By Kylian DevNorth
GreatChiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai
Ideal: dry, sunny, green after the rains and cooler at night. The Yi Peng lantern festival is usually this month.
Thailand in November
Thailand in November: the season starts, lanterns rise
November is the start of the cool, dry season for most of Thailand: the north is fresh and clear, Bangkok more comfortable and the Andaman coast back in its best season. Only the Gulf islands are in their rainiest month.
- Great month to go
- Shoulder season
- 24 ideal destinations
Great month to go
Our verdict for November
November is an excellent month for everything except the Gulf islands. The north is at its most beautiful, with green hills and clear skies, and Loy Krathong and Yi Peng light up Chiang Mai, Sukhothai and Bangkok. The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Lanta) enters high season. Samui, Phangan and Tao, however, usually get their heaviest rain now, so keep them for later in the year.
Bangkok & centre
GreatBangkok, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin
Much more pleasant: drier and slightly less humid, perfect for Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi.
Andaman coast
GreatPhuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Lanta
High season begins: calm seas return and island-hopping restarts, though early November can still bring showers.
Gulf islands
RainyKoh Samui, Phangan, Tao
Usually the wettest month on Samui, Phangan and Tao, with heavy rain and rough seas at times.
Region by region
Weather in Thailand in November, by region
The bar shows how many of our destinations in each region are in their ideal season. The strip shows the whole year, with this month outlined.
North
Great
6 of 6 destinations ideal
Central & Bangkok
Great
5 of 5 destinations ideal
Gulf of Thailand
Rainy
0 of 3 destinations ideal
Andaman Sea
Great
8 of 9 destinations ideal
East (Koh Chang)
Great
5 of 5 destinations ideal
Method: each destination has a list of ideal months in our data; a region is rated from the share of its destinations in their ideal window. It is a planning guide based on typical seasons, not a forecast.
Where to go
Best places to visit in Thailand in November
In November, head north and to the Andaman coast. These destinations are in their ideal window.
Central & BangkokBangkok
The City of Angels, a thousand flavours and golden temples
31°C€35 - 65 / day
NorthChiang Mai
The Rose of the North, its teak temples and mountains
26°C€25 - 45 / day
NorthChiang Rai & the Golden Triangle
Visionary architecture on the misty edge of the Mekong
25°C€20 - 40 / day
NorthPai
A bohemian valley of rice fields and hot springs
24°C€18 - 35 / day
NorthSukhothai
Dawn of happiness: poetic ruins explored by bicycle
27°C€20 - 38 / day
Central & BangkokAyutthaya
Ruins of the old Siamese empire along the water
30°C€25 - 45 / day
Also in their best season: Kanchanaburi & Erawan, Hua Hin, Koh Chang, Phuket, Krabi & Railay, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, Koh Kood, Koh Mak, Koh Samet, Pattaya, Khao Yai, Khao Lak, Koh Yao Noi, Trang Islands, Mae Hong Son, Nan
Doable, off peak (1)
Outside their ideal window but usually fine to visit: expect some showers, heat or rougher seas.
Rainy season (3)
In their rainy season according to our data. Still possible if you are flexible, but plan indoor options and check boat schedules.
Typical conditions
What the weather is like in November
Rain retreats from most of the country and temperatures become more comfortable, with warm days and cooler evenings in the north. The Andaman sea calms down as the month goes on. On the Gulf coast, the northeast monsoon usually brings the heaviest rain of the year.
What to pack in November
- A light sweater for northern evenings
- Sunscreen and swimwear for the Andaman coast
- A temple outfit for Loy Krathong ceremonies
- A small torch for evening lantern events
Crowds & prices
Crowds and prices in November
Shoulder season
The start of high season: prices rise through the month and Loy Krathong makes Chiang Mai and Sukhothai very busy. Book accommodation around the festival well ahead; early November is often better value.
Tourist season through the year
JFMAMJJASOND
Taller bar = busier and usually pricier. Based on typical tourist seasons, not live prices.
Festivals
Festivals in Thailand in November
Lunar festivals shift from year to year: check the exact date before you book.
Loy Krathong
Full moon of the 12th lunar month, usually November
Candlelit floats set on rivers and lakes under the November full moon.
Sukhothai, Bangkok (Chao Phraya), Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai
Yi Peng (Chiang Mai lantern festival)
Same days as Loy Krathong, usually November
Chiang Mai's lantern festival, held alongside Loy Krathong.
Chiang Mai and northern Thailand
Full Moon Party
Every month, on or around the full moon
The monthly all-night beach party at Haad Rin, Koh Phangan.
Haad Rin beach, Koh Phangan
FAQ
Thailand in November: your questions
Is November a good time to visit Thailand?
Yes, it is one of the best months for the north, Bangkok and the Andaman coast. Only the Gulf islands (Samui, Phangan, Tao) are in their rainy season.
When is Loy Krathong?
On the full moon of the twelfth Thai lunar month, usually in November (occasionally late October). Yi Peng in Chiang Mai takes place at the same time. Dates and tips in our Loy Krathong and Yi Peng guide.
Keep planning