Is November good for Thailand?

November is excellent for northern Thailand and the Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi) — both enter their dry seasons. The Gulf islands (Koh Samui) are coming to the end of their rainy season — late November is much better than early November.

When is the Yi Peng lantern festival?

The Yi Peng festival in Chiang Mai takes place on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar — usually in November. Thousands of paper lanterns are released skyward. It is one of the most spectacular festivals in Southeast Asia.

Is November dry in Phuket?

Yes — Phuket and the Andaman Coast enter dry season in November. The first two weeks of November can still see some rain from the tail of the monsoon, but conditions improve rapidly. By mid-November the Andaman Coast is excellent.

Thailand in November | The Thailand Guides

Thailand in November: Weather, Crowds and What to Expect

10 May 2026 · 1 min read Practical

Thailand’s geography creates distinct regional weather patterns — the Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi) and Gulf Coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) have opposite monsoon seasons. Understanding which applies to your destination in November is the key planning question.

Weather in November

Great month for north Thailand and Andaman Coast. Gulf islands improving in late November. Yi Peng lantern festival in Chiang Mai is unmissable. Dry season returns to Phuket.

Where to Go in Thailand in November

Bangkok: Bangkok city guide
Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai guide
Phuket: Phuket guide
Koh Samui: Koh Samui guide
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is November good for Thailand?: November is excellent for northern Thailand and the Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi) — both enter their dry seasons. The Gulf islands (Koh Samui) are coming to the end of their rainy season — late November is much better than early November.
When is the Yi Peng lantern festival?: The Yi Peng festival in Chiang Mai takes place on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar — usually in November. Thousands of paper lanterns are released skyward. It is one of the most spectacular festivals in Southeast Asia.
Is November dry in Phuket?: Yes — Phuket and the Andaman Coast enter dry season in November. The first two weeks of November can still see some rain from the tail of the monsoon, but conditions improve rapidly. By mid-November the Andaman Coast is excellent.