Vientiane Weather in November

November weather in Vientiane

November feels warm and mostly dry in Vientiane, with pleasant evenings after the heat of the day. Rain is much less common than in October, so you're more likely to enjoy clear time outside than dodge a downpour. The air can still feel humid, but it's a comfortable month for walking around the city.

You can explore the riverside, visit Wat Si Saket or climb Patuxai without the frequent rain of the wet season. A Mekong sunset is a good fit, too. The midday sun can feel strong, so save longer walks around Pha That Luang for earlier or later in the day. November is less dry than December, but the change from October is noticeable.

That Luang festival crowds

The Boun That Luang festival usually takes place in November, though its dates change each year. The celebrations centre on Pha That Luang, Laos's most important Buddhist stupa, with religious ceremonies and crowds of visitors. It's a memorable time to see local traditions, but the area gets busy.

November also marks the start of the popular dry-season period. You'll generally find more visitors than in the rainy months, while December and January are busier still. Prices can begin to rise as demand picks up, especially around the festival.

If you hate crowds, visit Pha That Luang outside festival days and explore the quieter lanes around Wat Si Saket instead.

A useful local tip

During Boun That Luang, don't assume you can take a tuk-tuk right to the stupa entrance. Roads nearby can be crowded or closed, so ask your driver where they can drop you off and expect to walk the final stretch.

Away from the festival, the evening market along the Mekong is an easy place to stroll and try khao piak sen, a comforting Lao noodle soup. November's drier evenings make that riverside walk a pleasant end to a day in town.