Maldives vs Phuket in November — Which to Pick?
The numbers, side by side
Every figure below is an average across 11 complete years (2015–2025) of daily Open-Meteo records. Not a forecast — a historical baseline you can plan against.
Maldives vs Phuket in November
| Metric | Maldives | Phuket | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average high | 28 °C (82°F) | 29 °C (84°F) | Effectively even in warmth. |
| Average low | 26 °C (79°F) | 25 °C (76°F) | Nights differ by ~2°C. |
| Rainfall | 305 mm | 239 mmWinner | Phuket is 66 mm drier. |
| Rainy days | 21Winner | 26 | Maldives is 4.8 days with fewer rainy days. |
| Sunshine | 9.7 h/dayWinner | 8.5 h/day | Maldives is 1.2 hours sunnier per day. |
Our honest take
Temperatures are effectively tied across Maldives and Phuket in November.
Phuket sees roughly 66mm less rainfall this month, so your afternoons are more likely to survive intact.
Maldives logs more sunshine hours per day — a small advantage for anyone shooting photos or chasing a tan.
Neither is objectively better: pick Maldives for what Maldives is famous for; pick Phuket for what Phuket does uniquely. The persona cards below break the choice down by traveller type.
Traveller verdict for November
Data-driven picks based on 11-year climate averages (2015–2025). Neither destination is objectively “better” — it depends on what you're after.
Maldives takes the beach-day advantage — warmer sea air, drier skies, and more useful sun.
Maldives leans into the after-dark scene — warm evenings and the higher-energy crowd.
Either destination works for a family visit this month.
Maldives gets the photographer's nod — clearer skies and softer light per day.
Phuket is the smarter pick for value — quieter crowds and softer accommodation rates.
Maldives has the edge for wandering food streets — walkable weather and a livelier scene.
Compare hotels in both
Booking.com deep links with November check-in dates pre-filled.
Maldives vs Phuket in November — FAQ
Q01Is Maldives warmer than Phuket in November?
Is Maldives warmer than Phuket in November?
In November, Maldives and Phuket average nearly identical daytime highs — around 28°C and 29°C respectively. Temperature is not a differentiator.
Q02Which is drier — Maldives or Phuket in November?
Which is drier — Maldives or Phuket in November?
Phuket is drier in November. It averages 239mm of rainfall vs 305mm at Maldives. That is a meaningful difference for outdoor plans.
Q03Which is better for outdoor activities in November?
Which is better for outdoor activities in November?
Maldives generally wins for outdoors in November — more sunshine hours per day and typically fewer washouts. Still, Phuket offers plenty of viable outdoor time if the itinerary calls for it.
Q04Which is cheaper to visit in November — Maldives or Phuket?
Which is cheaper to visit in November — Maldives or Phuket?
Phuket tends to offer better value in November — lower crowd density and softer accommodation rates. Prices track tourism demand: quieter months means better deals in either destination.
Q05Which is better for a beach trip in November?
Which is better for a beach trip in November?
Maldives is the stronger pick for beach days in November — warmer daytime highs, drier weather, and more useful sun per day.