Hcmc in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Hcmc

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

56mm (2.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 56mm (2.2 inches) compared to 300mm+ (12+ inches) in rainy months, making it ideal for outdoor exploration and motorbike tours
Comfortable evening temperatures around 24-26°C (75-79°F) perfect for night markets, rooftop bars, and street food adventures from 6pm onwards
Crystal clear skies and excellent visibility for the city day trips and the city boat tours - no weather cancellations typical of other months
Tourist shoulder season means 30-40% lower accommodation prices compared to December-February peak, with better availability at premium hotels in the city

Considerations

Intense midday heat reaching 32°C (90°F) with feels-like temperatures of 38°C (100°F) - outdoor sightseeing between 11am-3pm becomes exhausting
Air quality deteriorates in November due to reduced rainfall washing away pollution, with AQI often reaching 150+ (unhealthy for sensitive groups)
Tet holiday preparation period begins, causing some family-run restaurants and shops to have irregular hours or close unexpectedly

Best Activities in November

Mekong Delta Floating Markets and Boat Tours

November's dry conditions ensure consistent water levels and calm rivers perfect for navigating narrow canals. Morning departures at 6am avoid the heat while experiencing peak market activity. The lack of heavy rains means reliable schedules and crystal-clear photo opportunities of traditional stilted houses and fruit orchards.

Booking Tip: Book full-day tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators for ฿1,200-1,800 per person. Look for small group tours (maximum 12 people) that include Can Tho floating market and traditional lunch. Early morning departures essential to avoid afternoon heat.

Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Tours

The dry season makes underground tunnel exploration comfortable without mud or flooding concerns. November's lower humidity reduces the claustrophobic feeling in narrow passages. Morning tours starting at 7am return by 1pm, avoiding the intense afternoon heat while allowing full exploration of the extensive tunnel system.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost ฿800-1,200 including transport from the city. Book with operators providing small group experiences and knowledgeable English-speaking guides. Avoid weekend tours due to Vietnamese domestic tourism crowds.

District 1 Evening Street Food Tours

November evenings provide perfect weather for 3-4 hour walking food tours starting at 6pm when temperatures drop to comfortable 26°C (79°F). Dry conditions mean all street stalls operate normally, and pleasant weather encourages longer stops at each location to fully experience local specialties like banh mi, pho, and fresh spring rolls.

Booking Tip: Food tours range ฿600-1,000 per person for 6-8 stops including drinks. Book tours that start after 6pm and cover Districts 1, 3, and 4. Look for maximum group sizes of 8-10 people for authentic experiences at smaller stalls.

Saigon Skydeck and Rooftop Bar Experiences

November's clear skies and minimal haze provide exceptional city views from Bitexco Tower and other high-rise venues. The comfortable evening temperatures make rooftop the city hopping ideal from 5pm sunset onwards. Dry weather ensures consistent operating hours for all observation decks without weather-related closures.

Booking Tip: Skydeck tickets cost ฿400-600, best purchased online to skip lines. Sunset timing around 5:45pm makes 5pm entry ideal. Combine with rooftop the city crawls covering Districts 1 and 3 for ฿1,500-2,200 including drinks and transport.

Motorbike Food and Culture Tours

Perfect riding conditions with minimal rain risk and comfortable evening temperatures. November's dry roads provide safer conditions for pillion passengers exploring local neighborhoods, wet markets, and family-run eateries. Tours typically run 4-5 hours covering 20-25km (12-16 miles) through Districts 4, 7, and Binh Thanh.

Booking Tip: Evening motorbike tours cost ฿1,000-1,500 including food stops and safety equipment. Book with operators providing helmets, insurance, and experienced drivers. Tours starting at 4pm finish by 9pm, avoiding both midday heat and late-night traffic.

War Remnants Museum and Historical Walking Tours

November's cooler mornings make extensive walking between historical sites comfortable. The dry season ensures all outdoor exhibits and displays are accessible. Indoor air conditioning provides relief during the hottest part of the day, making this ideal timing for in-depth historical exploration without weather interruptions.

Booking Tip: Combine museum entry (฿40,000 VND) with guided historical walking tours of Districts 1 and 3 for ฿800-1,200 total. Morning tours 8am-12pm avoid afternoon heat. Book guides through established operators with historical expertise and good English skills.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Vietnam International Film Festival

Annual showcase of Vietnamese and international cinema held at various venues across HCMC including Galaxy Cinema and cultural centers. Features outdoor screenings in parks during November's pleasant evening weather, plus industry networking events and workshops.

Late November

Tet Holiday Preparation Markets

Traditional flower markets and Tet preparation activities begin intensifying in November, particularly at Quach Thi Trang Park and Ho Thi Ky flower market. Local families start purchasing decorations, traditional foods, and gifts, creating vibrant market atmospheres perfect for cultural immersion.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight, breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which traps sweat in 70% humidity conditions

SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours - UV index reaches 8 with intense reflection off concrete surfaces

Compact umbrella for brief afternoon showers that occur on 10 days throughout the month, typically lasting 15-20 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - leather soles become slippery on wet motorbike taxi seats after rain

Light cardigan or long sleeves for heavily air-conditioned malls, restaurants, and museums where temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F)

Electrolyte packets or tablets - dehydration occurs quickly during midday heat reaching 38°C (100°F) feels-like temperature

Portable fan and cooling towel for temple visits and outdoor markets during peak heat hours 11am-3pm

Insect repellent containing DEET - November mosquito activity increases in evening hours around street food areas

Waterproof phone case for motorbike tours and potential sudden showers, essential for navigation and photos

Cash in small denominations - many street vendors and local eateries don't accept cards, budget ฿500,000-800,000 VND daily for food and transport

Insider Knowledge

Schedule outdoor activities before 10am or after 4pm - locals take extended lunch breaks from 11:30am-2pm to avoid peak heat, and many shops close during this period

Book accommodation with good air conditioning and backup power - November heat strains electrical grids, causing occasional brownouts in older buildings, particularly in Districts 3 and 5

Use Grab motorbike taxis during evening rush hour (5-7pm) instead of cars - traffic jams intensify in November as people avoid walking in residual heat, but motorbikes navigate faster

Visit temples early morning around 6-7am when local worshippers attend daily prayers - you'll experience authentic rituals while avoiding tourist crowds and afternoon heat intensity

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning walking tours during midday hours 11am-3pm when temperatures feel like 38°C (100°F) - this leads to heat exhaustion and ruins the experience

Assuming all outdoor attractions stay open during afternoon hours - many rooftop venues and outdoor markets reduce hours or close 12-3pm during November heat waves

Wearing dark colors or synthetic fabrics - these trap heat and become uncomfortable within 30 minutes of outdoor walking in November's intense sun and humidity