Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Ho Chi Minh City
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Early dry season transition means fewer afternoon downpours than October - you'll typically get 10 rainy days versus 20+ the month before, and when it does rain, it's usually quick 20-30 minute bursts rather than all-day soakers
- Comfortable temperatures for walking around - that 32°C (90°F) high might sound intense, but it's actually one of the more pleasant months before the peak heat of March-April. The 24°C (75°F) evenings are genuinely lovely for rooftop bars and night markets
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in after the September-October peak - you'll find hotel rates drop 20-30% compared to high season, and tour operators are more willing to negotiate. Book 2-3 weeks out and you'll get better deals than last-minute bookings
- Tet preparation season begins - November is when locals start planning for Lunar New Year (late January 2027), so you'll see flower markets ramping up, special holiday foods appearing, and a particular energy in the markets that tourists rarely experience. The city feels more authentically Vietnamese than during actual Tet when many locals leave
Considerations
- Weather unpredictability during the monsoon-to-dry transition - some years November stays wet with afternoon storms, other years it dries out completely by mid-month. You're essentially gambling on which pattern 2026 follows, so pack for both scenarios
- Air quality can be problematic - November typically sees AQI readings between 100-150 (unhealthy for sensitive groups), especially in Districts 1, 3, and 5. The combination of construction dust, motorbike exhaust, and reduced rainfall to clear the air means you'll want to check daily AQI readings if you have respiratory sensitivities
- It's genuinely hot and humid for extended outdoor exploration - that 70% humidity combined with 32°C (90°F) temps means you'll be sweating through shirts within 30 minutes of walking. Plan indoor activities during 11am-3pm peak heat, or you'll be miserable and exhausted
Best Activities in November
Mekong Delta Day Trips
November hits the sweet spot for delta exploration - water levels are still high enough from the wet season for easy boat navigation through the narrow canals, but the daily rain has mostly stopped so you're not getting soaked in an open boat. The fruit season is in full swing with dragon fruit, rambutan, and pomelo everywhere. Early morning departures around 7am mean you're back by 3pm before the hottest part of the day. The floating markets are particularly active in November as farmers bring in the late-season harvest.
Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Tours
The cooler November temperatures make crawling through the tunnels significantly more bearable than the March-May heat. You're still going to sweat, but it's the difference between uncomfortable and genuinely dangerous for claustrophobic spaces. The ground is mostly dry by November, so the tunnel floors aren't muddy like they are during peak monsoon. Go for the 6am departure if available - you'll beat the tour bus crowds and finish by noon before the midday heat.
Motorbike Food Tours Through District Neighborhoods
November evenings are perfect for riding on the back of a motorbike through the city - temperatures drop to that comfortable 24°C (75°F) range, and the reduced rain means tours rarely get cancelled. You'll hit 5-7 different street food spots across districts, eating everything from banh xeo to bun bo Hue. The evening timing means you experience the city at its most alive - when locals are out eating after work. This is legitimately the best way to understand Saigon food culture beyond the tourist restaurants in District 1.
War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace Walking Route
These indoor-heavy historical sites are perfect for November's midday heat. The War Remnants Museum is heavily air-conditioned with powerful exhibits that take 2-3 hours to properly absorb - you'll want the emotional and physical break from the heat anyway. Combine it with the Reunification Palace 1.5 km (0.9 miles) away, and you've got a solid half-day that keeps you mostly indoors during peak sun. November's slightly clearer skies also mean better photography of the outdoor military equipment displays.
Saigon River Sunset Cruises
November sunsets happen around 5:45pm, and the slightly drier air means better visibility and more dramatic colors than the hazy wet season. River cruises catch the evening breeze, which is genuinely refreshing after a hot day. You'll see the city skyline light up, pass the container ports that show Saigon's economic engine, and get a completely different perspective than street-level exploration. The 70% humidity feels much better when you're moving on water.
Ben Thanh and Binh Tay Market Morning Exploration
Hit the markets at 6am-8am when locals are shopping and temperatures are still in the mid-20s Celsius (mid-70s Fahrenheit). Ben Thanh is touristy but the morning produce section shows you what Vietnamese actually eat. Binh Tay Market in District 6 (Cholon) is the wholesale market where restaurant owners buy - it's grittier, more authentic, and absolutely packed with activity. November is when you'll see the transition from rainy season vegetables to dry season produce, plus early Tet preparation goods starting to appear.
November Events & Festivals
Southern Vietnam Fruit Festival Season
November is peak season for dragon fruit, rambutan, mangosteen, and pomelo harvests in the Mekong Delta provinces. While not a single organized event, you'll see fruit festivals pop up in Ben Tre and Tien Giang provinces throughout the month. Markets in Saigon overflow with fresh seasonal fruit at rock-bottom prices - dragon fruit goes for 15,000-25,000 VND per kilo versus 40,000+ VND in off-season. Visit the morning markets in Districts 3, 5, or 10 to see the variety locals actually buy.
Teacher's Day Celebrations
November 20th is Vietnamese Teacher's Day, and you'll see students visiting their former teachers with flowers and gifts throughout the week. Schools and universities have special ceremonies. It's not a tourist event, but if you're near schools on November 20th, you'll witness something genuinely cultural - students in ao dai carrying flowers, emotional reunions, and a side of Vietnamese society that values education deeply. Coffee shops near universities get packed with student-teacher meetups.