Cayenne in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Cayenne

89°F (32°C) High Temp

72°F (22°C) Low Temp

5.3 inches (135 mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season begins - only 10 rainy days with brief afternoon showers lasting 20-30 minutes, perfect for morning exploration
Sea turtle nesting season on Plage des Hattes - witness endangered leatherback turtles, accessible only November through March
Lowest humidity of the year at 70% makes jungle treks comfortable before December crowds arrive
Carnival preparation season - witness local artisans crafting costumes in workshops, with pre-season events and rehearsals throughout the city

Considerations

Peak cruise ship season brings 3,000-4,000 daily visitors to Place des Palmistes between 9am-4pm on port days
Hotel rates increase 30-40% from October due to European winter escape season
Late afternoon thunderstorms (4pm-6pm) can disrupt outdoor dinner plans 60% of November evenings

Best Activities in November

Îles du Salut (Devil's Island) Day Tours

November's calmer seas make the 1-hour boat journey comfortable with minimal seasickness. Morning departures (8am) return before afternoon storms. The historical prison complex is uncrowded compared to December-February. Crystal clear waters perfect for the 15-minute snorkel stop at Île Royale.

Booking Tip: Reserve 7-10 days ahead through certified operators at the port. Tours run ₣4,500-6,200 including boat transport and guided prison tour. Book morning departures - afternoon trips often cancelled due to weather. Check current options in booking section below.

Amazon Rainforest Canopy Tours

Lower humidity and reduced rainfall make zipline courses safer and more comfortable. November is ideal for spotting howler monkeys during their morning feeding (6am-8am). Trails are accessible but not muddy like rainy season. Temperature drops to 72°F (22°C) at dawn - perfect for wildlife viewing.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead with operators offering early morning starts. Half-day tours typically cost ₣3,800-5,500. Look for guides certified by ONF (French Forest Service). Multi-day jungle stays available from ₣8,000-12,000 per person.

Sea Turtle Watching Expeditions

Peak leatherback nesting season at Plage des Hattes - November offers highest success rates for sightings. Night tours (8pm-midnight) encounter 2-4 turtles on average. Beach access restricted during day, making this exclusively evening activity. Combines with Amerindian village cultural exchange.

Booking Tip: Must book through authorized guides minimum 10 days ahead - only 40 visitors per night allowed. Tours cost ₣5,200-7,800 including transport from Cayenne (2.5 hour drive each way). See current certified operators in booking section below.

Marché de Cayenne Creole Cooking Classes

November brings seasonal ingredients like fresh coconut crab and river shrimp. Local chefs offer morning market tours (7am start) followed by hands-on cooking. Learn to prepare bouillon d'awara - traditional November festival dish. Classes held in family homes, not tourist cooking schools.

Booking Tip: Book through cultural centers or directly with local families 3-5 days ahead. Classes typically cost ₣2,800-4,200 including market tour, ingredients, and 3-course meal. Morning sessions beat afternoon heat and storms.

Kaw Nature Reserve Pirogue Tours

Receding water levels reveal sandbanks perfect for caiman spotting. November's drier conditions mean concentrated wildlife around remaining water sources. Black caiman, giant otters, and over 300 bird species active during cooler morning hours. 3-hour tours navigate 15 km (9.3 miles) of pristine waterways.

Booking Tip: Reserve 4-6 days ahead with licensed eco-guides. Tours cost ₣3,200-4,800 per person including transport from Roura. Early morning departures (6am) offer best wildlife viewing before heat peaks. Multi-day camping options available.

Colonial Cayenne Architecture Walking Tours

November's moderate temperatures make 3-4 hour walking tours comfortable. Start at 7am before cruise ship crowds arrive at Place des Palmistes. Explore Creole houses in Faubourg Troubiran and learn about 18th-century penal colony architecture. Combine with visits to this destination for harbor views.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours free with tourist office map, or join guided groups for ₣1,800-2,500. Professional guides available through tourism office - book 2-3 days ahead for English-speaking guides. Avoid 9am-4pm when cruise passengers dominate historic center.

November Events & Festivals

November 1

Toussaint Cemetery Celebrations

November 1st tradition where families clean and decorate graves with flowers and candles. Experience this moving Creole cultural practice at Cimetière de Cayenne. Vendors sell chrysanthemums and memorial candles throughout the day.

Throughout November

Pre-Carnival Costume Workshops

November marks the beginning of Carnival preparation season. Attend open workshops in Rémire-Montjoly where local artists craft elaborate feathered costumes and teach traditional mas-making techniques. Participatory sessions welcome visitors.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket - afternoon showers occur 10 days in November, lasting 20-30 minutes with little warning

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflects intensely off water during boat tours

Lightweight long sleeves for evening - protects from mosquitoes during 6pm-8pm peak biting hours

Closed-toe water shoes - essential for rocky coastlines and muddy mangrove walks, coral can be sharp

Moisture-wicking underwear - 70% humidity means cotton stays damp, synthetic materials dry faster

Headlamp with red filter - required for turtle watching tours, preserves night vision and doesn't disturb wildlife

Insect repellent with 20% DEET minimum - dengue-carrying mosquitoes most active at dawn and dusk

Packable day pack - many tours require carrying water for 3-4 hours in jungle heat

Breathable hiking pants - protects legs from insects and thorns during rainforest excursions

Portable phone charger - high humidity drains batteries faster, essential for translation apps and navigation

Insider Knowledge

Cruise ship schedules posted at tourist office - avoid Place des Palmistes and central market between 9am-4pm on port days when 3,000+ passengers flood downtown

Local buses (yellow 'transport urbain') cost ₣1.20 versus ₣25-35 for tourist taxis - exact change required, routes cover all major attractions

November is river shrimp season - try the crevettes-boucanées at any local market for ₣15-20 per portion, unavailable other months

Book accommodations before November 15th - European winter bookings spike for December-January stays, driving November prices up 40%

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling turtle tours on weekends - fewer guides available and higher prices, weekday tours offer better experience and cost 20% less

Wearing dark colors for jungle activities - attracts heat and makes spotting insects difficult, light colors reflect heat and show bugs for easy removal

Planning afternoon outdoor activities - 60% chance of thunderstorms between 4pm-6pm, morning excursions rarely cancelled due to weather