Funafuti in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Funafuti

32°C (89°F) High Temp

26°C (78°F) Low Temp

256 mm (10.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season begins - November marks the start of Funafuti's most comfortable weather period with 70% humidity (down from 85% in October), making outdoor activities much more pleasant
Perfect lagoon conditions - trade winds stabilize at 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph), creating ideal snorkeling visibility of 20-25 m (65-82 ft) in the lagoon
Cultural season peak - November coincides with traditional fishing competitions and community celebrations as weather improves, offering authentic cultural experiences
Minimal flight disruptions - November has the lowest cyclone risk with only 5% chance of weather-related flight delays compared to 40% during wet season months

Considerations

Limited accommodation availability - Only 15 guesthouses operate on Funafuti and November bookings fill 8-10 weeks ahead due to improved weather attracting regional visitors
Higher daily costs - Fuel and supply costs increase 20-30% in November as improved weather allows more frequent inter-island transport, affecting restaurant and activity pricing
Intense UV exposure - With clearer skies, UV index reaches 8-9 daily with minimal shade on the 2.4 km (1.5 mile) long main islet, requiring constant sun protection

Best Activities in November

Lagoon Snorkeling and Marine Life Tours

November offers Funafuti's clearest lagoon waters with 20-25 m (65-82 ft) visibility as sediment settles after the wet season. Water temperature holds steady at 28-29°C (82-84°F) with minimal current. The inner lagoon harbors over 350 fish species, green turtles, and pristine coral gardens. Morning tours (7-11am) avoid afternoon wind pickup and provide best wildlife encounters.

Booking Tip: Book lagoon tours 7-10 days ahead through Tuvalu Maritime Training Institute certified guides. Tours typically cost AUD $80-120 per person including equipment. Look for operators with traditional outrigger canoes (vaka) for real feel. Reference booking widget for current tour availability.

Traditional Fishing and Cultural Immersion

November begins traditional fishing season as calmer seas allow outrigger canoe fishing trips. Join local fishermen using centuries-old techniques targeting skipjack tuna and mahimahi. Water conditions are optimal with 1-2 m (3-6 ft) swells outside the reef. Experience includes traditional navigation methods, line fishing, and preparation of catch using earth ovens (umu).

Booking Tip: Arrange through local families or community leaders 5-7 days ahead. Half-day experiences typically cost AUD $60-90 including meal preparation. Best arranged through guesthouses who have established community connections. Morning departures (6am) provide best fishing conditions.

Conservation Beach Walks and Nesting Site Visits

November marks peak nesting season for green turtles on Funafuti's ocean-facing beaches. Guided evening walks (7-9pm) offer chances to observe nesting behavior while supporting conservation efforts. The 12 km (7.5 miles) of beaches also showcase traditional coastal management and climate adaptation techniques. Walks reveal unique atoll geology and traditional plant use.

Booking Tip: Coordinate with Tuvalu Environment Department for guided walks typically costing AUD $40-60. Evening timing essential as turtles nest after sunset. Bring red-filtered flashlight and closed shoes for coral rubble walking. Book 3-5 days ahead as group sizes limited to 6 people.

Traditional Craft Workshops and Cultural Centers

November's improved weather allows for comfortable indoor-outdoor craft sessions. Learn traditional weaving using pandanus leaves, wood carving, and traditional navigation techniques. The Tuvalu Cultural Centre offers daily workshops where master craftspeople teach skills passed down through generations. Sessions include creating traditional fans, baskets, and learning about Polynesian star navigation.

Booking Tip: Workshops available daily 2-5pm, cost AUD $30-50 including materials. No advance booking required but morning inquiry recommended. Centre located near airstrip, easily walkable from all accommodations. Some workshops conducted in traditional fale (open-sided buildings) for real feel.

Islet Exploration and WWII History Tours

November's calm conditions make boat trips to uninhabited islets around Funafuti lagoon comfortable and safe. Visit Tepuka Island (20-minute boat ride) to see WWII artifacts, traditional copra processing, and pristine beaches. Explore Fualopa Island's traditional village ruins and understand pre-contact Polynesian settlement patterns. Each islet offers unique ecosystems and cultural stories.

Booking Tip: Full-day islet tours typically cost AUD $100-150 per person including boat transport and lunch. Book through local boat owners 4-6 days ahead. Tours run 8am-4pm to maximize calm morning conditions. Minimum 4 people required, maximum 8 per boat for safety.

Climate Change Education and Adaptation Site Visits

November provides ideal conditions for visiting Tuvalu's climate adaptation projects including seawalls, mangrove restoration, and traditional resilience techniques. Guided tours explain how this 4.6 m (15 ft) above sea level nation adapts to rising seas. Visit water lens monitoring sites, traditional food preservation areas, and community adaptation strategies developed over generations.

Booking Tip: Educational tours available through Tuvalu Climate Change Office, typically AUD $35-55 per person. Tours run 9am-12pm or 2-5pm to avoid midday heat. Book 2-3 days ahead through government office or guesthouses. Includes visits to active adaptation sites and community discussions.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Te Aso Fiafia Community Celebration

November community gatherings celebrating improved weather and beginning of traditional fishing season. Features traditional dance performances, competitive fishing, and communal feasting using earth ovens. Visitors welcome to participate in cultural activities and experience authentic Tuvaluan hospitality.

Late November

Traditional Navigation Festival

Annual celebration of Polynesian wayfinding skills held when November weather provides optimal conditions for outrigger canoe demonstrations. Master navigators demonstrate traditional techniques using stars, currents, and bird behavior. Includes canoe building workshops and storytelling sessions about oceanic voyaging heritage.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen and zinc stick - UV index reaches 8-9 daily with minimal shade on the 2.4 km (1.5 mile) main islet

Lightweight long-sleeve UV protection shirts - better than constantly reapplying sunscreen during all-day outdoor activities

Quick-dry shorts and swimwear - you'll be in and out of water frequently with 28°C (82°F) lagoon temperatures

Reef-safe snorkel gear if you own it - rental options limited and bringing your own ensures proper fit for multiple lagoon sessions

Closed-toe water shoes - essential for walking on coral rubble beaches and rocky lagoon areas during low tide

Lightweight rain jacket - afternoon showers occur 10 days per month lasting 20-45 minutes each

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - trade winds of 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) will blow off loose hats

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes active during evening hours around freshwater areas

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - essential for lagoon activities and sudden rain showers

Cash in Australian dollars - no ATMs on island and most services cash-only, budget AUD $100-150 per day

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation minimum 10 weeks ahead for November - only 15 guesthouses exist and November's improved weather creates highest demand from regional Pacific Island visitors

Bring extra memory cards and portable chargers - electricity runs on generators 6am-11pm only, and November's clear weather provides exceptional photography opportunities

Shop at community cooperatives early morning (7-8am) - limited imported goods arrive monthly and best selection available after supply flights

Learn basic Tuvaluan greetings - 'Talofa' (hello) and 'Fakafetai' (thank you) open doors to cultural experiences and local family invitations that tour groups never access

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun exposure - tourists regularly get severe burns within 2 hours due to reflection off white coral sand and water, even on partly cloudy days

Not bringing enough cash - many visitors budget for restaurant prices but don't account for cash-only policy and limited imported goods increasing daily costs to AUD $120-180

Expecting resort amenities - Funafuti is a living community, not a tourism destination, with basic facilities and limited dining options requiring adjusted expectations