Is November too rainy for Phuket?

Early November can be rainy with rough seas. From mid-November onwards, conditions improve rapidly and the end of the month is usually excellent. If your trip falls in the first two weeks of November, plan indoor activities as backup.

When do the Similan Islands reopen?

The Similan Islands National Park typically reopens in late October or early November after the annual May–October closure for marine conservation. Check the current opening date with dive operators before booking.

What is Loi Krathong like in Phuket?

Loi Krathong in Phuket centres on beach and riverside celebrations where people release floating krathong (banana-leaf boats) with candles and incense onto the water. Patong, Kata, and Rawai beaches all hold events.

Phuket in November: Transitional Season Guide

Weather in Phuket in November

Variable. Early November: 150–200 mm of rain possible, rough seas. Mid to late November: rapid improvement — rain decreases, seas calm, and temperatures settle at 28–33°C. By late November, conditions rival December but without the peak-season crowds.

Crowds & Prices

Moderate in early November; building toward peak by month's end. Loi Krathong and Yi Peng festivals (usually in November) bring Thai domestic tourists. A good compromise month with improving conditions and pre-peak prices.

Best Things to Do in November

1Loi Krathong celebrations on the beach — releasing floating krathong at sunset
2Diving — the Similan Islands reopen in late October/early November after the closed season
3Surfing at Kata Beach — still some good swell in early November
4Phuket Old Town walking and photography
5Cooking classes and spa days for early-November rainy periods
6Island hopping from mid-November as seas calm
7Phang Nga Bay day trips — operations resume reliably from mid-November

Travel Tips for November

Similan Islands diving tours restart in late October/early November — book ahead as spaces fill quickly.
Mid-to-late November offers the best value combination of good weather and reasonable prices.
Loi Krathong usually falls in November — one of Thailand's most beautiful festivals.
Check sea conditions for the first two weeks — Patong can still have yellow or red flags.
Book December if your dates are flexible — weather improves and prices only rise slightly from late November.

Disclaimer

Weather conditions can vary from year to year. Always check forecasts closer to your departure date.

Frequently Asked Questions

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James Chen

Senior Travel Writer · Bangkok · 12+ years in Thailand

James has lived in Bangkok since 2014 and has visited all 77 Thai provinces. He specialises in destination guides, itinerary planning, and transport logistics. Before moving to Thailand, he worked as a travel journalist in Hong Kong and Singapore. He speaks conversational Thai and is a certified PADI divemaster.

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Full Phuket Guide

Best Things to Do in November

1Loi Krathong celebrations on the beach — releasing floating krathong at sunset

2Diving — the Similan Islands reopen in late October/early November after the closed season

3Surfing at Kata Beach — still some good swell in early November

4Phuket Old Town walking and photography

5Cooking classes and spa days for early-November rainy periods

6Island hopping from mid-November as seas calm

7Phang Nga Bay day trips — operations resume reliably from mid-November

Travel Tips for November

Similan Islands diving tours restart in late October/early November — book ahead as spaces fill quickly.

Mid-to-late November offers the best value combination of good weather and reasonable prices.

Loi Krathong usually falls in November — one of Thailand's most beautiful festivals.

Check sea conditions for the first two weeks — Patong can still have yellow or red flags.

Book December if your dates are flexible — weather improves and prices only rise slightly from late November.

Frequently Asked Questions