Things to Do in Thailand in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Thailand

31°C (88°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

52 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Peak weather window: November marks the start of Thailand's cool, dry season with temperatures averaging 24-31°C (75-88°F). Morning temperatures drop to genuinely comfortable levels for the first time since April, making 6am-10am perfect for temple visits and outdoor markets without the oppressive heat.
Andaman Sea clarity peaks: Water visibility reaches 25-30 m (82-98 ft) at Similan Islands and Surin Islands as monsoon sediment settles. November is the first month these premier dive sites reopen after seasonal closure (mid-May to late October), meaning uncrowded reefs and pristine conditions before December's tourist surge.
Loy Krathong Festival (November 15, 2025): Thailand's most photogenic festival occurs on the full moon of the 12th lunar month. Chiang Mai's Yee Peng lantern release creates 10,000+ floating lights, while Bangkok's Chao Phraya River fills with banana-leaf krathongs. This is cultural immersion impossible to experience any other month.
Shoulder season pricing with high season weather: Accommodation costs run 20-30% below December-January rates until November 20th. International flight prices haven't hit Christmas peak, and popular tours to Phi Phi Islands or Ayutthaya operate with smaller groups (12-15 people versus 25-30 in December).

Considerations

Regional weather split creates planning complexity: Southern Gulf coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) still experiences monsoon tail-end with 150-200 mm (5.9-7.9 inches) rainfall and rough seas through mid-November. You cannot effectively combine Andaman coast diving with Gulf coast islands in one November trip—choose one region or plan around November 20+ for Gulf visits.
Loy Krathong accommodation crunch (November 13-17, 2025): Hotels in Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, and Bangkok riverfront areas book solid 8-12 weeks ahead at 40-60% markups for festival dates. If Loy Krathong is your priority, book by September 1st or expect to stay 5-8 km (3.1-5.0 miles) from celebration centers.
Northern Thailand morning chill surprises unprepared travelers: Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai temperatures drop to 18-20°C (64-68°F) at dawn, with mountain areas like Doi Inthanon reaching 10-12°C (50-54°F). First-timers packing only for tropical heat find themselves cold during early morning temple visits and hill tribe treks—you actually need a light fleece for northern regions.

Best Activities in November

Similan Islands Liveaboard Diving Expeditions

November is opening month for Thailand's premier dive destination after 5-month seasonal closure. Water temperature sits at perfect 28-29°C (82-84°F), visibility reaches 25-30 m (82-98 ft), and you'll encounter manta rays at Koh Bon and whale sharks at Richelieu Rock during their migration period. First three weeks of November see 40% fewer divers than December, meaning better reef positioning and more attentive dive masters. The Similans close again mid-May, making November-April your only window.

Booking Tip: Liveaboard trips run 3-4 days and typically cost ฿18,000-28,000 including equipment, meals, and 9-11 dives. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for November departures as boats carry only 16-20 divers. Departure point is Khao Lak, 90 km (56 miles) north of Phuket. Look for operators with PADI 5-star ratings and check that Similan National Park fees (฿1,800 for multi-day) are included. Day trips are possible but give you only 3 dives versus 9-11 on liveaboards. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Chiang Mai to Pai Mountain Loop Motorcycle Routes

The 130 km (81 mile) Mae Hong Son loop between Chiang Mai and Pai features 762 curves through mountain scenery, and November offers the only comfortable riding window. Temperatures stay 24-28°C (75-82°F) during riding hours, rain probability drops to 10%, and morning mist burns off by 8am revealing valley views. Rice terraces glow golden-green after harvest, and roadside coffee stops serve fresh-picked arabica from surrounding hills. December brings tour bus convoys and Chinese tour groups; November remains manageable with local traffic only.

Booking Tip: Semi-automatic Honda Click or Yamaha Fino scooters rent for ฿200-300 per day with International Driving Permit required by law (฿2,000-5,000 fines at police checkpoints without one). The full Chiang Mai-Pai-Mae Hong Son-Chiang Mai loop takes 3-4 days; most riders do the 2-day Chiang Mai-Pai return segment. Rent from established shops near Chiang Mai Old City that provide helmets, phone mounts, and 24-hour roadside support. Book 3-5 days ahead during Loy Krathong week (November 13-17), otherwise walk-in rentals work fine. See current motorcycle tour options in the booking section below.

Bangkok Chao Phraya River Evening Food Cruises

November evenings bring the year's most pleasant conditions for river dining—28°C (82°F) temperatures, light breeze, and clear skies showing illuminated temples. You'll pass Wat Arun, Grand Palace, and Rama VIII Bridge while sampling royal Thai cuisine adapted for international palates. The November 15th Loy Krathong festival transforms the river into a floating light display with thousands of krathongs drifting past your boat. Regular November evenings offer uncrowded decks and better photography light than humid season months when haze obscures riverside landmarks.

Booking Tip: Dinner cruises run 2-2.5 hours departing 6:30pm or 7:30pm, typically costing ฿1,200-2,500 depending on menu tier (set menu versus buffet versus a la carte). Book 7-10 days ahead for regular November dates, 6-8 weeks ahead for Loy Krathong evening (November 15, 2025) when prices increase 50-80%. Departure piers cluster around Saphan Taksin BTS station and Asiatique riverfront. Look for boats with open-air upper decks for better views and breeze versus enclosed air-conditioned lower decks. See current river cruise options in the booking section below.

Sukhothai Historical Park Sunrise Cycling Circuits

Thailand's first capital (1238-1438 CE) spreads across 70 sq km (27 sq miles) with 193 temple ruins best explored by bicycle before tour groups arrive. November mornings deliver 22-24°C (72-75°F) temperatures perfect for the 2-3 hour ride through the central zone's lotus ponds and Buddha statues. Sunrise at 6:15am illuminates Wat Mahathat's iconic lotus-bud chedi in golden light, and you'll have the park nearly alone until 9am when buses arrive. The dry moat paths stay firm and dust-free in November versus muddy October or scorching April.

Booking Tip: Park entry costs ฿100 plus ฿10 bicycle entry. Bicycle rentals at park gates run ฿30-50 for basic single-speed bikes, ฿100-150 for mountain bikes with gears better suited to the 12 km (7.5 mile) circuit. Arrive by 6am to catch sunrise; the park officially opens at 6:30am but gates allow early entry. Central zone alone takes 2-3 hours; adding northern and western zones requires 5-6 hours total. Sukhothai is 440 km (273 miles) north of Bangkok—overnight bus (฿400-600, 7 hours) or 1-hour flight (฿1,800-3,200) from Bangkok. See current Sukhothai tour options in the booking section below.

Krabi Rock Climbing at Railay Beach Limestone Cliffs

Railay's 700+ bolted routes on overhanging limestone face west, meaning November's lower humidity (70% versus 85% in August) and afternoon cloud cover create ideal climbing conditions. Morning temperatures of 26-27°C (79-81°F) keep hands dry for crimpy routes, while afternoon sea breeze cools the wall. November sits outside monsoon season when routes stay wet and outside March-May peak heat when holds become painful to grip. The beach location allows swimming between climbs, and November's calm Andaman seas make the longtail boat access from Ao Nang (15 minutes, ฿100 per person) smooth versus monsoon's choppy crossings.

Booking Tip: Half-day climbing sessions (4 hours, 4-6 routes) typically cost ฿1,800-2,500 including guide, equipment, and instruction for beginners. Full-day sessions run ฿2,800-3,800. Book 5-7 days ahead through operators on Railay East beach—walk-ins work but may mean waiting for guide availability. Routes range from 5a to 8b+ French grade; beginners start on 5a-6a slabs at Muay Thai Wall while experienced climbers tackle overhangs at Thaiwand Wall. Climbing shoes, harnesses, and chalk bags are included; bring reef-safe sunscreen and 2L water minimum. See current climbing tour options in the booking section below.

Ayutthaya Temple Complex Boat and Bicycle Combination Tours

The former Siamese capital (1351-1767 CE) sits on a river island 80 km (50 miles) north of Bangkok, and November's lower water levels make boat navigation through the temple complex's canals optimal. You'll cycle between Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mahathat (with the famous Buddha head in tree roots), and Wat Chaiwatthanaram while temperatures stay 27-30°C (81-86°F)—hot but manageable with morning starts. The boat segments provide cooling breaks and unique perspectives on riverside temples. November's clear skies create sharp photography light on the Khmer-style prangs, and you'll avoid April's 38°C (100°F) heat that makes the 15 km (9.3 mile) cycling circuit punishing.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours from Bangkok typically cost ฿1,800-2,800 including van transport, bicycle, longtail boat, guide, and lunch. DIY option: take train from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong station (฿20, 90 minutes) or minivan from Mo Chit (฿60, 75 minutes), then rent bicycle at Ayutthaya station (฿50-80/day). Temple complex entry costs ฿220 for a 6-temple pass. Start by 8am to finish before 2pm heat peak. Tours from Bangkok depart 7-8am and return 5-6pm. Book organized tours 7-10 days ahead; DIY works as walk-in. See current Ayutthaya tour options in the booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

November 15, 2025 (full moon), with celebrations starting November 14 evening and continuing through November 16

Loy Krathong and Yee Peng Lantern Festival

Thailand's most visually spectacular festival occurs on the full moon of the 12th lunar month (November 15, 2025). Loy Krathong involves floating banana-leaf boats (krathongs) decorated with flowers, candles, and incense on rivers nationwide to honor the water goddess and release negative energy. In Chiang Mai, this coincides with Yee Peng, where thousands release khom loi (paper lanterns) creating a floating sky of lights. Bangkok's Chao Phraya River fills with krathongs while fireworks illuminate Wat Arun. Sukhothai Historical Park hosts the most traditional celebration with classical dance performances and candlelit processions through temple ruins. Make your own krathong from natural materials (banana trunk, leaves, flowers) available at riverside markets for ฿50-150, or purchase elaborate pre-made versions for ฿200-500.

Third weekend of November (November 15-16, 2025), with week-long festivities in Surin town

Surin Elephant Round-up

Surin Province in northeastern Thailand hosts this 60-year tradition featuring 200+ elephants in demonstrations of traditional logging skills, elephant parades through town, and re-enactments of ancient war elephant battles. The event showcases the relationship between Surin's ethnic Kui people and elephants they've worked with for centuries. While controversial among animal welfare advocates, it remains Thailand's largest elephant gathering and provides income for mahout families. Morning events (8am-11am) show elephants bathing and feeding; afternoon shows (1pm-4pm) feature the main demonstrations. The festival has moved toward less coercive demonstrations in recent years, focusing more on natural behaviors.

Nine days leading up to and including Loy Krathong full moon (approximately November 7-15, 2025)

Wat Saket Golden Mount Fair (Bangkok)

This nine-day temple fair at Wat Saket transforms the Golden Mount area into a traditional Thai festival with 400+ vendor stalls selling regional food, handicrafts, traditional medicine, and amulets. Red cloth drapes the 344-step stairway to the golden chedi summit, and evening candlelight processions wind up the mount. You'll find northern Thai sausages (sai ua), grilled river fish, coconut desserts, and traditional performance stages with likay folk opera. The fair represents old Bangkok culture increasingly rare in the modern city—locals attend for temple merit-making and nostalgic foods, not tourists. Entry to Wat Saket normally costs ฿50; during the fair it's free, though summit access remains ฿50.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight fleece or windbreaker for northern Thailand—Chiang Mai mornings drop to 18-20°C (64-68°F), and mountain viewpoints like Doi Suthep at dawn reach 15°C (59°F). Bangkok stays warm, but if you're doing the northern circuit, this layer is essential for 6am-9am activities.

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen in 100ml (3.4 oz) bottles—UV index hits 8-9 during midday hours, and you'll reapply 3-4 times daily during boat trips or beach time. Reef-safe formulas (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based) are required at many marine parks and cost 2-3x more in tourist areas than Bangkok 7-Eleven stores.

Compact quick-dry rain shell (not umbrella)—November brings brief 20-30 minute afternoon showers on 6 days average. A packable rain jacket keeps you mobile during temple visits or market wandering, while umbrellas are awkward in crowded areas and useless on motorcycles or boats.