Things to Do in Venezuela in November

November Weather in Venezuela

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather window - November marks the start of Venezuela's dry season with comfortable temperatures averaging 28°C (82°F) and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor adventures
Angel Falls at peak flow - The world's highest waterfall is still magnificent from rainy season runoff while being accessible again via Canaima flights that resume regular schedules
Los Llanos wildlife spectacle - The flooding plains begin receding, concentrating incredible wildlife including caimans, anacondas, and over 350 bird species in smaller water areas for exceptional viewing
Festival season begins - November kicks off Venezuela's cultural calendar with Feria de la Chinita in Maracaibo (November 17-19) and pre-Christmas celebrations gaining momentum across the country

Considerations

Currency volatility peaks - November typically sees heightened economic uncertainty making cash planning difficult; bring US dollars as bolívares can fluctuate dramatically week to week
Tourist infrastructure strain - Popular destinations like Canaima see equipment shortages and maintenance backlogs after rainy season, requiring flexibility with tour schedules
Intense UV exposure - Clear skies mean UV index reaches 11+ daily, requiring constant sun protection and limiting outdoor activities during 11am-3pm peak hours

Best Activities in November

Angel Falls expeditions

November offers the sweet spot for Angel Falls visits - the waterfall maintains impressive flow from recent rains while flights to Canaima resume reliable schedules. Morning departures avoid afternoon cloud buildup that often obscures views later in dry season. The 28°C (82°F) temperatures make hiking comfortable.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead as only 2-3 operators hold current permits for Canaima flights. Expect $400-600 USD for 2-day packages. Look for operators with backup aircraft arrangements - mechanical issues are common. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Los Llanos wildlife safaris

The flooding plains are receding but not yet bone dry, creating perfect wildlife concentration. November is peak season for seeing jaguars, giant otters, and massive bird congregations. Early morning game drives at 6am take advantage of 24°C (75°F) temperatures before the heat builds.

Booking Tip: Book hato (ranch) accommodations 2-3 weeks ahead, typically $80-150 USD per night including meals and guides. Choose packages with 4WD vehicles and bilingual guides. Wildlife sightings are 90% guaranteed in November versus 60% in other months.

Caribbean coast beach hopping

Trade winds keep coastal temperatures at perfect 29°C (84°F) with minimal rain. November marks the start of prime beach weather before December crowds arrive. Sea conditions are calm for island trips to Los Roques and Morrocoy.

Booking Tip: Island day trips cost $60-120 USD depending on distance. Book catamaran trips 10-14 days ahead as boat availability is limited. Morning departures avoid afternoon wind pickup. All operators must be registered with INPARQUES.

Tepuis hiking adventures

The massive table mountains are accessible again after rainy season road closures. November offers clear views and comfortable hiking temperatures around 18°C (64°F) at elevation. This is your only window before December heat makes multi-day treks grueling.

Booking Tip: Mount Roraima treks require 5-7 days and cost $300-500 USD. Book 4-6 weeks ahead through Gran Sabana operators with proper camping equipment. Porters and guides are mandatory - verify permits are included.

Colonial city cultural tours

Coro, Mérida, and Ciudad Bolívar are perfect for walking in November's 26°C (79°F) afternoons. The dry weather makes cobblestone streets navigable while evening temperatures drop to comfortable 22°C (72°F) for outdoor dining and music.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration works well, but organized cultural tours cost $30-60 USD and provide historical context. Book through tourism offices rather than street touts. Many museums close Mondays - plan accordingly.

Orinoco Delta boat expeditions

Water levels are perfect for navigating smaller channels while avoiding rainy season flooding. November's stable weather allows multi-day trips to Warao indigenous communities. Mosquitoes are at yearly minimum levels.

Booking Tip: 3-day expeditions cost $200-350 USD including meals and hammock accommodation with indigenous families. Book through Tucupita operators with community partnerships. Bring cash - no card payments in delta communities.

November Events & Festivals

November 17-19

Feria de la Chinita

Maracaibo's biggest celebration honoring the Virgin of Chiquinquirá features gaita music, traditional dancing, and massive street parties. The entire city transforms with colorful decorations and 24-hour festivities.

Mid November

Festival Internacional de Teatro de Caracas

Venezuela's premier theater festival brings international and local productions to venues across the capital. Performances range from traditional Venezuelan drama to experimental works, with many shows offering English subtitles.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and zinc stick - UV index reaches 11+ daily requiring reapplication every 90 minutes during outdoor activities

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts - Essential for Angel Falls boat rides where sun reflection off water doubles exposure risk

Quick-dry hiking pants - November's 65% humidity means cotton takes hours to dry after river crossings or morning dew

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots rated for 15km+ (9+ miles) - Tepuis trails are rocky and Angel Falls approaches involve river walking

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - Los Llanos mosquitoes are minimal in November but still present during dawn/dusk game drives

Lightweight rain jacket - Brief afternoon showers occur 6 days per month, typically lasting 15-20 minutes

Power bank with 20,000+ mAh capacity - Remote locations like Canaima have limited electricity and your devices drain faster in heat

US dollars in small bills ($5, $10, $20) - Minimum $200 cash as card payments are unreliable outside Caracas and Margarita Island

Electrolyte powder packets - 32°C (90°F) daily highs require constant hydration replacement during activities

Binoculars (8x32 minimum) - Wildlife viewing distances in Los Llanos average 50-100m (164-328 ft) for best sightings

Insider Knowledge

Book internal flights with cash at airports - Online booking often fails and agencies charge 40% premiums. Conviasa and Avior accept USD at check-in counters for same-day availability.

Carry toilet paper everywhere - Even upscale restaurants and hotels in tourist areas frequently run out. Pack a small roll in your daypack for all excursions.

Download offline maps before arrival - Internet connectivity is sporadic outside major cities and GPS data is often outdated. Maps.me works best for Venezuela navigation.

Exchange money with hotel concierges, never street vendors - Black market rates fluctuate hourly and counterfeit bills are common. Reputable hotels offer fair rates with authentic currency verification.

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming credit cards work reliably - Even in Caracas, payment systems fail frequently. Travelers without sufficient USD cash face serious problems accessing services, food, and transportation.

Booking connecting flights with less than 4-hour layovers - Internal flight delays are routine due to fuel shortages and maintenance issues. Many travelers miss international connections with tight schedules.

Ignoring altitude changes - Mérida sits at 1,600m (5,249 ft) while Angel Falls base is at 400m (1,312 ft). The rapid elevation changes cause headaches and fatigue that derail activity plans.