Nauru in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Nauru

30°C (86°F) High Temp

26°C (79°F) Low Temp

65mm (2.6 inches) Rainfall

78% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season begins - rainfall drops to just 65mm (2.6 inches) making it ideal for phosphate mining heritage tours and coastal walks around the entire 19km (12 mile) perimeter
Noddy bird nesting season reaches peak activity - witness thousands of birds at Topside's limestone pinnacles during optimal 6-7am viewing windows
Lowest accommodation rates of the year - Menen Hotel rooms drop 40% from December peak pricing as business travel slows before year-end
Perfect conditions for fishing - wahoo and yellowfin tuna runs coincide with calmer seas and 25km+ (15+ mile) visibility for boat trips to offshore seamounts

Considerations

Limited flight frequency - Nauru Airlines operates just 2-3 weekly Brisbane-Nauru services in November, requiring advance booking and flexible dates
Extreme UV exposure with index reaching 11 - even 15-minute walks between Aiwo and Buada require SPF 50+ reapplication due to lack of natural shade
Most cultural events occur December-February - November offers fewer traditional celebrations and community gatherings for cultural immersion

Best Activities in November

Phosphate Mining Heritage Tours

November's dry conditions make the rugged Topside terrain accessible for exploring Nauru's mining legacy. Temperatures stay below 30°C (86°F) in early morning, perfect for 2-3 hour guided walks through the limestone pinnacles and abandoned mining equipment. The reduced humidity compared to wet season makes the physically demanding terrain manageable.

Booking Tip: Arrange through your hotel concierge 2-3 days ahead. Tours cost AUD 80-120 per person and require sturdy walking shoes. Best conducted 6-8am before UV index peaks. Include in booking widget search below.

Coastal Perimeter Island Cycling

The entire 19km (12 mile) coastal road becomes highly cycleable in November with minimal rainfall and consistent trade winds. Morning temperatures of 26°C (79°F) allow complete island circumnavigation in 2-3 hours, passing all 14 districts and key sites like Command Ridge and Anibare Bay without weather interruptions.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals available through accommodation properties for AUD 25-35 per day. No advance booking needed but request early morning start (6am) to avoid midday UV exposure. Self-guided with route maps provided.

Deep Sea Fishing Expeditions

November marks prime fishing season with wahoo, yellowfin tuna, and mahi-mahi in abundance around offshore seamounts 20-40km (12-25 miles) out. Calm seas and excellent visibility make full-day trips comfortable, while early dry season timing offers consistent weather windows for 8-10 hour excursions.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators. Full-day trips AUD 400-600 per person including equipment and lunch. Half-day options AUD 250-350. Weather cancellation policies essential given island's exposure.

Buada Lagoon Wildlife Observation

The island's only freshwater body becomes a wildlife hotspot in November as migratory species arrive for nesting season. Early morning visits (5:30-7am) offer optimal bird watching conditions with cooler temperatures and active wildlife before daily heat sets in. The surrounding coconut grove provides rare shade.

Booking Tip: Self-guided activity requiring no booking. Bring binoculars and water. Access via Buada village with informal AUD 10-15 guide fees. Best combined with sunrise timing to maximize wildlife activity and comfort.

WWII Historical Site Exploration

November's clear conditions provide excellent access to Japanese WWII bunkers, gun emplacements at Command Ridge, and the crashed B-24 Liberator site. Low rainfall means coastal defense positions remain accessible, while reduced humidity makes underground bunker exploration more comfortable for extended periods.

Booking Tip: Combine with phosphate tours for AUD 100-150 complete historical packages. Independent exploration possible but guided tours provide essential historical context. Strong flashlight required for bunker interiors.

Traditional Fishing with Locals

Join Nauruan fishermen for traditional net fishing in Anibare Bay's calm November waters. This cultural exchange offers insight into sustainable fishing practices while participating in daily community life. Early morning and late afternoon sessions avoid peak heat while maximizing catch potential.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local contacts or accommodation staff. Informal AUD 50-80 per person including basic equipment. No formal operators exist - relies on community connections. Timing depends on tides and local availability.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Noddy Bird Nesting Peak Season

Thousands of brown and black noddy birds reach peak nesting activity throughout November at Topside's limestone pinnacles. While not a formal festival, this natural phenomenon draws the few visitors to witness one of the Pacific's significant seabird colonies. Local guides share traditional knowledge about seasonal bird behavior.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen with zinc oxide - UV index reaches 11 and requires reapplication every 90 minutes due to equatorial intensity and minimal shade across the island

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - constant 15-25 km/h (9-16 mph) trade winds make loose hats impractical during outdoor activities

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in light colors - better UV protection than tank tops while remaining cool in 78% humidity conditions

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support - phosphate mining terrain includes sharp limestone pinnacles and unstable surfaces up to 65m (213 ft) elevation

Quick-dry shorts and pants - November's 8 rainy days bring sudden brief showers that soak cotton clothing for hours in humid conditions

Insect repellent with 30% DEET - coconut crabs and various insects are active during November's warm evenings, particularly around Buada Lagoon

Waterproof phone case - essential for coastal activities and sudden rain squalls that can damage electronics within minutes

High-quality binoculars - bird watching opportunities and distant views across the 19km (12 mile) island require 8x42 minimum magnification

Reef-safe snorkel gear - Anibare Bay's coral requires personal equipment as rental options are extremely limited and water entry is daily temperature 28°C (82°F)

Extra batteries and portable charger - limited electricity infrastructure means backup power essential for cameras during full-day outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Book return flights immediately upon arrival - Nauru Airlines frequently adjusts November schedules with 48-72 hour notice, and being stranded an extra week costs AUD 2,000+ in accommodation and meals

Stock up on snacks and beverages at Capelle's Store upon arrival - the island's main grocery has irregular shipping deliveries in November, and hotel minibar prices run 300% above normal retail

Arrange fishing trips for Tuesday-Thursday - weekend bookings compete with locals' traditional family fishing time, while Monday boats often undergo maintenance after weekend use

Learn basic Nauruan greetings like 'Yakwe' (hello) - the 10,000 population appreciates visitors who make cultural effort, leading to invitations to family meals and local events not advertised to tourists

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming Australian dollars are widely accepted - while official currency, many small vendors and services prefer cash negotiations in advance, and ATM availability is limited to two machines island-wide

Planning only 2-3 days thinking it's enough - November's ideal conditions make 5-7 days optimal for experiencing both natural phenomena and cultural connections without rushing between activities

Expecting typical Pacific island resort amenities - Nauru is a working phosphate mining nation with basic tourist infrastructure, requiring adjusted expectations for accommodation and dining variety