Penang in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Penang

31°C (87°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Driest month of the year with minimal rainfall but occasional brief showers that cool down the streets - perfect for walking tours through George Town's UNESCO heritage sites without soggy conditions
Ideal street food weather as evening temperatures drop to comfortable 23°C (73°F) - hawker centers are bustling from 6pm onwards with locals avoiding the midday heat
Penang Hill cable car operates with clearer visibility on most days, offering spectacular views across the straits without monsoon haze blocking the mainland mountains 18 km (11 miles) away
Post-Deepavali period means Southeastasia is beautifully decorated while Chinese temples prepare for winter celebrations - cultural photography opportunities are exceptional with fewer tour groups

Considerations

UV index hits 8 daily with intense tropical sun between 11am-3pm requiring constant sun protection and making midday heritage walks uncomfortable
Despite being the dry season, humidity stays at 70% making air conditioning essential for afternoon rest periods and increasing accommodation costs
Tourist season begins ramping up toward December peak, so popular attractions like Kek Lok Si Temple get crowded on weekends while maintaining shoulder season pricing

Best Activities in November

George Town Heritage Walking Tours

November's drier conditions make exploring the 5.7 sq km (2.2 sq mile) UNESCO World Heritage zone ideal. Early morning tours (7am-10am) avoid the intense midday sun while late afternoon walks (4pm-7pm) catch golden hour lighting on colonial architecture. The brief evening showers actually enhance the atmosphere, washing the streets clean for photography.

Booking Tip: Book heritage walking tours 5-7 days ahead through certified heritage guides. Expect to pay RM80-150 ($18-35) for 3-4 hour tours. Look for guides registered with Penang Heritage Trust. Morning slots fill faster due to weather preferences.

Penang Hill Railway and Nature Walks

Clear November skies provide the best visibility for the 6-minute funicular ride to 833m (2,733 ft) elevation. Temperature drops 6-8°C (11-14°F) at the summit, offering relief from coastal humidity. The surrounding Tropical Spice Garden and nature trails are accessible without muddy monsoon conditions.

Booking Tip: Purchase fast-track tickets online to avoid 1-2 hour queues, especially weekends. Standard tickets cost RM30 ($7) adults, fast-track adds RM15 ($3.50). Visit before 4pm to catch clear views before evening haze builds up.

Street Food Market Tours

November's evening temperatures create perfect hawker center conditions. From 6pm onwards, temperatures drop to comfortable levels while food stalls fire up without monsoon interference. Gurney Drive Hawker Centre and New Lane Hawker Centre operate at full capacity with all vendors present.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost RM120-200 ($28-47) for 3-4 hours covering 8-12 stalls. Book with guides who provide wet wipes and hand sanitizer. Evening tours (6pm-10pm) are more comfortable than lunch tours due to temperature.

Temple and Cultural Site Cycling

Dry roads and lower morning humidity make cycling between temples ideal. The 15 km (9.3 mile) temple circuit from Kek Lok Si to Wat Chaiyamangalaram is manageable in comfortable conditions. Afternoon brief showers provide natural cooling breaks.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes from heritage area operators for RM25-40 ($6-9) full day. Look for operators providing helmets and basic insurance. Start by 8am to complete routes before midday heat. Avoid peak traffic hours 7-9am and 5-7pm.

Tropical Spice Garden Exploration

The 8-hectare (20-acre) garden showcases 500+ tropical plants in ideal November conditions. Walking trails remain dry and accessible while plants show post-monsoon growth. The 45-minute guided walks are comfortable without intense rainfall disrupting outdoor activities.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are RM25 ($6) adults with guided tours adding RM15 ($3.50). Book morning slots (9am-11am) or late afternoon (4pm-6pm) to avoid peak sun. Cooking classes using garden herbs cost RM80-120 ($19-28) and run 2-3 hours.

Clan House and Mansion Tours

November's stable weather allows full exploration of elaborately decorated clan houses like Khoo Kongsi and Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. Interior photography benefits from consistent natural lighting without monsoon gloom. Air-conditioned spaces provide relief during midday touring.

Booking Tip: Combination tickets for multiple clan houses cost RM40-60 ($9-14). Book guided mansion tours 3-5 days ahead, especially for the Blue Mansion's heritage tours. Premium heritage tours cost RM100-180 ($24-42) including traditional refreshments.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Penang International Food Festival

Annual celebration of Penang's hawker culture featuring cooking demonstrations, food competitions, and special menus at participating restaurants. Local and international chefs showcase fusion interpretations of traditional Penang dishes.

Early November

Nine Emperor Gods Festival aftermath decorations

Though the main festival occurs in October, November sees elaborate decorations still adorning Chinese temples, particularly at Snake Temple and Tua Pek Kong Temple. Photography opportunities with fewer crowds and stable weather conditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - brief afternoon showers occur 10 days in November, lasting 20-30 minutes each

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 daily with intense tropical sun from 11am-3pm

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which traps moisture in 70% humidity conditions

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - heritage district cobblestones become slippery when wet from brief showers

Light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces - indoor temperatures often drop to 18-20°C (64-68°F) while outdoor temps reach 31°C (87°F)

Electrolyte tablets or powder - combination of heat, humidity, and walking requires extra hydration support

Portable phone charger - battery drains faster in heat and humidity, especially with constant air conditioning use

Insect repellent with DEET - evening activities near hawker centers and parks attract mosquitoes despite drier conditions

Quick-dry towel - useful for unexpected showers and high humidity causing perspiration during temple visits

Insider Knowledge

Locals schedule outdoor activities for 7am-10am and 5pm-8pm to avoid peak sun - follow this pattern for comfortable sightseeing and better photography lighting

Heritage shophouses offer natural air conditioning through traditional architecture - duck into antique shops, galleries, or cafes during midday heat for free cooling

November marks the beginning of wedding season for local Chinese families - expect temple decorations and occasional road closures for processions, especially weekends

Street food vendors prepare smaller batches during shoulder season, so arrive early at popular stalls like Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul before items sell out by afternoon

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor walking tours during 11am-3pm when UV index peaks at 8 - even locals avoid midday heritage district exploring

Underestimating hydration needs in 70% humidity - drink 3-4 liters daily even though it's the 'dry' season

Wearing dark clothing which absorbs heat and shows perspiration stains - light colors reflect sun and hide moisture better