Where to go in Thailand in November 2026

The short answer

November 2026 splits the country: the north is usually cool and dry, and the Andaman coast is coming out of its wet season. The weather figures in this guide are historical monthly averages, so use them to compare regions rather than predict your travel days. Keep boat days flexible, and check the current forecast, marine warnings and your operator’s schedule before committing to an island transfer.

• Beaches: Compare Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak and Koh Lipe, which on average get drier from November into December. In November itself, Hua Hin and Pattaya, nearer Bangkok, average less rain.
• Culture and festivals: Head to Chiang Mai, where the city’s Yi Peng programme runs from 23 to 25 November 2026, or to Chiang Rai.
• Think twice: The Gulf islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao have a wetter November pattern in the data shown here. That makes them a less straightforward beach choice; it does not mean every day will be wet.

November weather at a glance

The Andaman coast still averages over 200 mm of rain in November. That is a total for the whole month: it does not tell you which days will be wet. On average December is much drier there, at about 130 to 140 mm. On the other side of the peninsula, the Gulf islands catch the northeast monsoon, and November is their wettest month in this data. Before a beach or boat day, check the Thai Meteorological Department’s 7-day forecast, shipping forecast and weather warnings.

What’s on in November 2026

• Yi Peng, Chiang Mai: The city programme runs from 23 to 25 November 2026. A government notice of 24 September names the public park at Ton Lam Yai market as this year’s main venue, moved from Tha Phae Gate, with other events around the city. The city programme, a particular lantern-release event and a commercial ticket are separate things, so check each before choosing where to stay. Lanterns may only be released at the places and times the authorities set. Official announcement, in Thai, checked 16 October 2026.
• Loy Krathong: Expected on 24 November 2026, the full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month. Celebrated nationwide, with large gatherings floating banana-leaf rafts along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Check the local programme where you will be.
• Similan Islands diving: The national parks department set the park’s season opening for 15 October 2026 (DNP news, in Thai), after its 2026 notice closed the main islands from 16 May to 14 October. Some sites, Ko Tachai among them, stay closed with no reopening date. Boats depart from Khao Lak and Phuket; confirm your trip’s departure with the operator.
• Pattaya International Fireworks Festival: Reported for 27 to 28 November 2026 on Pattaya Beach (Pattaya Mail, 6 October 2026). Check Pattaya City’s programme closer to the date.

Chiang Mai

For Chiang Mai in November, the festival dates matter as much as the weather. Choose whether you want to be near the city programme or use the city for temple walks and northern food, then compare areas. The month is usually cooler and drier than the wet season.

Best for

Experiencing the massive Yi Peng lantern festival and exploring the old city on foot.

Don’t miss

• Yi Peng lanterns: Watching thousands of paper lanterns float into the night sky during the festival, at the places and times the authorities allow.
• Old City temples: Walking the moat-ringed historic centre to see intricate teak architecture.
• Doi Suthep: Driving up the winding mountain road for panoramic views over the entire valley.
• Northern food: Eating khao soi, the rich coconut curry noodle soup, at a street stall.

Where to stay

The Old City suits first-timers wanting to walk everywhere, while Nimmanhaemin appeals to digital nomads needing modern cafes. Our Old City or Nimman guide compares the two.

Stays in Chiang Mai→

Bangkok

Bangkok suits a November stop for river trips, markets and Loy Krathong. Choose a base near the rail line or ferry route you will use; festival plans can add crowds to an otherwise straightforward journey.

Best for

Floating banana-leaf rafts on the Chao Phraya River during Loy Krathong.

Don’t miss

• River ferries: Riding the public boats at dusk to see Wat Arun lit up against the sky.
• Chinatown food: Eating your way through the dense street food carts on Yaowarat Road.
• Ayutthaya ruins: Taking a day trip to the ancient capital, located about 80 kilometres north.
• Lumphini Park: Floating a krathong on the artificial lake alongside thousands of locals.

Where to stay

Sukhumvit works well for easy Skytrain access, while the Riverside suits travellers wanting quieter evenings and ferry connections.

Stays in Bangkok→

Krabi

The southwest monsoon is easing over Krabi in November, and on average December is much drier. Sea conditions still change from day to day, so a monthly pattern cannot tell you how rough the crossing or how clear the water will be on your trip. Book island tours with a spare day, as any trip can be cancelled for weather.

Don’t miss

• Railay cliffs: Taking a longtail boat to see the towering limestone formations.
• Maya Bay: Visiting the famous cove, which reopened on 1 October 2026 after its closure from 1 August to 30 September. Boat trips still depend on the weather and the park’s rules on the day.
• Tiger Cave Temple: Hiking up the steep steps for a sweeping coastal view.
• Ao Thalane: Kayaking quietly through the dense coastal mangrove forests.

Choose your base

Use Ao Nang for booking island trips, or Railay if staying beside the cliffs matters more to you. Keep a spare day in case a boat trip is cancelled. To weigh Krabi against Phuket, see Phuket or Krabi.

If your priority is a long beach rather than boat trips between coves, compare Phuket before choosing your base.

Stays in Krabi→

Phuket

Thailand’s largest island averages about 219 mm of rain for the whole of November, and on average December is much drier. That monthly total does not tell you when showers will fall during your stay, so check the forecast for your dates and allow room to change a beach or boat day. The drier season brings the crowds back, so expect busier beaches and heavier traffic on the coastal roads.

Best for

Direct flights, beaches and a wide choice of places to eat.

Don’t miss

• Phuket Old Town: Walking past the restored Sino-Portuguese shophouses and independent cafes.
• Koh Lipe connection: Catching a seasonal speedboat south, a journey of around 5 hours; check the operator’s dates for your trip.
• Rawai market: Eating fresh seafood cooked to order at the southern beach market.
• Promthep Cape: Watching the sunset from the island’s famous southern viewpoint.

Where to stay

Kata and Karon offer long, sandy stretches for families, while Phuket Town appeals to food-focused travellers.

Stays in Phuket→

Khao Lak

Sitting just north of Phuket, Khao Lak averages 219 mm of rain in November but offers a far quieter coastal experience. The town serves as the primary departure point for offshore diving as the drier months approach.

Best for

Scuba divers heading to the Similan and Surin islands.

Don’t miss

• Similan diving: Boarding a liveaboard or day boat to dive the granite boulder reefs.
• Nang Thong beach: Walking the long, uncrowded stretches of sand at sunset.
• National park trails: Exploring the coastal jungle paths in Khao Lak-Lam Ru.
• Tsunami Museum: Visiting the international memorial to understand the area’s recent history.

Choose your base

Bang Niang puts a few bars nearby; Khuk Khak suits quieter mornings. Choose Khao Lak for its quieter coast and offshore diving rather than late-night clubs.

Stays in Khao Lak→

Koh Lipe

This tiny island in the deep south is reached by long-distance boats whose services change with the season, so check your operator’s current schedule for your date before booking the rest of the trip. How clear the water is depends on the weather and the sea on the day, so a November average cannot promise good visibility on the reefs.

Best for

Snorkelling straight off the beach and walking everywhere on foot.

Don’t miss

• Sunrise Beach reefs: Snorkelling the shallow coral gardens directly off the eastern shore.
• Walking Street: Strolling the entire length of the island’s single pedestrian thoroughfare.
• Tarutao trips: Taking a wooden longtail boat to the nearby uninhabited national park islands. Some park dive sites are closed from 1 October to 31 December 2026, so check which islands your trip visits.
• Sunset Beach: Watching the evening sky turn pink from the quiet western cove.

Choose your base

Sunrise Beach offers access to morning swims; Pattaya Beach puts you by the ferry arrival point. Allow for the long transfer: a flight, drive and boat, or a seasonal speedboat from Phuket. Keep room in your plans for a rough-sea day.

Stays in Koh Lipe→

Chiang Rai and Pai

The far north cools down significantly, bringing crisp mornings and clear days that make outdoor exploration highly appealing. The flight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai takes about 1.5 hours, making it an easy jump for mountain scenery.

Best for

Northern temples, mountain scenery and cool mornings.

Don’t miss

• Wat Rong Khun: Photographing the striking white facade of Chiang Rai’s famous temple.
• Pai canyon: Walking the narrow dirt ridges at sunset for views over the valley.
• Walking streets: Browsing the evening markets for local street food and northern crafts.
• Mountain drives: Taking the road from Chiang Mai to Pai, which takes roughly 3 hours.

Choose your base

Central Chiang Rai works for temple visits; the rural outskirts of Pai suit quiet mornings. Choose which town fits your route before adding a winding mountain transfer, especially if you get motion sickness.

Stays in Chiang Rai→

The Gulf islands in November

The Gulf of Thailand tells a completely different story from the rest of the country. The wettest months are roughly October to December, usually heaviest in November, as the northeast monsoon dumps rain and churns up the sea.

Don’t miss

• Monsoon storms: Watching the dramatic weather roll in from the ocean from a covered balcony.
• Room choice: Comparing cancellation terms and checking what you can do nearby if a boat day falls through.
• Local markets: Eating warm curries in covered food halls while the rain pours outside.
• Jungle waterfalls: Visiting the island cascades, which flow heavily but require walking through mud.

Choose your base

Bophut on Koh Samui offers a covered walking street; Thong Sala on Koh Phangan keeps you near the main pier. Consider the Gulf if wet days fit your plans, including time indoors. For a short trip built around dry beach days, compare the other coasts first.

Stays in Koh Samui→

Harder picks in November

• Koh Samui: November is its wettest month on average, so expect wet days and muddy roads, though the average cannot tell you which days.
• Koh Tao: Rough seas can cut underwater visibility, so ask your dive school about current conditions before you book.
• Mu Ko Ang Thong: The marine park is closed to visitors from 1 November to 15 December 2026 under the national parks department’s 2026 notice. Our national park closures guide lists the other 2026 closures.

How long to stay

With 10 to 14 days, you can combine the northern festivals with one southern beach base without moving every day. A practical route starts with four days in Chiang Mai for Yi Peng, allowing time to explore the temples and night markets. Follow this with a direct flight down to Phuket or Krabi for five days of island hopping. Spend the rest of your trip moving down the Andaman coast to Khao Lak or Koh Lipe. Alternatively, head west from the capital to Kanchanaburi; the train journey from Bangkok takes around 2.5 hours.

Frequently asked questions