Thailand in November - Weather, Best Places, Events, Festivals and Travel Tips

November is the time when Thailand finally wave goodbye to the monsoon. Although the southern peninsula remains wet, the rest of the country gets to experience lustrous sunny weather and a drop in temperature. The tourists start to arrive in November, but it’s far from peak season, which means there are good deals to be found on flight & accommodations. It's also the time when Thailand celebrates its most enchanting festivals Loy Krathong which is celebrated nationwide with the illuminated Krathong procession.

How is the Weather in Thailand in November?

Anytime it is good to travel to Thailand, but if you want to explore the cities and travel independently then November is the time to go to Thailand. The cooler temperatures and low humidity make for a perfect time to explore the cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The rain in the region don't last long and usually comes in the afternoon. Also, the number of rainy days isn't capable enough to affect your vacation.

The average temperature varies from 19 °C to 30 °C which is a bit cooler than the previous months.

In the southern peninsula, the stories are different. Eastern and western coasts are still subject to monsoon. The temperature ranges from 25 °C to 32 °C. 

Best Places to Visit in Thailand in November

Except for the southern peninsula, most of Thailand is great for travelling in November

1. Bangkok

Come to Bangkok to enjoy the long walk in the night market beside the beautiful Chao Phraya River. It's a great time to wander around the markets and feel the taste of the local culture.

Sunset from rooftop bars in Bangkok should be on your checklist, During the day, take a visit to Wat Pho where the massive gold-plated figure stretches 150 feet. Nearby is the Grand Palace where you can learn about the history of the old Kings of Siam who lived and reigned in the complex.

Also, don’t forget to bring your umbrella as an encounter with rain can happen at any time.

2. Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a great place to visit in November. The Loi Krathong festival takes place during this time. It is also a great time to explore the night bazaar and see the nightlife which starts buzzing at this time of the year. Also head to the gorgeous Doi Suthep Temple to see the sunrise.

A few hours trip from Chiang Mai, you will find yourself standing in the Elephant Valley where is a sanctuary for rescued animals.

Apart from that, the southern beaches can be a good vacation spot too. In Phuket or Krabi, storms are less and sunshine can be seen. The huge USP of this time is that tourists avoid these places because of the rain, and you can have a great beach vacation at a very reasonable price if you don't mind the occasional shower. Also, Phuket offers things like snorkeling and scuba diving when the sun is out.

Events and Festivals in Thailand in November

1. Loi Krathong

It's the most beautiful festival in entire Thailand. On the full moon days during November people gather on the bridges and rivers at sunset and light decorative lanterns(Khom Loy) and float flower into the water(Krathong). People light oil lamps outside of temples. The biggest celebration occurs in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Other places also have notable events.

2. Lopburi Monkey Festival

Lopburi Monkey Festival is a unique festival takes place in Lopburi, Bangkok. On the last Sunday of November, The town of Lopburi hosts an annual Monkey Banquet, to pay respect to the monkeys in town by proper decoration with music and dancing. The monkeys roam and eat food freely from the long table without any restriction. People also celebrate with dancing. Like any event, food plays an important role in this festival. an array of vendors set up food stalls to feed thousands of visitors.

3. Surin Elephant Round-Up

During the third week of November, another festival takes place in Surin Island, The Elephant Round-Up. The day before the main event a huge elephant breakfast takes place, after that a parade of elephants walk across the Surin city accompanied by musicians and dancers. After the parade, a fruit banquet is thrown for the elephants.

On the day of the event, thousands of people gather in Srinarong Stadium where elephants and mahouts show their skills. Sports like football, tug-of-war is played between elephants. In the end, an act is played where elephants and mahouts wear ancient battle dresses and perform a battle reenactment. Due to the immense popularity of this event, accommodations in Surin get fully booked months in advance before the event.