost 650-900 MAD ($65-90) from Tangier including transport and guide. Departure times shift based on weather - morning departures avoid afternoon mountain fog. See current Chefchaouen tour options below.

Tetouan and Martil Coastal Routes

The 60 km (37 mile) drive to Tetouan reveals Morocco's Spanish colonial architecture without summer heat. November's variable weather creates dramatic coastal photography with storm clouds over the Mediterranean. Tetouan's medina (also UNESCO-listed) has virtually no tourists in November, offering the most authentic experience possible. The mountain backdrop is snow-capped on clear days.

Booking Tip: Book Tetouan day trips 3-4 days ahead through operators offering small group tours. Typical cost is 500-750 MAD ($50-75) including guide and transport. Flexible itineraries work better in November due to weather variability. Independent transport via CTM bus costs 35 MAD ($3.50) each way. Current tour options available in booking section.

Tangier Food Market and Cooking Classes

November brings seasonal ingredients like fresh oranges, olives, and winter vegetables to Tangier's markets. Cooler weather makes market walks comfortable, and vendors have time to explain ingredients without summer rush. Cooking classes in riads are cozy during afternoon rain showers. You'll learn dishes using November's seasonal produce - perfect timing for tagines and warming spices.

Booking Tip: Book cooking classes 2-3 days ahead through riads or cultural centers. Half-day market tours plus cooking cost 450-700 MAD ($45-70) per person. Morning market visits (8-10am) offer best produce selection. Classes often move indoors during rain, which works perfectly for tagine preparation. See current cooking class options in booking widget.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Mawlid Festival Celebrations

Tangier's neighborhoods organize intimate mawlid celebrations in November with traditional music, poetry recitations, and communal meals. Unlike tourist-focused events, these are authentic community gatherings where visitors who speak Arabic or French can participate respectfully. Sufi music performances happen in smaller venues throughout the medina.

Early to Mid November

Olive Harvest Season Activities

November marks olive harvest in the hills around Tangier. Some rural cooperatives welcome visitors to participate in traditional harvesting and pressing. You'll taste the year's first olive oil and learn traditional preservation methods. This is working tourism - expect to get hands dirty, but gain authentic cultural insight unavailable to summer visitors.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - medina stones become slippery during 135mm (5.3 inches) of monthly rainfall, and steep Kasbah paths are treacherous when wet

Packable rain jacket (not umbrella) - narrow medina streets make umbrellas useless, and rain jackets work better in Atlantic winds gusting off the Strait of Gibraltar

Layering pieces for 7°C (13°F) temperature swings - morning fog at 12°C (53°F) becomes afternoon sun at 19°C (67°F), then cool evening winds

SPF 50+ sunscreen despite variable weather - UV index 8 means burning risk remains high, especially with reflection off wet surfaces and Atlantic glare

Moisture-wicking base layers - 70% humidity plus walking medina hills creates sweat that cotton retains uncomfortably

Plastic bags for electronics - sudden downpours flood medina drainage, and phone cameras fog in humidity changes

Cash in small bills (20-50 MAD notes) - November's low tourist numbers mean vendors often can't break large bills, and tip expectations remain high

Closed-toe shoes for evening - temperatures drop 7°C (13°F) after sunset, and most venues are indoor/covered during rainy season

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours (10.5 hours) means more indoor time and higher phone usage for navigation and translation apps

Light wool or fleece for coastal areas - Atlantic winds feel colder than temperature suggests, especially on Cap Spartel cliff walks and beach areas

Insider Knowledge

Many locals take extended lunch breaks (1-4pm) during November rain showers - this is when neighborhood cafés become social centers and perfect for authentic conversation over mint tea

November hotel occupancy drops below 30%, giving you negotiating power for room upgrades, late checkouts, and added services like airport transfers - ask at reception, don't book everything online

The 4pm call to prayer coincides with typical afternoon rain showers - duck into mosques' covered courtyards (non-Muslim visitors welcome in outer areas) to wait out weather while experiencing authentic daily rhythms

Local fishing boats return 6-7am with night catches - November storms create rough seas, so fish availability varies daily and prices fluctuate wildly, making restaurant seafood menus unpredictable but potentially exceptional value