Things to Do in Chiang Mai in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Chiang Mai
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect transition weather - November marks the shift into cool season with daytime highs around 87°F (31°C) but genuinely pleasant evenings at 67°F (19°C). You'll actually want that light sweater for night markets and temple visits after 7pm, which is rare in Thailand.
- Loy Krathong timing - November hosts one of Thailand's most photogenic festivals, typically around the full moon. In Chiang Mai, this becomes Yee Peng with thousands of lanterns floating skyward. It's genuinely spectacular and not overly commercialized yet compared to Bangkok or Phuket.
- Post-monsoon landscape without peak season crowds - The countryside is still lush and green from October rains, waterfalls are flowing properly, and rice paddies are that brilliant emerald color. But you're ahead of the December-February tourist surge, so temple complexes like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep are manageable before 10am.
- Ideal trekking and outdoor conditions - With only 10 rainy days averaging 1.6 inches (41 mm) total, you'll likely get clear mornings for mountain activities. The air quality tends to be decent in November before the burning season starts in late February, so views from Doi Inthanon at 2,565 m (8,415 ft) are actually worth the drive.
Considerations
- Variable weather requires flexible planning - Those 10 rainy days are unpredictable. You might get three gorgeous days followed by an afternoon thunderstorm that lasts 45 minutes or three hours. Indoor backup plans are necessary, which is frustrating if you've scheduled a specific day trip to Pai or Chiang Rai.
- Loy Krathong week pricing spike - If you're visiting during the festival week (dates shift with the lunar calendar, typically mid-November), expect accommodation prices to double or triple. Guesthouses that normally run ฿800 jump to ฿2,500, and anything with Old City views gets booked 2-3 months ahead.
- Shoulder season inconsistency - November sits awkwardly between rainy and cool seasons. Some years it's nearly perfect, other years you get lingering monsoon humidity at 70% that makes midday temple visits sweaty and uncomfortable. The 87°F (31°C) highs feel hotter than they sound when combined with that humidity level.
Best Activities in November
Doi Inthanon National Park hiking and waterfall visits
November hits the sweet spot for Thailand's highest peak at 2,565 m (8,415 ft). Post-monsoon means Mae Ya Waterfall and Wachirathan Falls are flowing impressively without the trail mud you'd deal with in September. Morning temperatures at the summit hover around 50-55°F (10-13°C), so you'll actually need layers. The Kew Mae Pan nature trail (2-3 hours, moderate difficulty) offers rhododendron blooms and clear views toward Myanmar on dry days. Air quality is typically good before burning season, so sunrise from the summit pagodas is worth the early start.
Northern Thai cooking classes with market visits
November brings specific seasonal ingredients that make cooking classes more interesting than usual. You'll find fresh turmeric roots, young ginger, and the last of the rainy season mushrooms at markets like Warorot or Muang Mai. Morning classes (typically 9am-1pm) avoid the midday heat, and the 70% humidity actually helps with certain fermentation demonstrations. Most courses cover 5-6 dishes including khao soi, som tam, and sticky rice with mango. The market portion alone teaches you more about Thai ingredients than any guidebook.
Bicycle temple circuits in the Old City and surrounding areas
Early November mornings (6:30-10am) offer the best cycling weather before humidity builds. The 67°F (19°C) morning lows are genuinely comfortable for pedaling the 5-6 km (3-4 mile) Old City moat circuit or longer routes to Wat Umong and Wat Suan Dok. You'll catch monks receiving alms around 7am, and temple grounds are nearly empty before tour groups arrive around 10am. The variable weather means carrying a light rain shell, but afternoon showers usually hold off until 2-3pm.
Mae Taeng and Mae Wang valley river activities
November water levels are ideal for bamboo rafting and gentle river tubing after October rains but before the dry season lowers rivers too much. The Mae Taeng River about 50 km (31 miles) north offers 1-2 hour floats through jungle scenery that's still properly green. Water temperature stays comfortable around 75-78°F (24-26°C), and the occasional afternoon rain actually adds to the experience rather than ruining it. Combined day trips often include elephant sanctuary visits and Hmong village stops.
Night market and street food circuits
November evenings are genuinely pleasant for outdoor eating once temperatures drop to 70-75°F (21-24°C) after 7pm. The Sunday Walking Street (Rachadamnoen Road) and Saturday Night Market (Wua Lai Road) are less sweaty than hot season months. Weeknight options include Chang Phueak Gate for khao kha moo (braised pork leg, ฿40-60) and the Ploen Ruedee Night Market for sit-down eating. The 70% humidity is noticeable but not oppressive after sunset, and occasional evening drizzle clears crowds temporarily, giving you better access to popular stalls.
Chiang Dao Cave and mountain area exploration
Located 70 km (43 miles) north, Chiang Dao offers cave temples and mountain scenery that's accessible in November without heavy monsoon concerns. The cave complex stays naturally cool around 68-72°F (20-22°C) regardless of outside temperature, making it perfect for midday visits when Old City temples are uncomfortably warm. The surrounding area includes Pha Daeng viewpoint and trails through remaining teak forest. Morning starts get you there before tour groups, and the drive itself shows rural northern Thailand that most visitors miss.
November Events & Festivals
Loy Krathong and Yee Peng Lantern Festival
Chiang Mai's version of the nationwide Loy Krathong festival is genuinely special. While all of Thailand floats krathongs (decorated baskets) on water to honor the water goddess, Chiang Mai adds Yee Peng with thousands of khom loi (sky lanterns) released simultaneously. The main events happen around the full moon in November - in 2026 this falls around November 4-5, though celebrations extend 3-4 days. The Mae Jo University mass lantern release (often featured in photos) requires tickets bought months ahead and honestly feels touristy now. Better experiences happen at Nawarat Bridge and along the Ping River where locals gather, or at temples like Wat Phan Tao which hosts traditional ceremonies. Arrive early evening, bring a krathong (buy from vendors for ฿50-150), and expect crowds but magical atmosphere.