What the weather is like in November
November is the inverse-monsoon month. Phuket and Krabi start to dry out (Krabi sees 180mm, down from 324mm in October). Koh Samui sees its worst single month — opposite of the Andaman pattern. Bangkok cool dry season begins.
Against October, November runs about the same temperature with 244mm less rain and 1.4 hours more sun a day.
These November averages are station normals for Bangkok (NOAA / Thai Meteorological Department, via Wikipedia, 1991-2020); other parts of Thailand vary. Full sources below.
Thailand in November, on the ground
November is the start of Thailand’s cool, dry season in Bangkok and the north, and the Andaman coast is drying out. Days are sunnier and humidity falls; the Gulf islands, including Koh Samui, are the exception, with their wettest weather now.
Crowds and prices in November
November is one of the best-value months of the dry season: the weather has turned, but the Christmas peak is still weeks away. Chiang Mai is busy around Loy Krathong.
What to do in November
- Visit Sukhothai Historical Park, which holds a festival of light and candles around Loy Krathong (around 24–25 November in 2026).
- Watch the lantern releases of Yi Peng in Chiang Mai, held at the same time.
- Head to the Andaman coast, around Krabi and Phuket, as the seas calm for the season.
Before you book: If you want the beach, avoid the Gulf islands this month; the Andaman side is drier.
What to pack for Thailand in November
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Sun hat & high-SPF sunscreen
- Swimwear
What's on in November
- Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival) (Nationwide; biggest in Chiang Mai (Yi Peng) and Sukhothai) — Lantern festival on the November full moon. Chiang Mai hosts Yi Peng — thousands of paper lanterns released into the night sky. Sukhothai's ruins lit up. Most famous Thai cultural event after Songkran.
Is November the right month?
Thailand's best month, January, is two months after November; the toughest, September, is two months before. If November does not fit, December is the closest month in the same best-season window. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Thailand, or where else to go in November.
Where to stay in November
November is peak season in Thailand, so prices are at their highest. Book early for the best choice of rooms.
- Bangkok (Sukhumvit / Silom)$$Capital arrival, food, transit hubSukhumvit (Asoke, Phrom Phong) for sky-train access. Silom for business + Lumpini Park. Khao San Road for backpackers and Songkran chaos.See hotels in Bangkok for 17–23 Nov 2026
- Chiang Mai (Old City)$$Northern culture, temples, foodOld City inside the moat for walking access to temples. Nimman for cafes + cooking schools. Avoid March–April for burning-season haze.See hotels in Chiang Mai for 17–23 Nov 2026
- Andaman beaches (Phuket / Krabi)$$Beach trips Nov–AprPhuket has more flight options but is more developed. Krabi (Ao Nang, Railay) is quieter with better scenery. See our Krabi best-time guide.See hotels in Phuket for 17–23 Nov 2026
- Gulf coast (Koh Samui / Koh Phangan)$$Beach trips May–Sep (opposite monsoon)Koh Samui (Bophut, Chaweng) for boutique resorts. Koh Phangan for yoga retreats. See our Koh Samui best-time guide.See hotels in Koh Samui for 17–23 Nov 2026
Links open a hotel search for 17–23 Nov 2026; you can change the dates there. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Before you go
Book the rest of your November trip
Tours and tickets
Day trips, attraction tickets and guided tours in Thailand.
Browse Thailand on KlookAirport transfer
A fixed-price car from your arrival airport to your hotel, booked before you land.
Book a transfer on KiwitaxiMobile data
An eSIM for Thailand installs before you fly, so you have data when you land. Check your phone supports eSIM first.
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Frequently asked questions
Is November a good time to visit Thailand?
How warm is Thailand in November?
Does it rain in Thailand in November?
What should I pack for Thailand in November?
How far ahead should I book Thailand for November?
Sources: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) · NOAA / Thai Meteorological Department: Bangkok, 1991-2020 · U.S. State Department Thailand Travel Advisory · Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). Full provenance on the Thailand guide.
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