Hanoi in November: Weather, What to Wear & Tips (2026)

05/11/2026

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November in Hanoi is the start of autumn, when the rain eases and the city becomes easier to enjoy. The average high is 26.7°C (80.1°F), and rainfall drops from 155.1 mm in October to 60.7 mm in November. You can walk around in short sleeves by day, but a light layer helps at night and out on the water. This guide covers weather, clothing, the public holiday, Ha Long Bay day trips and getting online after you land.

What Is the Weather in Hanoi in November, and What Should You Wear?

Expect a drier autumn, with about 27°C (81°F) by day and about 20°C (68°F) at night. Short sleeves plus a light layer is the basic outfit.

Temperature and Rainfall in November

These are the 1991-2020 normals for central Hanoi (Láng station):

• The average high is 26.7°C (80.1°F).
• The average low is 20.0°C (68.0°F).
• The daily mean is 21.5°C (70.7°F).
• Rainfall is 60.7 mm.
• Rainy days average 8.1.
• Relative humidity is 77%, and sunshine totals 123 hours for the month.

According to the source, October and November are autumn in Hanoi. Temperatures and rainfall fall, and many days are warm and calm. May to September is hot, humid and wet, while December to February is cool and dry under the northeast monsoon. Think of November as the bridge between summer and winter.

Here is how November compares with the months on either side (1991-2020 normals):

Source: normals for central Hanoi (Láng station)

Three points stand out in the table:

• Rainfall drops sharply, from 155.1 mm in October to 60.7 mm in November.
• From November to December, the average low falls from 20.0°C to 13.8°C (56.8°F).
• November sunshine is 123 hours, longer than the 45-47 hours of February and March.

The gap between the November average high and low is 6.7°C. Lows keep falling toward December, so expect cooler nights as the month ends.

How Does November Compare with Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City has a southern tropical climate and stays hot in November. The two cities use different stations and statistical periods, so treat this as a rough guide rather than a strict comparison.

Sources: Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh City

The rainy season in Ho Chi Minh City usually runs from May to November, and the dry season from December to April. November is the tail end of the wet season. Rainfall is about twice Hanoi’s, while the number of rainy days is similar. If you are covering both north and south, plan for two sets of clothes. If you are still choosing between the cities, see Ho Chi Minh City vs Hanoi: Which Should You Visit First?.

What to Wear

• By day, wear short sleeves or a T-shirt. With an average high of 26.7°C (80.1°F), long sleeves can feel sticky.
• For mornings and evenings, add a thin long-sleeved top or cardigan. The average low is 20.0°C (68.0°F).
• For rain, carry a compact umbrella or a thin rain jacket. Rainy days average 8.1.
• Wear sneakers that dry quickly if they get wet.
• Against a cold snap, pack a thin fleece or light down jacket. The lowest November temperature on record is 6.8°C (44.2°F), though that is not a yearly occurrence.

For getting around in wet weather, see What to Do on a Rainy Day in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi: Indoor Spots. To see how November differs from a wetter, steamier month, compare it with Vietnam in June: Complete Travel Guide (2026).

How Do You Check Dates for November Marathons and Holidays?

Check race dates on the organiser’s official website. The sources reviewed for this guide do not give a 2026 date, so none is stated here.

Planning Your Trip Around a Marathon

If you are choosing Hanoi in November for a race, confirm the date first, because a different date means rebooking flights and hotels. Follow this order:

1. Check the race date, course and entry deadline on the official site.
2. Book flights and accommodation only once the date is confirmed.
3. Follow the organiser’s instructions for registration location, start time and road closures.
4. Leave a spare day before or after the race for city sightseeing or a Ha Long Bay day trip.

A Vietnamese Public Holiday: Culture Day

Tuesday, November 24, 2026 is Vietnam’s Culture Day, a public holiday lasting one day.

Public holidays are days when workers are off. Opening hours at shops and attractions you plan to visit may differ from normal, so check before you go.

In 2026, the longer breaks are Tet (Lunar New Year, February 14-22) and the National Day period from August 29 to September 2. The November holiday is a single day.

Turning the Holiday into a Long Weekend

Because November 24 falls on a Tuesday, taking Monday, November 23 off would give you a four-day stretch from Saturday, November 21, if your schedule allows. Check with your employer or school first.

A break like this suits a short stay of two to three nights. Flights and rooms can fill up around holidays, so booking early is the safer choice. For itinerary ideas by length of stay, see Hanoi Travel Plans by Length of Stay.

Is November a Good Time for a Day Trip to Ha Long Bay?

In terms of rain and sunshine, November looks like a good fit for a day trip. However, the sources reviewed contain no weather data for Ha Long Bay itself, so use the Hanoi figures as a rough guide.

Why November Looks Suitable

• Rainy days fall from 11.2 in October to 8.1, which makes outdoor sightseeing easier to plan.
• Sunshine totals 123 hours for the month, against 45-47 hours in February and March, so a sunnier day is more likely.
• Average relative humidity is 77%, a little lower than August’s 82%.

A few cautions apply:

• Open water can feel cooler than land, so bring a light layer.
• Zero rainy days is not guaranteed, so bring rain gear.
• A day trip takes a full day once the round trip from Hanoi is included.

For days when you are not at Ha Long Bay, see Hanoi, the Paris of Asia: Old Town Charm and Scenic Spots. If it rains on the day, the rainy-day indoor spots guide also helps.

How Do You Compare Tours?

For tours and activities departing from Hanoi, Klook’s Hanoi things-to-do page is one option. Whether Ha Long Bay products are listed changes by season, so confirm the listings and then compare the conditions of each product.

The price and departure dates shown on the product page at the time of booking are the ones that count. This article gives no figures.

What Warm Dishes Should You Eat in Hanoi in Autumn?

Steaming noodle soups suit the season. The November average low is 20.0°C (68.0°F), so evenings feel a little cool.

Start the Morning with Hot Noodles

Noodle soups such as phở are easy to eat on a cool morning. Beyond phở, each region has its own noodle dishes. To see the differences, read Local Vietnamese Noodle Dishes Beyond Pho, by Region.

Choose Lunch to Suit the Heat

The daytime average high is 26.7°C (80.1°F), so you may sweat while walking around. A cold drink alongside makes a midday meal easier.

Share Dishes Together in the Evening

Temperatures drop at night, and one soup dish helps you settle in. Ordering several dishes among a few people lets you taste a little of each.

A simple way to build the day’s meals:

• Morning: centre it on a noodle soup.
• Lunch: a light dish with a cold drink.
• Evening: one soup dish, plus other dishes to share.

For a full run of the classics, see 10 Classic Vietnamese Dishes to Try in 2026 and The Best Vietnamese Dishes to Try. If you are worried about overeating, read Vietnamese Food Calories and Low-Calorie Choices.

For choosing where to eat, try 10 Restaurants to Visit in Hanoi (2024 edition). It is a 2024 edition, so check opening hours and whether each place is still open before you visit. This article does not cover prices or opening hours for individual restaurants.

How Do You Get Online Right After You Land?

Setting up an eSIM before departure is the easiest route. Your maps, ride-hailing and translation apps then work the moment you arrive.

Steps for Using an eSIM

1. Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked.
2. Choose a plan that matches the length of your stay, and buy it before departure.
3. Follow the instructions to finish setup. Activation timing differs by product, so read the description carefully.
4. After landing, turn off airplane mode and switch mobile data to the eSIM.
5. Test the connection with a ride-hailing app such as Grab, and save your hotel name on your map.

When Internet Access Helps on a November Trip

• You can check the meeting point and time for a Ha Long Bay tour on a map.
• When rain changes your plans, you can look up indoor spots at once.
• When you head back to your hotel at night, you can call a ride.

You can also use an airport SIM counter or international roaming. Cost and effort differ by method, so compare them and choose what suits you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get by in short sleeves in Hanoi in November?

Yes, during the day. The average high is 26.7°C (80.1°F). Evenings average about 20.0°C (68.0°F), so bring a thin cardigan or long-sleeved layer for the night, and a light fleece in case of a cold snap.

Is Hanoi rainy in November?

Less than in October. November averages 8.1 rainy days and 60.7 mm of rain, against 11.2 days and 155.1 mm in October. Showers are still possible, so a compact umbrella or thin rain jacket is a sensible addition to your day bag.

Is November warmer than December in Hanoi?

Yes. The average high is 26.7°C (80.1°F) in November and 21.3°C (70.3°F) in December, and the average low falls from 20.0°C to 13.8°C (56.8°F). December nights feel noticeably colder, so pack warmer layers if you travel then.

Is Ho Chi Minh City cool in November?

No. The average high is 32.4°C (90.3°F), and the rainy season continues through November. Rainfall is roughly double Hanoi’s, while the number of rainy days is similar, so pack for heat and showers if your route covers both cities.

Where can you find the date of a November marathon?

Check the organiser’s official website. The sources reviewed for this guide do not confirm a 2026 date, so none is given here. Confirm the race date, course and entry deadline before you book flights or hotels, since changing the date later means rebooking everything.

Where can you find Ha Long Bay day tours?

You can compare them on a travel booking site such as Klook. Departure dates, meeting points and prices differ by product, so check the conditions before you book, including how each operator handles rain or bad weather.

Summary

November in Hanoi is a comfortable autumn with less rain, with an average high of 26.7°C (80.1°F) and an average low of 20.0°C (68.0°F). Short sleeves plus a light layer is the basic outfit, and a compact umbrella is a good idea. Vietnam’s Culture Day falls on November 24. Check any marathon date on the official website. For Ha Long Bay day trips, compare the conditions of each product. Warm noodle dishes suit the season, and setting up an eSIM before you fly makes getting around easier.

Image credits

• Photo: Thuan Pham / Pexels
• Photo: tu nguyen / Pexels
• Photo: TUAN PHAN / Pexels
• Photo: RDNE Stock project / Pexels