From November onwards, Bangkok enjoys a pleasantly cool season. While it might already feel wintry where you are, Bangkok remains warm with average daytime temperatures of 31–32°C and cooler mornings and evenings of 23–25°C. With the rainy season just over, the city feels fresh, inviting, and perfect for exploring.
It is the beginning of the high season, although the city is not yet as crowded as in December and January.
As a special bonus, November often coincides with Loy Krathong, Thailand's second biggest festival after Songkran. I still vividly remember standing by the river and watching thousands of lanterns float on the water. It was peaceful, magical, and an unforgettable moment.
The weather in Bangkok in November
Data source: https://weatherspark.com/
The weather in November is warm, but rarely oppressively hot, with pleasantly cool mornings and evenings and comfortably warm afternoons. The chance of rain is low. There may be occasional short showers at the beginning of November, but from the middle of the month onwards, most days are sunny and ideal for visiting temples, taking boat trips, or strolling through markets.
The nearby destinations also offer great weather. Kanchanaburi is cooler, especially at night (around 22°C). Khao Yai National Park is pleasantly mild with temperatures between 18°C and 28°C, although it is quite humid in the forests. In Ayutthaya, it often gets hotter at midday, with temperatures frequently reaching 32°C.
Not sure which day trips to take near Bangkok? Take a look at our guide to the best day trips from Bangkok.
What you should pack for Bangkok in November
You will mainly need summer clothing such as light, breathable T-shirts and shorts. Remember to pack at least one pair of long trousers or a long skirt for visiting the temple, as these items of clothing are required there.
A light jacket or scarf can be useful on cooler evenings, especially if you are planning trips to places like Kanchanaburi or Khao Yai.
If you're traveling in early November, pack a foldable umbrella or a raincoat just in case. However, this isn't strictly necessary – short showers are easily avoided, and you can always buy an umbrella at 7-Eleven if needed.
The 5 best things to do in Bangkok in November
The Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and other Bangkok classics are worth visiting at any time of year. November is more pleasant thanks to the cooler weather, but it also gets much busier.
Instead, I would like to highlight some experiences that feel particularly pleasant in November.
1. Celebrate the Loy Krathong Lantern Festival
November is all about Loy Krathong, Thailand's second biggest festival after Songkran. It's arguably the most romantic and beautiful reason to visit Thailand this month! The date varies each year: in 2026 it falls on November 25th.
While Loy Krathong and Yi Peng are better known in Chiang Mai, Bangkok also offers many unforgettable experiences.
The Asiatique Night Market hosts a lively festival where you can float your own krathong on the river. Temples like Wat Saket and Wat Arun hold vibrant festivals with traditional dances, songs, and bustling food stalls. Some dinner cruises even offer special Loy Krathong tours, providing a unique view of the illuminated river.
Those who prefer a quieter, more local atmosphere should visit a canal or park in the neighborhood where families gather – the atmosphere is intimate and authentic.
Tip: This is one of the busiest times of the year, so be sure to book hotels and activities well in advance. Our 10-day "Best of Thailand Lantern Festival" tour allows you to fully experience the festival.
2. Enjoy the sunset from a rooftop bar.
Bangkok's skyline is breathtaking, and the cooler evenings in November make it the perfect time to enjoy it from above.
For the classic postcard view, a visit to the bars along the Chao Phraya River is highly recommended. There you can watch the sunset behind Wat Arun and see the temples illuminated at night. The Sky Bar at the Lebua is world-famous (yes, the one from "The Hangover"), while the Vertigo Bar at the Banyan Tree offers a more intimate atmosphere with its direct view of the sky.
If you love skyscrapers and the vibrant atmosphere of a megacity, the bars of Siam/Sukhumvit are the place to be. The Mahanakhon Sky Bar is Thailand's highest and offers a glass skywalk for the adventurous. Personally, I love the Octave Rooftop Lounge – not the highest, but relaxed, with panoramic views and great happy hour deals.
Looking for something more casual yet entertaining? The Tichuca Rooftop Bar has become a social media sensation thanks to its luminous, jellyfish-like light installation. Or visit Above Eleven, which feels like a hidden rooftop garden and serves Nikkei cuisine.
Tip: Arrive half an hour before sunset. This way you can experience the city in daylight, enjoy the golden hour, and then watch the skyline glow in the evening light. November is very busy, so book early – especially on weekends, places fill up quickly.
3. Take a nighttime boat trip on the Chao Phraya River
A river cruise offers a completely different view of Bangkok at night.
During your journey you will pass Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, which shine beautifully against the dark sky.
If your trip coincides with Loy Krathong, it will be even more magical. Thousands of lanterns float on the water, while temples and bridges along the riverbanks are illuminated. For a particularly romantic experience, a trip on a teakwood boat, such as with Manohra Cruise, is highly recommended.
Tip: Book in advance and choose a cruise departing around 6:00 PM. You'll experience the sunset, the "blue hour," and then the full sparkle of the city lights—all in a single trip.
4. Take a trip to Ayutthaya
For a more immersive Loy Krathong experience, I highly recommend a trip to Ayutthaya, about 1.5 hours from Bangkok. November is the perfect month for this.
The celebrations here feel more solemn and authentic, far less commercialized than in Bangkok. Temples and ruins are illuminated with lanterns and candles, rivers fill with floating krathongs, and traditional dance and cultural performances take place in many locations. Locals in traditional Thai clothing, families praying at ancient ruins. It's magical and atmospheric.
Tip: Ayutthaya is very busy in November. Book your hotel early. A day trip is possible, but an overnight stay is definitely worthwhile – the evening festivities are the absolute highlight.
5. Visit the floating market of Amphawa.
While Amphawa's floating market isn't the largest or most famous near Bangkok, November is the perfect time to visit. From November to February, the market is illuminated by a unique sea of lights created by fireflies, a spectacle unlike anything you'll experience at any other time of year or at any other market.
After nightfall, you board a longboat and drift along the tranquil canals, while thousands of fireflies illuminate the trees on both banks. A truly unforgettable experience.
Tips: Amphawa Market is a weekend market and is only open from Friday to Sunday. I recommend arriving around 2-3 pm, enjoying the market and local specialties, taking a firefly boat tour around 6:30 pm, and returning to Bangkok around 9 pm. Our private tour ensures a relaxed and stress-free journey.
Would you like to experience Bangkok at its best in November? We would be happy to create a tailor-made itinerary for you that harmoniously combines all these experiences at your own pace. Or let yourself be inspired by other activities in Bangkok.
Crowds and prices in Bangkok in November
November is one of the best times to visit Bangkok and marks the beginning of the peak season. The city is bustling with life, filled with festivals and tourists, so popular attractions like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun can get very crowded. Rooftop bars and river cruises are also particularly busy on weekends and during Loy Krathong.
However, it's not as stressful as in December or January. With a little planning, you can still enjoy the city in a relaxed way.
Prices: November is an ideal month during peak season. While hotel prices have risen compared to the off-season, they haven't yet reached their peak. Avoid the days around Loy Krathong if you're looking for the best deals – prices skyrocket then.
Recommended Bangkok tours in November
Want to make the most of your time in Bangkok in November? Our tailor-made tours take the planning stress out of it, so you can focus entirely on enjoying the city.
Bangkok: Monthly weather and travel tips
Learn more about the weather in Bangkok and the best things to do in Bangkok each month by following the links below.

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