Things to Do in Uruguay in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Uruguay
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring weather means comfortable temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F) without the January tourist crush - beaches and coastal towns are genuinely quiet, and you'll actually get restaurant tables in Punta del Este without booking weeks ahead
- Jacaranda trees bloom throughout Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento in November, turning entire neighborhoods purple. The timing is perfect for photography, and locals are out enjoying the parks before summer heat arrives
- Wine country around Carmelo and the Canelones region is in full spring mode - vineyards are lush green, temperatures are ideal for cycling between bodegas, and you'll pay 20-30% less than December-February peak season rates
- Beach towns like Punta del Diablo and La Paloma are open but not crowded yet - you get full services (restaurants, shops, tour operators) without the shoulder-to-shoulder summer madness that arrives mid-December
Considerations
- November weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get three gorgeous days followed by a cold front that drops temperatures to 15°C (59°F) with wind and rain. Pack layers because you'll use them all in the same week
- The Atlantic Ocean is still quite cold, around 16-18°C (61-64°F), which makes swimming uncomfortable for most people. Locals don't really swim until late December, so if beach swimming is your main goal, November is honestly too early
- Some beach infrastructure isn't fully operational yet - certain beach clubs, seasonal restaurants, and water sports operators don't open until mid-December, particularly in smaller coastal towns
Best Activities in November
Colonia del Sacramento Historic Quarter Walking Tours
November is actually perfect for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage town - temperatures sit in that sweet spot of 20-23°C (68-73°F) where you can walk cobblestone streets for hours without overheating. The jacaranda blooms add purple canopies over colonial streets, and you'll avoid the January crowds when every porteño from Buenos Aires descends for summer holidays. The light in spring is exceptional for photography, particularly in late afternoon around 5-6pm when the sun hits the old lighthouse and Portuguese architecture.
Carmelo Wine Region Cycling and Tasting Routes
Spring transforms Uruguay's wine country - vineyards are bright green, temperatures are ideal for cycling (not the 30°C-plus of January), and bodegas are less crowded. The Carmelo region, about 3 hours from Montevideo, specializes in Tannat and is particularly beautiful in November. You can comfortably cycle 15-20 km (9-12 miles) between wineries without the summer heat making it miserable. Most bodegas offer tastings for 400-800 UYU, and the smaller family operations are more likely to have time for you in November than during peak season.
Cabo Polonio Wilderness Hiking and Wildlife Watching
This off-grid coastal village is magical in November - sea lion colonies are active, southern right whales are sometimes spotted offshore during their migration, and you'll have the dunes and beaches largely to yourself. The lack of electricity and roads means you arrive by 4WD truck through sand dunes, which is an experience itself. November weather can be moody - bring windproof layers - but that's part of the appeal. The village has maybe 100 permanent residents and gets genuinely crowded only in January-February.
Montevideo Market and Street Food Tours
November brings spring produce to Montevideo's markets - particularly Mercado del Puerto and Mercado Agrícola de Montevideo. The weather is perfect for walking between neighborhoods without the summer humidity that makes city exploration exhausting. This is peak season for local strawberries, cherries, and early stone fruits. The asado culture is year-round, but November means you can enjoy grilled meats at the market parrillas without the intense heat. Street food tours typically cover 5-7 stops over 3-4 hours, including the Ciudad Vieja neighborhood.
Punta del Este Coastal Cycling Routes
Before the summer crowds arrive, Punta del Este is actually rideable - the Rambla coastal path stretches about 25 km (15.5 miles) from the port to La Barra, passing beaches, the famous hand sculpture, and seaside neighborhoods. November temperatures make this comfortable where January heat would be punishing. You'll see locals out running and cycling, which is a better vibe than the tourist circus of peak season. The Atlantic side has bigger waves and wind, while the Rio de la Plata side is calmer - worth noting for route planning.
Rocha Department Lagoon Birdwatching and Kayaking
The coastal lagoons of Rocha - particularly Laguna de Rocha and Laguna Garzón - are exceptional in November for migratory birds. Spring migration brings species you won't see other times of year, and the weather is stable enough for kayaking without summer's intense sun or winter's cold winds. The lagoons are brackish ecosystems where ocean meets freshwater, creating unique habitats. Kayaking tours typically cover 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) over 3-4 hours, with stops for birdwatching. The famous circular Garzón bridge is nearby and worth seeing.
November Events & Festivals
Montevideo Spring Festival (Primavera en la Ciudad)
Throughout November, Montevideo runs free outdoor concerts, art installations, and cultural events across parks and plazas to celebrate spring. It's not a single-day event but rather a month-long series. You'll find live music in Parque Rodó on weekends, street fairs in Ciudad Vieja, and theater performances in public spaces. Check the city's cultural agenda when you arrive - events are genuinely free and attended mostly by locals, giving you a real sense of Montevideo's cultural life.
Día de la Tradición Gaucha Events
Late November sees gaucho tradition celebrations across rural Uruguay, particularly in Tacuarembó and the interior departments. These include horseback riding demonstrations, traditional music, asado competitions, and displays of gaucho skills. It's not a tourist event - it's genuinely for locals celebrating rural heritage - which makes it more authentic if you can get to the countryside. Tacuarembó, about 400 km (250 miles) north of Montevideo, has the largest celebrations.