Thailand in November means the return of the dry season in Bangkok and the north, with the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng festivals: around 33 °C (91 °F) in the afternoon in Bangkok and only 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain. Verdict: ✅ a very good month for Bangkok, the north and a cultural circuit; for beaches, choose the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi), which is improving, and avoid Ko Samui, at the peak of its rainy season. For other months, see our page on the best time to visit Thailand.
November opens the high season, but before Christmas prices soar. It is often the best compromise between weather, festive atmosphere and budget, as long as you choose your beaches well.
Thailand in November: key facts
- Bangkok: 33.1 °C (92 °F) in the afternoon, 24.7 °C (76 °F) at night, 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain (TMD normals)
- North: 30.8 °C (87 °F) in Chiang Mai, dry weather, cooler nights
- Andaman: transition, 178 mm (7.0 in) in Phuket, improving as the month goes on
- Gulf: avoid, 445 mm (17.5 in) in Ko Samui, the wettest month
- Festivals: Loy Krathong and Yi Peng, usually in November (lunar calendar)
Thailand weather in November: region by region
| City | Max °C (°F) | Min °C (°F) | Rain mm (in) | Our view |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok (central) | 33.1 °C (92 °F) | 24.7 °C (76 °F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | ✅ Dry |
| Chiang Mai (north) | 30.8 °C (87 °F) | — | 41 mm (1.6 in) | ✅ Dry |
| Phuket (Andaman) | 32.1 °C (90 °F) | — | 178 mm (7.0 in) | ⚠️ Transition |
| Ko Samui (Gulf) | 29.7 °C (85 °F) | — | 445 mm (17.5 in) | ❌ Peak of the rains |
The contrast between the two coasts is the key point: the northeast monsoon is then soaking the Gulf of Thailand, while the Andaman coast is coming out of the southwest monsoon. In Phuket, rainfall drops markedly in December (82 mm (3.2 in)); in November, the sea can still be rough early in the month. In the north, nights get cooler: bring a warm layer for the mountains. In Bangkok, the month is much drier than October (289 mm (11.4 in)), although a few showers are still possible early in the month. The previous month is covered on our page Thailand in October.
What to do in Thailand in November
- Loy Krathong: on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, people float offerings on the water, notably in Sukhothai and Bangkok.
- Yi Peng in Chiang Mai: the lantern festival, at the same time; lantern releases are regulated and some require booking.
- The north: trekking, villages and temples in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai or Pai, with landscapes still green after the monsoon.
- Bangkok and Ayutthaya: more comfortable sightseeing than in spring.
- Andaman beaches: Phuket, Krabi, Ko Lanta, increasingly reliable as the month goes on.
To go further: when to go to Chiang Mai, when to go to Phuket and when to go to Koh Samui.
Loy Krathong and Yi Peng: dates and tips
These two festivals follow the lunar calendar: they usually take place in November, sometimes in late October. The exact dates are published every year by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT): check them before fixing your trip. In Chiang Mai, demand for accommodation is very high during Yi Peng: book early.
Crowds and prices in November
The high season begins: crowds are large and prices high, but still below those of the Christmas to New Year period. Book flights 2 to 4 months ahead, more if you are aiming for Chiang Mai during Yi Peng. The main international gateways are Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, and Phuket.
What to pack for Thailand in November
- Light, breathable clothing for Bangkok and the beaches.
- A sweater or fleece for evenings and mornings in the north.
- Clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temples.
- A light rain layer for the Andaman coast early in the month.
- Insect repellent and sunscreen.
Before you go, check the entry rules below and see our Thailand travel guide.
Entry requirements and safety
US citizens: according to the U.S. Department of State (page last updated August 20, 2026), pre-arrival online registration is required. A passport valid for at least six months beyond arrival is strongly recommended, and you may be asked for an onward or return ticket or proof of funds.
UK citizens: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 12 October 2026), your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival, with 1 blank page. From 15 September 2026, visa-exempt entry is up to 30 days, for tourism only. Visa-exempt entries over land borders are normally limited to 2 per calendar year. You may need proof of funds (10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family) and onward travel. The overstay fine is 500 THB a day, up to 20,000 THB.
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) has been mandatory for all foreign nationals since 1 May 2025 and can be completed within the 3 days before arrival. The U.S. State Department page (last updated August 20, 2026) still mentions 60 days, but it predates the change: under the Thai rules in force since 15 September 2026, US citizens are also limited to 30 days (Tourism Authority of Thailand, 1 September 2026). Check with the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington before you travel.
Safety: the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and parts of southern Songkhla (Thailand–Malaysia border), and to areas within 20 km (12 mi) of the Cambodian land border; land crossings with Cambodia are suspended. Time difference in November: Thailand (UTC+7, no daylight saving) is 7 hours ahead of London throughout November; it is 12 hours ahead of New York once US clocks go back (1 November 2026, 7 November 2027), 11 hours before that.
Two-week itinerary idea for November
November favours a north + Bangkok + Andaman circuit, leaving out the Gulf:
- Days 1 to 3: Bangkok, temples and markets, with a day in Ayutthaya.
- Days 4 to 8: Chiang Mai, then Chiang Rai or Pai; if your dates coincide with Yi Peng and Loy Krathong, stay in Chiang Mai.
- Option: Sukhothai, a historic site where Loy Krathong is celebrated with particular fervour.
- Days 9 to 14: Krabi, Ko Lanta or Phuket, ideally in the second half of the month, when the sea calms down.
- Avoid: Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao, at the peak of their rainy season.
Good to know on the ground
- The time difference in November: see above (London +7 h; New York +11 h then +12 h).
- Markets, street food and short transport rides are paid in cash, in baht.
- Nights in the northern mountains can be cool: a fleece is useful for treks.
- During Yi Peng, respect the areas and times authorised for lanterns, which are regulated by local authorities.
If November does not suit you
December to February offer the driest weather everywhere except the Gulf, but with higher prices. If you want Ko Samui, aim for February to September: see Thailand in April or Thailand in August.
Other destinations in November: Sri Lanka, Vietnam or Dubai. More ideas: where to go in November.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Thailand in November?
Dry and hot in Bangkok (33 °C (91 °F) in the afternoon, 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain) and in the north. The Andaman coast is coming out of the monsoon, while the Gulf (Ko Samui) has its wettest month.
Which islands should I choose in November?
Those on the Andaman coast: Phuket, Krabi, Ko Lanta, Ko Phi Phi. Avoid Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao, at the peak of their rainy season (445 mm (17.5 in) in Ko Samui).
Is November a good month for Chiang Mai?
Yes, it is one of the best: dry weather, 31 °C (88 °F) in the afternoon, cooler nights and the Yi Peng festival usually around this time.
When is Loy Krathong?
On the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, usually in November. Check the exact date with the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
What should I wear in Thailand in November?
Light clothing for Bangkok and the beaches, with covering clothes for temples and a sweater for evenings in the north.
Our sources
- Thai Meteorological Department, 1991–2020 climate normals published by the World Meteorological Organization (NOAA NCEI archive): Bangkok Metropolis, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Ko Samui (data published on our page on the best time to visit Thailand)
- Entry requirements, safety and health checked on 24 October 2026: Tourism Authority of Thailand, TAT Newsroom, 1 September 2026: new 30-day visa exemption rules from 15 September 2026; UK FCDO, GOV.UK foreign travel advice: Thailand (updated 12 October 2026); U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov: Thailand (last updated August 20, 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.