Phuket in November: Weather, High Season Start and Tours

November is the month Phuket usually switches from the monsoon to the dry season. The first days can still feel like October, with showers and a lively sea on the west coast, while the second half often brings the settled, sunny weather the high season is known for. The change does not happen on a fixed date, so it pays to plan with some flexibility.

November is also good value. Prices are usually below the December to March peak, crowds are building but not yet at their height, and the Similan Islands are usually open. This guide covers the weather, events, which of our tours suit the month and how to plan a week.

What the Weather Is Like in November

Phuket has two broad seasons: the dry season, roughly November to April, and the southwest monsoon, roughly May to October. November is the handover month.

• Temperature: highs usually around 30 to 32°C, nights around 23 to 25°C.
• Rain: early November can still be wet, with heavy showers or stormy days. Rain usually becomes less frequent as the month goes on, but some years wet spells continue into the second half.
• Sea: improving. The west coast swell usually eases through the month, and by late November the Andaman Sea is calm on most days. The water is warm all year, usually around 28 to 30°C.

Red flags can still appear on west coast beaches such as Patong, Kata and Karon early in the month. Only swim where there are lifeguards, between the flags, and never when red flags are up. If your trip starts in late October, read Phuket in October as well.

Crowds and Prices in November

Visitor numbers grow through November. The first half is often relaxed, with shoulder season hotel rates; by the end of the month it feels like high season, and rates rise towards December. Tours run every day. You can usually book a day or two ahead early in the month and a few days ahead later on.

Loy Krathong

Loy Krathong is held on the full moon of the twelfth Thai lunar month, which usually falls in November. In the evening people float a krathong, a small decorated float of banana leaf and flowers with a candle and incense, on the sea, rivers or lakes to give thanks to the water and let go of bad luck. In Phuket, events are held at places such as Saphan Hin in Phuket Town, and many people float theirs from the beach. If you join in, choose a krathong made from natural materials such as banana leaf or bread rather than foam. The date changes every year, so check it for your trip.

Which Tours Suit November

All our tours run in November. The open-water trips become more reliable as the month goes on.

Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island

Phi Phi trips run on most November days, although early in the month some days can still be bumpy or cancelled. Maya Bay has usually reopened after its closure around August and September; you walk in from Loh Sama Bay, and swimming in the bay is not allowed. The Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island tour includes the national park fee, a halal buffet lunch, snorkel gear and a paddle board. If your trip is early in November, schedule Phi Phi in the middle or later part of your stay.

James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay

The sheltered bay runs in every season, which makes it the safe first booking for an early November trip. The James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay tour includes a sea canoe at Hong Island or Talu Island depending on the tide, lunch at Koh Panyee and a swim at Naka Island. The national park fee is paid on the day. After months of rain, the islands are at their greenest.

Raya and Coral Island

As the sea settles, snorkeling at Racha improves, and late November is usually a good time to go. The Raya and Coral Island tour leaves from Chalong Pier, with the guide choosing the calmest snorkeling bay on the day.

Jet ski and rafting

The Jet Ski 7 Islands tour (priced per jet ski, for 1 or 2 riders) runs on the sheltered east coast and is a good choice at any point in the month. White water rafting in the Phang Nga jungle usually still has plenty of water after the rainy season, and it remains a good plan B for any stormy day early in the month.

The Similan Islands

The Similan national park usually opens around 15 October and stays open until around 15 May, so it is usually open in November. We do not sell a Similan tour, but our Similan Islands guide and opening dates guide explain how to plan one.

How to Plan a November Week

• If you can choose, travel in the second half. The weather is usually more settled after mid-November, while prices are still below the December peak.
• Early in the month, keep spare days. Book sheltered trips first and schedule Phi Phi and Racha with room to move them.
• Book a few days ahead late in the month, when the high season crowds start to arrive.
• Know the terms. If we cancel a tour for unsafe weather, you get a full refund or a new date at no extra cost. Most tours have free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. See our booking terms.

Sample 5 day plan

1. Day 1: arrive, beach and sunset.
2. Day 2: James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay.
3. Day 3: a free day, or Loy Krathong if the full moon falls during your stay.
4. Day 4: Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island.
5. Day 5: Raya and Coral Island, or the jet ski tour.

Check dates on our November tours page. If your trip runs into the holidays, read Phuket in December.

What to Pack for November

• A light rain jacket or poncho, especially for the first half of the month.
• A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch for boat days.
• Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. The sun gets stronger as the skies clear.
• Swimwear, a quick-dry towel and sandals with grip.
• Insect repellent for the evenings.
• Seasickness tablets if you are prone to it, especially early in the month.

Frequently asked questions

Is November a good time to visit Phuket?

Yes, especially the second half. The weather is usually improving, all tours run and prices are below the December to March peak. Early November can still be wet.

Does it still rain in Phuket in November?

Often in the first half, less in the second. The switch to the dry season does not happen on a fixed date, so some years stay wet for longer.

Are the Similan Islands open in November?

Yes, the park usually opens around 15 October. Check the official dates for your year.

When is Loy Krathong?

On the full moon of the twelfth Thai lunar month, which usually falls in November. The exact date changes every year. Browse all tours to plan the rest of your week.