Surabaya in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Surabaya

33°C (92°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

140 mm (5.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Peak comfort weather - November hits the sweet spot with manageable humidity (70% vs 85% in rainy season) and temperatures rarely exceeding 33°C (92°F), making outdoor exploration actually enjoyable
Shoulder season pricing - Hotel rates drop 30-40% from peak tourist months, with quality mid-range accommodations available for 800,000-1.2M IDR ($50-75) versus 1.5-2M IDR in peak season
Cultural calendar peak - November brings Hari Pahlawan (Heroes Day) celebrations on November 10th with impressive military parades and historical reenactments throughout the city, plus the annual Surabaya Fashion Festival
Perfect food weather - Cool evenings make street food exploration comfortable, with iconic rujak cingur and rawon vendors operating longer hours as locals embrace outdoor dining again

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms - Rain hits hard and fast between 2-5pm on 60% of days, lasting 30-45 minutes but completely disrupting outdoor plans with zero warning
High UV intensity - Clear mornings bring scorching sun with UV index of 8, making unprotected outdoor activities between 10am-3pm genuinely dangerous without proper sun protection
Increased local holiday crowds - November school holidays and Heroes Day celebrations mean popular attractions like House of Sampoerna and Submarine Monument see 3x normal visitor numbers on weekends

Best Activities in November

Historic Arab Quarter Walking Tours

November's cooler evenings (25°C/77°F after 6pm) make exploring Ampel Mosque district incredibly pleasant. The historic Arab quarter comes alive with food vendors and traditional markets as locals escape the day's heat. Ramadan preparation shopping creates authentic cultural immersion opportunities without peak tourist crowds.

Booking Tip: Evening tours (6-9pm) work best in November weather. Book through licensed cultural guides 5-7 days ahead, typically 300,000-500,000 IDR ($20-32) per person. Look for guides certified by Surabaya Tourism Board. See current tour options in the booking section below.

East Java Volcano Day Trips

November offers ideal volcanic hiking conditions with clear morning visibility and manageable temperatures for the 2-hour trek to Mount Bromo crater rim. The dry season ensures reliable sunrise views without monsoon cloud cover that plagues other months.

Booking Tip: Start 3am for sunrise tours to beat afternoon storms. Book 10-14 days ahead through operators with 4WD vehicles and insurance coverage, typically 1.2-1.8M IDR ($75-115) including transport and guide. See current volcanic tour options in the booking section below.

Traditional Market Food Adventures

Morning market tours (6-9am) capitalize on November's comfortable early temperatures before heat peaks. Pasar Genteng and Pasar Atom showcase seasonal tropical fruits like rambutan and salak at peak ripeness, plus traditional jamu (herbal drinks) vendors operate extended hours.

Booking Tip: Start by 6am to beat both heat and crowds. Food tours typically cost 250,000-400,000 IDR ($16-25) per person for 3-hour experiences. Book with guides who speak Javanese for authentic vendor interactions. See current food tour options in the booking section below.

Madura Island Cultural Excursions

November's calmer seas make the 30-minute ferry crossing to Madura Island comfortable, with traditional bull racing (karapan sapi) events happening throughout the month. The island's tobacco farming culture and traditional Madurese cuisine offer real feels without mainland tourist infrastructure.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips work best, departing 7am to return by 6pm before evening rains. Book through operators with Madura connections, typically 800,000-1.2M IDR ($50-75) including ferry and cultural experiences. See current island tour options in the booking section below.

Colonial Heritage Architecture Tours

November's moderate humidity makes walking tours of Dutch colonial buildings actually enjoyable. The old city district around Jalan Pemuda showcases preserved colonial architecture, with many buildings opening courtyards and interior spaces during comfortable evening hours.

Booking Tip: Schedule for 4-7pm to catch golden hour photography and avoid midday heat. Architecture tours typically cost 200,000-350,000 IDR ($13-22) for 2-3 hours. Book guides with historical expertise 3-5 days ahead. See current heritage tour options in the booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

November 10th (national holiday)

Hari Pahlawan (Heroes Day) Celebrations

November 10th commemorates the 1945 Battle of Surabaya with massive military parades, historical reenactments at Heroes Monument, and traditional ceremonies throughout the city. Streets fill with food vendors and cultural performances, offering genuine insight into Indonesian independence history.

Mid to Late November

Surabaya Fashion Festival

Annual fashion event showcasing Indonesian designers, traditional batik fashion shows, and contemporary clothing exhibitions. Held at various venues including Tunjungan Plaza and Grand City Mall, featuring both established and emerging Southeast Asian fashion talent.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket (not umbrella) - November thunderstorms bring sideways rain lasting 30-45 minutes with 80 km/h (50 mph) winds that destroy umbrellas

SPF 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 during clear mornings, causing burns within 15 minutes of unprotected exposure

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - Avoid polyester/synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity as they trap sweat and become uncomfortable quickly

Quick-dry walking shoes with grip - Sudden downpours create slippery marble surfaces at temples and shopping centers within minutes

Electrolyte packets or tablets - High humidity causes rapid dehydration even at 'comfortable' 33°C (92°F) temperatures during outdoor activities

Lightweight long pants for evening - Many traditional restaurants and religious sites require covered legs, plus protection from mosquitoes after 6pm

Portable phone charger/power bank - November's variable weather means frequent indoor shelter seeking where charging opportunities are limited

Cash in small denominations (50,000 IDR notes) - Street food vendors and traditional markets rarely accept cards or large bills

Basic Indonesian phrasebook or translation app - November cultural events attract fewer English-speaking crowds than peak tourist months

Packable daypack with waterproof interior - Essential for protecting electronics and documents during unexpected afternoon storms

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations near Tunjungan Plaza or Grand City Mall - These air-conditioned complexes become essential retreat spaces during November's unpredictable afternoon storms and offer reliable food courts

Use Grab bike transportation between 6-9am and after 6pm - Avoiding midday heat and afternoon rain windows saves both money (50% cheaper than car rides) and time stuck in covered traffic jams

Shop at traditional markets before 8am on weekdays - Vendors offer best selection and prices before tourist groups arrive, plus you'll experience authentic local morning routines with office workers grabbing breakfast

Download offline maps and keep phone battery above 50% - November storms can knock out cell towers temporarily, and many traditional areas lack clear English signage for navigation

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 2-5pm - This is prime thunderstorm window that catches 90% of first-time visitors off-guard, leaving them soaked and unable to continue sightseeing plans

Wearing white or light-colored clothing to street markets - November's combination of dust, food stains, and sudden mud from rain makes light clothing impractical for authentic local experiences

Bringing only credit cards - Traditional markets, street food vendors, and cultural sites operate on cash-only basis, with ATMs sometimes running empty during November holiday periods