Things to Do in South Sudan in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in South Sudan
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season is fully established by November - the rainy season typically wraps up by late October, meaning you'll get mostly clear skies and passable roads throughout the country. This is actually when wildlife viewing peaks at Boma and Bandingilo National Parks as animals congregate around remaining water sources.
- Sudd wetlands are at their most accessible - water levels have receded enough that boat navigation is easier, but there's still sufficient water for birdwatching. November sits in that sweet spot before the marshes become too dry. You'll see massive concentrations of shoebills, pelicans, and the second-largest wildlife migration on Earth.
- Temperatures moderate to genuinely comfortable levels - daytime highs around 32-35°C (90-95°F) in Juba, dropping to pleasant 18-22°C (64-72°F) at night. This is as cool as South Sudan gets, making outdoor activities actually enjoyable rather than an endurance test.
- Tourist infrastructure is least strained - November sees minimal international visitors compared to December holiday rushes. You'll have better availability for the limited guesthouses and easier access to the handful of domestic flights. Local guides and drivers are more available and sometimes negotiate better rates before the year-end spike.
Considerations
- Infrastructure remains extremely limited regardless of season - we're talking about one of the world's least developed tourism destinations. Expect frequent power cuts, limited running water, unpaved roads turning to dust, and almost no ATMs outside Juba. November's dry conditions actually mean more dust storms that can ground flights and make overland travel miserable.
- Security situations remain fluid and unpredictable - while November doesn't have specific seasonal conflicts, localized tensions can flare anywhere. Road travel outside major towns requires armed escorts in many areas, and entire regions remain off-limits. You'll need comprehensive evacuation insurance and constant monitoring of security updates.
- Heat and humidity are still significant despite being the cooler season - that 70% humidity combined with 33°C (91°F) temperatures means you're still sweating through your clothes daily. The UV index of 8 is intense, and shade is scarce in many areas. This isn't a comfortable walking-around-all-day destination even in the best month.
Best Activities in November
Boma National Park Wildlife Expeditions
November is peak season for witnessing the massive white-eared kob migration - often called Africa's second Serengeti, with over a million antelope, gazelles, and predators moving through. The dry conditions mean animals cluster around waterholes, making viewing more predictable. Early morning game drives work best when temperatures are around 22-25°C (72-77°F) rather than midday heat. The landscape is still green from recent rains but roads are passable, unlike the muddy mess of September-October.
Sudd Wetlands Birding Expeditions
The Sudd is navigable but still water-rich in November, creating ideal conditions for spotting shoebills, Nile lechwe, and hundreds of migratory species. Water levels have dropped from the rainy season peaks, so channels are clearer and boats can access more areas without getting stuck in vegetation. Mornings from 6-9am offer the best light and bird activity before temperatures climb. The 70% humidity is actually lower than wet season levels, making multi-hour boat trips more bearable.
Juba Market and Cultural Walking Tours
November's relatively cooler mornings make exploring Juba's Konyo Konyo Market and Customs Market actually tolerable - start by 7am when it's around 24°C (75°F) before the heat builds. You'll see seasonal mangoes, groundnuts, and dried fish from the receding floods. The dry conditions mean less mud to navigate, though dust is significant. This is when you'll catch locals preparing for the approaching Christmas season, with increased activity in craft stalls and fabric vendors.
Nile River Sunset Boat Trips
The White Nile runs clear and calm in November with reduced flow from upstream rainy seasons ending. Late afternoon trips from 4-6pm catch cooling temperatures dropping from 33°C to 28°C (91°F to 82°F) and avoid the intense UV index of 8 at midday. You'll spot hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds while watching Juba's riverfront activity. The lower humidity compared to wet season months means more comfortable conditions on the water with occasional breezes.
Nimule National Park Day Trips
Located near the Uganda border, Nimule is accessible via relatively maintained roads in November's dry conditions - the 3-hour drive from Juba is dusty but passable, unlike rainy season when it can take 6-8 hours. You'll see elephants, Uganda kob, and baboons, with the Fola Rapids providing scenic hiking. November temperatures here reach 34-36°C (93-97°F) by midday, so early departures by 5am are essential to maximize cooler morning hours for wildlife activity.
Traditional Village Homestays in Eastern Equatoria
November's dry roads make reaching Toposa, Didinga, and Murle communities more feasible than wet season travel. You'll experience traditional cattle-keeping cultures, participate in daily activities like grain grinding and water collection, and witness how communities prepare for the dry season ahead. Temperatures in these areas range 30-38°C (86-100°F), but village compounds are designed for shade and airflow. This is culturally sensitive travel requiring proper protocols and community permissions.
November Events & Festivals
Juba Film Festival
This emerging cultural event showcases South Sudanese and East African filmmakers, typically running over 3-4 days. You'll see documentaries about the country's history, short films by local directors, and panel discussions about storytelling and peace-building. Screenings happen at venues like Nyakuron Cultural Centre, often in the evenings when temperatures drop to bearable levels. It's a rare opportunity to engage with South Sudan's creative community and understand contemporary issues through local perspectives.