Bolivia's November Weather: Sunny, Rainy, Or Snowy?

Bolivia in November is a mixed bag weather-wise, with conditions varying from region to region. Overall, it's the start of the summer rainy season, with temperatures warming up and rainfall becoming heavier. This is a great time to visit if you're looking for lower prices, fewer crowds, and unique festivals like All Saints' Day. The wet conditions also make it perfect for watersports and white water rafting.

In the lowlands, you can expect humid tropical weather, with temperatures in the Amazon region ranging from 21°C to 23°C. The rainforest is lush and vibrant, but forest trails can be muddy and flooded. In the highlands, the weather is cooler and drier, with temperatures in La Paz ranging from 8°C to 22°C. The Uyuni Salt Flats are a must-visit in November, as the rainfall creates a magical mirror-like phenomenon.

So, if you're planning a trip to Bolivia in November, be prepared for a mix of sunny days and rainfall. Pack accordingly, and you'll be able to enjoy all that this fascinating country has to offer during this quieter time of year.

Rainfall and temperatures

November is the first month of the rainy season in Bolivia, so you can expect to experience some rainfall. The amount of rain varies across the country, from an average of 6.5 mm in Salar de Uyuni to 381 mm in Villa Tunari. The arrival of summer brings wetter and slightly warmer days to the Andes, with clouds sometimes obscuring the views in the mountains and on Lake Titicaca.

In La Paz, temperatures range from 37°F to 59°F (3°C to 15°C), with approximately 13 days of rain in the month. You can expect around six hours of sunshine per day. In the Amazon region, the rainy season kicks off in November, with heavier rains increasing the chance of flooding. In Cobija, you can expect highs of around 90°F (32°C) and lows of 70°F (21°C), with approximately 15 days of rain. Despite the rain, there is still plenty of sunshine, with approximately seven hours per day.

The lowlands of Bolivia, such as Santa Cruz, experience a slight increase in humidity and heat in November. Temperatures can rise as high as 88°F (31°C), with lows of 68°F (20°C). Conditions are still mostly dry and bright, with around eight hours of sunshine and seven days of rainfall on average.

In Comunidad Yumani, you'll find moderate temperatures, with a maximum of 15°C and a minimum of 8°C. On the other hand, Trinidad experiences very warm temperatures, with highs of 33°C and lows of 23°C. La Paz typically sees moderate temperatures, with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Sucre, on the other hand, has high temperatures, with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C.

Overall, November is a great month to visit Bolivia if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices. It's a perfect time for water activities, such as white water rafting on the Río Coroico and river cruises in the Amazon Rainforest. The rainy season also transforms the Uyuni Salt Flats into a magical mirror-like phenomenon. So, if you don't mind some rain and are looking for unique experiences, Bolivia in November is an excellent choice.

Water activities

November is the first month of the rainy season in Bolivia, making it ideal for water sports enthusiasts. The rise in water levels in the country's rivers makes it perfect for white-water rafting and kayaking adventures. The Andean plateau is a great place to start, with the Río Coroico offering thrilling white-water rafting experiences. The rain also swells the Amazon River, providing a unique opportunity to cruise deep into the lush jungle.

The Uyuni Salt Flats in the Andean plateau are a must-visit destination in November. The start of the rainy season transforms this vast expanse into a magical mirror-like phenomenon, reflecting the sky and creating an illusion of merging heaven and earth. The temperatures in this region typically range from 7°C to 19°C (44°F–66°F) in November, making it a pleasant time to witness this natural wonder.

Lake Titicaca, located in the Altiplano region, is another excellent spot for water activities. With higher water levels in November, you can enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding on the lake and explore the floating islands of the indigenous Uru people.

If you're an avid fisher, Bolivia offers plenty of opportunities for sport fishing. Parque Nacional Pantanal, also known as the Wetlands National Park, is a great place to cast your line while also immersing yourself in the indigenous cultures of the surrounding areas. The Chiquitanos and Ayoreos are two of the main ethnic groups in this region.

For swimming enthusiasts, Bolivia's numerous lakes provide refreshing dips. The Polques Hot Springs in Uyuni offer warm waters with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 30°C, said to possess healing and soothing properties. Alternatively, the San Jacinto Dam near Tarija and Varador Port on the River Mamore also offer swimming options.

Bolivia is also home to two water parks, Aqualand and Playland, which provide a range of attractions such as pools, sunbathing areas, slides, food and beverage outlets, rapids, and massage nodules, making them ideal for families seeking water-based entertainment.

Wildlife and nature

November is the first month of the rainy season in Bolivia, making it the perfect time to see the lush landscape and wildlife of the rainforest and mountain valleys. The flora and fauna in the Amazon are at their peak, making it an ideal destination for wildlife and photography tours.

Bolivia is an ecological masterpiece, abundant in wildlife and teeming with precious plant species. It is one of the few places left in the world where travellers can experience mother nature at her finest. From elusive jaguars to pink river dolphins, Bolivia's parks and jungles are famed for their rich flora and fauna, as well as their remote indigenous communities and diverse landscapes.

Bolivia is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Its dramatic geography and climate have led to the development of different ecosystems, allowing thousands of animal, bird, and plant species to thrive. Over 17% of Bolivia's territory is protected, and while the country makes up only 0.2% of the planet, it holds 35-45% of global biodiversity.

• Sajama National Park: Bolivia's oldest national park, spanning an area of 1002 square kilometres. Sajama is a magnificent Andean dreamscape of snow-capped volcanoes, soaring mountains, bubbling hot springs, bird-dwelling wetlands and vast wild plains. It is the perfect playground for photographers and adventurers alike.
• Salar de Uyuni: The popular Salar de Uyuni tour showcases some of the most unique and breathtaking scenery in the world. Take perspective photos on the Uyuni Salt Flats, visit the original Salt Hotel, and explore the Andean lagoons, home to hundreds of flamingos.
• Parque Nacional Amboró: Amboró National Park is a jungle paradise located only 40 kilometres west of Santa Cruz. It features beautiful walks, cascading waterfalls, dense vegetation, spectacular landscapes, fascinating archaeology and a great diversity of flora and fauna.
• Kaa Iya National Park: Located in the southeastern sector of Santa Cruz, Kaa Iya is famous for its population of big cats and for being the largest protected dry forest in the world. It is also the only park in the Americas established and administered by indigenous people.
• Parque Nacional Madidi: Travellers can book a multi-day nature trek into the pristine Amazon rainforest, learning about different plants, trees, animals and bugs. Take a sunset canoe ride along the shores of Lake Chalalán, go birdwatching, or visit Macaw Clay Lick to witness huge troops of white-lipped peccaries.

Other natural attractions in Bolivia include the San Miguelito Jaguar Conservation Reserve, Lomas De Arena, Noel Kempff National Park, and the Maragua Crater.

Festivals

November in Bolivia marks the start of the rainy season, but it's also a month of unique festivals. The biggest of these is All Saints' Day, or Todos Santos, celebrated across the country. On 1 November, Bolivians honour their dead by visiting cemeteries and decorating graves with colourful flowers. A special meal is prepared, and a place is set at the table for the spirits of the deceased.

Other notable festivals in November include Virgen del Socavon, Efemerides Departamental, and San Andres. The latter is celebrated on 30 November in Santa Cruz, with mass, folk music, dancing, parades, and fireworks in honour of St Andrew the Apostle.

If you're visiting Bolivia in November, you can also take part in water sports, such as white-water rafting on the Río Coroico, or a river cruise through the Amazon Rainforest. The Uyuni Salt Flats are also a must-see, as the rainy season transforms them into a magical, otherworldly sight.

What to pack

November is the first month of the rainy season in Bolivia, so make sure to pack a rain poncho or light rain cape, and an umbrella. You should also bring a waterproof cover for your luggage and electronics in case of storms. With the possibility of muddy paths, sturdy shoes with a strong grip are also a must.

In November, temperatures in La Paz range from 8°C to 22°C (47°F–71°F), so you'll need to pack for mild weather. Bring layers, including warmer clothes for the chilly nights, and don't forget to pack sunscreen! The sun's rays can be fierce in the highlands, so a hat and sunglasses will also be useful.

If you're planning to explore the Amazon rainforest, expect wet and humid conditions, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 23°C (70°F–90°F). You'll need quick-drying clothes, and waterproof gear is a must.

For the Uyuni Salt Flats, temperatures typically hover between 7°C and 19°C (44°F–66°F) in November, so pack accordingly.

In general, Bolivia in November offers good weather, with daytime temperatures around +77°F, so you may also want to pack some lighter clothes, such as shorts, skirts, or dresses, as well as swimwear if you plan to go swimming.

Finally, don't forget to bring insect repellent, especially if you're heading to the Amazon!

Frequently asked questions