Things to Do in Chiangmai in November

November Weather in Chiangmai

30°C (87°F) High Temp

19°C (67°F) Low Temp

41 mm (1.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Post-rainy season air quality dramatically improves - PM2.5 drops to 25-40 µg/m³ compared to 150+ in burning season, making outdoor activities comfortable again
Cool season festival energy begins with Loy Krathong (November 15, 2025) creating magical evening atmospheres with floating lanterns and river ceremonies
Perfect hiking weather with morning temperatures at 19°C (67°F) and clear mountain views - visibility extends 50+ km (31+ miles) on most days
Tourist crowds remain manageable before December peak, meaning 30-40% shorter lines at Doi Suthep and better photo opportunities without tour groups

Considerations

Accommodation prices increase 25-40% compared to shoulder season as hotels anticipate December bookings - book 6+ weeks ahead for better rates
Afternoon humidity spikes to 85% making 2-5pm outdoor activities uncomfortable despite moderate temperatures
Road construction projects intensify before high season, causing 20-30 minute delays on routes to Doi Inthanon and Mae Sa Valley

Best Activities in November

Doi Inthanon Summit and Waterfall Hiking

November's clear skies offer unobstructed views from Thailand's highest peak at 2,565m (8,415ft). Morning temperatures at summit hover around 15°C (59°F) - perfect hiking weather. Waterfalls run full from recent rains but trails are dry and safe. Rhododendrons begin blooming mid-month.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost ฿1,800-2,500. Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators. Start early (7am departures) to avoid afternoon humidity. Look for operators including both summit and waterfall stops.

Traditional Temple Cycling Tours

Cool morning temperatures make cycling between Chiangmai's 300+ temples comfortable. November's dry roads and clear air provide perfect conditions for 15-20 km (9-12 mile) routes. Avoid 11am-3pm when temperatures peak and humidity climbs.

Booking Tip: Full-day guided tours range ฿1,200-1,800 including bike rental and lunch. Book with operators providing quality mountain bikes and helmets. Early morning departures (8am) capture golden light and avoid heat.

Loy Krathong Festival Experiences

November 15, 2025 brings Chiangmai's most photogenic festival. Thousands of lanterns illuminate the Ping River while locals float decorated krathong boats. Evening temperatures of 22°C (72°F) create comfortable conditions for riverside celebrations lasting until midnight.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours during Loy Krathong cost ฿2,000-3,200 including krathong-making workshops. Book minimum 3-4 weeks ahead as this sells out quickly. Riverside locations offer best views but expect crowds.

Mae Sa Valley Elephant Sanctuary Visits

Post-rainy season brings lush landscapes and comfortable conditions for ethical elephant encounters. Morning visits coincide with elephants' active feeding time. Valley temperatures stay 2-3°C (4-5°F) cooler than city center.

Booking Tip: Half-day sanctuary experiences cost ฿2,200-3,800. Choose morning slots (8:30am-12:30pm) for best elephant activity and weather. Verify ethical practices - elephants should roam freely, no riding offered.

Golden Triangle Mekong River Tours

November's reduced rainfall creates optimal river conditions with clear waters and stable boat access. Cool mornings make the 2-3 hour journey comfortable while offering views across Myanmar and Laos borders.

Booking Tip: Day tours from Chiangmai including Golden Triangle cost ฿2,800-4,200. Morning departures (7am) avoid afternoon heat. Look for tours combining river cruise with local hill tribe village visits.

Northern Thai Cooking Classes

November introduces seasonal ingredients like young bamboo shoots and winter squash varieties. Comfortable indoor temperatures make 4-5 hour cooking sessions enjoyable. Markets feature peak produce selection after harvest season.

Booking Tip: Traditional cooking classes cost ฿1,500-2,800 including market visits and meal. Book classes including market tours to understand seasonal ingredients. Morning classes (9am start) coincide with peak market activity.

November Events & Festivals

November 15, 2025

Loy Krathong Festival

November 15, 2025 transforms Chiangmai into a lantern wonderland. Locals float decorated banana-leaf boats down the Ping River while thousands of khom loy (sky lanterns) illuminate the night sky. The festival celebrates water spirits and marks the end of rainy season.

November 15, 2025

Yi Peng Lantern Festival

Coinciding with Loy Krathong, this Buddhist ceremony sees mass sky lantern releases creating spectacular photography opportunities. Temple ceremonies begin at sunset with communal releases around 8-9pm when winds are calmest.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket - November's 10 rainy days bring sudden 20-30 minute downpours, usually between 2-5pm

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, synthetic fabrics become uncomfortable quickly

Light sweater or fleece for mountain trips - temple visits and hilltop locations can be 8-10°C (14-18°F) cooler than city

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on partly cloudy days, reapply every 2 hours

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - temple floors and wet market areas can be slippery

Quick-dry pants - one pair for temple visits (covering knees required), another for outdoor activities

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - evening activities near rivers and parks attract mosquitoes

Small daypack with rain cover - for temple hopping and market visits during potential afternoon showers

Power bank - increased photo opportunities during festivals drain phone batteries faster

Cash in small bills - many local vendors and temples don't accept cards, ATMs charge ฿200+ fees

Insider Knowledge

Locals call November 'naa yen' (cool season start) and begin wearing light jackets in evenings - pack accordingly as indoor spaces often lack heating

Street food vendors introduce winter specialties like 'khao tom' (rice soup) and roasted chestnuts - try these seasonal offerings unavailable in hot months

Songthaew (red truck taxis) rates increase 20-30% during Loy Krathong weekend - negotiate prices beforehand or use Grab app for fixed rates

Temple donation boxes see increased activity in November as Buddhists prepare for end-of-year merit-making - bring small bills (฿20-100) for appropriate offerings

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodation only 2-3 weeks before Loy Krathong - riverside hotels fill up 6+ weeks ahead and prices double during festival weekend

Planning outdoor activities between 2-5pm when humidity peaks at 85% despite moderate temperatures - schedule temple visits and hiking for early morning

Underestimating festival crowds - Loy Krathong brings 200,000+ additional visitors to Chiangmai, causing traffic delays and restaurant waits of 45+ minutes