Things to Do in Montevideo in November

November Weather in Montevideo

23°C (74°F) High Temp

14°C (58°F) Low Temp

97 mm (3.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Spring bloom season - jacaranda trees line Avenida 18 de Julio in purple splendor, creating Instagram-worthy backdrops that locals call 'our Parisian moment'
Perfect temperature range 14-23°C (58-74°F) for walking the 2.5 km (1.6 mile) Ciudad Vieja circuit without overheating
Beach season begins - Pocitos and Ramírez beaches come alive with volleyball courts set up and beachfront cafés reopening extended hours
Cultural calendar peaks with Noche de los Museos (Museum Night) typically occurring mid-November, when 40+ venues stay open until 3am for free

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall - those 97mm (3.8 inches) can dump in sudden 45-minute storms that flood Montevideo's old drainage system, particularly around Mercado del Puerto
Tourism prices spike 30-40% as summer season approaches - accommodation rates jump from winter lows as Argentines start booking December trips
Strong winds off Río de la Plata reach 40+ km/h (25+ mph) making ferry trips to Buenos Aires uncomfortable and sometimes cancelled

Best Activities in November

Ciudad Vieja Historical Walking Tours

November's mild temperatures make the cobblestone streets of the Old City comfortable for 3-4 hour explorations. The spring light creates perfect photography conditions for the colonial architecture, and afternoon rains rarely last more than 30 minutes. Local guides share stories about the Portuguese fortifications while you're not sweating through your shirt.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed cultural guides (look for official city tourism badges). Tours typically cost $25-40 USD per person. Many include mate tea tastings. Check current options in the booking section below.

Pocitos Beach and Rambla Cycling

The 22 km (13.7 mile) Rambla waterfront promenade is perfect in November's spring weather. Beach season is just starting, so you'll cycle past locals playing beach volleyball and setting up summer routines. The jacaranda blooms create natural shade, and the 70% humidity feels refreshing with the river breeze.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes for $15-25 USD per day from shops near Pocitos. Electric bikes cost $30-40 USD daily. Start early morning (8-10am) to avoid afternoon rain. See current rental options in booking section below.

Mercado del Puerto Culinary Experiences

November marks the return of outdoor asado (barbecue) culture. The market's parrillas fire up earlier in the day due to comfortable temperatures, and you can sample Uruguay's famous beef without sweltering heat. Spring vegetables appear in the chivito preparation, and local wines pair perfectly with the mild weather.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $45-70 USD per person including tastings. Book 3-5 days ahead as November weekends fill up with locals celebrating spring. Look for tours that include traditional mate ceremony. Check current culinary tours in booking section below.

Montevideo Bay Sunset Cruises

November sunsets over Río de la Plata occur around 7:30pm with spectacular spring light. However, be prepared for choppy waters - November winds can make 2-hour cruises rough for those prone to seasickness. The reward is seeing Montevideo's skyline during the 'golden hour' with perfect temperatures on deck.

Booking Tip: Evening cruises cost $35-55 USD per person. Book at least one week ahead and check weather conditions. Afternoon departures (4-6pm) typically have calmer waters. See current sunset cruise options in booking section below.

Colonia del Sacramento Day Trips

The 1-hour ferry ride across Río de la Plata to this UNESCO World Heritage site is ideal in November's mild weather. You can walk the Portuguese colonial streets comfortably, and spring blooms frame the historic lighthouse. Return ferries often face afternoon winds, so morning departures (9-10am) work best.

Booking Tip: Full day trips cost $80-120 USD including ferry and guided tour. Book 10-14 days ahead as this is peak booking season before summer. Choose morning departures for calmer waters. See current day trip options in booking section below.

Montevideo Wine Region Tours

November is harvest season (vendimia) in Uruguay's wine regions, 45 minutes from the city. Tannat grapes are being harvested, and many bodegas offer picking experiences. Spring temperatures make vineyard walking tours pleasant, though afternoon rains can interrupt outdoor tastings.

Booking Tip: Wine tours cost $60-90 USD per person with transportation and 4-5 tastings. Book 7-10 days ahead during harvest season. Indoor tasting rooms provide rain backup. Check current wine tour options in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Noche de los Museos (Museum Night)

Over 40 cultural venues across Montevideo open their doors for free from sunset to 3am. Special exhibitions, live performances, and guided tours happen simultaneously. Locals treat this as the cultural event of the year, with food trucks lining major avenues.

Early to Mid November

Jacaranda Bloom Season

While not an organized event, November marks peak jacaranda blooming throughout the city. Avenida 18 de Julio and Parque Rodó become purple canopies that locals celebrate with picnics and photography sessions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket (not umbrella) - Montevideo's river winds make umbrellas useless during the 10 rainy days, and storms are brief but intense

Layered clothing for 9°C (16°F) temperature swings - mornings start cool at 14°C (58°F), afternoons hit 23°C (74°F)

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - Ciudad Vieja's colonial cobblestones become slippery when wet

SPF 50+ sunscreen - November's UV index of 8 combined with river reflection creates unexpected burns

Light scarf for evening river breezes - Rambla walks after 7pm drop temperature significantly

Quick-dry pants or jeans - 70% humidity means cotton takes hours to dry after rain

Portable phone charger - November's variable weather means using GPS and translation apps more frequently

Cash in small bills - Many traditional markets and taxis don't accept cards, especially during tourist season price increases

Lightweight daypack - Perfect for carrying layers as weather changes throughout the day

Closed-toe shoes for evening - Montevideo's spring nights can be surprisingly cool for sandals

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by mid-October - November starts the 'pre-summer' price surge as Argentines book holidays, and quality places in Pocitos fill up fast

Avoid lunch between 12-2pm on weekdays - Montevideanos have long lunch breaks, and restaurants get packed with office workers rather than tourists

Carry a 'paraguas pequeño' (small umbrella) despite the wind advice - locals always have one, and it helps during the brief but frequent drizzles

Learn basic Spanish phrases beyond 'gracias' - Montevideo locals appreciate effort more than Buenos Aires porteños, and November's friendly spring mood encourages conversation

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking Buenos Aires day trips on windy days - ferries cancel frequently in November, leaving tourists stranded at the port with non-refundable tickets

Wearing white or light colors near Mercado del Puerto - asado smoke and November's humidity create stains that hotel laundry struggles with

Planning beach days like summer destinations - November beaches are for walking and sports, not swimming - water temperature is still cold at 16°C (61°F)