If your cruise itinerary includes a call at Phuket in November, you are arriving during one of the most rewarding transition months on Thailand's Andaman coast. Explore our full range of Thailand shore excursions, or go straight to our Phuket shore excursions to start planning your day in port. This guide from Shore Excursions Asia walks through the temperature, rainfall, humidity, and sea conditions you can expect in Phuket weather in November, along with what to pack and which excursions make the most of the month.
Phuket Climate in November at a Glance
November is a genuine shoulder month. The heaviest downpours of September and October have largely passed, skies clear more often as the weeks go on, and the sea begins to settle after months of monsoon swell. At the same time, November is not yet the fully dry, breezy stretch that arrives in December and January. Expect a mix: warm sunny mornings, the occasional afternoon shower, and steadily improving conditions as the month progresses.
For a shore excursion, this means tours run normally, roads stay clear, and there is rarely a need to cancel or reroute a day trip because of weather. The main planning consideration is simply building in a light contingency for rain, especially in the first half of the month.
Temperature in Phuket in November
Daytime highs in Phuket in November typically sit between 30°C and 32°C (86°F to 90°F), while overnight lows settle between 24°C and 26°C (75°F to 79°F). There is little day to day variation. Guests coming off a ship expecting a cooler "autumn" climate should be prepared for warm, humid, tropical conditions similar to what Phuket sees for most of the year, since the island does not experience a true cold season.
Heat and humidity together can feel more intense than the raw temperature suggests, particularly around midday. Guides on walking tours or temple visits generally plan around the hottest hours, scheduling outdoor time in the morning or late afternoon when comfort levels are noticeably better.
Is Phuket Rainy in November?
Yes, rain is still part of the picture, though it is fading fast. November sits within the tail of the southwest monsoon, and most sources put average rainfall for the month between roughly 180 mm and 200 mm, spread across around 16 days. That number sounds significant, but it rarely means all day rain. Showers in Phuket tend to be short and heavy, often clearing within an hour, followed by sunshine again.
A more useful way to think about it: rain in Phuket in November is common but not constant. Many days bring only a brief burst in the afternoon or evening, and plenty of days pass with no rain at all, especially later in the month.
Phuket Weather in November Compared to October and December
Placing November alongside the months on either side helps explain why so many cruise itineraries favor it. October still carries the heavier rainfall and rougher seas of the core monsoon, with several island excursions running on a weather dependent basis rather than a fixed schedule. December, by contrast, is firmly in the dry season, with lower humidity, brighter skies, and noticeably higher hotel and tour prices as peak season crowds arrive.
November sits between the two. Rainfall is meaningfully lower than October, sea conditions are calmer, and the Similan Islands are open again. At the same time, November has not yet picked up the crowds, the queues, or the premium pricing that come with December and January. For travelers who want dependable excursions without the busiest season's costs and congestion, November is often the more comfortable choice.
A Typical November Day in Phuket
Understanding the daily rhythm of the weather helps with planning a shore excursion around it rather than being surprised by it. Mornings in Phuket in November usually start clear and warm, with plenty of sunshine and light wind. Cloud tends to build through the middle of the day, and if rain arrives, it most often does so in the afternoon or early evening, in a concentrated burst that clears within thirty minutes to an hour. Evenings are typically calm and pleasant, warm enough for an open air dinner without a jacket.
This pattern is why many local operators schedule the most weather sensitive parts of an excursion, such as open water snorkeling stops or hillside viewpoints, earlier in the day. A well planned itinerary uses the reliable morning window first and treats the afternoon as flexible.
Rainfall Patterns: Early Versus Late November
There is a clear pattern within the month itself. The first half of November still carries some leftover monsoon energy, with a slightly higher chance of a wet afternoon. The second half of November is consistently drier, calmer, and closer in feel to the high season that follows in December. Cruise itineraries that call at Phuket toward the end of the month tend to enjoy noticeably better conditions, both on land and at sea, compared with calls in the first week or two.
This matters for excursion planning. A shore excursion booked for November 25 has better odds of clear skies and calm water than one booked for November 3, though both dates remain entirely workable.
Sea Temperature and Swimming Conditions
Sea temperature around Phuket in November holds steady near 29°C (84°F), warm enough for comfortable swimming at any point in the day. Sea conditions improve as the month goes on. By mid-November, most west coast beaches, including Patong, Kata, and Karon, are calm and swimmable, and the rough, red-flag conditions typical of peak monsoon months become far less frequent.
This is also the point in the season when longer boat excursions become realistic again. Trips out to more distant islands, which are often suspended or uncomfortable during the wettest months, start to run smoothly as the swell drops.
Humidity and Sunshine Hours
Humidity in November hovers in the low to mid seventies percent, a step down from the sticky highs of September and October. Sunshine hours increase steadily through the month, and by late November, Phuket sees a comfortable balance of sun and cloud rather than the heavy grey skies of peak monsoon. Wind stays light for most of the month, which contributes to the calmer seas described above.
What to Wear and Pack for Phuket in November
Packing for a November shore excursion is straightforward, but a few items make the day noticeably more comfortable:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton or linen
- A compact umbrella or a light rain jacket, useful for a brief afternoon shower rather than a full storm
- Swimwear, since sea and pool temperatures stay warm all month
- A hat and reef safe sunscreen, since UV levels remain high even on cloudy days
- Modest covering, such as a long skirt or trousers and a shoulder covering shirt, for temple visits
- Comfortable, closed walking shoes for Old Phuket Town or hillside viewpoints, alongside sandals for the beach
Layers are not necessary. Phuket does not have a cool season, and even the coolest November evenings stay comfortably warm.
Best Things to Do in Phuket in November
Similan Islands Reopen
One of the defining features of the month is the reopening of the Similan Islands, which close for conservation between mid May and mid October and welcome visitors again from October 15.
Sea conditions in November are still settling, so late November tends to offer calmer crossings than the very first weeks of the season, but the islands are already drawing serious snorkelers and divers back for their clear water and healthy reefs. For cruise guests with a full day in port, a Similan Islands excursion is one of the standout options this month.
Phi Phi Island and James Bond Island
Closer to Phuket, day trips to Phi Phi Island and Phang Nga Bay, home to the limestone karsts made famous as James Bond Island, run reliably in November. The greener landscape left behind by the rainy season gives the bay an especially vivid look this time of year, and calmer seas make for a smoother, more comfortable ride than during peak monsoon months.
Old Phuket Town
For guests who prefer culture and architecture over open water, Old Phuket Town offers Sino Portuguese shophouses, local markets, and a manageable amount of walking, well suited to the moderating November heat. Morning departures avoid the hottest part of the day and reduce the chance of an afternoon shower interrupting the visit.
Racha and Coral Islands
For guests who want island scenery without the longer crossing to Phi Phi or the Similans, Racha and Coral Islands sit much closer to Phuket and suit a shorter port call well. Calmer November seas make the crossing gentle, and the clearer water that arrives with the drier weather improves visibility for snorkeling. This is a strong option for cruise passengers who want a genuine island beach experience but only have a half day available.
Big Buddha and Wat Chalong
Inland cultural stops such as the Big Buddha viewpoint and Wat Chalong temple pair naturally with the improving November weather. Clearer skies mean better visibility from the Big Buddha's hilltop position, with views stretching across the island and out to the Andaman Sea on a good day. Both sites involve open air walking, so a mid morning visit, before the day's heat peaks, tends to be the most comfortable option.
Loy Krathong Festival
Depending on the lunar calendar, the Loy Krathong festival often falls in November. Beaches and waterways fill with floating lanterns after dark, and travelers in port on the right evening can catch a genuinely memorable slice of Thai culture. This is worth checking against your specific call date, since the festival date shifts each year.
Photography and Light in November
Sunshine hours climb steadily through November, and the combination of clearer air, greener hillsides left behind by the rainy season, and dramatic afternoon cloud formations makes for particularly rewarding photography conditions. Sunset at Promthep Cape, a long standing favorite viewpoint on the island's southern tip, tends to be especially vivid this time of year, since a little residual moisture in the air often produces richer colors than the driest months later in the season. Guests hoping for standout photos from a single day in port may find November's mix of sun and cloud more visually interesting than the flatter, cloudless skies of peak dry season.
How November Weather Affects Different Types of Excursions
Not every activity is affected by November's mix of sun and rain in the same way, and understanding the differences helps with choosing the right excursion for a single port day.
Island and boat trips. These benefit the most from November's improving conditions. Calmer seas and clearer water make snorkeling and beach stops noticeably more enjoyable than during the wetter months, and by late November, most routes run close to the smoothness expected in peak season.
Walking and cultural tours. Old Phuket Town, temple visits, and viewpoint stops are largely unaffected by rain, since a short shower simply means a brief pause under cover before continuing. Morning scheduling remains the more comfortable choice, both for temperature and for avoiding any afternoon cloud buildup.
Hiking and viewpoint excursions. These are the most weather sensitive, since visibility from an elevated viewpoint depends on clear air. Clearer days become more common as November progresses, so a hillside excursion booked for the third or fourth week of the month has better odds of rewarding views than one booked in the first week.
Water sports and diving. Diving conditions improve steadily through the month as visibility increases and swell drops, particularly around the newly reopened Similan Islands. Surface water sports closer to Patong and Kata beaches are comfortable throughout, since the sheltered west coast bays are less exposed to any remaining swell.
Choosing the Right Excursion for Your November Port Call
With only one day in port, matching the excursion to both the November weather and your own priorities makes the day more enjoyable.
Travelers who want a classic island day with minimal risk of disruption tend to do well with Phi Phi Island or Racha and Coral Islands, both of which run reliably and benefit from the month's calmer seas. Serious snorkelers and divers with a strong interest in marine life often prefer the Similan Islands, accepting a longer transfer in exchange for clearer water and healthier reefs, particularly if the call date falls later in November.
Guests who prefer to stay closer to shore, or who are traveling with family members less comfortable on open water, generally find more value in a half day combining Old Phuket Town, the Big Buddha viewpoint, and Wat Chalong, since these stops are largely weather independent and involve less time exposed to sun and swell. Travelers interested in local culture should also check the calendar for their call date against Loy Krathong, since a festival evening adds a memorable dimension to an otherwise standard port day.
Tips for Cruise Passengers Visiting Phuket in November
- Book island excursions for later in the day if your ship's schedule allows, since morning rain, when it occurs, usually clears by midday
- Keep a light rain jacket or umbrella in your day bag rather than checking the forecast obsessively, since a passing shower is common but rarely disruptive
- Choose excursions with some flexibility built in if your call falls in the first half of the month, when conditions are still settling
- Confirm swimwear and dry bags for any boat based excursion, since sea temperature stays warm and comfortable throughout the month
- Ask your excursion operator about tide and swell conditions for the specific day, since this is normal practice in a transition month and helps set accurate expectations
Frequently Asked Questions about Phuket Weather in November
Does it rain in Phuket in November?
Yes, but generally in short, heavy bursts rather than sustained all day rain. Average rainfall sits around 180 mm to 200 mm across roughly 16 days, with conditions improving steadily as the month progresses.
What is the average temperature in Phuket in November?
Daytime highs typically reach 30°C to 32°C, with overnight lows around 24°C to 26°C. Conditions stay warm and humid throughout the month.
Is Phuket weather in November good for a cruise excursion?
Yes. Tours, transfers, and boat trips operate normally, and the second half of the month in particular offers calm seas, clearing skies, and comfortable temperatures similar to the high season that follows.
Is the sea calm in Phuket in November?
Sea conditions improve through the month. By mid-November, most west coast beaches are calm and swimmable, and longer boat excursions to the outer islands become more comfortable.
What should I pack for Phuket in November?
Light, breathable clothing, swimwear, a hat, reef safe sunscreen, a compact umbrella or light rain jacket, and modest clothing for temple visits.
Is early November or late November better for a Phuket shore excursion?
Late November generally offers better odds of dry, calm conditions, since the month follows a clear trend from lingering monsoon influence in the first two weeks toward stable, dry season conditions by the final week.
Are the Similan Islands open in November?
Yes. The park reopens on October 15 each year and stays open through mid May. Conditions continue to settle through November, so trips later in the month often bring calmer crossings than the very first weeks of the season.
Do cruise excursions get canceled because of rain in Phuket in November?
Cancellations are uncommon. Most rain in November falls in short, localized bursts rather than sustained storms, and land based tours in particular are rarely affected. Boat excursions are occasionally adjusted around swell or visibility, and a reputable operator will communicate any changes well before departure.
Phuket weather in November rewards a little planning without demanding much compromise. Temperatures stay warm, the sea keeps its bath like comfort, and the rain that does fall tends to pass quickly rather than washing out a day in port. For cruise passengers weighing their options, November offers a genuine sweet spot: the crowds and prices of full high season have not yet arrived, while the calm seas, clear skies, and long list of open excursions that define the best months in Phuket are already well underway.
If your ship is calling at Phuket this November, browse our Phuket shore excursions to find island tours, cultural visits, and private options timed around your port schedule.
Contact Us via Messenger
Send Inquiry