La Ngkawi in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in La Ngkawi

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Post-monsoon clarity creates exceptional underwater visibility (25-30m/82-98ft) at Pulau Payar Marine Park - best diving conditions of the year
Shoulder season pricing means 30-40% savings on accommodations compared to December peak, with rooms from RM180-280 vs RM350+ in high season
Northeast monsoon brings consistent 15-20 knot winds perfect for kitesurfing at Datai Bay - locals call this 'angin musim baik' (good season wind)
Durian season peaks in November - roadside stalls sell premium Malaysia varieties like D24 and Musang King for RM12-18/kg vs RM25+ later

Considerations

Transitional weather means unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms lasting 45-90 minutes, typically between 2-5pm, disrupting outdoor plans
Humidity stays consistently above 75% making 32°C feel like 38°C (100°F) - air conditioning becomes non-negotiable by midday
Some island-hopping operators reduce schedules due to choppy Andaman Sea conditions on windy days (happens 4-5 days per week)

Best Activities in November

Pulau Payar Marine Park Snorkeling

November delivers the year's clearest waters with 25-30m (82-98ft) visibility as post-monsoon currents flush out sediment. Water temperature holds steady at 28-29°C (82-84°F) with minimal jellyfish presence. Morning departures (8:30-9am) avoid afternoon wind buildup.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for better boat selection. Full-day trips typically cost RM120-180 including equipment and lunch. Choose operators with covered boats for afternoon return comfort. See current tour options in booking section below.

Mangrove Kayaking Tours

Cool early morning temperatures (24-26°C/75-79°F) make 6am-9am kayaking sessions comfortable before humidity peaks. November's mixed tides create perfect water levels for exploring narrow channels. Eagles are most active during cooler morning hours.

Booking Tip: Dawn tours (6am start) offer best wildlife viewing and comfortable paddling conditions. Expect RM80-120 for 3-hour guided tours. Book through eco-certified operators for sustainable tourism. Check current availability in booking section.

Langkawi Cable Car and Sky Bridge

November's clearer post-monsoon atmosphere provides impressive 360-degree views extending to Thailand's Tarutao Islands 35km (22 miles) away. Morning visits (9-11am) avoid afternoon thundercloud buildup that obscures mountain views.

Booking Tip: Purchase fast-track tickets online (RM75-85 vs RM55 standard) to skip 30-45 minute queues. Arrive by 9am for clearest visibility. Afternoon storms can temporarily close the sky bridge for safety.

Temurun Waterfall Hiking

November rains replenish waterfalls to full flow while keeping jungle temperatures manageable at 26-28°C (79-82°F) under canopy. The 1.2km (0.7 mile) trail to Temurun offers perfect post-rain conditions with fewer leeches than peak wet season.

Booking Tip: Start hikes by 7am to complete before afternoon storms. Guided nature walks cost RM60-90 including transportation. Bring grip shoes for wet rocks. Independent hiking is free but guides enhance wildlife spotting.

Sunset Dinner Cruises

November sunsets at 7:15pm create perfect timing for 2.5-hour dinner cruises. Reduced rainfall means 70% chance of clear sunset views. Gentle evening breezes (10-15 knots) provide natural cooling as temperatures drop to comfortable 26°C (79°F).

Booking Tip: Book sunset cruises for mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) to avoid weekend crowds and save 15-20%. Prices range RM180-280 including buffet dinner. Choose boats with indoor dining backup for weather protection.

Datai Bay Beach Activities

Northeast monsoon winds create ideal kitesurfing and windsurfing conditions with consistent 15-20 knot winds. The 1.5km (0.9 mile) stretch of pristine sand offers the island's best beach walks during cooler morning temperatures.

Booking Tip: Equipment rental costs RM100-150/day for kitesurfing gear, RM60-80 for windsurfing. Lessons available RM200-300 for 2-hour sessions. Book accommodation nearby to maximize beach time during optimal morning conditions.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November (occurs every two years - confirm 2025 scheduling)

Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA)

Biennial defense exhibition showcasing military aircraft, naval vessels, and aerobatic displays. Features public flying displays and static aircraft exhibitions at Malaysia International Airport. Draws aviation enthusiasts worldwide with spectacular air show performances.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic clothing - cotton stays damp in 70%+ humidity and takes hours to dry

Waterproof phone case - sudden afternoon downpours can damage electronics in 3-4 minutes

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index 8 causes burns in 15 minutes, reapply every 90 minutes

Lightweight rain poncho - more practical than umbrella for motorcycle taxi rides and walking

Grip-sole water shoes - essential for wet rocks at waterfalls and slippery boat decks

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - dusk mosquitoes are aggressive during calm evening periods

Portable fan or cooling towel - provides relief during humid afternoon periods above 75% humidity

Waterproof day pack (20-30L) - protects camera gear and documents during boat trips and hikes

Light merino wool shirt - naturally antimicrobial and odor-resistant in tropical humidity

Insider Knowledge

Local durian vendors along Jalan Pantai Chenang offer taste-testing between 4-6pm when fruit is perfectly ripe - ask for 'rasa dulu' (taste first)

Book accommodations on the western coast during November's northeast monsoon - eastern beaches face rougher seas and stronger winds

Use the 'Malaysia Permata' shuttle service (RM3) between major hotels instead of RM25-35 taxi rides for short distances

November's lower tourist numbers mean locals have more time for conversations - learn basic Bahasa Malaysia greetings for warmer interactions and better service

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities between 2-5pm when afternoon thunderstorms are most likely - schedule indoor attractions like museums or shopping during these hours

Booking speedboat island tours on windy days without checking weather - rough seas cause seasickness and tours may be cancelled

Wearing dark colors that absorb heat - light-colored, loose clothing reflects sun and aids cooling in high humidity