Dhaka in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Dhaka

29°C (85°F) High Temp

19°C (67°F) Low Temp

20 mm (0.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Post-monsoon clarity delivers exceptional air quality and visibility - perfect for photography at Lalbagh Fort and rooftop dining with 15-20 km (9-12 mile) clear views across the city
Cooler morning temperatures (19-22°C/67-72°F until 10am) make Old Dhaka walking tours through Shakhari Bazaar and Chawk Bazaar comfortable before the midday heat builds
Kash phool (silver reed grass) blooms across the city create Instagram-worthy backdrops at Ramna Park and Suhrawardy Udyan - this only happens October-December
Pre-winter wedding season means street food vendors offer premium seasonal items like patishapta and khejur gur (date palm jaggery) sweets that aren't available other months

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms (lasting 45-90 minutes) can disrupt outdoor plans - happens about 10 days throughout the month with little advance warning
High humidity (70%) combined with warm temperatures makes mid-day walking exhausting - you'll need indoor breaks every 2-3 hours between 11am-4pm
Pre-winter construction boom creates additional traffic delays - expect 45-60 minutes for journeys that normally take 30 minutes during peak hours (8-10am, 5-8pm)

Best Activities in November

Old Dhaka Heritage Walking Tours

November's cooler mornings (19-22°C/67-72°F until 10am) make exploring the narrow lanes of Shakhari Bazaar, Armenian Church, and this destination Palace comfortable before afternoon heat builds. Post-monsoon air clarity provides excellent visibility for photography of Mughal architecture details.

Booking Tip: Start tours by 8am to avoid midday heat and crowds. Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed heritage tour operators. Tours typically cost ৳1,500-2,500 per person for 4-hour guided walks. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Sadarghat River Port Photography Tours

November's clear post-monsoon skies and lower water levels create dramatic compositions of the century-old paddle steamers and country boats. Morning golden hour (6:30-8am) provides soft light on the Buriganga River with minimal haze - impossible during monsoon months.

Booking Tip: Early morning tours (6:30am start) offer best lighting and boat activity. Photography permits typically cost ৳500-800. Book through registered river tour operators 3-5 days ahead. Current specialized tours available in booking section below.

Suhrawardy Udyan Kash Phool Viewing

November is peak blooming season for kash phool (silver reed grass) - ethereal white plumes that create dreamy backdrops across this historic park. This seasonal phenomenon only occurs October-December, and November offers the fullest blooms without monsoon damage.

Booking Tip: Best viewing during golden hour (5-6:30pm) when low sun backlights the grass plumes. Free entry but guided botanical tours available for ৳800-1,200. See current nature tour options in booking section below.

Seasonal Street Food Tours

November introduces winter specialties like patishapta (rice crepe with date palm jaggery), kheer made with fresh date palm sap, and roasted chestnuts from street vendors. Post-harvest season means peak quality ingredients and lower prices for traditional Bengali sweets.

Booking Tip: Evening food walks (6-9pm) catch vendors at peak service when temperatures drop to comfortable 24-26°C (75-79°F). Tours typically cost ৳2,000-3,500 including tastings. Book through certified food tour operators. Current culinary tours in booking section below.

Lalbagh Fort Sunset Photography

November's clear evenings provide unobstructed golden hour lighting (5-6:30pm) on this 17th-century Mughal fortress. Post-monsoon air clarity allows detailed architectural photography of the tomb of Bibi Pari and the fort's red sandstone walls without haze interference.

Booking Tip: Arrive by 4:30pm to secure best positions for sunset shots. Entry fee ৳20 for locals, ৳100 for foreigners. Professional photography permits cost additional ৳500. Current specialized heritage tours available in booking section below.

Dhaka University Campus Cultural Tours

November's comfortable morning temperatures make walking the sprawling 600-acre campus ideal for exploring Curzon Hall's British colonial architecture, the Shaheed Minar memorial, and student life observation. Post-monsoon clarity enhances views of the historic red-brick buildings.

Booking Tip: Weekday morning tours (9-11am) offer authentic student atmosphere. Student-guided tours typically cost ৳1,000-1,800 per group. Book through university cultural programs 7-10 days ahead. Current campus tour options in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Victory Day Preparations

November sees increasing patriotic displays and cultural rehearsals building toward December 16th Victory Day. Street decorations, flag displays, and cultural program practices create busy atmosphere especially around Shaheed Minar and Suhrawardy Udyan areas.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight breathable cotton or linen shirts - synthetic fabrics become uncomfortable in 70% humidity combined with 29°C (85°F) temperatures

Compact umbrella or light rain poncho - afternoon thunderstorms last 45-90 minutes and happen unpredictably about 10 days in November

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflects strongly off concrete surfaces in urban areas

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes - essential for Old Dhaka's uneven brick streets and protection from puddles after rain showers

Light cotton scarf or shawl - useful for covering shoulders in mosques and protection from dust in busy markets

Portable water bottle (1L minimum) - dehydration happens quickly in humid conditions even when temperatures feel moderate

Quick-dry pants or long skirts - better than shorts for cultural sites and protection from mosquitoes during evening outdoor activities

Lightweight cotton cardigan - morning temperatures can drop to 19°C (67°F) and indoor air conditioning is often aggressive

Mosquito repellent with DEET - post-monsoon standing water creates breeding conditions, especially problematic at dawn and dusk

Waterproof phone case or bag - essential for protecting electronics during unexpected rain showers and high humidity conditions

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in Gulshan or Banani areas - these neighborhoods have better drainage systems and fewer flooding issues during November's occasional heavy downpours compared to Old Dhaka

Use the new MRT Line-6 (opened 2022) during peak hours to avoid traffic delays caused by pre-winter construction boom - saves 30-45 minutes compared to road transport between Uttara and Motijheel

Exchange money at banks rather than airport counters - November sees increased business activity driving better exchange rates, typically 2-3% better than tourist-focused exchange points

November is ideal for negotiating longer-term accommodation rates if staying over a week - hotel occupancy drops after monsoon season but before winter tourism peak, giving you use for 15-20% discounts

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities between 11am-4pm when humidity combines with heat to create exhausting conditions - schedule temple visits and walking tours for early morning (7-10am) or late afternoon (5-7pm)

Assuming rain gear isn't necessary because it's 'post-monsoon' - November thunderstorms are brief but intense, and you'll be miserable without protection during those 45-90 minute downpours

Booking same-day tours during November - this is when local schools organize field trips and cultural programs, creating unexpected demand for guides and transportation