Things to Do in Tainan in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Tainan
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Comfortable cycling weather - mornings hit 20-22°C (68-72°F), perfect for exploring Tainan's temple circuit before the heat builds. You'll actually want to be outside, unlike the brutal summer months when locals hide indoors until sunset.
- Oyster season peaks in November - this is when you'll find the plumpest, sweetest oysters at Anping Harbor. Local vendors set up charcoal grills right on the waterfront, and a plate of grilled oysters runs about NT$150-200 (US$5-7). The cooler water temperatures make them particularly sweet this month.
- Manageable crowds at major sites - November falls between Taiwan's October holidays and the Lunar New Year rush. You'll actually get decent photos at Chihkan Tower and Anping Fort without fighting through tour groups. Weekday mornings are especially quiet.
- Stable weather patterns - unlike the typhoon-prone summer or the occasional winter cold snaps, November weather in Tainan tends to be predictable. Those 10 rainy days are usually brief afternoon showers that clear within 30-45 minutes, not all-day washouts.
Considerations
- Humidity lingers through the day - that 70% humidity means your clothes feel damp even when it hasn't rained. Cotton shirts will stick to your back by midday, and anything you hang-dry in your hotel room takes forever to actually dry. Pack moisture-wicking fabrics if you have them.
- Inconsistent air quality from burning season - farmers in southern Taiwan burn rice stubble after harvest, which can happen through November. Some days you'll wake up to hazy skies and an AQI above 100. Worth checking air quality apps before planning outdoor-heavy days.
- Shoulder season means unpredictable business hours - some smaller temples and historic sites have reduced hours as they prepare for winter maintenance. That family-run breakfast spot you read about might randomly close for a week. Always have backup plans, especially for Mondays when many places close anyway.
Best Activities in November
Temple cycling routes through old town districts
November mornings are genuinely pleasant for cycling - you can cover 10-15 km (6-9 miles) before the heat becomes uncomfortable. The historic Wufei Temple to Confucius Temple loop takes about 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace, passing through neighborhoods where locals are doing morning tai chi and buying breakfast from street vendors. The lower humidity compared to summer means you won't arrive at each temple completely drenched. Rental bikes (YouBike 2.0 stations throughout the city) cost NT$10 for the first 30 minutes, then NT$20 per 30 minutes after.
Anping Harbor seafood market visits and cooking experiences
November is peak oyster season, and Anping Harbor becomes the place locals go for the freshest catch. The morning fish market (5am-10am) is worth the early wake-up - you'll see milkfish being cleaned, squid still moving in buckets, and those famous oysters being shucked. Some vendors offer simple cooking classes where they'll teach you to make oyster omelets or milkfish soup. The cooler November weather makes standing around the market stalls more bearable than summer's sweltering heat.
Historic mansion and museum tours during midday heat
When temperatures peak between 1-4pm, duck into Tainan's excellent historic buildings. The Hayashi Department Store (1932 building with original elevator), Chihkan Tower complex, and the National Museum of Taiwan Literature all have good air conditioning and deep historical context. November's variable weather makes having indoor backup plans essential - those brief afternoon showers are perfect timing for museum visits. Entry fees range NT$50-100 (US$1.50-3.50) for most sites.
Night market food crawls in comfortable evening temperatures
November evenings drop to 22-24°C (72-75°F), which is actually pleasant for standing around eating at night markets. Tainan's night markets rotate by day - Dadonng (Monday, Tuesday, Friday), Wusheng (Wednesday, Saturday), Xiaobeimen (Thursday, Saturday). You'll find the city's famous coffin bread, shrimp rolls, and danzai noodles. The cooler weather means food vendors can keep things fresher longer, and you won't be sweating into your bowl of noodles.
Salt mountain and coastal wetland exploration
The Qigu Salt Mountain and nearby Qigu Lagoon wetlands are about 40 km (25 miles) southwest of Tainan city. November brings migratory birds to the wetlands - black-faced spoonbills arrive from their northern breeding grounds, and the cooler weather makes the exposed salt flats bearable to walk around. The salt mountain itself is a quirky photo spot (giant white pyramid of salt), and you can climb to the top for coastal views. Admission is NT$100 (US$3.50).
Traditional breakfast shop hopping in local neighborhoods
Tainan is famous across Taiwan for its breakfast culture, and November mornings are perfect for wandering residential neighborhoods to find the best soy milk, egg pancakes, and rice soup spots. Locals eat breakfast out daily, so shops are packed from 6-9am. The comfortable morning temperatures mean you can walk between neighborhoods trying different specialties - savory rice pudding in one area, milkfish congee in another. Most breakfast items cost NT$30-60 (US$1-2).
November Events & Festivals
Tainan Guanziling Hot Spring Music Festival
Held in the Guanziling hot spring area about 30 km (19 miles) northeast of the city, this festival combines outdoor concerts with hot spring bathing. November is actually ideal for hot springs in Taiwan - the weather is cool enough that sitting in 40°C (104°F) water feels genuinely relaxing rather than punishing. The mud springs in Guanziling are unique to this area (grayish mineral-rich water rather than clear sulfur springs). The festival typically features Taiwanese indie bands and traditional music performances on weekend evenings.