November marks the turning point in Thailand’s calendar. The Andaman Coast emerges from monsoon into dry season, the Similan Islands reopen for diving, and Chiang Mai hosts two of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular festivals. The Gulf Coast is still finishing its rainy season, but by late November conditions there are improving too. For many travellers, November is the sweet spot - good weather returning, festivals in full swing, and prices not yet at December peak levels.
Weather by Region
Bangkok dries out quickly in November. Rainfall drops to around 50mm (compared to 200-300mm in September-October). Temperatures sit at 26-32°C with lower humidity. The flooding risk that shadows September and October is over. November is one of the most comfortable months for exploring the capital.
Chiang Mai and the north enter their cool, dry season - the best weather of the year. Overnight temperatures drop to 15-18°C in the mountains, with daytime highs of 28-30°C. The air is clear, the skies are blue, and the combination of comfortable temperatures and festival season makes November Chiang Mai’s best month. Note: the smoke and burning season does not start until February.
Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta) transitions into dry season. Early November can still see occasional showers from the retreating monsoon, but by mid-November the coast is reliably dry. The Similan Islands reopen in mid-to-late October and are fully operational by November - liveaboard diving season begins. Koh Lanta resorts reopen, and ferry services to all Andaman islands resume full schedules.
Gulf Coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) is still in its monsoon, particularly early November. Koh Samui receives 300-400mm of rain in November - its wettest or second-wettest month. By late November the rain eases and conditions start to improve. If choosing a Gulf island trip in November, aim for the final week.
Diving and Snorkelling
The Similan Islands are the headline for November diving. The season runs from November through April, and early-season trips often enjoy the clearest water before peak-season boat traffic. Richelieu Rock and Koh Bon are open for manta ray encounters. Book liveaboards ahead - the first trips of the season sell out fast.
Koh Tao diving continues year-round. November sees improving Gulf conditions in the second half of the month, with visibility climbing back toward 15-20 metres. The Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan still runs monthly - November dates can coincide with the tail of the monsoon, so expect weather variability.
Festivals and Events
Loy Krathong is Thailand’s most photogenic festival. Held on the full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month (usually mid-November), it involves floating small lotus-shaped baskets (krathong) carrying candles, incense, and flowers on rivers and waterways. Every waterfront in Thailand participates - the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, the moats of Chiang Mai, and even hotel swimming pools. Sukhothai Historical Park hosts the most elaborate celebrations, with a light and sound show at the ancient temples.
Yi Peng takes place on the same full moon in Chiang Mai. Thousands of sky lanterns (khom loi) are released simultaneously, filling the night sky. The main mass release events require tickets purchased in advance - popular venues sell out weeks ahead. Smaller spontaneous releases happen throughout the old city. Yi Peng combined with Loy Krathong makes mid-November in Chiang Mai one of Southeast Asia’s most memorable festival experiences.
Prices and Crowds
November is shoulder season, with prices rising but not yet at December-January peak levels. Andaman Coast resorts ramp up pricing as dry season begins, but early November still offers good deals. Chiang Mai accommodation around Loy Krathong and Yi Peng (typically the full moon week) commands premium rates - book 4-6 weeks ahead. Bangkok is moderately priced. The Gulf islands remain cheap due to the monsoon.
Which Islands to Choose in November
Andaman Coast is your best bet for beaches. Phuket is fully operational by mid-November with calm seas and drying beaches. Krabi and Koh Phi Phi are excellent from mid-November onward - early in the month you may get some residual showers but nothing season-ending. Koh Lanta is a good quieter alternative to Phuket if you prefer low-key beaches to party infrastructure. Koh Lipe in the far south is worth considering in late November - it is among the most beautiful islands in Thailand and far less developed than Phuket.
Gulf islands: cautious. Koh Samui remains risky through early-to-mid November - the island’s reverse monsoon means it gets its heaviest rain when everywhere else is drying out. If Koh Samui is your priority, aim for late November and accept some variability. Koh Tao is better for diving than Koh Samui for beach days - the dive sites remain active even in imperfect weather, and visibility improves through the second half of the month. The Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan continues year-round; November’s party can coincide with the tail of the monsoon.
Northern Thailand is the safest bet. Chiang Mai in November is as close to perfect as the city gets - cool, dry, blue skies, and festival season. If your trip is centred on the Yi Peng lantern release, this is where you should be. The Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festival guide covers logistics, ticket options, and where to position yourself.
Budget Estimates for November
November sits between low and high season, with prices rising as the Andaman dry season arrives.
- Phuket / Krabi: Shoulder-to-high season rates: 1,500–4,000 THB for a 3-star beach resort. Early November sees better deals than late November.
- Koh Samui / Koh Phangan: Still cheap in early November (800–1,500 THB); prices rise late in the month.
- Chiang Mai during Yi Peng week: Hotels around the old city charge premium rates - book 4–6 weeks ahead. Expect 2,000–4,000 THB for anything decent near the moat during the festival.
- Bangkok: Stable at 1,200–2,500 THB for a 3-star.
- Liveaboard diving: Similan Islands liveaboards run from approximately 12,000–25,000 THB for a 2–4 night trip departing Khao Lak.
What to Pack for November
- Light summer clothing — temperatures remain warm (25–32°C); beach and Andaman regions stay hot
- Light jacket or fleece for the north — Chiang Mai overnight lows drop to 15–18°C; a mid-layer is worthwhile
- Rain backup for early November — a compact umbrella or packable rain jacket is sensible for the first two weeks
- Reef-safe sunscreen and rash vest — Andaman diving and snorkelling season opens; UV is strong on the water
- Smart-casual for Yi Peng — the lantern festival has no dress code but comfortable shoes matter; candle wax and lantern debris can land anywhere
- Temple-appropriate layers — covered shoulders and knees for Grand Palace, Doi Suthep, and all Thai wats
Where to Go in Thailand in November
- Bangkok: Bangkok city guide
- Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai guide — Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festival month
- Phuket: Phuket guide — dry season begins mid-month
- Koh Phi Phi: Koh Phi Phi guide
- Koh Lanta: Koh Lanta guide — good from mid-November
- Koh Lipe: Koh Lipe guide — opening for the season
- Koh Tao: Koh Tao guide — diving year-round, conditions improving
- Koh Samui: Koh Samui guide — late November only
- Koh Phangan: Koh Phangan guide
- Krabi: Krabi guide
Planning
See the best time to visit Thailand for a full seasonal comparison, or the Thailand budget guide for cost planning. Browse Thailand tours and experiences - November is when Similan Islands liveaboards reopen and Yi Peng lantern festival tours in Chiang Mai fill up fast.
Plan Your Trip
Two things fill up fast in November: Yi Peng lantern release venues in Chiang Mai (ticketed mass-release events sell out 4–6 weeks ahead of the full moon date) and Similan Islands liveaboards opening for the season from Khao Lak. Both are worth planning months in advance. For beaches, the Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta) is your safest bet — the Gulf islands (Koh Samui) are still wet in early November and only reliable from the final week. Check the Yi Peng date for your year before booking — it shifts annually with the lunar calendar.
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- 🏨 Hotels in Thailand — Chiang Mai old city fills during Yi Peng week
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