Things to Do in Wuhan in November

November Weather in Wuhan

16.7°C (62°F) High Temp

8.3°C (47°F) Low Temp

58 mm (2.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect autumn weather with comfortable temperatures 8-17°C (47-62°F) - ideal for walking the 11 km (6.8 miles) of Wuhan's historic districts without summer's oppressive 35°C+ (95°F+) heat
Peak ginkgo season in East Lake Scenic Area - the 87 km² (33.6 sq miles) park turns golden yellow, creating spectacular photography conditions that only last 3-4 weeks annually
Yangtze River cruise season reaches optimal conditions with clear skies 70% of days and calm waters - visibility extends up to 15 km (9.3 miles) for bridge and skyline views
Local persimmon and lotus root harvest season means street food markets offer seasonal specialties unavailable other months - Hubu Alley vendors serve hot lotus root soup for ¥15-25 ($2-3.50) perfect for cool evenings

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall pattern - while only 10 rainy days total, showers can last 2-4 hours and severely impact outdoor plans, particularly river activities and temple visits
Air quality can drop significantly on windless days with AQI reaching 150+ (unhealthy), making outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable for sensitive individuals
Autumn foliage attracts domestic tourists creating crowds at East Lake and Yellow Crane Tower on weekends - expect 30-50% longer wait times at major attractions

Best Activities in November

East Lake Scenic Area Autumn Walks

November is the only month when East Lake's ancient ginkgo trees create golden tunnels along the 34 km (21 miles) of walking paths. Morning temperatures of 8-12°C (46-54°F) are perfect for the 2-3 hour walks needed to see Moshan Hill's botanical gardens and lakeside pavilions. The clear autumn air provides stunning views across the 33 km² (12.7 sq miles) lake surface.

Booking Tip: Entry costs ¥30-60 ($4-8) depending on sections visited. Arrive by 8am to avoid weekend crowds and catch golden hour lighting. Electric shuttle buses run every 15 minutes for ¥10 ($1.40) between major viewing areas.

Yangtze River Evening Cruises

Cool November evenings 10-15°C (50-59°F) make river cruises comfortable while summer heat and winter winds make them less pleasant. The 90-minute cruises showcase Wuhan's three towns (Wuchang, Hankou, Hanyang) connected by iconic bridges. Clear autumn skies provide excellent views of the skyline lights reflecting on calm water.

Booking Tip: Evening cruises typically cost ¥80-150 ($11-21) and run 6:30-8pm. Book same-day at Hankou or Wuchang piers, or see current cruise options in booking section below. Bring light jacket as river temperature drops 3-5°C (5-9°F) from city temperature.

Traditional Market Food Tours

November's cool weather makes walking through Wuhan's hot, steamy food markets comfortable. Seasonal specialties include hot doupi (sticky rice pancakes) for ¥8-12 ($1-1.70), fresh lotus root preparations, and warming noodle soups perfect for 8°C (46°F) mornings. Hubu Alley and Jiqing Street markets are most active 6-10am and 5-8pm.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration costs ¥50-100 ($7-14) per person for full tastings. Organized food walking tours typically cost ¥200-350 ($28-49) and last 3-4 hours. Morning tours better for traditional breakfast foods, evening tours for dinner specialties.

Yellow Crane Tower and Historic District Walks

Autumn's crisp air and moderate UV index of 3 make climbing the 5-story, 51.4m (169 ft) Yellow Crane Tower comfortable without summer's harsh sun. The surrounding Sheshan area offers 3 km (1.9 miles) of historic streets best explored in cool 12-16°C (54-61°F) afternoon temperatures.

Booking Tip: Tower admission ¥70 ($10), combined tickets with surrounding parks ¥120 ($17). Arrive 2-4pm for best lighting and comfortable temperatures. Allow 2-3 hours for tower plus historic street exploration. Avoid weekends when domestic tourist groups create 30+ minute waits.

Wuhan University Campus Autumn Colors

While famous for spring cherry blossoms, November brings equally spectacular autumn foliage across the 340-hectare (840-acre) campus. The Republican-era architecture looks stunning against golden and red maple trees. Cool walking weather makes exploring the hilly campus comfortable - summer heat of 35°C+ (95°F+) makes this exhausting.

Booking Tip: Free campus entry with ID registration. Best visited 9am-4pm weekdays to avoid student crowds. The walk from main gate to Luojia Hill takes 45-60 minutes covering 3.2 km (2 miles) with elevation gain of 118m (387 ft). Weekend restrictions may apply during exam periods.

Hubei Provincial Museum Indoor Cultural Tours

November's unpredictable rain (10 rainy days) makes indoor cultural attractions essential backup plans. The museum houses the 2,400-year-old Marquis Yi's bronze bells and offers climate-controlled exploration perfect for rainy afternoons. Ancient Chu culture exhibits provide deep historical context for understanding Wuhan's significance.

Booking Tip: Free admission with advance online booking. English audio guides ¥30 ($4.20). Plan 2-3 hours minimum. Most crowded 10am-2pm weekends. The ancient music performance (bells of Marquis Yi) typically runs twice daily at 10:30am and 3:30pm for additional ¥20 ($2.80).

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Wuhan International Marathon

One of China's premier marathons typically held mid-November with the 42.2 km (26.2 miles) route showcasing the city's bridges, lakes, and historic districts. Even non-participants enjoy the festival atmosphere along East Lake and Yangtze riverfront areas with road closures creating pedestrian-friendly exploration opportunities.

Early to Mid November

East Lake Chrysanthemum Festival

Traditional autumn flower festival displaying hundreds of chrysanthemum varieties in elaborate arrangements throughout Moshan Botanical Garden. Local families participate in this centuries-old tradition of autumn flower appreciation, with special night illuminations on weekends.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Packable down jacket - temperature swings from 8°C (46°F) morning to 17°C (62°F) afternoon require easy layering

Waterproof walking shoes - 10 rainy days plus wet leaves on East Lake trails create slippery conditions

Compact umbrella - afternoon showers can start suddenly and last 2-4 hours, longer than typical summer storms

Layering pieces (cardigan, light sweater) - indoor heating may not be on yet while outdoor morning temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F)

Light scarf or neck warmer - river cruises and lake walks feel 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooler due to water proximity

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more navigation app usage and photo-taking in optimal light

Moisturizer and lip balm - 70% humidity plus cool air can dry skin faster than expected

Cash in small bills - street food vendors and local transport still prefer cash, especially ¥5-20 notes for market foods

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid East Lake on sunny weekends but visit on overcast weekdays when autumn colors are equally beautiful but crowds are 60% smaller - the photography is actually better with soft, diffused light

The best lotus root vendors in Hubu Alley set up only on days when temperature drops below 12°C (54°F) - look for steaming pots and locals forming lines around 7-8am

Wuhan's metro system gets crowded 4-6pm as students and workers commute, but the new Line 16 to East Lake (opened 2024) runs efficient service every 4-6 minutes, avoiding surface traffic

November is when locals buy winter clothes, so Jianghan Road pedestrian street offers better selection and competitive prices on quality winter gear compared to tourist-focused summer months

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for mild weather - November mornings at 8°C (46°F) by the river feel significantly colder than forecast temperatures, especially with 70% humidity

Planning outdoor activities without rain backup - November showers last longer than summer storms and can ruin entire afternoons of sightseeing

Visiting East Lake only on weekends - weekday mornings offer the same autumn scenery with 50-70% fewer crowds and much better photography opportunities