What to pack for Hanoi in November
Heading to Hanoi in November? Here's a packing list built directly from local climate averages — not generic blog advice.
November is mid-pack for warmth in Hanoi (ranked 8 of 12) and among the driest (ranked 11 of 12). Day temperatures are 3°C cooler than October and cooling toward December — so this month's packing list won't be identical to October's or December's.
Essentials
- ★ Passport + a photocopy stored separately Travel documents
- ★ Phone + charging cables (USB-C, Lightning as needed) Daily essentials
- • Refillable water bottle (1L) Reduces single-use plastic + saves money
- • Compact daypack (15–20L) For day trips, hands-free walking
- • Travel-size first-aid kit (band-aids, ibuprofen, antihistamines) Pharmacy access varies
Tops
- ★ T-shirts (5–6) — cotton or merino Avg high 26°C — warm
- • 1–2 long-sleeve linen or chambray shirts Cooler evenings + sun protection
Bottoms
- ★ Lightweight LONG pants or knee-length skirts/dresses (3) — linen, breathable 26°C but religious sites require knee cover
- • Shorts (1–2) — for hotel/beach only Save for non-cultural settings
Outerwear & layers
- • Lightweight cardigan or pashmina shawl Brutal restaurant/transport AC + cool evenings
Rain & weather protection
- • Light rain jacket OR compact umbrella (pick one) 6 rain days
Footwear
- ★ Walking sandals with arch support (Teva, Chaco, Birkenstock) Warm weather comfort
- ★ Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes — sneakers Long sightseeing days, religious sites, traffic-dodging
Accessories
- ★ High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 30+ minimum, 50+ for fair skin) Strong sun expected
- ★ Sunglasses with UV400 protection Sunny conditions
- ★ Wide-brim sun hat or peaked cap Sun protection
Local style + dress code
- ★ Light scarf or sarong for shoulder/knee cover Required for mosques, temples, and major churches
Power, voltage & adapters
- ★ 220V at 50Hz Mains electricity standard for Vietnam
- ★ Plug types: A, C, F (Type A — flat 2-pin (US/Canada/Japan style)) Most common: A. Older buildings may also use C, F.
- ★ Check device voltage labels: 'INPUT: 100–240V' is dual-voltage (most modern phones, laptops, chargers — safe). Single-voltage 110V devices (older hairdryers, curling irons) need a step-down converter, not just an adapter. Vietnam runs 220V — too high for US-only 110V devices
- • From the UK/Ireland: bring a G→A travel adapter UK Type G plugs don't fit Vietnam's outlets
- · Easiest option: a universal travel adapter (e.g. Anker, Epicka) that handles A/B/C/E/F/G/I in one — covers ~95% of countries. If you travel to multiple regions
✅ Can you carry-on?
Yes — November in Hanoi packs comfortably into a carry-on. Conditions stay mild enough that you can rely on light layers, one pair of shoes, and a packable rain shell.
22 suggested items total — 5 essentials, 5 clothing items, 2 pairs of shoes.
What you can leave at home
Based on Hanoi's November climate, here's what won't earn its bag space:
- heavy winter coat & thermal underwear
- gloves, scarves, and wool hats
- snow boots and ice grips
How this list was built
Every recommendation above maps to specific climate data for Hanoi in November: average high (26°C), average low (18°C), expected rain days (6), and any peak hazard seasons. Heavier items appear at colder temperatures; rain gear scales with how often it rains; sun protection appears when it's warm and dry.
The ★ items are essential — pack these first. The • items are recommended for comfort. The · items are nice-to-have if you have space.
Other months in Hanoi
Daily forecasts, climate averages, and the best activities for the season.