Thailand in November – a good time to visit the Land of Smiles? Thailand November events include a monkey feast, an elephant round up, a religious ceremony, fireworks, boat races – the list goes on. As for weather, temperatures are starting to moderate. And skies are starting to clear. But this is peak season, so bargains might be hard to find.
In This Post
Thailand November Weather
So how is the weather in Thailand in November? In terms of weather, November is a transition month in the Land of Smiles.
In other words, November marks the end of the humid rainy season and the beginning of the cool winter season. Therefore, the temperatures are slightly cooler. In addition, there are a few more sunny days.
Winter runs from mid-November to mid-March. For many tourists, it is the best time to visit Thailand. Therefore, winter is the peak tourist season in the Land of Smiles. As a result, bargains are harder to find.
The average high temperature in Bangkok is 33 degrees Celsius, or 91 degrees Fahrenheit. And the average low temperature is 27 degrees Celsius, or 81 degrees Fahrenheit.
In fact, Bangkok enjoys a daily average of 11.30 hours of sunshine in November. And there are about 12 rainy days. An average of 90 millimeters of rain falls during the month. As for the humidity, the average is 77%.
Thailand November Events
Check out this short list of events taking place in Thailand in November. However, keep in mind that dates sometimes change. And sometimes events are cancelled at the last minute.
Therefore, you might want to check with tourism authorities before booking your hotel room. Better safe than sorry!
Not all dates for November 2023 have been confirmed. Confirmed events are listed first in chronological order. Unconfirmed events follow.
Phimai Festival and Boat Race – 8 to 12 November 2023
Boat races are held along the Chakkarat River in the Phimai District of Nakhon Ratchasima province. And fteams from around Thailand participate in the competition.
In addition, there are daily sound and light shows at 6.30 pm. And they tell the story of King Jayavarman VII. Other activities include an exhibition on Phimai history, a traditional arts and crafts fair, and cultural performances.
A “Korat Cat Competition” is one of the festival’s highlights. Foodies enjoy the cooking demonstrations and cooking classes. And a variety of interactive and do-it-yourself workshops fill out the programme.
The races are usually held on the second weekend of Novomber
- Location: Phimai Historical Park, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand.
- Check Nakhon Ratchasima hotel rates and availability.
Erawan Shrine Anniversary – 9 November 2023
Devotees make offerings at Erawan Shrine, a Hindu shrine that houses a statue of Phra Phrom, the Hindu god of creation. The ceremony starts at 6.00 am. Devotees pray for good fortune. They make offerings of 12 incense sticks, four candles, four jasmine and marigold garlands, and four pieces of gold leaf.
- Location: Ratchaprasong Intersection, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Check Bangkok hotel rates and availability.
Surin Elephant Round-Up – 17 to 19 November 2023
Elephants parade through the streets of Surin on the first day of the Elephant Round-Up. Moreover, they are served an appetizing “elephant breakfast”. Other activities include elephant talent competitions and demonstrations of elephant capturing, training, and warfare techniques. The festival is usually held on the third weekend of November.
- Location: Surin Elephant Performance Ground and Si Narong Stadium, Muang District, Surin province, Thailand.
- Check Surin hotel rates and availability
Pattaya International Fireworks Festival – 24 and 25 November 2023
Several national teams compete over a two-evening period to put on the best pyrotechnics display. And each country puts on a short display on the first night.
Moreover, a full 45-minute performance follows on the second night. Parades, live music, concerts, traditional dance, and contemporary dance performances fill out the programme.
- Location: Central Pattaya Beach, Pattaya, Thailand.
Monkey Buffet Festival – 25 to 26 November 2023
The Monkey Buffet Festival is one of the most popular festivals of the year in central Thailand. The festival is held at an ancient Khmer temple in the town on Lopburi, which is home to hundreds of long-tail monkeys.
During the festival, monkeys are served an all-they-can-eat buffet four or five times during the day. To clarify, long tables are piled high with bananas, watermelons, pineapples, cucumbers, sweets, and soft drinks. Music and dance performances complete the programme.
- Location: Phra Prang Sam Yot Temple, Lopburi province, Thailand.
- Check Lopburi hotel rates and availability.
Yi Peng Lantern Festival – 26 to 28 November 2023
Yi Peng Lantern Festival falls on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai Lunar Calendar. And lanterns are released from dusk until the wee hours. Believe me, it is a site to behold!
- Location: Chiang Mai and other parts of Northern Thailand
Yi Peng Future Dates
| 2024 | November 15 and 16 | |
| 2025 | November 5 and 6 | |
| 2026 | November 24 and 25 | |
| 2027 | November 13 and 14 | |
| 2028 | November 1 and 2 | |
| 2029 | November 20 and 21 | |
| 2030 | November 9 and 10 | |
| 2031 | November 17 and 18 |
Sunset Beach Music Festival – 26 November 2023
Popular musicians will perform at the Sunset Beach Music Festival, with a focus on reggae.
- Location: Wayo Camplife, Nakhonnayok Province, Thailand.
Changing of the Robes – 27 November 2023 (Tentative)
Because the robes are changed according to the Lunar Calendar, the dates vary each year according to the Gregorian Calendar, which is in universal use around the world.
In addition, the exact date can sometimes change for a variety of reasons.
On the first day 12th Lunar Month, the gold-plated robes with a headdress of rainy season are removed and replaced by the solid gold robes of the winter season. This usually takes place in November or December.
On the first day of the Fourth Lunar Month, the solid gold robes of the winter season are removed and replaced by the diamond encrusted golden robes of the summer season. This usually takes place in March, April, or May..
On the first day of the Eighth Lunar Month, the diamond encrusted golden robes of the summer season are removed the replaced by gold-plated robes with a headdress of the rainy season. This usually takes place in July or August.
The changing of the robes entails an elaborate ritual, which takes place in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), which is Thailand’s most important temple.
The two robes not currently being worn are displayed at the Pavilion of Regalia along with other Royal decorations and Thai coins.
Location: The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is located within the grounds of the Grand Palace, which overlooks the Chao Phraya River. It is open daily from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm.
Full Moon Party – 15 November 2024
The Full Moon Party is held on the beach of Haad Rin every month on the night of the full moon. DJs play a variety of musical styles including trance, dubstep, reggae, and techno. Jugglers, fire-eaters, and fireworks add drama to the all-night event.
Location: Haad Rin is crescent shaped beach located on the island of Ko Pha Ngan. It can be reached by boat from Koh Samui, an island off the coast of Southern Thailand. Koh Samui is 293 miles (471 kilometres) south of Bangkok. Because the drive takes nearly 10 hours, air travel is recommended,. The flight takes just over one hour.
Loy Krathong – 27 to 28 November 2023
Loy Krathong heralds the end of the rainy season. In addition, it pays tribute to the water spirits. Loy Krathong is one of the most colourful and popular festivals of the year in Thailand.
People throughout the country participate in the festivities. On the evening of Loy Krathong, celebrants flock to nearby bodies of water and float small bowl-shaped containers called krathongs.
And they place three incense sticks, a candle, and usually a few coins Inside the containers. When they set their krathongs afloat, celebrants ask Mother Nature for forgiveness for polluting the rivers.
But they also thank her for the water that brings them life. In addition, they wish for good luck. And they hope that as the krathong floats away, it will also carry away their bad luck.
- Location: throughout Thailand
Loy Kratong Future Dates
| 2024 | November 16 | |
| 2025 | November 6 | |
| 2026 | November 25 | |
| 2027 | November 14 | |
| 2028 | November 2 | |
| 2029 | November 21 | |
| 2030 | November 10 |
If You Are Visiting Thailand
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