Things to Do in Udon Thani in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Udon Thani
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Post-monsoon freshness without peak season crowds - November sits in that sweet spot after the heavy rains have cleared but before the December-January tourist rush hits. You'll find attractions pleasantly uncrowded and hotel rates typically 20-30% lower than high season.
- Comfortable mornings and evenings for outdoor exploration - temperatures tend to be at their most pleasant during early morning (6-9am) and late afternoon (4-7pm), making this ideal timing for temple visits, cycling around the city, and exploring Red Lotus Sea when the flowers are at their peak bloom.
- Loy Krathong festival timing - if your November visit aligns with the full moon (typically mid-month), you'll experience one of Thailand's most photogenic festivals with thousands of krathongs floating on Nong Prajak Park lake and the surrounding moats, something that's genuinely special rather than tourist-focused.
- Peak season for Red Lotus Sea - November through February is when the pink lotus flowers at Talay Bua Daeng are in full bloom, and November specifically offers the advantage of fewer tour buses compared to December. The flowers open best between 6-10am, and the combination of cooler mornings and lower crowds makes November arguably the best month for this experience.
Considerations
- Lingering rainfall uncertainty - while November is technically post-monsoon, you're still looking at roughly 10 rainy days throughout the month. These aren't typically all-day washouts, but afternoon thunderstorms lasting 20-40 minutes can disrupt outdoor plans, particularly between 2-5pm when the heat builds up.
- Humidity stays relatively high at 70% - this isn't the crisp, dry cool season you'll get in December or January. The air still feels thick, especially midday, and you'll be changing shirts more often than you might expect. Air-conditioned breaks become necessary rather than optional.
- Variable weather makes packing challenging - November sits in that transitional period where you might get beautiful clear days or overcast humid conditions. You'll need to pack for both scenarios, which means your luggage ends up heavier than it would be for a straightforward dry season visit.
Best Activities in November
Red Lotus Sea sunrise boat tours
November is peak blooming season for the pink lotus flowers at Talay Bua Daeng, about 45 km (28 miles) southeast of the city. The flowers open best between 6-10am, and November mornings tend to be clearer and cooler than later in the dry season. Tours typically depart around 5am to catch sunrise over the flowers, and November offers the advantage of fewer crowds compared to December-January while still having full blooms. The 70% humidity actually works in your favor here since the lotus thrives in these conditions.
Ban Chiang archaeological site visits
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is about 50 km (31 miles) east of Udon Thani, and November's variable weather actually makes it ideal - the museum and excavation sites are mostly covered or indoors, so those afternoon showers won't ruin your plans. The site is significantly less crowded in November compared to peak season, and you'll have more space to appreciate the 5,000-year-old pottery and bronze artifacts without tour groups breathing down your neck. Morning visits (8-11am) are most comfortable before the midday heat builds.
Nong Prajak Park cycling and evening activities
This central park becomes particularly pleasant in November when the post-monsoon greenery is at its lushest. The 2.5 km (1.6 mile) loop around the lake is perfect for early morning (6-8am) or late afternoon (4-6pm) cycling when temperatures are most comfortable. November evenings around the park feature food vendors, aerobics classes with locals, and if you time it right with the full moon, spectacular Loy Krathong celebrations. The UV index of 8 means midday cycling is punishing, but morning and evening rides are genuinely enjoyable.
UD Town night market and street food exploration
November's evening weather is actually ideal for night market wandering - warm enough that food stays hot but not so scorching that you're sweating into your som tam. UD Town (the central walking street area) comes alive from 5pm onwards, and November sees more locals than tourists, giving you a more authentic experience. The market runs until around 11pm-midnight, with the best food action between 6-9pm. Dishes typically run 40-80 baht, and the variety in November includes seasonal items you won't find year-round.
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park hiking
Located about 67 km (42 miles) northwest of Udon Thani, this park features bizarre rock formations and ancient cliff paintings. November is one of the better months for hiking here because the vegetation is still green from the monsoon but trails have dried out enough to be manageable. The main trail is about 3 km (1.9 miles) with some steep sections, and you'll want to start early (7-8am arrival) to finish before the midday heat. Those 10 rainy days mean there's roughly a 30% chance of afternoon showers, so morning visits are strategically smart.
Wat Pa Phu Kon temple visits
This stunning white marble temple complex is about 80 km (50 miles) west in neighboring Nong Khai province, built into a mountainside with panoramic views. November's variable weather actually adds drama to photos - those cloudy conditions create moody backdrops for the white marble Buddha. The temple is less crowded in November than peak season, and the post-monsoon landscape is remarkably green. Plan for 4-5 hours total including the drive. The temple sits at about 400 m (1,312 ft) elevation, so it's noticeably cooler than Udon Thani proper.
November Events & Festivals
Loy Krathong Festival
Falls on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, which in 2026 should be around mid-November (typically November 14-16 range, though exact dates follow the lunar calendar). Nong Prajak Park becomes the center of celebrations with thousands of krathongs (decorated floating offerings) released onto the lake, traditional dance performances, and a genuinely magical atmosphere. Unlike the more touristy celebrations in Chiang Mai or Bangkok, Udon Thani's version feels more community-focused. Locals start gathering around 5pm, with peak activity between 7-10pm. Worth noting that hotels near the park fill up fast if word gets out about the dates.