November is when Bangkok finally exhales after months of monsoon. The heavy rains that define September and October — we're talking 339mm and 233mm respectively — drop sharply to around 108mm, and you can feel the city shift gears. Daytime temperatures hover near 31°C (88°F) with lows around 24°C (75°F), which by Bangkok standards is borderline pleasant. The humidity, still at 74%, remains noticeable, but that suffocating wet-season weight starts to lift, in the evenings. You might catch an afternoon shower — roughly 12 rainy days through the month — but these tend to be short bursts rather than the all-day downpours of the preceding months.
The real draw, though, is Loy Krathong. The festival of lights falls on the full moon of the twelfth Thai lunar month, which typically lands in mid-to-late November. Thousands of candlelit krathong floats drift down the Chao Phraya River, and the parks along its banks fill with families, couples, and the warm smell of incense and marigold. It's one of those nights that actually lives up to the photographs. That said, November sits in an interesting pricing sweet spot — high season is building but hasn't fully arrived. Hotels are filling up but haven't hit December rates. You're catching Bangkok at a turning point: the wet season's last gasp overlapping with the cool season's first breath.
To be fair, early November can still feel like rainy season. The first week or two might deliver a proper tropical downpour that floods Sukhumvit sois for an hour. By the last week, though, you'll notice drier air, clearer skies, and the kind of evenings where sitting on a riverside terrace with a cold Singha feels exactly right. It's not December — that's still the gold standard — but November is when Bangkok starts becoming the version of itself that people fall in love with.
Why visit in November
- Monsoon rainfall drops dramatically from October's 233mm to 108mm — the wet season is clearly winding down, and rain showers tend to be brief afternoon bursts rather than all-day events
- Loy Krathong, one of Thailand's most photogenic festivals, falls in November — watching candlelit floats drift down the Chao Phraya at night is moving
- Hotel rates sit in a shoulder-season sweet spot: 15-25% below December peak prices while the weather is already improving significantly
- Evening temperatures dip into the low 20s°C (low 70s°F) by late November, making outdoor dining and night markets far more comfortable than the preceding five months
Worth knowing
- Early November can still deliver heavy rain — the monsoon doesn't switch off like a tap, and flooding on low-lying sois remains possible through the first two weeks
- Humidity at 74% is still high enough that you'll feel sticky within minutes of leaving air-conditioning, at midday
- Tourist numbers are climbing as high season approaches — popular temples like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace start getting noticeably busier compared to the quiet months of July through September
- The Chao Phraya River runs high and muddy from months of accumulated rainfall, which can dampen the appeal of riverside dining and canal tours
Best for
Think twice if
November marks the transition from wet to cool season, and you can feel it happening in real time. The first half of the month still carries monsoon energy — expect a handful of proper downpours, usually building in the afternoon with dark clouds rolling in from the west. By the second half, rain becomes less frequent and the air starts to carry that dry-season crispness, after sunset. Daytime temperatures sit around 31°C (88°F), warm but not the punishing heat of March and April. Nights cool to roughly 24°C (75°F), which is comfortable enough to walk along the river without dripping. Humidity at 74% is still distinctly tropical — you'll feel the moisture in the air — but it's noticeably lighter than the 80%+ of peak monsoon months. The sun, when it appears between clouds, has a warm golden quality rather than the harsh white glare of the hot season.
Seasonal caution
- Residual monsoon flooding can affect low-lying areas in early November — Sukhumvit between sois 21 and 55 is prone to standing water after heavy downpours, making street-level walking difficult for a few hours
- UV index remains high (8-10) even on partly cloudy days — the cloud cover is deceptive and sunburn happens fast, on boat trips along the river
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 22 | 12 |
| Feb | 33 | 24 | 54 |
| Mar | 34 | 26 | 59 |
| Apr | 34 | 27 | 88 |
| May | 33 | 26 | 199 |
| Jun | 33 | 26 | 163 |
| Jul | 31 | 26 | 255 |
| Aug | 32 | 25 | 222 |
| Sep | 31 | 25 | 339 |
| Oct | 31 | 24 | 233 |
| Nov | 31 | 24 | 108 |
| Dec | 32 | 23 | 14 |
Headline events
Loy Krathong
Full moon in November (mid-to-late November, exact date varies yearly)
Thailand's festival of lights, held on the full moon of the twelfth Thai lunar month. Thousands of krathong — small lotus-shaped floats made from banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense — are released onto rivers, canals, and ponds across the city. The Chao Phraya riverbanks fill with families and couples setting their floats adrift, and the smell of jasmine and burning incense hangs in the warm night air. Major celebrations happen at parks along the river, at historic temples, and at Asiatique. In Bangkok, sky lanterns are officially banned for safety reasons, but the water-borne floats create their own kind of quiet spectacle — hundreds of flickering lights drifting downstream in the dark.
Best things to do in November
Loy Krathong along the Chao Phraya River
culturalMaking and floating your own krathong is the defining November experience in Bangkok. You can buy pre-made floats from vendors for 20-100 baht, but the more satisfying approach is joining a workshop at one of the riverside temples or community centers where locals teach you to fold banana leaves, arrange marigolds, and set a candle and incense stick in the center. Release it at dusk from the piers around Tha Tien or Tha Maharaj and watch it join hundreds of others drifting downstream, the candle flames reflecting off the dark water.
Loy Krathong only happens once a year on the November full moon — this is the single night you can experience itBooking tipRiverside restaurants with krathong-release access book out weeks in advance — reserve by early November at the latest
Sunset rooftop drinks as cool season arrives
nightlifeBangkok's rooftop bar scene is excellent, but for five months of the year the humidity and rain make it miserable. November is when these terraces become enjoyable again. The air is drier in the evenings, the monsoon clouds create dramatic sunset backdrops in pink and orange, and temperatures after 6pm drop into comfortable territory. Spots along the river — around the Charoenkrung area — catch breezes that make the 74% humidity feel much lower.
The first month since May when evening humidity and rain probability are low enough to make rooftop bars reliably pleasantBooking tipWeekend sunset slots at the well-known spots require reservations by Thursday — weeknight visits are walk-in friendly
Cycling through Bang Krachao
outdoorBangkok's so-called green lung, the island-like peninsula across the river from the city center, is crisscrossed with elevated concrete paths through tropical gardens, wetlands, and a botanical park. November's reduced rain and slightly cooler mornings make this one of the best months to explore by bicycle. The paths are narrow and shaded, the air smells of tropical vegetation and canal water, and you'll pass through communities that feel nothing like the city across the river.
Monsoon rain drop means the paths are dry and passable, and morning temperatures around 24-26°C make cycling comfortable rather than punishingBooking tipRent bikes at the Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park entrance — arrive before 9am on weekends to beat the local cycling clubs
Night markets in comfortable weather
shoppingBangkok's night markets — Jodd Fairs, Rod Fai, Khlong Lat Mayom — are open year-round, but browsing outdoor stalls for two or three hours is a very different experience at 25°C than at 33°C. November evenings have just enough cool-season edge to make wandering between food stalls, vintage clothing racks, and handicraft vendors feel leisurely rather than endurance-based. The smell of grilled seafood, wok-fried noodles, and sweet roti hangs in the cooler air longer.
Evening temperatures drop to the low-to-mid 20s°C for the first time since March, making extended outdoor market browsing comfortableBooking tipJodd Fairs King Power is open Thursday through Sunday — Friday night has the best food vendor turnout
Temple visits without the punishing heat
culturalThe Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun — these are outdoor experiences with minimal shade, and in the hot season they're draining. November's 31°C highs are still warm, but compared to April's 35°C+ with higher humidity, the difference is tangible. You can spend two to three hours exploring temple grounds without feeling like you're about to overheat, in the morning or late afternoon.
First month since the hot season where sustained outdoor sightseeing is comfortable — and crowds haven't yet hit December peak levelsBooking tipThe Grand Palace is least crowded on weekday mornings between 8:30 and 10am — arrive right at opening
Canal boat tours through Thonburi
sightseeingThe old canal network on the west side of the Chao Phraya takes you past wooden houses on stilts, small temples, orchid farms, and workshops where residents live much as they have for decades. In November, water levels are high from the monsoon — the canals are full and navigable even in the narrower channels that dry up by February. The foliage along the banks is lush and green. The trade-off is muddier water, but the navigability and the dense greenery make this the more interesting time for the tour.
Post-monsoon water levels keep even the narrow back-canals navigable, and the vegetation is at its most lush after months of rainBooking tipHire a longtail boat from Tha Tien pier — negotiate a two-hour route that goes deep into the smaller canals, not just the main channel
Cooking classes with seasonal produce
foodNovember sits at the intersection of two growing seasons — late monsoon greens and early cool-season herbs are both available at markets. Thai basil, morning glory, and lemongrass are lush from the rains. Cooking schools in the old town, around the Tha Tien and Nang Loeng areas, build their menus around what's freshest at that morning's market run. The cooler kitchen temperatures make standing over a wok for three hours more bearable than it would be in April.
Peak herb and vegetable freshness from late-monsoon rains, combined with cooler kitchen conditions make hands-on cooking far more pleasantBooking tipBook at least a week ahead for weekend classes — weekday morning sessions typically have availability with a day or two notice
What to eat in November
In season: fruit
Som-O (Pomelo)
November is peak pomelo season, and vendors across Bangkok sell these massive citrus fruits already peeled and segmented in plastic bags. The flesh ranges from pale yellow to pink, with a flavor somewhere between grapefruit and orange but less bitter than either. The ones from Nakhon Pathom province, sold at Aw Taw Kaw market, tend to be the sweetest. Eat them cold.
Lamyai (Longan)
The tail end of longan season runs into early November. These small, translucent-fleshed fruits taste like a more floral, less acidic lychee. Street vendors sell them in bunches still on the branch, and the dried version shows up in traditional Thai herbal drinks at old-school pharmacies. The fresh ones from Chiang Mai province are worth seeking out at Or Tor Kor market before the season ends.
On menus now
Tom Yum Kung with fresh river prawns
The Chao Phraya prawn season overlaps with November, and the river prawns at their best right now are noticeably sweeter and firmer than the farmed alternatives. A proper tom yum made with these — the broth sharp with lemongrass, galangal, and crushed chilies — is a different experience from the tourist-menu version. Seek out shophouse restaurants near the river for the freshest catch.
Street food peaks
Khao Tom Mud
Sticky rice steamed in banana leaves with banana or taro filling — the warm, starchy smell of these parcels drifts from street carts across the city. November's slightly cooler evenings make these feel like proper comfort food. The banana leaf imparts a subtle green, grassy flavor to the rice that you won't get from any other wrapping.
Khao Lam
Glutinous rice with coconut cream and black beans, cooked inside bamboo tubes over charcoal. The rice picks up a faintly smoky, woody taste from the bamboo. You'll find these at temple fairs and roadside stalls, around Loy Krathong when night markets expand. Best eaten warm, pulled straight from the tube.
Regular events in November
Bangkok Art Biennale (if scheduled in odd-numbered years)Free
Major contemporary art exhibition spread across historic and cultural venues throughout the city, including Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and various galleries along the Chao Phraya. International and Thai artists install works in unexpected settings — sculpture in temple courtyards, video art in colonial-era buildings. Free entry at most venues.
October through February (runs multiple months)Wat Saket (Golden Mount) Temple FairFree
One of Bangkok's oldest and largest temple fairs, held in the compound around the Golden Mount in Pom Prap Sattru Phai district. Food stalls, carnival games, traditional performances, and a candlelit procession up the winding staircase of the golden chedi. The smell of grilled meatballs, cotton candy, and incense mingles together. It runs for about a week and tends to coincide with Loy Krathong.
Around the full moon in November, running approximately one weekThailand International Swan Boat RacesFree
Long-tail boat racing on the Chao Phraya River, with teams from across Southeast Asia competing in traditional wooden boats. The races happen along the section near the Royal Thai Navy headquarters. Loud, chaotic, and fun to watch from the riverbanks — crews chanting in rhythm with their paddles, spectators crowding the rails.
Late November (dates vary)Bangkok Vegetable and Flower Market peak seasonFree
Pak Khlong Talat, Bangkok's main flower market near the Memorial Bridge, shifts into high gear as the cool season begins. Marigolds for Loy Krathong krathongs arrive by the truckload, and the pre-dawn hours see the market at its most intense — wholesalers unloading jasmine garlands, lotus flowers, and orchids under fluorescent lights. The scent is overwhelming in the best way.
Throughout November, peak around Loy KrathongBest places this November
Tha Maharaj and Tha Tien riverside piers
waterfrontThe stretch of riverfront between these two piers is where Loy Krathong feels most intimate — local families releasing their floats, the glow of Wat Arun across the water, krathong vendors lining the walkways. Outside the festival, the area has good riverside restaurants and one of the best views of the temple spires lit up at night. November's clearer evening skies make the view across the river sharper than during monsoon months.
Phra NakhonLumpini Park at dawn
parkBangkok's central park comes alive in the early morning — joggers on the paths, tai chi groups on the lawns, monitor lizards basking on the banks of the lake. November mornings around 24°C make the 6am-7am window pleasant, with cool air carrying the smell of freshly cut grass and the sound of birds in the rain trees. The park is green and lush from months of monsoon rain.
SilomCharoenkrung neighborhood
neighborhoodBangkok's oldest road and the streets branching off it have become the city's creative district — galleries, coffee roasters in converted shophouses, small-batch cocktail bars. November's comfortable walking weather makes this a good month to explore on foot, ducking into side streets where century-old Chinese-Thai architecture sits next to contemporary art spaces. The neighborhood has a smell of old wood, fresh coffee, and incense from Chinese shrines.
Bang RakOr Tor Kor Market
marketGenerally considered Bangkok's finest fresh market, attached to Chatuchak. November brings peak-season pomelo from Nakhon Pathom, fresh longan from the north, and the early appearance of cool-season vegetables. The market is air-conditioned in the produce section, immaculate, and organized — a contrast to the sensory chaos of most Bangkok markets. The prepared food stalls here serve some of the best pad thai and som tum in the city.
ChatuchakBang Krachao
parkThe jungle-covered peninsula across the Chao Phraya from central Bangkok feels like a different world — elevated paths through tropical gardens, fish ponds, a floating market on weekends, and small temples tucked among the trees. November's drier weather and cooler mornings make cycling the elevated concrete paths far more enjoyable. The botanical park in the center has well-maintained tropical gardens where the post-monsoon foliage is thick and green.
Phra PradaengAsiatique the Riverfront
entertainmentThis converted warehouse complex along the river hosts one of the larger public Loy Krathong celebrations, with organized krathong-making activities, traditional dance performances, and a designated release area along the waterfront. Outside the festival, it's a reliable evening destination with riverside dining and a Ferris wheel that gives decent views of the city and the river's curve. The November breeze off the water makes the outdoor areas comfortable.
Charoen KrungNang Loeng neighborhood
neighborhoodOne of Bangkok's oldest market communities, largely unchanged for decades. The morning market here — a grid of food stalls under a low roof — serves dishes that have disappeared from most of the city. Khanom jeen with fish curry, old-style Thai coffee, Chinese-influenced dumplings. November's manageable heat means you can linger at the communal tables without melting. The neighborhood is walkable and quiet, with crumbling shophouses and small temples.
Nang Loeng
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Insider tips
The best Loy Krathong experience isn't at the big organized events — it's at the smaller community piers along the Thonburi canals, where families gather without the tourist crowds. Take a cross-river ferry from Saphan Taksin to any of the west-bank piers and walk until you find a group of locals with krathongs. You'll likely be invited to join.
Or Tor Kor Market's prepared food section (the back corner, past the fruit stalls) serves pad thai and som tum that rivals dedicated restaurants, at market prices. Go before 11am on weekdays when the stalls have their full menu available — by afternoon, popular dishes sell out.
November is when Bangkok's rooftop bars shift from miserable to magical, but skip the famous ones on Friday and Saturday nights unless you enjoy queuing. Tuesday through Thursday at sunset, you'll get the same view, the same breeze, and an actual seat without a reservation.
The BTS and MRT run until midnight, but after Loy Krathong celebrations the stations near the river — Saphan Taksin — get overwhelmed around 10-11pm. Walk to National Stadium or Ratchadamri station instead, or use the Chao Phraya Express boat, which runs special late services during the festival.
For the Golden Mount temple fair, go after 8pm when the heat drops and the candlelit atmosphere is at its best. The climb up the winding staircase is lined with candles and the view from the top — the city lights, the temple grounds lit up below — is worth the 300-odd steps.
Avoid these mistakes
- Assuming the rainy season is completely over — early November can still deliver heavy downpours that flood low-lying streets for hours. Travelers who pack only for dry weather and plan full outdoor days without backup plans get caught out, in the first ten days of the month.
- Booking a Loy Krathong dinner cruise without checking the date — the festival moves with the lunar calendar, so it falls on a different date each year. Travelers who book based on last year's date end up on a regular dinner cruise instead of the festival experience.
- Wearing flip-flops to temple complexes — Wat Pho and the Grand Palace have extensive grounds with uneven stone surfaces, drainage channels, and steps. Flip-flops slip on wet stone and offer no support for hours of walking. Proper sandals with a back strap are the minimum.
- Spending Loy Krathong evening at Khao San Road — it's tempting because it's familiar, but the celebration there is a tourist-oriented party, not the cultural experience. The riverside areas around Tha Tien, or the temple fairs, are where the festival feels authentic.
Practical tips for November
November is a transition month, so pack and plan for both rain and dry weather. Book accommodations near a BTS or MRT station — when afternoon rain does hit, you want covered transit options rather than relying on taxis that become scarce and expensive during downpours. Temple dress codes are enforced year-round: covered shoulders and knees, no see-through fabrics. Carry a lightweight scarf or sarong as a backup cover-up. Tipping is not traditionally expected in Thailand, but rounding up or leaving 20-50 baht at sit-down restaurants is appreciated. Street food vendors do not expect tips. The BTS Rabbit card and MRT cards are separate systems — if you're using both, you'll need both cards. Money changers in the Nana and Asoke area along Sukhumvit consistently offer better rates than airport exchanges — change a small amount at the airport for taxi fare and do the rest in town. Pharmacies (Boots and Watsons are everywhere) carry most common medications without prescription, which is useful if the humidity triggers unexpected skin irritation or the street food tests your stomach. For Loy Krathong, check the exact full-moon date for the year you're traveling — it shifts annually. Major venues publish their celebration schedules about two weeks before the festival.
FAQ
Is November a good time to visit Bangkok?
November is a good time to visit — likely the fourth-best month after December, January, and February. The monsoon is winding down with rainfall dropping to about 108mm from October's 233mm, temperatures are warm but not punishing at around 31°C (88°F), and the cool season is beginning to settle in by the second half of the month. The major draw is Loy Krathong, one of Thailand's most photogenic festivals. You might catch a few afternoon downpours, early in the month, but the weather is far more pleasant than the preceding five months. Hotel prices haven't yet hit December peak levels, so you get a reasonable balance of good weather and moderate costs.
What is the weather like in Bangkok in November?
Expect daytime highs around 31°C (88°F) and overnight lows near 24°C (75°F), with humidity at about 74%. Rainfall averages 108mm across roughly 12 rainy days — a significant drop from October's 233mm but still enough that you should carry a rain jacket or umbrella. Showers tend to be afternoon affairs lasting 30 minutes to an hour, followed by clearing skies. By late November, you'll notice distinctly drier conditions as the cool season takes hold. The UV index remains high even on cloudy days, so sunscreen is still a necessity.
Is Bangkok crowded in November?
Crowd levels in November are medium and building. It's noticeably busier than the quiet months of July through October, when monsoon rains keep tourist numbers low, but it hasn't yet reached the peak levels of December through February. Popular temples like Wat Pho see moderate queues rather than the long waits of January. The exception is Loy Krathong night itself, when riverside areas, major parks, and temples become very crowded with both locals and tourists celebrating. If you want to experience the festival without peak crowds, head to smaller community celebrations away from the main tourist areas.
What should I wear in Bangkok in November?
Light, breathable clothing is the priority — cotton and linen work better than synthetics in Bangkok's humidity. For temple visits, you'll need covered shoulders and knees, so pack at least one pair of lightweight long trousers and a top with sleeves. Evenings are cooler by Bangkok standards, dropping to around 24°C, but you won't need anything heavier than a light long-sleeve shirt. Bring a layer for aggressively air-conditioned spaces. Comfortable sandals with a back strap work for most walking, but choose ones that handle wet surfaces — afternoon rain on Bangkok's tile sidewalks creates slippery conditions.
When is Loy Krathong in Bangkok?
Loy Krathong falls on the full moon night of the twelfth month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, which typically lands in mid-to-late November. The exact date shifts each year, so check the specific date for your travel year before booking. Celebrations begin in the late afternoon and continue into the night, with the peak krathong-floating period happening between sunset and about 10pm. The festival is celebrated across the entire country, but Bangkok's Chao Phraya riverside celebrations, around the Tha Tien and Tha Maharaj piers and the Wat Saket temple fair, are among the largest and most atmospheric.
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