Pretoria in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Pretoria

28°C (82°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

99mm (3.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Prime jacaranda season - purple blooms peak from late October through November, transforming streets like Herbert Baker and Duncan into violet canopies (best viewing windows: 6:30-8:30am before wind picks up)
Perfect hiking weather before summer heat - Union Buildings gardens and Voortrekker Monument trails are comfortable in 16-28°C (61-82°F) range, with most outdoor activities ideal between 7am-4pm
School holiday timing (November 15-January 15) means cultural sites like Charlotte and Ditsong Museums offer special family programs and extended weekend hours
Pre-summer pricing on accommodations - rates typically 20-30% lower than December peak season, with best deals secured 3-4 weeks ahead for Hatfield and Brooklyn areas

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days, typically 2-5pm, lasting 20-45 minutes with potential flash flooding in low-lying areas like Sunnyside
High UV index (8) combined with altitude (1,339m/4,393ft above sea level) creates intense sun exposure requiring SPF50+ reapplication every 90 minutes
Humidity peaks at 70% making midday activities uncomfortable - locals avoid outdoor markets and walking tours between 11am-3pm during this period

Best Activities in November

Union Buildings and Government Precinct Tours

November offers perfect weather for exploring Pretoria's administrative heart, with jacarandas framing the Union Buildings' amphitheater gardens. Morning tours (8-11am) avoid afternoon storms and capture golden hour photography. The 15-minute uphill walk from city center is comfortable in November's mild temperatures, and Nelson Mandela statue area provides impressive city views without December's harsh summer glare.

Booking Tip: Government building access requires advance booking through official channels, typically 5-7 days ahead. Walking tours cost R250-450 per person and include security clearance time. Book morning slots (8am-11am) to avoid afternoon weather. Reference booking widget for current tour availability.

Jacaranda City Photography and Garden Tours

November is Pretoria's signature month when 70,000 jacaranda trees bloom purple across the city. Herbert Baker Street, Duncan Street, and Brooklyn areas offer spectacular tunnel effects. Early morning tours (6:30-9am) provide best lighting and minimal wind disturbance to blooms. Peak bloom typically occurs November 5-25, weather dependent. Cool morning temperatures make 2-3 hour walking photography sessions comfortable.

Booking Tip: Photography tours range R300-600 per person for 3-4 hour sessions. Book with local guides who know current bloom status and best vantage points. Prime viewing spots change yearly based on tree health. See current specialized jacaranda tours in booking section below.

Cradle of Humankind Day Trips

November's mild weather perfect for the 45km (28 mile) drive northwest to Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves. Underground cave temperatures remain constant 18°C (64°F) while surface exhibits are comfortable before summer heat arrives. Morning departures (8am) return before afternoon storms typically hit Gauteng region. Clear November skies offer excellent visibility across the World Heritage landscape.

Booking Tip: Full day tours typically R800-1,200 including transport and site fees. Book 7-10 days ahead as group sizes limited in cave systems. Tours run 8-10 hours total with lunch stops. Licensed operators provide geology expertise and fossil interpretation. Check current tour options in booking widget below.

Voortrekker Monument and Nature Reserve Hiking

November temperatures ideal for the 2.5km (1.6 mile) circular trail around the monument base, with 360-degree city views from 1,520m (4,987ft) elevation. Spring wildflowers bloom throughout the 327-hectare reserve. Morning hikes (7-10am) offer best wildlife viewing including antelope and 200+ bird species, while avoiding afternoon storm risk. Monument interior stays cool even during midday.

Booking Tip: Entry fees R40 for adults, R20 children. Guided heritage walks available R120 per person, typically 2 hours duration. No advance booking required for self-guided trails, but check weather forecasts for afternoon storm timing. Wear sun protection - altitude intensifies UV exposure.

Pretoria National Botanical Garden Exploration

November spring season brings 76 hectares of indigenous flora into peak bloom, including rare cycads and aloe species. Quartzite ridges provide natural shade during 2-3 hour walking circuits. Morning visits (8-11am) offer coolest temperatures and best bird activity along seasonal streams. Restaurant and tea garden operate extended November hours for post-hike refreshments.

Booking Tip: Daily entry R45 adults, R25 children. Self-guided trails free with admission. Specialized botanical tours R150 per person available weekends, focusing on November flowering species. No reservations needed for general entry. Best parking availability before 9am on weekends.

Soweto and Apartheid History Day Tours

November weather ideal for full-day Soweto excursions from Pretoria, with comfortable temperatures for outdoor museum visits and township walking tours. 90-minute drive each way allows for 8-10 hour complete experiences including this destination, Hector Pieterson Museum, and local shebeen lunch stops. Morning departures avoid afternoon Johannesburg traffic and weather buildup.

Booking Tip: Full day tours from Pretoria typically R900-1,500 per person including transport, guide, and entrance fees. Book with operators offering small group sizes (8-12 people) for authentic township interactions. Departure times usually 7:30-8:30am. See current Soweto tour options in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Early to Mid November

Jacaranda Festival

Annual celebration of Pretoria's famous purple blooms featuring outdoor concerts, art markets, and guided tree walks throughout the city. Local musicians perform in Union Buildings amphitheater while food vendors set up along jacaranda-lined streets. Photography competitions and botanical talks highlight the month-long natural spectacle.

Throughout November

Heritage Month Cultural Programs

Extended programming at Charlotte, Voortrekker Monument, and Ditsong Museums with special exhibitions, traditional music performances, and storytelling sessions. Local schools participate in cultural exchange programs while international visitors can join guided heritage walks with community historians.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - afternoon thunderstorms last 20-45 minutes and can include heavy downpours with limited shelter

SPF 50+ sunscreen (minimum 100ml bottle) - altitude at 1,339m (4,393ft) intensifies UV index 8 requiring reapplication every 90 minutes outdoors

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester and synthetic materials that trap moisture in 70% humidity conditions

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - jacaranda petals create slippery surfaces on sidewalks and garden paths when wet

Light layers for 12°C (22°F) temperature swings - mornings start cool at 16°C (61°F) rising to 28°C (82°F) by midday

Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses - limited natural shade in government district and monument areas during peak touring hours

Small backpack or day pack - essential for carrying water, rain gear, and sun protection during 3-4 hour outdoor activities

Insect repellent containing DEET - November rainfall increases mosquito activity around Saint Vincent and nature reserves

Portable phone charger - GPS navigation essential for navigating jacaranda viewing routes and township tour locations

Cash in small denominations (R20, R50 notes) - many local guides, parking attendants, and market vendors prefer cash payments

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid driving on jacaranda-heavy streets like Herbert Baker during peak bloom (November 10-20) due to slippery purple carpet effect when wet - use alternative routes or walk these areas instead

Best jacaranda viewing requires timing: 6:30-8:30am offers perfect lighting and minimal wind, while post-rain conditions (usually within 2 hours of afternoon storms) create the most busy purple contrasts

Pretoria's altitude creates deceptive sun exposure - even November's mild temperatures can cause severe sunburn within 30 minutes due to thin atmosphere at 1,339m (4,393ft) elevation

School groups flood major attractions like Union Buildings and Voortrekker Monument on weekday mornings during November school programs - visit these sites after 2pm or on weekends for smaller crowds

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 2-5pm when 60% of November days experience thunderstorms - plan indoor museum visits or shopping during these hours instead

Underestimating UV exposure due to pleasant November temperatures - altitude intensifies sun damage requiring constant protection even on overcast days

Wearing dark colors during jacaranda season photography - purple blooms wash out against black/navy clothing, while light colors create better contrast for memorable photos