Thailand in November: What to prepare as a first-timer

If you’re planning to visit Thailand in November, it’s a fantastic time to go. The cool season starts, bringing pleasant temperatures, sunshine, and low humidity.

It’s also when the Loy Krathong Festival takes place, one of the most beautiful events in Thailand. You’ll see colorful lanterns floating on rivers, creating a magical atmosphere.

Having lived in Thailand for 32 years, I can tell you that it’s a great time to experience the country. Just be sure to plan ahead since the tourist season is starting to pick up.

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 18-09-2025

Comments

How's the weather in Thailand in November?

Thailand has a tropical climate with three seasons: hot (March to May), rainy (May to October), and cool (November to February).

November signals the arrival of the cooler, drier season, a good time to explore. The north and inland areas enjoy refreshingly cool air, while the south stays warm. Rainfall in the south can be a bit different, but overall, November is one of the best times to visit.

Temperatures range from 22°C (72°F) to 31°C (88°F).

• Northern Thailand 

In November, the heat has passed, the skies are clear, and the cool weather makes visits to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son especially pleasant.

This is also when Loy Krathong and Yi Peng take place on November 5 and 6, 2025. Lanterns light up the sky while rivers sparkle with floating krathongs, creating one of the most memorable scenes of the year.

• Bangkok and Central Thailand

The arrival of the cool season makes sightseeing in the bustling capital city, Bangkok, even more enjoyable. Day trips or weekend excursions become particularly delightful escapes.

Explore historical sites scattered throughout central Thailand, with Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi being must-visit destinations during this period.

• Eastern Thailand

Thailand's eastern coast shines as a prime location for a blissful beach vacation in November. Conditions around Ko Chang and other islands in the archipelago are near perfect at this time of the year.

Regardless of your chosen destination along the eastern coast in November, you're highly likely to experience gorgeous weather. 

• Southern Thailand

Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak)
The rainy season is winding down. While a few showers may still pop up, rainfall drops to about 7 inches (180 mm). More often than not, you’ll enjoy sunny weather, you'll love the sunset views, island-hopping, and diving trips to spots like the Similan Islands.

Gulf Coast (Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan)
This side of the coast experiences the heaviest rainfall of the year, with around 12 inches (300 mm) of rain. Expect frequent downpours, choppy seas, and cancellations of boat tours. The skies tend to be overcast, and beach time is unpredictable.

Searching for the best island in Thailand?

Discover our Thailand 10-day itineraries

How is the air quality?

After the rainy season, Thailand’s air clears up in November. In the north, burning from agriculture eases, and the overall air quality improves a lot. Around Loy Krathong, you can expect clear skies, mild temperatures, and great conditions for spending time outdoors.

Where to go in Thailand in November?

• Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is one of the best places to be in Thailand in November. The city blends nature, culture, and festivals, with the Yi Peng Lantern Festival as the highlight: thousands of lanterns lighting up the night sky. Around this time, the chrysanthemum fields are also in full bloom and worth seeing.

If you’ve got a few days, head up to Mae Hong Son. This mountain province is all about winding roads, misty hills, and villages that still keep their traditions alive. One spot you shouldn’t miss is Ban Rak Thai: a peaceful hillside village with Chinese-style houses, lakeside views, and a tea culture that tells the story of its unique heritage.

• Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is about three hours from Chiang Mai and a great place to visit in November. The cooler weather and quiet landscapes is fascinating if you enjoy both nature and culture. You can see the White Temple, the Black House, and the Blue Temple, each with its own striking style.

It’s also worth heading to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet.

• Bangkok

November is one of the nicest months to enjoy Bangkok. In the daytime I’d suggest checking out the classics: the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun. In the evening, a river cruise on the Chao Phraya is hard to beat, watching the city lights drift by with a drink in hand.

And if you want a break from the noise, head over to Bang Krachao, the “Green Lung” of the city, where you can rent a bike and ride through quiet, leafy paths.

November is a great time to head to Khao Yai National Park, about three hours from Bangkok. The cooler weather makes it easier to hike to waterfalls, spot wildlife, and maybe even see elephants in the wild.

You can go just for the day, but staying overnight and camping in the park makes the experience much richer.

• Sukhothai

Sukhothai in northern Thailand was once the capital of a great kingdom. At Sukhothai Historical Park you can explore its ruins, especially by bike or motorbike in the pleasant November weather.

This is also when the Loy Krathong festival takes place, a tradition that began here six centuries ago, with lanterns set afloat on the water in a magical evening scene.

• Surin

If you plan to be in Thailand in November, the Surin Elephant Round-Up is worth adding to your trip. Held in Surin Province during the third week of the month, it began as royal elephant hunts in the Ayutthaya era and was revived in the 1960s as a festival.

The main events take place at Si Narong Stadium, where you can see parades, a huge elephant buffet, battle re-enactments, and shows where elephants play soccer, tug-of-war, paint, and even polo.

• Phuket

For those seeking a beach escape, Phuket is a prime destination in Thailand in November. The pleasant water temperature, good underwater visibility, stable sea conditions, and beautiful waters make Phuket a perfect place for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Festivities in Thailand in November

November is one of the best months to visit Thailand. The weather is pleasant across most of the country, with only a few areas on the southern west coast seeing more rain.

Early in the month you’ll find fewer crowds, while tourist numbers pick up toward the end.

One of the best parts of visiting Thailand in November is the number of festivals. On November 15, the Loy Krathong Festival lights up the rivers with floating lanterns, while in Chiang Mai the Yi Peng Festival fills the sky with glowing lanterns.

In Surin, the Elephant Festival highlights Thailand’s long bond with elephants through parades, shows, and traditional displays.

Additionally, on November 24, 2025, Lopburi's Monkey Festival will take place at the San Phra Kan and Phra Prang Sam Yot temples, where the city's macaques are celebrated with a grand feast. This quirky event is a favorite for both locals and visitors, offering a fun and memorable experience.

With such a variety of festivals, November offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and favorable travel conditions.

>>>> For more information: 

• Loy Krathong & Yi Peng Festival
• Thailand's Top Festivals and Activities in November 

How much to budget for Thailand in November

November is the start of Thailand’s peak season, so prices for flights, hotels, and activities do climb a bit. That said, how much you spend really depends on your style of travel.

• Flights (UK–Thailand): usually $756–1,512 round trip, depending on when you book.

• Accommodation:

  • Budget: $13–32 per night
  • Mid-range: $63–189
  • Luxury: $252–1,000+

• Transport:

  • Local rides in the city: $1–13
  • Domestic trips: $25–126

• Daily budgets (including hotel, food, activities):

  • Budget traveler: $63–126
  • Mid-range: $126–378
  • Luxury: $378–1,260

Where to go after Thailand: Our suggested itinerary

November is one of the best months to combine Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia in one trip. In Cambodia, I highly recommend you to join the Cambodia Water Festival and Independence Day, and be sure to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat!

When you come to Vietnam, the north is in its best condition. Ha Giang’s hills are covered in pink buckwheat flowers, Moc Chau is full of colorful blossoms, and the Mekong Delta enters its high-water season, perfect for boat trips and discovering life along the rivers.

Our practical tips

• Although the climate in November is generally drier and more pleasant, there is still a chance of showers. Therefore, it is advisable to bring umbrellas and pack a light jacket when the night temperatures drop.

November marks Thailand’s high season, so book flights and hotels 1–2 months ahead for the best deals. Always carry travel insurance covering health, accidents, and theft for peace of mind. To avoid hassles, plan with a trusted agency like Kampá Tour, which can handle logistics and assist if plans change.

Last words,

Traveling to Thailand in November offers an exceptional opportunity to discover the country at its best. With a drier climate, pleasant temperatures, and a myriad of cultural events and festivals, this month is ideal for exploring Thailand's treasures. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of Thailand in November, an unforgettable experience awaits you.

 🗺️ Continue your trip around Thailand with us 🌏:

• Thailand's Best Floating Markets: A Must-Visit Guide
• Mastering Your Budget in Thailand 2025: Prices and Tips
• The Ultimate Guide to a 2-Week Adventure in Thailand 2025
• What to Bring back From Thailand? The 17 Must-See Thai Souvenirs
• Northern Thailand in 2025: What to Do and What to See?