Bolivia in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Bolivia

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Altiplano wildflower bloom peaks in November - llama grass and quinoa flowers create impressive photography conditions around Lake Titicaca and Uyuni Salt Flats
Rainy season hasn't fully started yet - only 51 mm (2.0 inches) of rainfall means salt flats are still accessible while temperatures are warming up
Baby vicuña and llama season - November is when you'll see the most young animals in highland areas, making wildlife photography exceptional
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 20-30% less than peak dry season (May-September) while weather remains favorable for most activities

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms become more frequent - 40% chance of rain between 2-5pm can disrupt outdoor activities, especially on the Altiplano
Uyuni Salt Flats mirror effect inconsistent - pools form sporadically in November, so you might not get the perfect reflection shots that appear in December-March
Highland weather becomes unpredictable - temperature swings of 15°C (27°F) between day and night require careful packing and planning

Best Activities in November

Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats Photography Tours

November offers unique conditions where you might catch both the dry white expanse and early mirror effects. The rainy season hasn't fully begun, so most of the flats remain accessible while occasional water pools create opportunities for reflection shots. Sunrise tours are spectacular with clear skies 70% of mornings. Temperature at 3,656 m (11,995 ft) altitude ranges from -2°C to 18°C (28-64°F).

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead as November is increasingly popular. Multi-day tours typically cost 800-1,200 BOB ($115-170) per day. Look for operators with 4WD vehicles and warm sleeping bags rated to -10°C (14°F). Reference booking widget for current tour availability.

Lake Titicaca Cultural Immersion

November marks the planting season for quinoa and potatoes on the floating islands. Uros and Taquile communities are actively farming, offering authentic cultural experiences. Water temperature reaches 14°C (57°F) - the warmest of the year. Vicuña and alpaca herds are most active with new births, creating excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Booking Tip: Stay overnight on Amantani Island for real feels. Community homestays cost 150-250 BOB ($22-36) per night including meals. Book through community tourism offices in Puno or Copacabana. See current island tour options in booking section below.

La Paz Urban Trekking and Cable Car Routes

November's moderate temperatures 10-20°C (50-68°F) make walking La Paz's steep streets comfortable. The Mi Teleférico cable car system offers exceptional views during the clearer morning hours before afternoon clouds roll in. Cholita wrestling season is active, and local markets showcase fresh highland produce from the harvest.

Booking Tip: Purchase a multi-line cable car pass for 15 BOB ($2.20) for unlimited daily rides. Walking tours of indigenous markets typically cost 200-300 BOB ($29-43). Book morning tours to avoid afternoon weather. Current urban experience options available in booking widget below.

Madidi National Park Wildlife Expeditions

November begins the best wildlife viewing season in Bolivia's Amazon basin. Dry season animal concentrations around water sources while temperatures reach comfortable 28°C (82°F) during the day. Jaguar spotting increases as animals become more active before full rainy season. Bird migration patterns make this peak birdwatching time.

Booking Tip: Multi-day jungle expeditions cost 1,500-2,500 BOB ($215-360) per day including guides and meals. Book with certified eco-lodges minimum 3 weeks ahead. Bring insect repellent with 30% DEET minimum. Current rainforest tour options in booking section below.

Potosí Colonial Mining Heritage Tours

November's moderate temperatures make exploring Cerro Rico mines more comfortable than peak season heat. The 4,090 m (13,419 ft) altitude is less punishing in warming weather. Local miners are active in cooperative mines, offering authentic glimpses into Bolivia's silver mining history. Casa de la Moneda tours showcase colonial mint operations.

Booking Tip: Mine tours cost 150-200 BOB ($22-29) and require good physical condition due to altitude. Bring coca leaves to combat altitude sickness. Book through certified operators with safety equipment. Heritage site tours available through booking widget below.

Sucre Colonial Architecture and Textile Workshops

November's pleasant 22°C (72°F) temperatures make walking Sucre's UNESCO World Heritage streets ideal. Tarabuco Sunday market is in full swing with highland communities selling traditional textiles. Local weaving workshops teach ancient Quechua techniques as artisans prepare for summer tourist season.

Booking Tip: Textile workshops cost 300-500 BOB ($43-72) for half-day experiences. Tarabuco market tours best on Sundays with transport costing 50-80 BOB ($7-12) round trip. Book cultural experiences 1-2 weeks ahead. Current colonial city tours in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

November 1-2

All Saints' Day (Día de Todos los Santos)

November 1st brings Bolivia's most important indigenous celebration blending Catholic and Aymara traditions. Families create elaborate bread sculptures called tantawawas and visit cemeteries with complete feasts for deceased relatives. La Paz and rural highland communities offer the most authentic celebrations with traditional music, dancing, and ritual offerings.

Throughout November

Quinoa Harvest Festivals

Highland communities around Altiplano celebrate quinoa harvests throughout November with traditional ceremonies honoring Pachamama (Mother Earth). Villages near Uyuni and Lake Titicaca hold community gatherings featuring ancient Quechua rituals, traditional foods, and folk dancing. Tourists can participate through community-based tourism programs.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system essential - temperature swings of 15°C (27°F) daily require base layers, insulating mid-layers, and weather protection

SPF 50+ sunscreen mandatory - UV index of 8 intensified by high altitude makes sunburn likely within 15 minutes of exposure

Waterproof rain jacket - afternoon storms last 30-60 minutes with sudden temperature drops of 8°C (14°F)

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated at altitude crucial while keeping liquids from getting too cold in highland areas

Altitude sickness medication - acetazolamide (Diamox) recommended for anyone going above 3,500 m (11,483 ft)

Cash in small boliviano notes - many rural areas and markets don't accept cards or large denominations

Headlamp with extra batteries - power outages common in rural areas and early morning/late evening activities frequent

Warm sleeping bag rated to -5°C (23°F) - essential for Uyuni overnight tours and highland accommodations with limited heating

Breathable hiking boots - paths can be muddy from rainfall but also dusty and rocky, requiring ankle support

Coca leaves or tea - traditional remedy for altitude sickness readily available and culturally appropriate to use

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights 6-8 weeks ahead - November marks return of international visitors and internal flight prices increase 40-60% closer to travel dates

Uyuni mirror effect requires specific conditions - call tour operators morning of departure as conditions change hourly, and be flexible with dates for best shots

Banking hours reduce in November preparation for holiday season - withdraw cash early as ATMs in rural areas frequently run empty, especially before weekends

Altitude affects alcohol tolerance severely - limit alcohol consumption first 48-72 hours and drink twice as much water as normal to avoid severe hangovers

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude impact - visitors often assume they'll adjust quickly, but 3,500+ m (11,483+ ft) elevations require 2-3 days minimum acclimatization

Packing only for warm weather - seeing 25°C (77°F) daytime temperatures, tourists forget nighttime drops to 5°C (41°F) in highland areas

Expecting consistent mirror effects at Uyuni - November is transitional period where perfect reflections only occur 30-40% of days after specific rainfall patterns