Things to Do in Port Louis in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Port Louis
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodation costs drop 20-30% compared to peak winter months while weather remains excellent - you'll find beachfront guesthouses in Grand Baie for 1,800-2,500 rupees instead of 3,000+ rupees in December
- The southeast trade winds calm down significantly by November, making the west coast beaches like Flic en Flac and Tamarin absolutely perfect for swimming and snorkeling - water visibility reaches 20-30 m (65-98 ft) compared to the choppy conditions earlier in the year
- Jacaranda trees bloom throughout the city in November, turning streets like Royal Road and areas around the Champ de Mars into purple canopies - locals actually plan their wedding photos around this brief two-week window in early November
- Sea temperatures hit their sweet spot at 24-25°C (75-77°F), warm enough for extended snorkeling sessions without a wetsuit but still refreshing - you'll see locals doing their evening swims at Caudan Waterfront around 5:30pm when the heat breaks
Considerations
- November sits in that awkward transition period where you get 10 rainy days on paper but the rainfall data shows 0.0 mm - what actually happens is brief 15-20 minute bursts of tropical rain that clear quickly, though they're unpredictable enough to disrupt beach plans if you're only here for 3-4 days
- Cyclone season officially starts November 15th, and while direct hits are rare this early, the weather becomes genuinely variable - you might get three perfect days followed by two overcast humid ones, making it harder to plan outdoor activities more than 48 hours ahead
- The 70% humidity combined with 30°C (86°F) temperatures creates that sticky tropical heat that's manageable near the coast but becomes quite intense when walking around Port Louis city center between 11am-3pm - locals retreat indoors during these hours for good reason
Best Activities in November
Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran Day Trips
November offers the best conditions for sailing to Ile aux Cerfs before the December-January crowds arrive. The calmer seas mean smoother crossings, and you'll actually have space on the beaches. The water clarity is exceptional right now - perfect for the snorkeling stops most catamarans make at the coral reefs near Ile aux Aigrettes. Tours typically leave Trou d'Eau Douce around 9am and return by 4pm, giving you the full day on the island. The weather variability actually works in your favor here - operators monitor conditions closely and will reschedule if needed, which they rarely do in November.
Port Louis Central Market and Street Food Walking Routes
The market operates year-round but November is actually ideal because the humidity hasn't reached its January peak yet, making the indoor market halls more bearable. Start early at 7am when vendors are setting up - you'll see locals buying fresh produce for the week and can try dholl puri and gateaux piments at their freshest. The area around the market, especially Corderie Street and the lanes near the Jummah Mosque, comes alive with street food vendors from 11am onwards. November brings seasonal tropical fruits like lychees and mangoes that are just starting to appear. The UV index of 8 means you'll want to do this morning activity before 11am or after 3pm.
Black River Gorges National Park Hiking
November is honestly the best month for hiking before the heavy December rains make trails muddy. The park sits at 400-800 m (1,312-2,625 ft) elevation, making it noticeably cooler than Port Louis - expect temperatures around 20-24°C (68-75°F) on the trails. The Macchabee Forest trail and Black River Peak trail are both in excellent condition right now. You'll spot endemic birds like the Mauritius kestrel and echo parakeet more easily in November because it's breeding season and they're more active. The occasional rain shower actually enhances the experience - the forest smells incredible and waterfalls are flowing well without being dangerously swollen.
Underwater Sea Walking and Beginner Diving at Blue Bay Marine Park
Blue Bay offers the calmest, clearest conditions in November - it's protected from the southeast winds that affect the east coast. Water visibility reaches 25-30 m (82-98 ft) right now, and the 24-25°C (75-77°F) water temperature means you don't need a wetsuit for sea walking experiences. This is genuinely the perfect month for first-time divers or nervous swimmers to try underwater activities. The marine park has excellent coral gardens at just 3-5 m (10-16 ft) depth, making it ideal for sea walking where you wear a helmet and walk on the seafloor. The variable November weather rarely affects Blue Bay since it's so sheltered.
Chamarel Seven Colored Earth and Southwest Coast Day Trips
The southwest circuit including Chamarel, the Rhumerie de Chamarel, and Casela Nature Park works perfectly in November because you're moving between indoor and outdoor experiences - ideal for variable weather. The Seven Colored Earth geological formation looks most vibrant after brief rain showers when the soil is damp. This area sits at 300-400 m (984-1,312 ft) elevation, making it more comfortable than coastal areas during midday heat. You can combine this with lunch at a rum distillery, waterfall viewing, and even zip-lining at Casela if weather permits. The jacaranda blooms along the roads to Chamarel are spectacular in early November.
Evening Horse Racing at Champ de Mars
Champ de Mars is the oldest horse racing track in the Southern Hemisphere and November marks the start of the main racing season. Saturday race days draw massive local crowds - this is genuinely where Port Louis residents spend their weekends, making it an authentic cultural experience rather than a tourist attraction. Racing typically runs from 12:30pm to 5:30pm with 8-10 races. The grandstand provides shade and the late afternoon timing means you avoid the worst midday heat. Locals take betting seriously here and the atmosphere is electric, especially for the main race around 4pm. The variable November weather rarely cancels races.
November Events & Festivals
Divali Festival of Lights
Divali typically falls in early to mid-November and transforms Port Louis into a spectacular display of oil lamps and decorations. Hindu families place hundreds of small clay lamps outside homes and temples throughout the city, particularly visible in the areas around Tamil temples near China Town. The festival marks the victory of light over darkness and you'll see locals wearing new clothes, sharing sweets, and setting off fireworks after sunset. The best viewing areas are residential neighborhoods in Port Louis like Cassis and along Royal Road where entire streets participate. Street vendors sell traditional sweets like barfi and ladoo in the days leading up to the main celebration.
Jacaranda Bloom Season
While not an organized event, the two-week jacaranda bloom in early November is genuinely spectacular and locals plan around it. The trees line major roads throughout Port Louis, particularly around the Champ de Mars racecourse, along Royal Road, and in the Company Gardens. The purple flowers create natural tunnels and the petals carpet the streets. Local photographers and wedding parties flock to these areas for photos. The bloom timing varies slightly year to year depending on rainfall patterns, but early November is most reliable. Worth planning at least one morning walk specifically to see this before the flowers drop.