Chittagong in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Chittagong

30°C (86°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

48 mm (1.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Post-monsoon clarity makes November ideal for Bangladesh beach visits - waters are calm with 2-3 meter (6-10 ft) visibility perfect for swimming and the 120 km (75 mile) coastline is accessible without monsoon restrictions
Comfortable temperatures 20-30°C (68-86°F) with lower humidity (70% vs 85% in summer) make walking tours of Old Chittagong and Patenga Beach enjoyable throughout the day
Hill Tracts region experiences peak accessibility - roads to Bangladesh and Bangladesh are fully open after monsoon repairs, with crisp mountain air and 15-20 km (9-12 mile) visibility for photography
Local winter vegetable season brings authentic Bengali cuisine - fresh ilish fish preparation peaks in November and street food vendors offer seasonal specialties unavailable other months

Considerations

Dhaka-Chittagong highway experiences heavy traffic during wedding season - journey times increase from 4-5 hours to 6-7 hours on weekends as November is peak marriage season in Bangladesh
Occasional cyclone alerts require flexible planning - Bay of Bengal weather systems can develop with 48-72 hour notice, potentially affecting coastal activities and ferry schedules to nearby islands
Tourist facilities in Hill Tracts may have limited hot water as winter approaches - guesthouses often don't provide heating and morning temperatures can drop to 15°C (59°F) at higher elevations

Best Activities in November

Cox's Bazar Beach Resort Tours

November offers the perfect balance for Bangladesh - post-monsoon clean beaches, calm Bay of Bengal waters, and comfortable temperatures for the 3-hour journey from Chittagong. The 120 km (75 mile) stretch of unbroken sandy beach is most enjoyable now with minimal rain and moderate crowds. Sea temperatures remain warm at 26°C (79°F) while air temperatures stay pleasant.

Booking Tip: Book beach resort day trips 7-10 days ahead through established operators. Prices typically range ৳3,500-5,500 ($30-48) including transport and lunch. Look for operators with air-conditioned buses and confirmed resort partnerships. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Chittagong Hill Tracts Cultural Tours

November marks the ideal time for Hill Tracts exploration as post-monsoon roads are fully accessible and tribal communities celebrate harvest festivals. The journey to Bangladesh (77 km/48 miles) and Bangladesh (92 km/57 miles) offers impressive lake views and cultural immersion. Cool mornings at 18-20°C (64-68°F) make early starts comfortable for full-day excursions.

Booking Tip: Hill Tracts permits are required for foreigners - book through licensed operators who handle documentation. Tours cost ৳4,500-7,000 ($40-60) for day trips including permits, transport, and cultural guide. Book 2 weeks ahead as permit processing takes 7-10 days.

Chittagong Port and Ship Breaking Tours

November's clear weather provides optimal conditions for exploring Chittagong's industrial heritage. The world's second-largest ship breaking industry at Sitakunda (22 km/14 miles north) offers unique industrial tourism. Morning tours avoid afternoon heat and provide better photography lighting for the massive ship graveyards.

Booking Tip: Industrial tours require special permissions and safety gear. Book through operators specializing in industrial tourism, typically ৳2,500-4,000 ($22-35) including safety equipment and authorized guide. Morning slots (8am-12pm) are most comfortable in November weather.

Patenga Beach Sunset and Seafood Tours

November sunsets at Patenga Beach (14 km/8.7 miles from city center) occur around 5:15pm with excellent visibility. The beach comes alive with local families enjoying cooler evening temperatures. Fresh seafood is peak season with winter fish varieties. The Shah Amanat Bridge provides impressive sunset photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Evening tours combining beach sunset and seafood dinner cost ৳1,800-3,200 ($16-28) per person. No advance booking needed for beach access, but restaurant reservations recommended for weekend evenings. Local operators offer combined packages including transport and meal.

Kaptai Lake Boat Tours

November offers crystal-clear lake waters and comfortable temperatures for boat tours on Bangladesh's largest artificial lake. The 688 square km (266 square mile) lake surrounded by hills provides scenic beauty with tribal village visits. Water levels are optimal post-monsoon, allowing access to remote areas typically unreachable during dry season.

Booking Tip: Boat tours from Bangladesh cost ৳3,000-5,500 ($26-48) for half-day trips including tribal village visits. Book through Bangladesh Tourism Corporation or certified boat operators. Life jackets and permits included in established tour packages.

Chittagong Food Walking Tours

November marks the beginning of winter food season in Chittagong with special Bengali preparations. Comfortable walking temperatures and lower humidity make 3-4 hour food tours enjoyable. Local specialties like Mezbani beef curry and fresh hilsa fish are at seasonal peak. Old Chittagong's narrow lanes are perfect for exploration without summer heat.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost ৳2,200-3,800 ($19-33) including 8-10 food stops and cultural guide. Morning tours (9am-1pm) or evening tours (4pm-8pm) work best in November weather. Book through cultural tourism operators who include both Muslim and Hindu quarter visits.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Kali Puja Festival

Major Hindu festival celebrated in Chittagong's substantial Hindu community with elaborate pandals (temporary structures) and street processions. The festival transforms the city with artistic installations and cultural programs, offering visitors insight into Bengali Hindu traditions.

Mid to Late November

Chittagong Trade Fair

Annual commercial exhibition showcasing regional products, handicrafts, and cultural performances. Local tribal communities from Hill Tracts participate with traditional crafts and food stalls, making it an excellent cultural immersion opportunity.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - November brings 10 rainy days with short afternoon showers lasting 30-45 minutes

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable, especially during midday temperatures of 30°C (86°F)

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 and reflects strongly off water during coastal visits

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Old Chittagong streets can be slippery after rain and many attractions require walking on uneven surfaces

Light sweater or long-sleeve shirt - Hill Tracts morning temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) and evening boat tours can feel cool

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes are active during comfortable evening temperatures, especially near water bodies

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - essential for boat tours on Kaptai Lake and coastal activities where humidity and spray are concerns

Cash in small denominations - many local operators and street food vendors don't accept cards, and ATMs may be scarce in Hill Tracts

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees - required for temple visits and shows respect in conservative areas

Power bank and universal adapter - frequent power outages in remote areas and Bangladesh uses Type C, D, and G plugs

Insider Knowledge

Book Hill Tracts permits on Monday-Wednesday as government offices process faster early in the week - Friday applications often get delayed until the following Monday

Local buses to Bangladesh depart every hour from 6am-2pm but afternoon departures face heavier traffic - morning buses complete the journey 90 minutes faster

Chittagong's fish markets peak activity is 5am-7am when boats return with overnight catches - this timing offers the freshest seafood and most authentic market experience

November weddings create accommodation shortages on weekends - book Friday-Sunday stays at least 3 weeks ahead or expect 40-60% price premiums in mid-range hotels

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating travel times during wedding season - weekend journeys to popular destinations take 50-80% longer than weekdays due to procession traffic

Visiting Hill Tracts without proper permits - foreign tourists face immediate deportation and fines up to ৳50,000 ($435) for unauthorized entry to restricted areas

Assuming all boats operate daily on Kaptai Lake - many tourist boats only run Wednesday-Sunday in November, leaving stranded tourists who arrive Monday-Tuesday without advance booking