Hanoi In November: Weather, Things To Do, Holidays & Tips

As autumn gives way to winter, Hanoi emerges in November with a unique allure that beckons travelers from far and wide. Vietnam's vibrant capital comes alive with cool weather, scenic beauty, and festive colors that captivate culture lovers and curious travelers.

As you stroll through its bustling streets lined with golden leaves, you're greeted by the intoxicating aroma of street food mingling with the cool breeze. Yet, beyond this sensory feast lies an even deeper experience filled with historical richness and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Is November a good time to visit Hanoi?

Yes, November stands as one of the most ideal months to experience Hanoi's charm. The city transitions into its autumn-winter season, creating perfect conditions for exploration and cultural immersion. This period combines comfortable climate conditions with cultural advantages that make it particularly appealing for travelers.

November is one of the best times to explore Hanoi, offering mild weather and rich cultural experiences in a serene autumn-winter setting

November offers several practical benefits for visitors beyond just pleasant weather:

The combination of these factors creates an ideal environment for exploring Hanoi’s cultural offerings, historical sites, and culinary delights. You can enjoy the city without the discomfort of extreme weather or the overwhelming crowds typical of other times of the year.

Weather in Hanoi in November

November marks the transition from autumn to winter in Hanoi, bringing some of the most pleasant weather conditions of the year. The summer's oppressive heat and monsoon rains have subsided. It offers you comfortable temperatures and relatively clear skies. This time represents an ideal balance in Hanoi's otherwise extreme climate patterns.

Temperature range:

• Daytime highs: Average of 26 - 27°C (79 - 81°F)
• Nighttime lows: Typically 18 - 19°C (64 - 66°F)
• Daily temperature fluctuation: About 8°C (14°F)
• Feel: Comfortably warm during daytime, refreshingly cool in evenings

Precipitation statistics:

• Total monthly rainfall: Approximately 61mm
• Rainy days: Around 8 days
• Rain intensity: Usually drizzles rather than heavy downpours
• Dramatic decrease from October's rainfall (130mm average)

Sunshine & sky conditions:

• Average daily sunshine: 5 - 6 hours
• Clear days: 12 - 15 days typically
• UV index: Moderate (4 - 5)

The 75% average humidity feels significantly more comfortable than summer's 85 - 90% rates. The lighter rainfall creates ideal conditions for exploring Hanoi's outdoor attractions like the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. The gentle sunshine bathes the city's colonial architecture in a flattering light, perfect for photography without the harsh shadows of summer or grey overcast of winter months.

Things to do in Hanoi in November

November transforms Hanoi into an outdoor paradise with its mild climate. While the city offers year-round attractions (which you can explore through dedicated Hanoi activity guides and curated lists of things to do in Hanoi), this month delivers unique seasonal experiences worth prioritizing during your visit.

Explore historic temples

November's gentle temperatures (averaging 17 - 24°C) create perfect conditions for exploring Hanoi's sacred sites without the summer humidity or winter chill. The Bach Ma Temple, Vietnam's first national university, reveals its autumn charm as fallen leaves decorate ancient courtyards where scholars once studied. Morning visits offer serene photography opportunities with soft lighting illuminating the intricate architecture.

The One Pillar Pagoda, resembling a lotus flower emerging from water, benefits from November's clear skies that enhance its reflection in surrounding ponds. The cooler weather means you can comfortably walk the temple circuit.

West Lake, without needing frequent rest stops or excessive hydration breaks. Many temples host special ceremonies during November as the lunar calendar approaches year-end. This gives you insight into living Vietnamese spiritual practices rather than merely viewing historical structures.

November’s mild weather offers the perfect backdrop for exploring Hanoi’s sacred sites, where clear skies, fallen leaves, and peaceful ceremonies bring spiritual heritage to life

Shop at Dong Xuan Market at dawn

• Dong Xuan Market hours begin incredibly early (3:00 - 4:00 AM) when wholesale vendors arrive
• Witness the authentic morning trading rituals between suppliers and local restaurant owners
• Sample fresh morning specialities like pho and xoi (sticky rice) prepared for market workers
• Purchase seasonal fruits like persimmons and pomelos at their peak freshness
• Experience dramatically lower prices before tourist hours begin

The pre-dawn market experience represents the authentic heartbeat of Hanoi commerce. Locals navigate narrow passageways with practised efficiency while vendors arrange colorful produce displays under minimal lighting. This authentic glimpse into everyday Hanoi life disappears by mid-morning when tourist crowds arrive.

Explore Ba Vi National Park

November delivers Ba Vi National Park's most spectacular conditions with cool mountain air and exceptional visibility. Just 60km from Hanoi's center, this three-peaked mountain sanctuary offers a welcome respite from urban energy with temperatures approximately 3 - 4°C cooler than the city.

The park's hiking trails reveal diverse ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforest to cloud forest microhabitats. The moderate 15 - 25°C November temperatures make physically demanding summit hikes to the 1,296m peak comfortable enough for moderately fit travelers. On clear November days, hikers reaching Emperor's Peak gain panoramic views extending across the Red River Delta, a vista often obscured by haze during other seasons.

Wildlife viewing opportunities peak during November as animals become more active in cooler weather. Early morning visitors might glimpse exotic birds, butterflies, and even the occasional civets or small deer along quieter paths.

November offers Ba Vi National Park at its best, cool air, clear views, and ideal hiking conditions just a short trip from Hanoi’s bustle

Visiting ancient villages in Hanoi

November visits to these villages coincide withpost-harvest activities and pre-Tet holiday preparations. In Bat Trang, a ceramics village, the comfortable weather allows for longer workshop visits where you can try pottery making without the summer discomfort of kiln heat. The ancient laterite houses of Duong Lam showcase traditional rural architecture against a backdrop of golden harvested fields. These villages become living museums during November. Many family workshops welcome visitors to observe traditional crafts being passed down through generations as they prepare special items for the upcoming holiday season.

Golden wild sunflowers light up the corners of Hanoi in November

As November settles in with its cool, dry air, Hanoi transforms into a city touched by gold, thanks to the blooming of wild sunflowers. These radiant yellow flowers, known locally as “hoa da quy”, are not flashy, but their quiet beauty stretches across riverbanks, parks, and quiet roadsides. It especially in areas like Red River Rock Flower Garden, Yen So Park, and the embankments along Lang Street. Unlike the intense heat of summer or the dull grays of winter, Hanoi in November is calm and sunlit, perfect for slow walks and scenic photo moments.

Young locals and visitors alike are drawn to these golden fields for their photogenic charm and for the feeling of peaceful transition they evoke. Amid the rush of city life, wild sunflowers offer a touch of romance and serenity, reminding you that Hanoi is a city of history and bustle and one of seasonal poetry. If you're in Hanoi this month, you shouldn’t miss this fleeting golden glow that quietly announces the changing of the seasons.

In November, Hanoi glows with golden wild sunflowers, offering peaceful beauty and photo-worthy strolls through parks and riverbanks touched by seasonal charm

Purple asters paint a dreamy hue across Hanoi

While golden wildflowers add warmth to Hanoi in November, another bloom offers a cooler, more delicate touch, the soft purple of asters. These daisy-like flowers blossom in late autumn, adding a gentle haze of lilac and violet to the city’s gardens and flower fields. You’ll find some of the best aster displays in Hanoi’s flower-growing villages like Tay Tuu, Thach Ban, and around the Red River Flower Garden. Asters don’t scream for attention but leave a lasting impression with their quiet, melancholic beauty, perfectly matching Hanoi’s peaceful November skies.

Walking through rows of blooming asters feels like stepping into a watercolor painting, where every petal whispers a story of longing and transition. If you’re a photographer, a romantic soul, or simply someone seeking a moment of stillness, the aster fields offer a space to slow down and appreciate the season’s emotional subtlety. Hanoi in November is about the sights and it’s about the mood, and few things capture that better than the dreamy purple of asters.

Take a day trip to the mountains

November's superior visibility transforms day trips from Hanoi into extraordinary visual experiences. The rice terraces of Sapa, though harvested by November, reveal their structural magnificence against clear mountain backdrops without summer's frequent fog or rain interruptions.

Ninh Binh delivers its most photogenic landscapes during November when limestone karsts reflect perfectly in still waters beneath blue skies. The 2-hour drive from Hanoi rewards travelers with boat rides through flooded cave systems and cycling opportunities along quiet country roads connecting ancient temples.

For wildlife enthusiasts, November initiates bird migration season. It makes Tam Dao National Park especially appealing for spotting rare species against the backdrop of pine forests and mountain vistas. The pleasant 15 - 20°C daytime temperatures support comfortable hiking on trails that would be muddy or oppressively hot during other months.

November offers stunning day trips from Hanoi, from Sapa’s terraced hills to Ninh Binh’s mirrored landscapes and Tam Dao’s vibrant wildlife trails

Holiday in Hanoi in November

November brings special celebrations to Hanoi, adding cultural depth to your visit during this pleasant month. Hanoi observes two meaningful events, offering unique insights into Vietnamese culture and values.

Vietnamese Teacher's Day - November 20th

Vietnamese Teacher's Day represents one of the most heartfelt celebrations in Hanoi's cultural calendar. This national holiday honors the profound respect Vietnamese society holds for education and those who provide it.

If you're visiting Hanoi on November 20th, you'll witness a beautiful tradition as students of all ages express gratitude to their teachers. The city transforms with:

• School ceremonies featuring performances, speeches, and the presentation of flowers (typically red roses or sunflowers)
• Former students returning to their schools to pay respects to past teachers
• Special discounts at many restaurants and cafes for teachers
• Decorated educational institutions throughout the city
• Media coverage highlighting exceptional educators

For travelers, this offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnamese values. Education is considered one of the highest callings in Vietnamese society, influenced by Confucian philosophy that places teachers alongside parents in importance. Consider visiting landmarks like the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu), Vietnam's first national university, which becomes particularly meaningful on this day.

Thanksgiving Day observances - International holiday

Thanksgiving Day isn't a traditional Vietnamese holiday, Hanoi's international community and upscale establishments catering to expats and tourists often organise special events.

Visit the Old Quarter or West Lake area to find establishments hosting Thanksgiving celebrations. These events typically require reservations, so plan if participating in this international observance interests you during your November stay in Hanoi.

While Thanksgiving isn’t a Vietnamese tradition, Hanoi’s expat-friendly spots offer festive dinners and gatherings for those seeking a taste of home

Nhi Khe Village Festival

Nhi Khe Village Festival, celebrated on the 25th day of the tenth lunar month is a vibrant cultural event taking place in Nhi Khe Commune, Thuong Tin District, Hanoi. This area was formerly part of Ha Tay Province before merging with Hanoi in 2008, and maintains strong traditional customs that have been preserved for generations.

This festival honors the village's patron deity and celebrates the area's traditional craft of woodcarving and sculpture, for which Nhi Khe has been renowned for centuries.

Festival highlights:

• Traditional procession: Elaborately decorated palanquins carried through village streets
• Folk performances: Ancient songs, dances, and theatrical performances unique to the region
• Craft demonstrations: Master artisans showcasing traditional woodcarving techniques
• Ritual ceremonies: Sacred offerings and prayers performed according to ancient traditions
• Local cuisine: Special festival foods prepared only during this celebration

Attending this festival provides a rare glimpse into rural Vietnamese spiritual practices and community celebrations that few international tourists experience. The skilled craftsmanship on display and the ceremonial aspects of the festival offer cultural insights that complement Hanoi's urban attractions. It create a more comprehensive understanding of Vietnamese heritage during your November visit.

Tips when visting Hanoi in November

Visiting Hanoi in November requires some strategic planning to make the most of this ideal month in Vietnam's capital. The transitional autumn-to-winter period brings unique opportunities and conditions that savvy travelers should prepare for. Here's how to optimize your November Hanoi experience with practical advice covering everything from packing essentials to local experiences.

Packing essentials for November weather

• Layered clothing: Pack light sweaters or cardigans for evening temperature drops (typically to 18 - 20°C/64 - 68°F)
• T - shirts and light tops: Daytime temperatures can still reach 25°C/77°F
• Light scarf or shawl: Perfect for temple visits and sudden breezes
• Comfortable walking shoes: Hanoi's Old Quarter demands good footwear
• Sunglasses and hat: Despite cooler temperatures, daytime sunshine remains strong
• Hand sanitizer and tissues: Useful for street food adventures

The key to comfortable November exploration is layering. While days typically start cool, they warm considerably by afternoon before cooling again after sunset. A light jacket that fits easily in a day bag proves invaluable for evening activities.

Outdoor experiences to prioritize

November's dry climate makes it perfect for maximizing Hanoi's outdoor offerings. With minimal rain interruption (averaging just 5 - 7 rainy days all month), you can confidently plan:

The comfortable temperatures and clear skies create ideal conditions for photography enthusiasts. The golden hour light in November casts a magical glow across Hanoi's lakes and historic buildings, particularly around sunset (5:30 PM - 6:00 PM).

Seasonal culinary delights in Hanoi, November

November in Hanoi brings cool, pleasant weather and a rich array of seasonal dishes that reflect the soul of northern Vietnamese cuisine. As the temperature drops, street food becomes more inviting than ever. Warm bowls of bun thang (a delicate chicken and egg noodle soup) or pork rib congee are perfect for chilly mornings. You’ll also find banh khuc nong (sticky rice cake with mung beans and pork) sold fresh and steaming by street vendors, comfort food at its finest.

Grilled delicacies take center stage in the evenings. The smoky aroma of grilled pork or charcoal-grilled corn fills the air, especially around lakes and local night markets. For dessert, don’t miss cassava sweet soup, a cozy treat with ginger syrup that’s especially popular during late autumn. If you're strolling through the Old Quarter or exploring hidden alleys, November is a time when Hanoi's food scene offers warmth, nostalgia, and a deeper taste of the city's traditions.

Hanoi’s November chill brings comforting street food, offering a warm, flavorful glimpse into northern Vietnamese culinary traditions

Experiencing Hanoi in November offers a unique blend of culture, climate, and charm that invigorates the senses and stirs the soul. The city’s autumn allure comes alive with its gentle breezes and golden hues, making every stroll through its historical streets feel like a journey back in time. We've wandered through Hanoi's vibrant tapestry together, uncovering both popular attractions and hidden gems that are particularly enchanting this time of year.

Your curiosity about this magical month in Hanoi signifies your adventurous spirit, a perfect match for the tantalising experiences waiting here. If you're already planning your itinerary or simply dreaming about future travels, carry forward a sense of excitement for what lies ahead. GTrip - Vietnam Travel Agency is here to inspire those dreams into reality, prompting you to explore more destinations or delve deeper into Vietnam’s rich landscape. As your thoughts linger on Hanoi’s November whispers, know there's always more wonder to discover just around the corner