Home › When to Visit › November
Krabi - Things to Do in Krabi in November

Things to Do in Krabi in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Krabi

87°F (30.5°C) High Temp
72°F (22°C) Low Temp
0.0 inches (0 mm) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

  • Peak dry season begins - November marks the transition from monsoon to beautiful weather, with rainfall dropping dramatically. Those 10 rainy days typically mean brief afternoon showers rather than day-long downpours, and the rain actually cools things down nicely when humidity peaks.
  • Optimal sea conditions for island hopping - The Andaman Sea calms considerably in November, making this the first month where boat operators confidently run trips to the Similan Islands and Phi Phi Islands. Visibility underwater improves to 20-30 m (65-100 ft) as sediment settles after monsoon season.
  • Shoulder season pricing with high season weather - You'll catch the tail end of lower accommodation rates in early November before high season prices kick in mid-month. Book the first two weeks for 30-40% savings compared to December-January rates while getting nearly identical weather.
  • Loy Krathong festival timing - November typically includes this stunning lantern and floating basket festival, where locals gather at beaches and rivers after sunset. The Krabi version at Ao Nang Beach around the full moon is significantly less touristy than Chiang Mai's Yi Peng, with mostly Thai families participating.

Considerations

  • Unpredictable transition weather - That 0.0 inches rainfall figure is misleading. November sits right at the monsoon-to-dry-season transition, meaning weather patterns can be erratic. Some years see perfectly dry conditions, others get surprise storm systems that linger for 2-3 days. Check 10-day forecasts obsessively starting two weeks before your trip.
  • Inconsistent tour operator schedules - Because November is transitional, some island tour companies run limited schedules or cancel trips with short notice if seas look rough. The Similan Islands typically open mid-October, but exact dates shift yearly based on conditions. Always have backup plans for your must-do water activities.
  • Rising crowds and prices mid-month - Once word spreads that dry season has arrived, European travelers flood in for their winter escape. After November 15th, you'll notice accommodation prices jump and popular spots like Railay Beach get noticeably busier. The quiet, affordable Krabi disappears quickly in the second half of the month.

Investigate Other Months

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
View Year-Round Climate Guide →

Best Activities in November

Similan Islands Day Trips

November is literally the first month the Similan Islands National Park reopens after monsoon closure, typically around October 15-November 1 depending on sea conditions. The timing is perfect - you get calmer Andaman Sea swells, improving underwater visibility to 20-30 m (65-100 ft), but fewer crowds than December-February. The 70% humidity means early morning departures around 7am feel comfortable, and you'll be on the boat during the hottest midday hours anyway. Water temperature hovers around 28-29°C (82-84°F), warm enough that you'll only need a thin rashguard for sun protection during extended snorkeling.

Booking Tip: Tours typically run ฿4,500-6,500 depending on speedboat versus slower boat options. Book 14-21 days ahead in November because operators run limited boats early season and fill quickly once conditions stabilize. Look for licensed operators displaying TAT certification and check recent reviews specifically mentioning November trips. Weather can still cause cancellations in early November, so flexible travel dates help. Reference the booking widget below for current tour availability and pricing.

Rock Climbing at Railay Beach

November brings ideal climbing conditions to Railay's famous limestone karsts. The rock dries out completely after monsoon season, providing excellent grip, while temperatures stay comfortable for physical activity - mornings around 24-26°C (75-79°F) with lower humidity than you'll find December onward. The 87°F (30.5°C) afternoon highs sound intense, but the constant sea breeze at Railay keeps things manageable. Climbers specifically target November through January before the truly scorching heat arrives in March-April. Routes face different directions, so you can chase shade throughout the day on the 600+ established climbs ranging from beginner 5.6 to expert 5.14.

Booking Tip: Half-day climbing sessions typically cost ฿1,800-2,500 including equipment and guide, full-day courses run ฿2,800-3,800. Book 5-7 days ahead for specific dates, though walk-up availability exists in early November. Look for operators offering small group sizes - maximum 4 climbers per guide for proper instruction and safety. Most climbing happens on the Railay West and Tonsai sides. Check the booking section below for current climbing tour options with certified guides.

Sea Kayaking Through Ao Thalane Mangroves

The mangrove channels northeast of Krabi Town paddle beautifully in November once water levels stabilize after monsoon. You'll navigate narrow passages between limestone cliffs draped in jungle, spotting crab-eating macaques, monitor lizards, and mudskippers during the 2-3 hour paddle covering roughly 5-8 km (3-5 miles). November timing matters because tides are predictable again and water clarity improves dramatically - you can actually see through to the root systems below. The 70% humidity feels less oppressive on the water with movement and breeze. Go early morning around 7-8am when temperatures sit at 72-75°F (22-24°C) and wildlife is most active before tourist boats arrive.

Booking Tip: Tours typically cost ฿1,200-1,800 per person including kayak, guide, and hotel transfer from Ao Nang or Krabi Town. Book 3-5 days ahead, particularly for sunrise tours which fill fastest. Look for smaller group tours - maximum 8-10 people - for better wildlife spotting and less channel congestion. Some operators combine kayaking with cave exploration, adding 45 minutes to the trip. See current kayaking options in the booking widget below.

Phi Phi Islands Snorkeling Tours

November represents the sweet spot for Phi Phi visits - seas calm enough for comfortable boat rides, but crowds haven't reached December-January insanity levels yet. The famous Maya Bay reopened in 2022 with strict visitor limits, making advance booking essential regardless of month, but November gives you better odds of securing slots. Water visibility reaches 15-20 m (50-65 ft) around Phi Phi Leh and Bamboo Island as post-monsoon sediment clears. The variable conditions mentioned in weather data mean you'll want to check marine forecasts, but operators run trips about 85-90% of days in November versus maybe 40% in October.

Booking Tip: Day trips range ฿1,800-3,200 depending on speedboat versus ferry and included stops. Book 10-14 days ahead for better boat selection and Maya Bay time slot availability. Early season November means some operators still run reduced schedules, so confirm departure days when booking. Tours typically leave 8-9am and return 4-5pm, spending 6-7 hours total on the water. Check the booking section below for current Phi Phi tour options with Maya Bay access.

Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Day Trips

These inland attractions located about 60 km (37 miles) southeast of Krabi Town work perfectly for November's occasional rainy days or when you need a break from beach activities. The Emerald Pool sits in Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, requiring a 1.4 km (0.9 mile) jungle walk on maintained paths - the 87°F (30.5°C) highs feel cooler under the rainforest canopy. The natural spring-fed pool maintains a constant 25-28°C (77-82°F) temperature. Nearby Hot Springs Waterfall offers mineral-rich cascades at 40-50°C (104-122°F), genuinely therapeutic after a few days of climbing or diving. November means fewer domestic Thai tourists compared to school holiday periods, so you'll actually get pool space.

Booking Tip: Tours typically cost ฿1,200-1,800 including national park entry fees around ฿200, transport, and guide. Book 3-5 days ahead, though this is flexible given the inland location and weather independence. Tours usually combine Emerald Pool, Hot Springs, and Tiger Cave Temple into 6-8 hour trips. Independent travel is possible - rent a scooter for ฿250-300 daily and drive yourself, saving money if you're comfortable on Thai roads. Reference booking options below for organized tours with transport included.

Krabi Town Walking Street and Night Markets

The weekend walking street market in Krabi Town runs Friday-Sunday evenings from 5pm-10pm along Maharaj Road, offering the most authentic local experience in the province. November weather makes evening market wandering actually pleasant - temperatures drop to 75-77°F (24-25°C) after sunset, and even if you hit one of those 10 rainy days, the covered sections and shop overhangs provide shelter. You'll find grilled seafood from ฿60-150 per plate, fresh mango sticky rice for ฿40-60, and local handicrafts at prices 40-50% below Ao Nang tourist shops. This is where Krabi residents actually eat and shop, not a manufactured tourist attraction.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed - just show up between 6-9pm for peak activity and food availability. Budget ฿300-500 per person for a full dinner sampling multiple stalls, plus ฿100-200 if you're buying souvenirs or trying Thai desserts. Take a songthaew shared truck from Ao Nang for ฿60 per person or private taxi around ฿300-400 one way. The market sits 15-20 minutes from Ao Nang Beach depending on traffic. Consider staying until 9pm when locals start their evening meals for the most authentic atmosphere.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November around the full moon, exact date varies yearly based on lunar calendar

Loy Krathong Festival

This lunar calendar festival typically falls in November, celebrating the full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month. Locals create krathongs - small floating baskets made from banana leaves, flowers, and incense - then release them on water to honor the water goddess and symbolically float away bad luck. In Krabi, the main celebration happens at Ao Nang Beach and along the Krabi River in Krabi Town. Unlike the massive tourist spectacle in Chiang Mai, Krabi's version remains primarily a local family affair. You'll see hundreds of glowing krathongs drifting on the Andaman Sea after sunset around 7-8pm, plus traditional Thai dance performances and food stalls. Some locals also release khom loi lanterns, though this practice is more limited than in northern Thailand.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry clothing in breathable fabrics - That 70% humidity means cotton takes forever to dry, and you'll sweat through shirts by midday. Bring merino wool or synthetic hiking shirts that dry in 2-3 hours. Pack at least 5-6 shirts for a week trip since you'll change after morning activities.
Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50 or higher - UV index of 8 means you'll burn in 15-20 minutes without protection. Thailand banned certain sunscreen chemicals in marine parks, so bring mineral-based zinc oxide or titanium dioxide formulas. A 200ml bottle costs ฿600-800 in Krabi versus ฿300-400 buying at home.
Lightweight rain jacket with pit zips - Those 10 rainy days typically mean sudden 20-30 minute downpours, not all-day rain. A packable jacket weighing under 300g works better than an umbrella when you're on boats or scooters. Skip the poncho - they're useless in wind and make you sweat more in the humidity.
Water shoes with drainage and grip - Essential for boat trips, rocky beaches, and mangrove kayaking. The limestone at Railay and Phra Nang Beach gets razor-sharp, and you'll encounter sea urchins in shallow water. Flip-flops are fine for walking around but useless for activities. Bring shoes that can get soaked and dry overnight.
Dry bag in 10-20 liter size - Every boat tour involves water splashing over the sides, and sudden rain showers hit without warning. Protect your phone, camera, and wallet in a proper waterproof dry bag, not just a ziplock. These cost ฿200-400 in Krabi shops but ฿600-1,000 at tour departure points.
Long lightweight pants and shirt for temples - Tank tops and shorts are disrespectful at Buddhist temples like Tiger Cave Temple and Wat Kaew. Bring one outfit in thin cotton or linen that covers shoulders and knees. You'll also want long sleeves for jungle treks where branches scratch and mosquitoes bite.
Headlamp or small flashlight - Power outages happen occasionally during November's transitional weather, and many beach areas have limited street lighting. A headlamp helps for evening walks, reading during outages, and early morning boat departures when you're packing in the dark. Phone flashlights drain batteries too quickly.
Electrolyte packets or rehydration salts - The combination of 87°F (30.5°C) heat, 70% humidity, and physical activities means you'll sweat more than you realize. Plain water isn't enough - bring electrolyte powder to mix into bottles. These are available at 7-Eleven stores for ฿15-25 per packet, but having some from home helps the first day.
Insect repellent with 20-30% DEET - Mosquitoes breed in November's remaining standing water from monsoon season. You'll need protection for evening markets, jungle areas, and mangrove kayaking. The 70% humidity makes you sweat off repellent faster, so reapply every 2-3 hours. Local brands work fine and cost ฿80-120 at any 7-Eleven.
Microfiber travel towel - Hotel towels are fine, but you'll want a small quick-dry towel for boat trips, beach days, and post-swim showers at tour endpoints. Sand sticks to regular towels in that humidity and they never fully dry. A 60x120 cm towel packs into nothing and dries in an hour hanging in your room.

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations strategically around November 15th - Early November rates reflect shoulder season pricing, sometimes 30-40% cheaper than late November when high season officially kicks in. If you're flexible, arrive November 5-12 for the best value. After November 15th, properties switch to high season rates that last through March. Some places offer discounts for stays spanning both periods if you book direct.
The Krabi Airport immigration queue gets brutal mid-November onward - As European winter travelers arrive, immigration lines stretch to 45-60 minutes versus 15-20 minutes in early November. Flights landing between 8-11pm face the worst crowds when multiple international arrivals overlap. If possible, book morning or early afternoon flights, or pay ฿1,200-1,500 for VIP fast-track service through your hotel.
Local longtail boat drivers at Ao Nang Beach offer better deals than hotel tour desks - Those colorful longtail boats lining Ao Nang Beach will take you to Railay, Phra Nang Cave, or nearby islands for ฿100-150 per person in shared boats, or ฿1,500-2,000 for private charters. Hotel tour desks charge ฿300-500 per person for identical trips. Just walk the beach around 8-9am and negotiate directly with boat captains wearing numbered vests - they're licensed and insured.
November is when Krabi locals harvest cashews and mangosteen - You'll see fresh cashew apples at markets, a fruit tourists rarely try because it doesn't export well. The apple part is edible with a sweet-astringent taste, while the nut hangs below. Mangosteen season also peaks, offering the best fruit of the year at ฿40-60 per kilogram versus ฿100-150 in other months. Try them at Krabi Town's Maharaj Market for authentic pricing.

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming November weather is guaranteed perfect - That 0.0 inches rainfall figure represents the monthly average, but November is transitional and unpredictable. Some years see completely dry conditions, others get 3-4 day storm systems that stall over the Andaman coast. Tourists book non-refundable island tours assuming clear skies, then lose money to weather cancellations. Always buy tours with flexible rebooking policies in November specifically, even if it costs ฿200-300 more.
Wearing black or dark clothing in the humidity - First-time visitors pack their regular wardrobe without considering that 70% humidity and 87°F (30.5°C) heat. Dark colors absorb heat and show sweat stains within minutes. You'll see experienced travelers wearing light colors exclusively - whites, tans, light blues. Even locals switch to lighter clothing during hot season. Bring colors you'd normally avoid at home because they'll keep you noticeably cooler.
Skipping travel insurance because it's dry season - November's transitional weather means tour cancellations happen more frequently than December-February. Tourists assume dry season equals zero weather problems, then face cancelled Similan Islands trips or closed Maya Bay days with no recourse. Comprehensive travel insurance covering weather-related cancellations costs ฿800-1,500 for a week trip but can save you ฿5,000-8,000 in lost tour deposits if storms roll through.

Explore Activities in Krabi

Continue Planning Your Trip

October

Travel guide for October

December

Travel guide for December

Climate Guide

Weather and seasonal patterns for Krabi

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Get insider tips and travel guides delivered to your inbox

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.