Tuvalu in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Tuvalu

31°C (88°F) High Temp

26°C (78°F) Low Temp

277 mm (10.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Optimal sea conditions - November marks the beginning of calmer seas around Tuvalu, with average wave heights dropping to 1.5m (5 ft) from October's 2m (6.5 ft), making inter-atoll boat transfers more comfortable
Peak nesting season for green turtles on Funafuti's ocean-side beaches - November offers 80% higher turtle sighting chances compared to dry season months
Traditional fishing season begins - locals start deep-sea fishing for skipjack tuna, creating opportunities to join community fishing expeditions that aren't available during rough weather months
Lower accommodation pressure - November sits just before peak tourist season (December-February), meaning easier booking at guesthouses and 15-20% lower rates than December

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall patterns - while total rainfall is moderate, November rain comes in sudden intense bursts (20-40mm/hour) that can disrupt outdoor activities for 2-3 hours at a time
Limited flight flexibility - with only 2-3 flights per week from Suva, weather delays become more problematic when afternoon thunderstorms affect Funafuti's single runway
Higher humidity makes midday activities uncomfortable - 70% humidity combined with 31°C (88°F) temperatures creates a heat index of 38°C (100°F) between 11am-3pm

Best Activities in November

Funafuti Marine Conservation Area Snorkeling

November's improving visibility (15-20m/50-65 ft compared to October's 10m/33 ft) and calmer currents make this the ideal time to explore Tuvalu's protected coral reefs. Water temperature holds steady at 28°C (82°F), perfect for extended snorkeling sessions. The conservation area's fish populations are most active during November's transitional weather patterns.

Booking Tip: Arrange through Funafuti Kaupule (island council) 3-5 days ahead. Trips typically cost AU$50-80 per person including gear. Morning departures (8am-11am) avoid afternoon weather uncertainty. Reference booking widget for current tour availability.

Traditional Fishing Expeditions

November begins the traditional tuna fishing season when locals use outrigger canoes for deep-sea fishing. Join community-organized expeditions to experience authentic Tuvaluan fishing methods. Weather patterns in November create ideal conditions 4-5 days per week, compared to only 2-3 days during rougher months.

Booking Tip: Contact village elders through accommodation hosts - no formal booking system exists. Expect to contribute AU$30-50 toward fuel and equipment. Trips start at 5am to avoid afternoon weather. Check current community fishing schedules in booking section below.

Outer Island Day Trips

November's moderating seas make day trips to uninhabited outer islands feasible - particularly to Tepuka and Fualakea islands. These excursions showcase pristine beaches and traditional navigation methods, but are only possible when wave heights stay below 1.8m (6 ft), which happens 65% of days in November versus 40% in October.

Booking Tip: Book through island council or guesthouse operators 5-7 days ahead. Costs range AU$100-150 per person including boat transport and basic provisions. Weather-dependent - always have backup indoor plans. See current island tour options in booking section.

Cultural Village Walks and Storytelling

November's variable weather makes indoor cultural activities essential backup plans. Village elders share traditional navigation stories and demonstrate handicraft techniques during afternoon rain periods. This is also when communities prepare for December celebrations, offering glimpses into traditional practices.

Booking Tip: Arrange through Te Kakeega III National Strategy Office or local guesthouses. Sessions typically last 2-3 hours and cost AU$25-40 per person. Schedule for afternoons (2pm-5pm) when rain is most likely. Current cultural programs available in booking widget below.

Lagoon-side Walking and Bird Watching

November brings migratory seabirds to Tuvalu's lagoons, with Pacific golden plovers and ruddy turnstones arriving from Arctic breeding grounds. The lagoon-side paths on Funafuti offer 8 km (5 miles) of walking routes with excellent bird watching opportunities, best in early morning when temperatures are 26°C (78°F).

Booking Tip: Self-guided activity requiring no booking. Bring binoculars and water bottles. Best times are 6am-8am and 5pm-7pm to avoid midday heat. Consider hiring local guides (AU$20-30) for bird identification expertise. Check current guided walk availability below.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Community Fishing Festival Preparations

November marks when communities begin preparing for traditional fishing competitions and celebrations. While formal festivals occur later, November offers authentic glimpses into net-making, canoe preparation, and traditional fishing technique practice sessions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket with ventilation - November's sudden downpours last 30-90 minutes with 70% humidity making waterproof-breathable fabric essential

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index of 8 plus reflection from white coral sand and clear lagoon water intensifies exposure

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in natural fibers - protection from intense UV while allowing cooling in 70% humidity

Water shoes with good grip - coral rubble beaches and slippery boat surfaces require more protection than typical beach sandals

Waterproof phone case and camera housing - sudden rain and saltwater spray from boat transfers threaten electronics

Electrolyte supplements - sweating in 31°C (88°F) heat with 70% humidity requires active hydration management

Quick-dry towel and swim gear - multiple water activities per day mean standard towels won't dry in humid conditions

Insect repellent with DEET - November's variable weather creates ideal mosquito breeding conditions in standing water

Portable battery pack - limited electricity and high phone usage for weather updates require backup power

Cash in small denominations (AUD) - no ATMs and limited card acceptance mean bringing AU$100-150 per day in mixed bills

Insider Knowledge

Flight delays are common in November due to afternoon thunderstorms - always book accommodation for one extra night and keep AU$200 cash reserve for extended stays

Local weather patterns follow a 3-4 day cycle in November - ask guesthouse operators about 'weather windows' for planning boat activities during calm periods

The island's single generator sometimes struggles during November's variable weather - bring backup lighting and keep devices charged during stable power periods

November is when locals harvest rainwater most actively - conserve water usage and never waste drinking water, as it's genuinely precious during transitional weather periods

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking only 2-3 days in Tuvalu during November - weather delays frequently extend stays, and rushing through activities due to tight schedules misses the authentic pace of island life

Packing only lightweight summer clothing - November's variable conditions require layering options and rain protection that many tropical travelers forget

Expecting Western-standard internet and communication - November weather affects the single satellite connection, so inform family/work about potential communication blackouts lasting 6-12 hours