Vietnam in November: weather, resorts and prices in 2026

Below: a detailed weather table for every region, a resort-by-resort comparison, real 2026 prices in VND with rough USD conversions, and a packing checklist. Vietnam is visa-friendly for most nationalities in November — a 45-day e-visa covers US, UK, EU and Australian passports, so plan the trip, not the paperwork.

Vietnam weather in November — a table by region

November splits Vietnam into three climate zones: a dry, warm south; a wet, stormy centre; and a cool, comfortable north. The temperature difference between Phu Quoc and Sapa runs up to 15 degrees — effectively two different countries on the same date.

The south is the main target in November. The rainy season is leaving and the sky clears. On Phu Quoc showers still happen — short bursts of 1–2 hours, usually between 2 and 5 pm — while mornings and evenings on the beach are clear and sunny. Mui Ne is already drier, and the wind is starting to build, which delights the kite crowd.

The centre is the problem zone. Đà Nẵng (Da Nang) gets up to 275 mm of rain over 24 wet days in November — its wettest of the year. Typhoons from the Philippines arrive precisely in October and November, bringing floods and storms. Nha Trang is also in its rainy season: up to 300 mm of rain, with a murky, choppy sea. In Da Lat it is cool and foggy — 18–23°C.

The north is a pleasant surprise. Autumn Hanoi is dry and mild: 22–27°C. Misty Ha Long Bay looks almost mystical in November — the karst peaks dissolve into the haze. The downside: swimming is out, with the water at 23°C.

Weather figures are current for 2026. Sources: climate-data.org, weatherspark.com.

Where to go in Vietnam in November — resorts by region

November opens high season in southern Vietnam — that is where to fly for the beach. The north suits sightseeing, and the centre is best saved for spring.

Southern Vietnam — high season begins

Phu Quocis November's headline act. The dry season starts, the sea calms to a hush and the water warms to 28–29°C. Best beaches: Bãi Sao (Bai Sao) — powder-white sand and turquoise shallows; Bãi Dài (Bai Dai) — a 20-km stretch with few crowds. Diving off Turtle Island offers 15–20 m of visibility, the best conditions of the year. Another plus: there are fewer tourists in November than in December–January, and hotels run 15–25% below peak prices. Everything else is in our Phu Quoc guide.

Phan Thiet and Mui Ne — the wind is building, and kiters from around the world start arriving. Steady 15–25 knots is a couple of weeks off, but by late November conditions are already excellent. The sea is warm (27–28°C) and rain is rare. The red and white sand dunes sit crowd-free. More in our Phan Thiet guide.

Ho Chi Minh City — the rainy season is not technically over, but the rain is fading. Expect 30–33°C and 8–12 wet days. It is a handy base for day trips: the Mekong Delta (floating markets, fruit orchards), the Cu Chi tunnels, and Bến Thành (Ben Thanh) market. The city never sleeps — nightlife around Bui Vien runs until morning. See our Ho Chi Minh City guide.

Con Dao is the archipelago for those after seclusion. It is a 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City, with no waves and 28°C water. Sea turtles come ashore to nest right in November. Few hotels, few tourists — the clean opposite of Phu Quoc.

💬 "November to April is the sweet spot for southern Vietnam — Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Mui Ne and Phan Thiet stay dry and warm while the rest of the country is still catching rain." — r/VietnamTravel, 2025

Northern Vietnam — for sightseeing

Hanoi — autumn Hanoi is considered one of the loveliest times of year. It is 22–27°C, dry, with the leaves turning. The Old Quarter, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature — all far nicer at 24°C than at 38°C in summer. A bowl of hot phở (pho) on a street stool in mild weather is the quintessential Hanoi experience. All about the city is in our Hanoi guide.

Ha Long Bay — cruises run year-round, but November mist gives the karst cliffs a cinematic quality, and there are noticeably fewer tourists than in summer. A day cruise starts around 1,500,000 VND (~$60), an overnight cruise on a junk from about 3,500,000 VND (~$140). See our northern Vietnam guide for the routes.

Sapa — the rice terraces have been harvested, but the Hmong mountain villages are still worth the visit. Nights drop to 10°C, and the summit of Fansipan (3,143 m) can get frost. The cable car costs 700,000 VND (~$28). A warm jacket is a must.

Central Vietnam — not recommended

Nha Trang — peak rainy season: up to 300 mm of rain, a choppy, murky sea, and red flags on Trần Phú (Tran Phu) beach. Swimming is hit-or-miss. But there is an upside: hotel and tour prices are the lowest of the year and crowds are minimal. If the beach is not the point, the mud baths, island tours and night market are all still there. Full details in our Nha Trang guide.

If Da Nang is non-negotiable, aim for the last week of November. More in our Da Nang guide.

Can you swim in Vietnam in November?

In the south, yes, and the water is superb: 27–29°C, glassy calm on Phu Quoc, light waves in Mui Ne. In the centre it is a gamble: Nha Trang is choppy, Da Nang is dangerous. In the north swimming is off the table.

Phu Quoc is the clear favourite. Bãi Sao: fine white sand, a gentle entry, water at 28°C. Perfect for kids, and there are almost no jellyfish in November.

Nha Trang is risky. Lifeguards fly red flags and swimming out is banned. The sea is murky from storms and stirred-up sand. If you came for the beach, Nha Trang in November is a no — go in April–August instead.

Da Nang is a flat no. Waves reach 2–3 metres, the water is murky, and rip currents are strong. Lifeguards close beaches for days at a stretch. Surfers love it, but swimmers have no business here.

💬 "November is the rainiest month in Nha Trang and not recommended for a beach holiday." — TripAdvisor forums, 2025

What a Vietnam trip costs in November — flights, tours, spending

November is the start of high season but not yet peak prices. Fares run 10–20% cheaper than January, and Phu Quoc hotels have not maxed out. A good window.

Getting there

Vietnam is well connected. There are direct flights from most Asian hubs — Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong — and from Europe, the Middle East and Australia (via Doha, Dubai, Singapore or Bangkok). From Western Europe, expect roughly 12–16 hours with one stop; from the US West Coast, 17–20 hours. Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways and low-cost VietJet cover domestic hops between Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc for as little as ~$30–50 one way.

Visa — check by passport

Most travellers use the e-visa: it grants a 90-day single- or multiple-entry stay, applied for online at evisa.gov.vn for $25 (single) or $50 (multiple), processed in about three working days. Separately, citizens of the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and several others get a 45-day visa-free stay. Rules change by nationality, so confirm your own case on the official site before booking.

Spending on the ground

Budget per couple, excluding the hotel: about $35–60 a day for food, transport and activities. Vietnam remains one of Asia's most affordable destinations. Cards are widely accepted in cities and at hotels, but keep cash for street food, markets and small towns — many stalls are cash-only.

Prices current as of 2026 (~25,000 VND = $1). Sources: local menus and booking platforms.

What to do in Vietnam in November

Beaches and water sports

Diving on Phu Quoc — November opens the best diving season. Visibility is 15–20 metres and the water is 28–29°C. Turtle Island (Hòn Quy) has coral, sea turtles and reef fish. Two dives with gear cost from 2,000,000 VND (~$80).

Kitesurfing in Mui Ne— the wind is still ramping up in November, but by month's end it is a steady 12–20 knots. The pros arrive in December, so November means fewer people on the spots and lower lesson prices. A session with an instructor runs from 2,500,000 VND (~$100) for two hours.

Snorkelling on Con Dao — clear water, turtles, minimal current. A half-day trip from 800,000 VND (~$32).

Sights and excursions

Ha Long Bay — a UNESCO site of 1,969 islands. November mist makes the scenery surreal: the cliffs dissolve into a milky haze, and there are half as many tourists as in summer. A day cruise from 1,500,000 VND (~$60).

Mekong Delta — a river cruise from Ho Chi Minh City: the Cái Răng (Cai Rang) and Cái Bè (Cai Be) floating markets, fruit orchards, rice wine. From 800,000 VND (~$32) with transfers.

Da Lat — a mountain resort at 1,500 m: 18–22°C, coffee plantations, waterfalls. A flight from Ho Chi Minh City from 700,000 VND (~$28). November may coincide with the biennial Da Lat Flower Festival, when the town turns into one giant flowerbed.

Holidays and events in November

Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day (24 November) — a public holiday since 2025 and a paid day off. Museums run free events and there are fairs in the streets.

Buckwheat Flower Festival (Hoa Tam Giác Mạch) — an annual event in Hà Giang (Ha Giang) province in the far north. The mountain slopes turn pink with buckwheat blossom — a spectacle photographers travel across Asia for.

Ok Om Bok — a festival of the Khmer minority in the Mekong Delta. Dragon-boat races on the river, traditional rituals and Khmer food. Atmospheric and off the beaten track.

Fruit in season

November is not peak fruit season, but the choice is solid:

• Mangosteen — in season in the south, with a purple rind and tangy white flesh. From 40,000 VND/kg (~$1.60)
• Rambutan — hairy red balls with a sweet flavour. From 30,000 VND/kg (~$1.20)
• Dragon fruit (pitaya) — available year-round. From 20,000 VND/kg (~$0.80)
• Coconut — from 15,000 VND each (~$0.60), sipped straight through a straw on the beach
• Sapodilla — a brown fruit with a caramel flavour, one of those fruits travellers discover in Vietnam. From 30,000 VND/kg (~$1.20)

The main markets: Bến Thành (Ben Thanh) in Ho Chi Minh City and the Phu Quoc night market. Haggling is expected — you can safely halve the first price.

What to pack for November

November Vietnam calls for two different wardrobes. The south and centre want light clothes; the north wants layers.

For the south (Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, Ho Chi Minh City)

• T-shirts, shorts, light linen trousers
• Swimwear and beach footwear
• SPF 50+ sunscreen — the November sun is deceptive; you can burn in 40 minutes
• Sunglasses, a sun hat
• A light rain jacket or umbrella — for the afternoon shower
• Bug spray (especially for Phu Quoc — they come out in the evening)

For the north (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long)

• An insulated jacket or windbreaker
• A fleece or sweater
• Jeans or sturdy trousers
• Closed shoes — for trekking and sightseeing
• An umbrella — drizzle is possible
• A scarf — Sapa drops to 10°C at night

For any region

• A plug adapter (types A and C — European plugs don't fit everywhere)
• A power bank — if you plan day trips
• A small first-aid kit: anti-diarrhoea meds, plasters, antiseptic, painkillers. Your stomach spends the first few days adjusting to the new cuisine
• A dry bag for documents and electronics — handy on boats and in the rain

November vs January — is it worth waiting?

A common question: fly in November or wait for January? The short answer — it depends on your budget and priorities.

November wins on price and empty beaches. January wins on stable weather and the option of Nha Trang. If you are set on the south, November delivers almost the same conditions for less money.

FAQ

What's the weather like in Vietnam in November?

The south is hot and drying out: 29–33°C, only 5–7 rainy days, and the showers are short afternoon bursts — 30–40 minutes, then sun again. The centre hits peak rainy season: Da Nang gets up to 275 mm of rain, typhoons are possible, and Nha Trang gets up to 300 mm with waves dragging debris onto the beach. The north is dry and cool: 20–26°C, dropping to 10°C at night in Sapa. The gap between south and north is 10–12 degrees, so pack for your specific region.

Where is the best place to go in Vietnam in November?

For the beach, Phu Quoc: the dry season starts, water is 28–29°C, the sea is calm, and hotels are not yet at peak prices. Book on Long Beach or Bai Sao for the calmest entries into the water. For kitesurfing, Mui Ne: the wind builds from mid-month, and gear rental runs from 1,500,000 VND (~$60) a day. For sightseeing, Hanoi and Ha Long Bay: dry and a comfortable 22–27°C, with 2-day/1-night cruises from 3,500,000 VND (~$140). Skip the centre (Da Nang, Hue, Hoi An) — peak rain and typhoon risk.

Can you swim in Vietnam in November?

Yes, comfortably in the south. Phu Quoc: water 28–29°C, calm, with visibility up to 10 metres — great for snorkelling. Phan Thiet: 27–28°C, gentle waves and a shallow, sandy entry. Nha Trang is not recommended — high waves (up to 2–3 metres), murky water, and lifeguards flying red flags. Da Nang is dangerous, with storms and strong rip currents. In the north the water is 23°C, so swimming is out, though you can still walk the Ha Long promenade.

How much does a trip to Vietnam cost in November?

On the ground, budget about $35–60 a day per couple for food, transport and activities (excluding the hotel). A 3-star hotel starts at ~$16 a night. November runs 10–20% cheaper than December–January because high season is only just starting — the best time to catch good weather without the crowds. Book flights a couple of months ahead for the lowest fares.

Is November high season in Vietnam?

November is the start of high season in the south: Phu Quoc, Mui Ne and Phan Thiet enter the dry period. There are not yet as many tourists as in December–January, and hotels offer early-bird discounts — look for rates with free cancellation to lock in a price. The north gets a pleasant autumn, good for sightseeing: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa. The centre is the opposite — peak rainy season, with Da Nang, Hue, Hoi An and Nha Trang under rain and possible typhoons. Southern prices are rising but have not hit the winter peak — a sweet spot between budget October and pricey December.

What should you wear in Vietnam in November?

South (Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, Ho Chi Minh City): light clothes — shorts, T-shirts, swimwear, SPF 50+, a compact rain jacket (a shower can catch you mid-tour). Bring a rash guard if you plan to snorkel — it shields against jellyfish and sun. North (Hanoi, Sapa): a jacket, sweater or fleece, sturdy trousers, closed shoes — Sapa drops to 10°C at night, so you will feel cold without warm layers. Centre: light clothes plus a rain jacket, umbrella and waterproof shoes. Bug spray is useful everywhere, especially in the south in the evening.

Data current as of 2026. Prices and conditions can change — verify the details with official sources before your trip.