November is one of the best months to visit Thailand.
The rainy season has ended, humidity drops, and most regions enjoy dry, sunny, and comfortable conditions. Temperatures are warm but manageable, with temperatures 25–33°C (77–91°F).
The Andaman Coast begins its peak beach season. The Gulf Coast may still see occasional showers early in the month.
Thailand Weather in November: Quick Overview
- Season: Cool and dry starts across most of Thailand.
- Temp: 25–33°C (77–91°F) in central & south, 20–30°C (68–86°F) in north.
- Rain: Mostly low, except Gulf Coast.
- Humidity: Drops significantly
- Sunshine: 5–8 hrs/day.
- Sea: Warm, 29–30°C (84–86°F).
Average Temperatures and Rainfall in Thai Cities in December
| Region / City | Avg High Temp | Avg Low Temp | Avg Rainfall | Avg Rainy Days | Avg Sea Temp | Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiang Mai | 29°C / 84°F | 19°C / 66°F | ~40 mm | 4 days | - | 8 |
| Chiang Rai | 28°C / 82°F | 18°C / 64°F | ~35 mm | 4 days | - | 8 |
| Bangkok | 32°C / 90°F | 23°C / 73°F | ~75 mm | 6 days | - | 7 |
| Ayutthaya | 32°C / 90°F | 22°C / 72°F | ~70 mm | 6 days | - | 7 |
| Phuket | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | ~200 mm | 11 days | 29°C / 84°F | 6 |
| Krabi | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | ~180 mm | 10 days | 29°C / 84°F | 6 |
| Phi Phi Islands | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | ~190 mm | 11 days | 29°C / 84°F | 6 |
| Koh Samui | 29°C / 84°F | 24°C / 75°F | ~330 mm | 16 days | 29°C / 84°F | 5 |
| Koh Phangan | 29°C / 84°F | 24°C / 75°F | ~320 mm | 16 days | 29°C / 84°F | 5 |
| Koh Tao | 29°C / 84°F | 24°C / 75°F | ~310 mm | 15 days | 29°C / 84°F | 5 |
Source: https://weatherspark.com/
Chiang Mai & Northern Thailand in November: Cool and Dry
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple under blue sky, Chiang MaiNovember brings cool, dry air and almost no rain.
Chiang Mai is warm and sunny at 25–29°C (77–84°F), with nights cooling sharply to 15–19°C (59–66°F), especially in the mountains like Doi Inthanon. Bring a fleece or light down jacket
Chiang Rai is similar but slightly cooler in the early mornings thanks to its higher elevation.
Mae Hong Son mornings can feel chilly, perfect for sunrise viewpoints. Sukhothai and Lampang are slightly warmer and very dry. It is ideal for exploring temples and historical parks.
Bangkok & Central Thailand in November: Warm and Sunny
The Grand Palace in Bangkok under a bright blue sky in November.November turns central Thailand from sticky and humid to comfortable, making Bangkok and Ayutthaya comfortable for sightseeing. Mornings and evenings are cool, around 22–24°C (72–75°F), perfect for temples, river cruises, or street food.
Hua Hin enjoys gentle sea breezes and mostly sunny skies. Kanchanaburi is cooler at night, ideal for historical sites or a floating house stay. Khao Yai is sunny and warm by day but drops sharply at night, so bring a light jacket.
Andaman Coast in November: Peak Beach Weather
phuketNovember is one of the best times to visit the Andaman Islands.
Phuket, Krabi, and the Phi Phi Islands all see mostly sunny days around 30–32°C (86–90°F), with cooler evenings at 24–26°C (75–79°F). Humidity drops a lot, so beach time feels easy and comfortable.
Early November may still see occasional short showers, but mid to late November is reliably sunny.it is great for island hopping, snorkeling around Phi Phi, or relaxing on Kata and Karon Beach in Phuket.
Gulf Coast in November: Still in Rainy Season
Koh SamuiThe Gulf islands, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, are still in their rainy season in November. Showers can be frequent, especially in the first half of the month, and ferries may get delayed when the sea is rough.
It's a better time for a slow, relaxing stay: enjoy your resort, walk the beach when the sun breaks through, and save big island-hopping plans for later in the season.
Best Places to Visit in Thailand in November
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are undoubtedly top picks in November.
But the real questions are: how to experience them fully, avoid the crowds, and where to go if you want to extend your trip?
Here's our guide for each region.
1. Chiang Mai – Cool Days, Doi Inthanon & Lantern Magic
November is one of the best months for Chiang Mai. Days are warm and dry, and mornings feel crisp enough for a light jacket. The mountains around Doi Inthanon are perfect for sunrise treks and misty trails.
This is also a great month to visit ethical elephant sanctuaries. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary works well if you prefer a gentle, slow-paced visit, while ChangChill offers a true hands-off experience where you observe elephants in a natural setting.
And if you're here in late November, don't miss the Yi Peng Lantern Festival. Thousands of lanterns rise into the sky—magical but very popular. For 2026, the dates are November 24–25, so book early.
2. Sukhothai – Ancient Ruins Under Cool Skies
Sukhothai Historical ParkThe cool, dry weather of November makes exploring the open-air Sukhothai Historical Park an absolute pleasure. Cycling between the ancient temples and Buddha statues is comfortable and immersive without the tropical heat.
For a deeper cultural immersion, time your visit to coincide with the Loy Krathong festival, which is believed to have originated here.
Insider Tips:
The Sukhothai festival usually takes place a week before Chiang Mai's Yi Peng, so you can easily attend both — starting in Sukhothai, then continuing north.
3. Bangkok – Urban Exploration at its Most Pleasant
Take a tuk-tuk and long-tail boat ride in Bangkok.November is when Bangkok finally feels comfortable. You can comfortably cover more ground, from the Grand Palace to canal tours, without feeling drained.
Evenings are pleasant for riverside strolls, rooftop views, or enjoying street food in Chinatown.
Nearby Ayutthaya is ideal for an overnight trip to explore the ruins. See more places to visit around Bangkok.
4. Phuket – The Return of Sun-Kissed Beaches and Calm Seas
Coral island near PhuketNovember is a sweet spot in Phuket. The seas calm down, skies clear, and the crowds are still manageable.
For classic beauty, Phi Phi Islands remain unbeatable. November offers a "golden window" with fewer visitors. My tip: choose tours with early or late Maya Bay access to avoid the 10 a.m.–2 p.m. crowds.
If you're travelling with kids or just want some peace, Racha and Coral Islands are ideal. Staying overnight on Racha is a small trick I love — quiet sunsets and early mornings, with all the day-tripper crowds gone.
For divers, the Similan Islands reopen mid-October and the visibility is fantastic.
For something more special, join our Phang Nga Bay evening kayak trip. Paddle through sea caves, float your own krathong under the stars, and enjoy dinner on board — peaceful, romantic, and unforgettable.
5. Krabi – Prime Time for Rock Climbing and Island Hopping
Phra Nang Cave in KrabiIf you want a slightly more adventurous base, Krabi is perfect.
With the end of the rains, November in Krabi means dry, grippy rock faces - creating perfect conditions for the rock climbing Railay Beach is famous for. The settling seas also make island hopping to the Hong Islands and beyond exceptionally rewarding.
Crowds & Prices in November
The excellent weather in November makes it the start of the high season. Prices for flights and hotels are rising but are generally lower than in December.
The first two weeks of the month are noticeably quieter and offer better value.
The exception is the Yi Peng Festival weekend (Nov 22–27) in Chiang Mai. Prices and crowds peak dramatically. Mid-range hotels that typically cost USD 50–70 per night in early November can rise to USD 100–200 or more during this period.
In 2026, Yi Peng falls on Nov 25–26, directly overlapping with U.S. Thanksgiving — expect soaring demand.
If Chiang Mai is on your list, book months in advance to secure your preferred hotels and flights.
What to Pack for Thailand in November
Packing for Thailand in November is all about being ready for cool mornings up north and sunny beach days down south. You don't need much — just a few smart layers and essentials.
Bring breathable clothes like shorts or skirts, plus a light jacket or fleece for chilly northern evenings.
The sun is gentle but strong enough to leave a mark, so don't forget sunscreen and a hat.
If you plan to visit temples, make sure your shoulders and knees are covered — a light scarf or wrap works perfectly if you prefer shorts the rest of the day.
Thailand Festivals in November
Yi Peng Lantern Festival
Yi Peng: Thousands of lanterns rising into the night's skyIf there's one moment that makes Thailand in November truly magical, I would say it's the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai. In 2026, it will fall on Nov. 24-25.
Buy festival tickets months in advance.
Loy Krathong Festival
Loy Krathong FestivalAnd the magic doesn't stop in the sky. Yi Peng happens together with Loy Krathong.
It lets you float lanterns (krathongs) on rivers in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi. A perfect way to join local tradition.
FAQ about Thailand in November
Q: Is November a good time to visit Thailand?
A: Yes. November marks the start of the cool and dry season. Temperatures are comfortable, rainfall drops sharply in most regions, and crowds are smaller than in December.
Q: Is it rainy in Thailand in November?
A: Rain is mostly gone across Thailand, especially in the north and Andaman Coast. The Gulf Coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) may still have occasional showers early in the month, but they are usually short-lived.
Q: How cool does northern Thailand get at night?
A: Northern Thailand can get quite cool at night, especially in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the mountains. Expect evening and early morning temperatures around 15–19°C (59–66°F), so a light jacket or fleece is recommended.
Q: Which coast has better beach weather in November?
A: The Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi Islands) offers the best beach weather in November — sunny days, calm seas, and lower humidity. The Gulf Coast may still be wet in early November, so plan activities accordingly.
Q: How does November compare to December for visiting Thailand?
A: November generally has milder crowds, slightly lower prices, and very similar weather, though December is peak season with higher hotel rates and busier attractions.
Ready to Visit Thailand in November?
Our experienced Thailand specialists can help you design a trip that fits your interests perfectly, whether it's romance under lanterns or relaxing by turquoise seas.
See our Thailand private tours for inspiration. Or, let's start planning your Thailand journey today.
Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Thailand
Learn about the weather in Thailand for 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month.
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Highlights Travel, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.