November brings the start of the dry season to most of Thailand and the peak of the rains to the Gulf side of the south. Below are Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) normals for eight stations, TMD’s outlook for November 2026, hotel occupancy and the main events of the month. Checked on 17 October 2026.
November weather by region: TMD normals
These are 1991-2020 normals from the TMD report; the Krabi station (48 563) has a shorter 1994-2020 record. A rainy day means 0.1 mm or more. Khao Lak uses the nearest TMD station, Takua Pa (individual beaches may differ), Pattaya the Phatthaya station.
| Region, TMD station | High, °C | Low, °C | Rain, mm | Rainy days | Hotel occupancy Nov 2025, % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket (Phuket) | 32.1 | 25.2 | 178.2 | 15.9 | 78.62 |
| Khao Lak (nearest station Takua Pa) | 31.8 | 23.2 | 231.7 | 16.8 | 82.11 (Phang Nga) |
| Krabi (Krabi, 1994-2020) | 31.4 | 22.3 | 198.6 | 17.5 | 75.76 |
| Koh Samui (Ko Samui) | 29.7 | 24.1 | 444.6 | 18.7 | 73.70 (Surat Thani) |
| Pattaya (Phatthaya) | 30.8 | 24.3 | 56.6 | 5.6 | 81.01 (Chon Buri) |
| Hua Hin (Hua Hin) | 30.6 | 24.5 | 72.8 | 5.4 | 67.12 (Prachuap Khiri Khan) |
| Bangkok (Bangkok Metropolis) | 33.1 | 24.7 | 44.6 | 5.0 | 78.14 |
| Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai) | 30.8 | 19.9 | 40.9 | 4.2 | 92.53 |
Hotel occupancy from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) is by province. Chiang Mai was 92.5% full in November 2025, more than any beach region in the table. November in Chiang Mai brings Yi Peng and the start of the cool season.
TMD outlook for November 2026
TMD issued its cool season outlook on 9 October 2026. For November:
| Region | Minimum temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| Upper north | 21-23 °C | 10-20% of the area |
| Bangkok and suburbs | 25-27 °C | 10-20% of the area |
| East including the coast (Pattaya) | 24-26 °C | 20-30% of the area |
| South, Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) | 23-25 °C | thunderstorms over 40-60%, heavy rain in places |
| South, Gulf coast (Samui) | 24-26 °C | thunderstorms over 60-80%, very heavy rain in places, mostly from Chumphon southwards |
TMD also warns that in November and December low-pressure areas often form over the South China Sea, may develop into tropical storms and cross the Gulf of Thailand and the south. The Gulf then gets strong winds and 3-4 m waves, up to 4-5 m in places. The outlook also expects El Niño to strengthen in late 2026, so the cool season may be warmer than usual. It will be updated in the last week of October.
Where to go in November
Pattaya and Hua Hin. The driest beach choice, with 5-6 rainy days in the month. Details in Pattaya in November.
Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak. Half October’s rain and drier every week. The Similan Islands are open from 15 October (DNP). Monthly numbers on Phuket weather by month.
Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Dry and easy for city trips, with nights around 20 °C in the north.
Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao. Peak rain and waves, better another month.
Festivals and events in November 2026
| Event | 2026 dates | Where | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Barge Procession | 6 November | Bangkok, Wasukri Pier to Wat Arun | TAT |
| Loy Krathong | full moon of the 12th lunar month, official date to be confirmed | nationwide | TAT |
| Yi Peng | alongside Loy Krathong | Chiang Mai | TAT |
The procession will include 52 royal barges crewed by 2,200 Royal Thai Navy personnel, forming a column about 1,280 m long. You can watch from both banks of the Chao Phraya between Krung Thon Bridge and Wat Arun. It is the Royal Kathin Ceremony marking Queen Suthida’s 48th birthday anniversary.
TAT describes Loy Krathong as the full moon festival of the 12th Thai lunar month, when people float krathongs, small candlelit rafts. Chiang Mai holds Yi Peng with lanterns at the same time. As of 17 October TAT had not given the 2026 dates. Our estimate: the end of Lent on 26 October (TAT) is the 11th month full moon, so the next full moon falls around 24 November. We will confirm once TAT announces it.
Should you go to Thailand in November?
Yes for most regions: it is the start of the good season, and hotel occupancy in beach provinces is still below December levels. The exception is Samui and its neighbouring islands. How beaches change by region and month is covered in Thailand beaches, and the month before in Thailand in October.
FAQ
Where is best in Thailand in November?
For the beach, TMD normals favour the eastern Gulf: Pattaya (56.6 mm, 5.6 rainy days) and Hua Hin (72.8 mm, 5.4 days). Phuket and Krabi still get 178-199 mm, drying out week by week. Koh Samui, Phangan and Tao are at their rainy peak.
What is the weather like in Thailand in November?
Hot almost everywhere: highs from 29.7 °C on Samui to 33.1 °C in Bangkok. Nights are coolest in Chiang Mai at 19.9 °C. Rainfall by TMD normals ranges from 41 mm in Chiang Mai to 445 mm on Samui.
Can you swim in Phuket in November?
More often than in October: rainfall halves, and TMD describes the southwest monsoon that brings west coast waves as lasting until October. TMD's outlook for mid-October to mid-November 2026 gives 1-2 m waves in the Andaman Sea. Follow the beach flag.
When is Loy Krathong 2026?
TAT describes Loy Krathong as falling on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar. As of 17 October TAT had not yet published the 2026 date and programme. Counting from the end of Buddhist Lent (26 October per TAT), we estimate around 24 November and will confirm when TAT announces it.
Is Koh Samui worth it in November?
For a beach holiday it is Samui's worst month: 444.6 mm of rain on 18.7 days by TMD normals. TMD's November 2026 outlook expects thunderstorms over 60-80% of the southern Gulf coast and 2-4 m waves, with tropical storms possible. If you cannot move the dates, choose the Andaman coast.
Sources
- TMD. Climatological Data for the Period 1991-2020 (stations 48 327, 48 455, 48 461, 48 475, 48 550, 48 561, 48 563, 48 564)
- TMD. Cool season outlook 2026-2027 (issued 9 October 2026)
- TMD. Thailand's seasons and climate, PDF pp. 2, 4, 6
- MOTS. Tourism statistics by province 2025 (xlsx)
- TAT. Royal Barge Procession 2026 and rehearsals
- TAT. Loi Krathong Festival 2024 (12th lunar month full moon, Yi Peng in Chiang Mai)
- TAT. Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession 2026 (end of Lent on 26 October)
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