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Phuket in November 2025

November signals Phuket's transition into dry season, bringing fewer downpours and clearer skies. You can expect calmer seas perfect for island-hopping, and an uptick in visitors by mid-month. Loy Krathong's luminous baskets and the start of the Thailand Biennale add cultural color. For smoother travels, book stays and tours early—especially toward month's end.

Phuket in November 2025 at a glance

🌧️Weather

Avg high 30.9°C / 87.6°F; evening lows around 27°C / 80.6°F.

☀️Daylight

~11.8 hours; sunrise ~6:15am, sunset ~6:00pm.

🎉Key events

Loy Krathong (Nov 4), Thailand Biennale, King’s Cup Regatta.

👥Crowds

Mid to high by late November, especially around beach resorts

🧳What to pack

Light clothing, sun hat, water shoes, and a light rain jacket.

🍽️Seasonal treats

Grilled seafood, kanohm jin with spicy curry, o-aew iced dessert.

Top things to do in Phuket in November

Island-hop to Phi Phi or Similan Islands

  • When: Best in November
  • Tags: Tour, Outdoors, Seasonal

November's calmer seas mean speedboats can safely reach farther islands like Phi Phi or the Similans. Expect turquoise waters, snorkeling stops, and hotel pickup. Book early for better weather days.

Watch sunset from Phromthep Cape

  • When: Daily around 6pm
  • Tags: Outdoors, Explorer

This southern viewpoint offers panoramic ocean views framed by wind-blown palms. November’s lighter haze makes sunsets crisp and dramatic. Arrive by 5:30pm for parking and photos.

Stroll Phuket Old Town's Sino-Portuguese streets

  • When: Late morning or post-rain afternoons
  • Tags: Cultural experience, Explorer

Colorful 19th-century shophouses, cafes, and art shops make for a leisurely wander. Check out Soi Romanee and Thalang Road. Sunday evenings, hit the Walking Street market.

Tour Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha

  • When: Morning before heat peaks
  • Tags: Tour, Cultural experience

Phuket’s largest temple and its iconic hillside Buddha are top cultural stops. Mornings are cooler and less crowded. Modest dress required.

Take a Thai cooking class

  • When: Rainy afternoons
  • Tags: Cultural experience, Family-friendly

Learn to make green curry or pad Thai from scratch. Many classes include market visits and happen rain or shine. Great way to dodge any lingering showers.

Relax on Kata or Karon Beach

  • When: Mid-morning to sunset
  • Tags: Outdoors, Family-friendly

Less hectic than Patong, these beaches are great for sunbathing or casual dips. In November, waves calm and umbrellas return. Vendors rent loungers and cold drinks.

Cruise Phang Nga Bay by kayak

  • When: Midday to dusk
  • Tags: Tour, Adventure, Outdoors

Paddle beneath limestone cliffs and into sea caves. Tours include hotel transfers, lunch, and sunset returns. Seas in November are calm enough for safe kayaking.

Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary

  • When: Morning or early afternoon
  • Tags: Family-friendly, Cultural experience

Skip the riding and instead feed, walk, and bathe rescued elephants. Most sanctuaries are outside major towns; hotel pickup usually included.

Offbeat experiences in November

Find peace at Ao Sane Beach

A secluded cove west of Nai Harn Beach

Expect calm waters and few crowds, even in high season. Bring snorkel gear—the reefs here are shallow and rewarding.

📍Where: Near Nai Harn Beach

See Chinese lanterns at the Shrine of the Serene Light

Tucked behind a bookshop in Old Town

Visit during Loy Krathong week for photo-worthy lanterns and incense-filled calm. Open daylight hours, no ticket needed.

📍Where: Off Phang Nga Road

Wander the Thai Amulets Market

A niche spiritual shopping experience

Monks and collectors browse thousands of sacred charms. Prices vary wildly. Just observe or ask vendors about each item's meaning.

📍Where: Rassada Road, Phuket Old Town

Explore Banana Beach by boat or trail

Hidden between Bang Tao and Nai Thon

A short hike or long-tail ride leads you to this quiet beach. Fewer vendors, clean sand, and clear November waters await.

📍Where: Coral Island (Ko He)

Visit the Phuket Batik Painting House

Hands-on art with a local touch

Learn about batik fabric painting in a local workshop. Create your own sarong or wall hanging. Workshops are indoors—good for rainy days.

📍Where: Phuket Old Town

Festivals and events in Phuket this November 2025

Loy Krathong

  • Dates: 4 November 2025
  • Event type: Cultural Festival
  • Location: Beaches, rivers, and ponds across Phuket

Float candle-lit baskets on water to honor the river goddess. Sunset ceremonies draw locals and tourists. Head to Patong or Nai Harn Beach by 6pm.

Thailand Biennale Phuket

  • Dates: November 2025 – April 2026
  • Event type: Art Exhibition
  • Location: Island-wide; focus on Phuket Art Museum and outdoor venues

A six-month international art showcase turns Phuket into a giant creative canvas. Great for art lovers. Maps available at hotels and tourist centers.

King’s Cup Regatta

  • Dates: 30 November – 6 December 2025
  • Event type: Sporting Event
  • Location: Off Kata Beach and Andaman Sea

Southeast Asia’s premier sailing event brings sleek yachts and beachfront action. Expect elevated prices in Kata; book hotels early.

Highlights for different traveller types

Families with kids

Visit ethical elephant sanctuaries where kids can safely interact with animals. Spend a calm day at Kamala or Kata Beach—lifeguards are back in November. Rainy afternoons? Try Baan Teelanka (the Upside Down House).

Couples

Sail on a private catamaran at sunset, then dine at a clifftop restaurant in Kata. Morning yoga on the beach or spa time in Kamala adds serene moments.

Solo wanderers

Explore Old Town on your own pace, hop night markets, or join a kayak tour to meet fellow travelers. Grab motorbike rentals for off-grid beach days.

Culture vultures

Walk heritage lanes in Old Town, visit Thai Hua Museum, and attend a Thailand Biennale event. Round off with a batik workshop or Loy Krathong ceremony.

Adventure seekers

Try surfing in Kata (waves linger into early November), then switch to diving trips around Racha or Similan Islands. Jungle ziplining also reopens post-rainy season.

Your perfect 3-day Phuket in November itinerary

  • Morning: Visit the Big Buddha before the heat.
  • Breakfast: Smoothie bowl or roti at Gallery Cafe, Dibuk Road.
  • Midday: Tour Wat Chalong and stop at a viewpoint nearby.
  • Lunch: Thai set menu at Mor Mu Dong (Google Maps).
  • Afternoon: Explore Old Town on foot—check Thai Hua Museum.
  • Evening: Eat and shop at Phuket Walking Street (Sunday only).
  • Morning: Take a speedboat tour to Phi Phi or Similan Islands.
  • Breakfast: Quick hotel buffet or pastries on-the-go.
  • Midday: Snorkel off Bamboo Island or explore caves.
  • Lunch: Buffet included in most tours; eat on a beach.
  • Afternoon: Return to hotel, rest or swim.
  • Evening: Rooftop dinner in Patong or beach club at Kamala.
  • Morning: Try a Thai cooking class with market visit.
  • Breakfast: Dim sum near Ranong Road before class.
  • Midday: Eat your cooked dishes; relax at hotel or spa.
  • Lunch: Skip—class dishes fill you up.
  • Afternoon: Visit a batik studio or the Upside Down House.
  • Evening: Attend Loy Krathong ceremony; float a basket.

Best day trips from Phuket in November

Phang Nga Bay

🚤Travel time: ~1.5 h by boat from Phuket pier

November's calmer seas mean you can kayak through sea caves, see James Bond Island, and swim in lagoons. Great combo of scenery and activity.

Racha Islands

🚤Travel time: ~45 min by speedboat from Chalong Pier

White-sand beaches and excellent snorkeling make these a November favorite. Fewer crowds than Phi Phi. Perfect for a mellow beach escape.

Similan Islands

🚤Travel time: ~1.5-2 h by speedboat

Open only during dry season (Nov–May), Similans offer unmatched diving. Book early as tours fill fast. Bring reef-safe sunscreen.

Coral Island (Ko He)

🚤Travel time: ~15-20 min by longtail boat from Rawai

Great for families or short escapes. Easy snorkeling, soft sand, and casual cafes. Waters calm again by mid-month.

Go shopping in Phuket in November

  • When: Saturdays & Sundays, 4pm till late
  • Where: Chao Fa West Road, outside Phuket Town

Clothes, antiques, and grilled everything—this open-air sprawl hums with locals and tourists. Go early for best snacks.

  • When: Sundays only
  • Where: Thalang Road, Old Town

Lantern-lit stalls offer handmade crafts, snacks, and live music. November's mild evenings make it especially pleasant.

  • When: Thursday to Saturday evenings
  • Where: Yaowarat Road

Hipster market in shipping containers with vintage clothes, Thai fusion snacks, and music. Fewer crowds than Naka.

  • When: Year-round
  • Where: Bypass Road near Phuket Town

Air-conditioned shopping with Thai and global brands. Handy if November showers hit midday.

Pro tips for visiting Phuket in November

  1. Book beach hotels by early November—rates jump around Loy Krathong.

  2. Don’t swim during red-flag warnings; lifeguards are active again this month.

  3. Carry bug spray for evenings—post-rain puddles attract mosquitos.

  4. Morning tours (before 10am) beat both heat and crowds.

  5. For Loy Krathong, buy krathongs from eco-friendly vendors near beaches.

  6. Carry small bills; markets often can’t change large notes.

  7. Keep Google Translate and Grab app on your phone for smoother navigation.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Phuket in November

Is November a good time to visit Phuket?

Yes—rain tapers off, seas calm, and festivals begin. By mid-month, conditions are great for beaches and boating.

Does it still rain in November?

A little, especially early in the month. Showers are short and often overnight.

What should I wear in November?

Light, breathable clothing and sandals by day. A light rain jacket or shawl helps for sudden showers or temple visits.

Are beaches swimmable in November?

Yes, especially mid to late November when red flags are rare and waves calm down.

Do I need to book tours in advance?

Yes. Island trips and cooking classes fill quickly once dry season starts.

Is Loy Krathong worth attending?

Absolutely. It’s one of Thailand's most beautiful festivals. Join at a beach or lake around dusk.

Is November cheaper than December?

Usually yes. Hotel and flight prices climb near month’s end.

Are mosquitoes bad in November?

Somewhat, especially after rain. Use repellent, especially at dusk or near water.

Can I rent a scooter safely?

If you're experienced, yes. Wear a helmet and check insurance. Roads dry up this month, making riding safer.