Phuket in November 2026: Weather, Prices, Things to Do
In brief: November marks the start of high season in Phuket. Temperature is 31°C during the day, 24°C at night, sea water 28°C. Only 12 rainy days (usually short showers). The Similan Islands reopen, the sea calms down, and snorkeling becomes excellent. The Loy Krathong festival is one of the most beautiful celebrations in Thailand. Prices are rising but haven't reached December's peak yet. The best month in terms of the "weather / price / tourist numbers" ratio.
Phuket Weather in November
November is a month of transition. The southwest monsoon retreats, and the northeast wind takes over. The first week of November can still be rainy (echoes of October), but from the second week onward the weather improves dramatically. By late November — stable sunshine, dry air, calm seas.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Daytime air temperature | 31°C |
| Nighttime air temperature | 24°C |
| Sea water temperature | 28°C |
| Rainy days | 12 |
| Rainfall | ~180 mm |
| Humidity | 75–80% |
| Sunshine hours per day | 7–8 |
| Wind speed | 8–15 km/h (NE) |
| UV index | 8–10 (high) |
| Season | High (HIGH) — start |
Comfort in November is significantly higher than in summer: humidity is lower, the breeze is pleasant, and evenings are cooler. Perfect weather for an active holiday.
From my experience: the difference between the first and last week of November is enormous. At the start of the month you can still get caught in a serious half-day downpour. But by the 20th, that quintessential "postcard" Phuket weather sets in: bright blue skies, crystal-clear water, a gentle breeze. If you can choose your dates — go with the second half of November.
What to Wear in November
November is a transitional month, and you need a versatile wardrobe:
- Snorkel mask and tube — your own is better than rental. Snorkeling season starts, and you'll be diving in often
- Rash guard — protection from sun and jellyfish while snorkeling
- Light rain jacket — just in case for the first week. Compact, folds into a pocket
- SPF 50 sunscreen — essential; the UV index is still high
- Underwater camera (GoPro or similar) — visibility in the water is excellent, don't miss the chance to film
- Light clothing + one jacket for the evening — 24°C with wind can feel cool, especially after a full day on the water
- Comfortable walking shoes — November is comfortable for walking, and you'll be on your feet more than in the hotter months
What's Open
Everything! November is the month when Phuket goes full throttle:
- Similan Islands — reopen in the first half of November, offering the best snorkeling in the region
- All beaches — the west coast is safe for swimming again
- Phi Phi, Racha, Coral Island — tours run daily without cancellations
- Dive sites — visibility 15–25 m, all sites accessible
- Beach clubs — Catch, Cafe Del Mar, Dream Beach Club resume operations
- Yachting — the sailing season begins
Full catalog of excursions in Phuket with prices and booking.
Best Beaches in November
In November, all Phuket beaches are open for swimming. The sea is calm, visibility is good. Top picks for this month:
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- Nai Harn — the most beautiful beach in the south, wave-free in November
- Bang Tao — 6 km of sand, perfect for long walks
- Surin — white sand, beach clubs reopening
- Kata Noi — compact, scenic, excellent snorkeling by the rocks
- Karon — wide, spacious, "squeaky" sand
More details — best beaches in Phuket.
Best Excursions in November
November is the month when absolutely everything is available. Here's what I recommend as top priorities:
- Similan Islands — a must-do, book a week ahead (spots sell out fast). One of the best snorkeling spots in the world with visibility up to 30 m
- Phi Phi + Bamboo Island — calm seas, snorkeling visibility 15+ m. A classic full-day excursion
- Racha Yai + Racha Noi — diving and snorkeling along coral walls. Less crowded than Phi Phi
- Sunset yacht cruise — sailing season is open, catamarans from 2,500 THB/person. November sunsets are breathtaking
- Phang Nga Bay — reliably excellent as always, and in November without the crowds
- Monkey Cave + kayaking — Ao Thalane, beautiful mangrove scenery
- Diving — all sites open, visibility 15–25 m. You may spot manta rays, whale sharks (rare but possible), and turtles
- Deep-sea fishing — the season for trolling and deep-sea fishing, marlin and tuna are active
Full list — all excursions in Phuket.
November Prices
Prices start climbing, but November isn't peak season yet. It's the sweet spot — excellent weather without the New Year's price tag:
| Category | November (early HIGH) | December–January (PEAK) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-star hotels | from 4,500 THB/night | from 8,000 THB/night | -44% |
| 4-star hotels | from 2,500 THB/night | from 4,500 THB/night | -44% |
| Villas with pool | from 4,000 THB/night | from 7,000 THB/night | -43% |
| Flights (from Europe) | from $600 | from $1,000 | -40% |
| Similan Islands tour | from 2,800 THB/person | from 3,500 THB/person | -20% |
| Scooter rental | 250–300 THB/day | 350–400 THB/day | -25% |
Tip: book your November hotel in September–October. Early bird discounts save 15–20%. After November 15, prices jump again — this coincides with the start of the European tourist flow.
Personal Experience: My November in Phuket
After more than four years of living in Phuket, November has become my favorite month. Here's why: after five months of rain, the island seems to wake up. Beach clubs open their doors, tourists appear on the streets (but not yet crowds), and the sea becomes clear and calm.
My November ritual is the first trip to the Similan Islands of the season. Every year I await the islands' opening like a holiday. After six months of murky water and waves, diving into crystal-clear ocean with 25-meter visibility is an indescribable feeling. I recommend going on a weekday, in the first week after opening: minimal crowds, and the fish and corals are already in their full glory.
Another November bonus — sunsets. During rainy season, the sun sets behind clouds and there are no real sunsets to speak of. But in November, Promthep Cape comes alive again: every evening dozens of people come to watch the sun drop into a clear horizon. The best sunsets are from Windmill Viewpoint and Laem Singh Viewpoint.
Loy Krathong — Festival of Lights
Loy Krathong is one of the most beautiful celebrations in Thailand. It takes place during the full moon of the 12th lunar month (in 2026 — approximately November 25).
What happens:
- People release krathongs onto the water — small boats made of banana leaves with candles, flowers, and coins. They make a wish and let it float away — a symbol of letting go of troubles
- Khom loi (paper lanterns) are released into the sky (on Phuket, launching is restricted due to airport proximity, but some locations allow it)
- Fireworks, live music, night fairs
- Best places to participate: Patong Beach, Nai Harn Lake, Saphan Hin Park, Phuket Town waterfront
You can buy a krathong at any market for 50–200 baht or make your own at a hotel workshop. I recommend the latter — it's a wonderful experience, especially for children.
Other November Events
- King's Cup Regatta — one of Asia's largest sailing regattas, held in early December, but preparations and pre-races begin in late November
- Beach club openings — Catch Beach Club, Cafe Del Mar, Dream Beach Club launch the new season with parties and special offers
- Start of the yachting season — yacht and catamaran charters, daytime and sunset cruises
- Night markets in full swing — Chillva Market, Naka Weekend Market operate without breaks, maximum selection
Tips from a Local Resident
- Book the Similan Islands in advance — November is peak demand, spots sell out 3–5 days ahead. Find travel companions for sea excursions — it's more fun and cheaper together
- Arrive in the second half of November — weather is more stable, and Loy Krathong is a bonus
- Snorkeling is better at Racha and the Similans than at Phi Phi (fewer tourists, cleaner water)
- Sunsets are back — Promthep Cape, Laem Singh viewpoint, Windmill viewpoint. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to get a spot
- Nightlife comes alive — Patong bars, beach parties on Surin, restaurants with live music
- Start booking December — if you're planning New Year's in Phuket, November is when you can still find reasonable prices. By December everything good will be taken
- Rent a scooter in advance — demand rises in November, and good models (Honda PCX, Click) get snapped up quickly
- Try the seafood at Rawai — the fish market is running at full capacity, prices aren't at peak yet: lobster from 600 baht, shrimp from 250 baht per kg
Full climate overview for all 12 months — in our article Phuket weather by month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is November a good month for Phuket?
Yes, November is one of the best months. High season begins: the sea calms down, Similan Islands reopen, and there are only 12 rainy days (mostly short showers). Prices haven't reached December's peak yet, and there are fewer tourists than in January.
When do the Similan Islands open?
The Similan Islands open between October 15 and November 15 (the exact date varies by year and weather). In 2026, opening is expected in the first half of November. Tours start right after opening — book in advance, the first slots sell out fast.
What is Loy Krathong?
Loy Krathong is a Thai festival of lights (full moon of the 12th lunar month, in 2026 — approximately November 25). People release krathongs — small boats made of banana leaves with candles — onto the water. Paper lanterns are released into the sky. A very beautiful and romantic celebration.
What are the prices in Phuket in November?
November marks the start of high season, so prices are rising. 4-star hotels from 2,500 THB/night, 5-star from 4,500 THB. But this is still 20–30% cheaper than December–January. Flights from Europe start at around $600 round trip.
Can you snorkel in November?
Yes! November is the start of excellent snorkeling. Visibility is 10–20 m, the sea is calm. Similan Islands are open, Phi Phi is wave-free, Racha Yai and Racha Noi are accessible. The best snorkeling starts from mid-November.