Vietnam in November is considered a perfect seasonal shift, bringing mild, dry days that are great for travel. The article below provides information about regional climates, must-visit places, and how to make the most of your November getaway.
Is November A Good Time To Visit Vietnam?
Yes, November is considered one of the best months. Vietnam climate in November is fairer and better compared to the rainy months of the year. It’s a transitional period that signals the end of the monsoon season in the south and cooler, dry days in the north, making for pleasant travel conditions in the country overall.
The Vietnam weather in November is temperate, one of the greatest benefits. The northern regions, such as Hanoi and Sapa, have refreshing air with lower humidity, and are ideal for outdoor activities and trekking. Up south, both Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc are heading into the start of the dry season with long sunny days perfect for lazing on the beach and exploring.
Yet, regarding disadvantages, Central Vietnam can sometimes be subject to lingering rains, and even get flooded. Some cities, including Hue and Da Nang, will be wet, and tourists going there should keep an eye on the weather and bring along an umbrella.
What’s The Weather Like In Vietnam In November?
November weather in Vietnam is very different between the north, center, and south of the country, and will have something appealing for every kind of traveler.
North Vietnam In November
The northern areas are cool and dry in November. The average temperature is between 19°C and 26°C (66°F to 78°F). It’s the perfect time for trekking, sightseeing, and hot air ballooning. The refreshing atmosphere and unspoilt sky, together with picturesque mountainous terrains such as those in Sapa and Ha Giang, all make them more stunning.
Central Vietnam In November
November can bring heavy rain and sometimes flooding to the Central regions. Hoi An and Hue can see a fair amount of rain, so it is worth checking the forecasts and being ready for showers as well. But the temperatures are comfortable, between 22°C – 27°C (71°F – 81°F) degrees Fahrenheit, so you can enjoy some exploring between the showers.
South Vietnam In November
The south is sunny and dry by November, bringing the dry season. Average temperatures hover between 24°C and 30°C (75°F and 86°F). It’s time to enjoy the beach or explore the city. Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc are especially appealing now.
10 Best Places To Visit In Vietnam In November
With such a varied climate and geography, Vietnam has something for everyone in November, from temperate mountains in the north to sun-soaked beaches in the south, and from lively urban environments to natural landscapes. Here are the top attractions you should visit in November.
Sapa
While the renowned rice paddies have passed their best, it is still a gorgeous sight, particularly if early winter mist is still hanging on the valley floors. Trekking trails through villages such as Cat Cat, Lao Chai, and Ta Van are less crowded and lead to more personal cultural experiences with H’mong, Dao, and Tay people in the area.
Ha Giang
If you are a true lover of nature and photography, Ha Giang in November should be up your alley. This province, furthest to the north, erupts with color in large fields of blooming buckwheat flowers. The fragile pink and purple blooms that snake up and down the steep limestone mountainsides.
Cool, lovely weather makes it perfect for motorbike rides on the famous Ha Giang Loop, where you can hit Ma Pi Leng Pass, the Đong Van Karst Plateau, and Meo Vac. This area also has ethnic minority markets, where tourists can enjoy the real northern life of Tay, Hmong, and Nung.
Hanoi
November is said to be the most romantic season in Hanoi. The city is swathed in fall light; gold leaves drift down tree-lined boulevards. The air quality is cool and dry, ideal for strolling outdoors around Hoan Kiem Lake or sipping hot egg coffee in a French colonial coffeehouse in the Old Quarter.
Cultural destinations like the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, and Hoa Lo Prison can be more enjoyable to explore without the oppressive summer heat. November also sees local flower vendors beginning to sell seasonal blooms such as daisies and chrysanthemums, further adding to the city’s nostalgic appeal.
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh features the same dramatic karst landscape that characterizes Halong Bay, but on land. In November, the region is quiet and cool, ideal weather for a boat ride through the Trang An or Tam Coc’s rambling valleys.
The rainy season is over, so you can enjoy the weather riding bicycles near rice paddies and limestone cliffs or climbing to the mountaintop Mua Cave viewpoint. Don’t skip a visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda, Southeast Asia’s biggest complex of Buddhist temples.
Hoi An
Hoi An shifts into drier season mode in mid- to late November, which enables visitors to explore its World Heritage ancient town in more comfort. You can enjoy its lantern-lit streets, preserved architecture, and join cooking classes. Do plan your visit to coincide with the monthly Lantern Festival, when the streets glow by candlelight and floating lanterns cover the Thu Bon River.
Da Lat
Situated in the Central Highlands, Da Lat enjoys cool, dry weather in November. Its French colonial villas, pine forests, and flower gardens give the city a distinctly European feel, setting it apart from other destinations in Vietnam. The air is fresh, and with temperatures ranging from 15 to 23 degrees, it’s a perfect time to visit Truc Lam Zen Monastery, stroll by Xuan Huong Lake, or check out the nearby strawberry fields, hydrangea farms. November is a great month to try some seasonal produce and new florals.
Ho Chi Minh City
November is the start of the dry season in southern Vietnam, which is just perfect for exploring Ho Chi Minh City. It’s not scorchingly hot, it rarely rains, and you can spend long days sightseeing. The activities suggested are to explore French colonial-period buildings such as Saigon Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral, see history-packed museums, and peruse Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs.
Mekong Delta
November is an excellent month to visit the Mekong Delta. The rivers are full and the weather is dry. It’s fruit harvest time, and the floating markets, like Cai Rang and Phong Dien, teem with life when dawn’s early light fills boats piled high with tropical produce. Cruising the narrow canals, visiting local workshops, and staying in the homes of families along the river will give you a good cultural experience.
Buon Ma Thuot
It would be imperfect without Buon Ma Thuot when mentioning places to visit in Vietnam in November. As the city of coffee in Vietnam, Buon Ma Thuot is an ideal destination for those wanting to discover ethnic culture in the Central Highlands in November. It’s the time for the coffee harvest, so you can take coffee garden tours, try locally roasted coffee, and visit the architecturally eye-catching World Coffee Museum. Besides, the cool, dry weather is perfect for hiking around signature waterfalls such as Dray Nur and Dray Sap, or visiting Ede and M’nong villages, where you learn about indigenous culture and listen to gong music.
Moc Chau
In November, Moc Chau wears a thick white coat of wild mustard flowers spread over both the valleys and hillsides. The cold and refreshing atmosphere of the plateau, coupled with the unsoiled flowers and setting, paints an idyllic vista. Other than that, you can visit ethnic villages, the heart-shaped tea hills, Dai Yem waterfall, or Bat cave in a quiet atmosphere with fewer travelers compared to the high season.
What To Pack For Vietnam In November
Packing for travel to Vietnam in November involves striking a balance among regional climates and diverse activities. As covering 1,600 kilometers from north to south, Vietnam temperature in November varies drastically by region. Therefore, what to wear in Vietnam in November depends on where you are going.
In North Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang), it can get as low as 15°C (59°F), especially in the mountains. Be sure to pack a warm jacket, long-sleeve shirts, thermal layers, and comfortable walking shoes for cooler nights and any hikes you may take. In addition, a light scarf and hat will be useful should there be wind or mist.
In Central and Southern Vietnam, it’s still warm and tropical, with November being one of the wettest months for the region. For these areas, light clothing, T-shirts, shorts, dresses, as well as comfortable sandals or sneakers, will be your staples. A small rain jacket or umbrella is helpful, as if you are visiting central destinations such as Hue or Hoi An, there can still be showers.
Don’t leave home without sunscreen, bug spray (especially if you’re visiting the Mekong), a hat, and reusable water bottles for side trips. If you visit religious or cultural sites, you may want to bring at least one modest outfit (shoulders and knees covered) to abide by local customs.
Travel Tips For Visiting Vietnam In November
Before heading to Vietnam to enjoy cooler weather in the north, drier weather in the south, and brimming with vitality and culture, here are some important travel tips to make your trip smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
- Plan according to the region: With the change from north to south in climate, it is good to avoid taking in too much at once. If you want cool, misty weather and fall foliage, head to the northern highlands in early November. For those on the trail of warmth and sunshine, southern destinations like Phu Quoc or the Mekong Delta bring drier weather and colorful cultural experiences.
- Book the popular spots in advance: Despite not being as busy as in December or January, November is the start of the high season, with especially popular destinations like Sapa, Hoi An, or Phu Quoc starting to fill up. Renting a car, booking hotels, and purchasing domestic flights well in advance is recommended.
- Embrace cultural events: It is also a culturally packed season to go in November. You may run into traditional festivals in the northern villages, flower seasons like buckwheat in Ha Giang, or the Da Quy (wild sunflower) season in Da Lat. Consult local listings to make your visit coincide with these special local traditions.
- Prepare for local transport and road trips: The sky is clear in November, making it a lovely time to go on scenic motorbike rides, such as in Ha Giang, Ninh Binh, or Da Lat. Be sure to pack appropriate riding gear, maps or navigation apps, and have a basic knowledge of local traffic laws. If you’re not comfortable on two wheels, you can always hire a driver or join a guided motorbike tour instead.
- Health and safety: Protect yourself with repellents, wear thin long sleeves in the evening, and sleep under mosquito nets where necessary. Also, bring basic medicines and make sure your travel insurance covers motorcycle-related accidents, which are not uncommon.
Final Thoughts: Why November Is A Great Month To Explore Vietnam
Vietnam in November is impressive with lovely weather and varied scenery. Hiking in the north, visiting ancient temples in the center, or visiting the southern beaches, November offers the perfect setting for a memorable adventure. Ready to begin your trip to Vietnam? Let SeniWorld support you, create the ideal itinerary, and help you feel the beauty of Vietnam.
