What the weather is like in November
November returns the north to peak conditions (27°C highs and 61mm of rain in Hanoi). Central Vietnam is still far wetter. South Vietnam dry season begins. Sapa's golden rice terraces are mostly over by now; they peak from mid-September to early October.
Against October, November runs 3°C cooler with 94mm less rain and 0.5 hours less sun a day.
These November averages are station normals for Hanoi (Lang) (Vietnam Institute for Building Science and Technology, via Wikipedia, 1991-2020); other parts of Vietnam vary. Full sources below.
Vietnam in November, on the ground
November splits Vietnam in three. Hanoi and the north are dry and pleasantly mild, the south around Ho Chi Minh City starts its dry season, and the central coast, including Hoi An and Da Nang, is still very wet and flood-prone.
Crowds and prices in November
November is a shoulder month with moderate prices in the north and south. Hoi An and the central coast are quiet, with discounts, because of the weather.
What to do in November
- Cruise Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay in the north’s dry, clear weather.
- Trek the rice terraces around Sapa while the days are still mild.
- Explore the Mekong Delta as the southern dry season begins.
Before you book: Typhoons and floods can hit the central coast in November; keep Hoi An plans flexible and check forecasts.
What to pack for Vietnam in November
- Light layers for warm days
- A light jacket for the evenings
- Swimwear
What's on in November
- Hoi An Lantern Festival (Hoi An — central coast) — Held on the 14th day of every lunar month — Hoi An's Old Town turns off electric lights and lights with silk lanterns. The defining Hoi An experience.
Is November the right month?
Vietnam's best month, March, is four months after November; the toughest, September, is two months before. If November does not fit, December is the closest month in the same best-season window. For the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds, aim for April. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Vietnam, or where else to go in November.
Where to stay in November
November is peak season in Vietnam, so prices are at their highest. Book early for the best choice of rooms.
- Hanoi (Old Quarter)$$Northern arrival, history + street foodCapital, gateway to Halong Bay + Sapa. Stay in the Old Quarter (36 Streets) for walking-distance street food and the Hoan Kiem Lake area.See hotels in Hanoi for 18–24 Nov 2026
- Hoi An (Old Town fringe)$$Central coast, lantern atmosphere, tailoringBest base for central Vietnam — lantern-lit Old Town + An Bang beach + Da Nang day trips. See our Hoi An best-time guide.See hotels in Hoi An for 18–24 Nov 2026
- Da Nang (My An / An Thuong)$$Beach + infrastructure, modern hotelsBeach base 30 min north of Hoi An, with airport, Marble Mountains, and Ba Na Hills. See our Da Nang best-time guide.See hotels in Da Nang for 18–24 Nov 2026
- Ho Chi Minh City (District 1)$$Southern arrival, food, Mekong Delta launchpadVietnam's commercial heart. District 1 puts you near Ben Thanh Market and the Reunification Palace. Mekong Delta day trips depart from here.See hotels in Ho Chi Minh City for 18–24 Nov 2026
Links open a hotel search for 18–24 Nov 2026; you can change the dates there. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Before you go
Book the rest of your November trip
Tours and tickets
Day trips, attraction tickets and guided tours in Vietnam.
Browse Vietnam on KlookAirport transfer
A fixed-price car from your arrival airport to your hotel, booked before you land.
Book a transfer on KiwitaxiMobile data
An eSIM for Vietnam installs before you fly, so you have data when you land. Check your phone supports eSIM first.
See Vietnam plans on Airalo
Partner links. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is November a good time to visit Vietnam?
How warm is Vietnam in November?
Does it rain in Vietnam in November?
What should I pack for Vietnam in November?
How far ahead should I book Vietnam for November?
Sources: Vietnam National Administration of Tourism · Vietnam Institute for Building Science and Technology: Hanoi (Lang), 1991-2020 · U.S. State Department Vietnam Travel Advisory · NOAA Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Full provenance on the Vietnam guide.
Keep planning