What to Do in Phuket in November and What to Expect?
In November, the weather in Phuket starts showing improvement as it is the last month of the rainy season. On an average year, you can expect a mix of sun and rain. While the risk of heavy rain still exists, sunny days become more frequent. All tours and day trips operate normally, prices are still reasonable, and road traffic remains fluid. Hotel rooms are easy to get and cheaper than in the high season.
Phuket Weather in November
| 🌡️ Average day temperature | 31.7°C |
| 🌡️ Average night temperature | 24.7°C |
| ☀️ Average sunny days | 14 days |
| 🌧️ Average rainy days | 16 days |
| 🌧️ Average rainfall | 177 mm |
| 💧 Average humidity | 79% |
| 🏖️ Water temperature | 29°C |
| 🌊 Sea condition | Calming down, still some waves |
| ☀️ Sunshine hours | 6.4 hours/day |
| 🔆 UV Index | 11 (Extreme) |
Phuket Averages in November
You will never have to worry about the temperature during the day or in the sea. The sea and swimming pool water is almost as warm as a bath all year round. In Phuket, you never have to pack warm clothes!
The air temperature is around 31°C. The sea is warm all year round, so this is never an issue. However, the ocean can still be rough sometimes, and you must keep an eye on the red flags. Riptides are treacherous and accidents still happen. It is always a good idea to book a hotel with a pool for those days, especially those with pool bars and pool access rooms.
Rain Chart for Phuket in November
Sea Condition in November
The sea starts to calm, with fewer waves and clearer waters. Swimming becomes safer, though occasional rough patches may still appear, especially in the first half of the month. West coast beaches like Patong, Kata and Karon are usually swimmable by mid-November. East coast beaches remain calm throughout.
What to Do in Phuket in November
Visit the Similan Islands
The Similan Islands reopened in mid-October, and November is a great time to visit before the peak season crowds arrive. The ocean may still be rough on some days, and buying motion sickness pills is a good idea, just in case. The boat crew sometimes has some, but it’s better to be prepared.
Island Day Trips
All other day trips operate normally. You can go to Phi Phi Island, Coral Island and Racha Island without worries. Tours are only cancelled on exceptionally bad weather days. In these cases, you will be refunded or offered another day the next day. Phang Nga Bay is beautiful at any time of the year and is a must-see in Phuket!
Events and Festivals
Loy Krathong Festival
Thailand celebrates the beautiful Loy Krathong Festival on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, usually in November. People release floating offerings with candles and incense, and sometimes flying lanterns, everywhere around the country. It’s beautiful, and it happens anywhere there is water: beaches, rivers, lakes, ponds, and even the swimming pool of your hotel!
Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025
Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025 is a national contemporary art biennial set across Phuket, featuring Thai and international artists under the theme “Eternal [Kalpa],” which explores long-timescale relations between humans and nature and encourages sustainable cultural tourism. The edition runs from November 2025 to April 2026, with exhibitions across multiple districts and outdoor/indoor venues on the island.
– Click here to see all Events in Phuket –
Time-lapse of Each Day of November 2024
What to Pack for November
Pack light, breathable clothing. T-shirts, shorts, skirts and sandals are all you need. A compact umbrella is still useful as rain is possible, though less frequent than in previous months. High-SPF sunscreen is essential as the UV remains extreme. If you plan to visit temples, pack something that covers your shoulders and knees. Read more in my full packing guide for Phuket.
Insider Tips
November is the sweet spot for many travellers. The weather is improving, prices are still reasonable, and the island isn’t yet crowded with high season visitors. If you can choose your dates, November offers excellent value.
The first half of November can still feel like monsoon season with occasional rain and rough seas. The second half is usually much better, with more consistent sunshine and calmer waters. Aim for mid to late November if possible.
Loy Krathong is one of Thailand’s most beautiful festivals. If you’re here during the full moon, find a spot by the water in the evening. Patong Beach, Karon Beach and the lake in Saphan Hin all have celebrations. It’s a magical night.
Hotel prices start rising toward the end of November as high season approaches. Book early if you’re visiting in the last week of the month, especially if your dates include any December days.
The Similan Islands are open but not yet crowded. November is an excellent time to visit before the peak season rush. You’ll have more space on the beaches and better availability for tours.
The best way to check real conditions is my daily weather timelapses. Each video shows a full day compressed into one minute. Nothing helps more than seeing what a typical November day actually looked like last year.
November Weather Through the Years
November marks the end of the monsoon. The island starts its transformation from low season to high season. You can almost feel the change in the air.
The pattern is fairly consistent. Early November still carries the monsoon influence with occasional heavy showers and rough seas. Then, usually around mid-month, something shifts. The sky clears, the sea calms, and suddenly it feels like a different island. By late November, high season has effectively begun.
The transformation is visible everywhere. Beach vendors start setting up their sun loungers. Hotels increase their staff. Restaurants extend their hours. The energy changes as the island prepares for the busiest months of the year.
Loy Krathong has been celebrated for centuries, and it’s one of the most photogenic nights of the year. Thousands of floating offerings with candles drift across the water. If the sky is clear, the reflection of the moon adds to the magic. It’s worth planning your trip around if you can.
For value, November is hard to beat. You get improving weather, lower prices than December, and fewer crowds. It’s the month I often recommend to friends who want the best of both worlds.
Phuket Weather Each Month of the Year
More About the Weather in Phuket
