Things to Do in Uruguay in November

November Weather in Uruguay

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Late spring weather perfect for outdoor activities - warm 25°C (77°F) days but cool 20°C (68°F) evenings ideal for walking Montevideo's Old City
Tourist season hasn't peaked yet - beaches like Punta del Este are uncrowded but beach clubs and restaurants are fully operational
Jacaranda trees bloom throughout Montevideo creating purple canopies along Rambla waterfront - peak blooming occurs mid-November
Wine harvest celebrations wind down but bodegas still offer special tastings - Tannat grape harvest festivals continue through early November in Canelones region

Considerations

Weather can be unpredictable - spring storms bring sudden temperature drops of 8-10°C (14-18°F) and strong winds off the Rio de la Plata
Beach season hasn't fully started - water temperature around 18°C (64°F) makes swimming uncomfortable for most visitors
Some coastal restaurants and beach services operate limited hours until December high season begins

Best Activities in November

Montevideo Historic Walking Tours

Perfect November weather for exploring Ciudad Vieja and Barrio Sur on foot. Morning temperatures around 22°C (72°F) are ideal for 3-4 hour walking tours. Jacaranda blooms create stunning backdrops for photography. Avoid afternoon tours when UV index peaks at 8.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through certified guides. Tours typically cost $25-40 USD per person. Look for guides registered with Ministry of Tourism. Morning tours (9am start) offer best weather and lighting for photos.

Colonia del Sacramento Day Trips

November's mild weather and longer daylight hours make this UNESCO World Heritage site perfect for day trips. Cobblestone streets are manageable in 25°C (77°F) temperatures. Ferry crossing on Rio de la Plata is smoother in spring conditions than winter months.

Booking Tip: Combined ferry and walking tour packages range $60-90 USD. Book ferry tickets 3-5 days ahead, especially weekends. Morning departures (8am) allow full day exploration before return evening ferries.

Punta del Este Coastal Excursions

Shoulder season means uncrowded beaches and open restaurants without summer's intense heat. Perfect for exploring Casapueblo, La Mano sculpture, and seaside drives. Sea breeze keeps temperatures comfortable for outdoor activities.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Montevideo typically cost $80-120 USD including transport and guide. Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend trips. Private car hire with driver runs $150-200 USD for full day.

Wine Country Tours in Canelones

Post-harvest season offers special barrel tastings and cellar tours. Temperatures perfect for vineyard walks without summer's oppressive heat. Many bodegas offer harvest celebration meals through early November featuring new wine releases.

Booking Tip: Full day wine tours range $70-110 USD including transportation, tastings, and lunch. Book 10-14 days ahead as harvest season tours are popular. Look for tours including 3-4 boutique wineries focusing on Tannat varietals.

Thermal Springs at Termas del Daymán

November's variable weather makes thermal springs particularly appealing. Cool evenings (20°C/68°F) create perfect contrast with 38-40°C (100-104°F) thermal pools. Less crowded than summer months but facilities fully operational.

Booking Tip: Day passes cost $15-25 USD. Overnight spa packages range $120-180 USD. Book accommodations 2 weeks ahead for weekends. Rent car for flexibility - 4 hour drive from Montevideo through scenic countryside.

Gaucho Estancia Experiences

Spring weather ideal for horseback riding and outdoor asados. Cattle roundups and sheep shearing often occur in November. Comfortable temperatures for learning traditional gaucho skills without summer's heat exhaustion risk.

Booking Tip: Full day estancia visits cost $90-140 USD including meals, activities, and transport. Multi-day stays range $200-300 USD per night. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for authentic working estancias rather than tourist-focused ranches.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Primavera de los Museos

Spring museum festival with special exhibitions and free entry days at major Montevideo museums. Features night tours, cultural performances, and extended hours at Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales and others.

Late November

Festival de la Cerveza Artesanal

Craft beer festival in various locations featuring local microbreweries. Perfect timing with warming weather for outdoor beer gardens and food trucks. Features live music and beer-making demonstrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light merino wool layers - morning/evening temps drop to 20°C (68°F) but midday reaches 25°C (77°F)

Waterproof jacket not umbrella - sudden spring storms bring strong Rio de la Plata winds that destroy umbrellas

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestones in Colonia and Montevideo's Ciudad Vieja become slippery when wet

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off Rio de la Plata intensifies exposure

Light scarf for evening strolls along Rambla - cool river breezes after sunset

Casual dress clothes - many restaurants require long pants and closed shoes even in spring

Power bank - November's longer days mean more photo opportunities draining phone batteries

Insect repellent - spring warming increases mosquito activity near water bodies

Light cotton shirts - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during midday

Compact camera - jacaranda blooms and spring light create exceptional photography opportunities

Insider Knowledge

Locals start beach season in December - November beach visits focus on walks and seafood restaurants rather than swimming or sunbathing

Spring vegetable markets peak in November - visit Mercado del Puerto on Saturdays for seasonal asparagus, artichokes, and fresh herbs at lowest prices

Book accommodations along Rambla for jacaranda views - trees bloom city-wide but waterfront locations offer best combination with river scenery

Evening asado culture shifts outdoors in November - many restaurants move grilling to terraces and patios, creating better atmosphere than indoor winter dining

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - November evenings require layers as temperatures drop 5°C (9°F) after sunset

Planning beach days like summer vacation - water temperature 18°C (64°F) makes swimming uncomfortable, focus on coastal walks and seafood instead

Underestimating spring storm intensity - sudden weather changes can drop temperatures 10°C (18°F) in 30 minutes with strong winds