Best time of year to go to Thailand

What you plan to do in Thailand should be considered when you want to know the best time to visit the country.

There are so many things to do in Thailand, you could spend a lifetime there and just barely scratch the surface. It is a dream destination for many travelers, and for good reason. The Kingdom of Smiles checks so many boxes that make it an excellent destination for all types of travelers.

You’ll find bustling cities, sandy beaches, lush jungles, and ruins of ancient kingdoms. The cuisine is some of the best in the world, and the nightlife is the stuff of legends. Your money goes far here, ensuring a great trip without breaking the bank.

Here are some of the most popular things to do in Thailand and best time for it.

Trek the northern Thailand

Chiang Mai & northern Thailand generally have excellent weather throughout the year, however avoid June – October as that is the rainy season, outside of that period is fine, if you choose December or January make sure you take plenty of spare clothes, it can get very chilly during the winter nights 

Beach vacation plus snorkeling & scuba diving

Southeast Coast

Between March and April is the best time to visit Thailand’s islands of Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui for the most incredible diving and snorkeling along the east coast. Enjoy the 26 degrees Celsius warm waters and spot magnificent sea animals, including whale sharks!

Southwest Coast

The southwest coast of Thailand is known for its breathtaking islands and gorgeous beaches. Water temperatures here stay high all year round and the average sea temperature along the Krabi coastline is 29 degrees Celsius. As a diver, December to January is the best time to visit Thailand’s west coast. Swim between colorful reefs and spectacular fish species off the islands of Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi.

Check out all Thailand things to do page for the full list of what you can expect in Thailand. 

When it comes to religion, Thailand is first and foremost a Buddhist country, with 94% of its population practising Buddhism. Many national celebrations and public holidays are therefore due to Buddhist traditions. Some get celebrated throughout several days and are amazing to experience. For the best time to visit Thailand and experience its festivities, be sure to plan your trip around some of these events:

Chinese New Year (around late January and early February)

This New Year’s celebration is very festive, especially in the Chinese parts of town! On this day in Bangkok, you’ll find people dressed in red, partying in the streets and celebrating this occasion!

Songkran Water Festival: 13-15 April

This is one of the biggest festivals and is a celebration of the Thai New Year. The celebration is spread over three days, where on the first day people engage in massive water fights in the streets. Bring a water pistol and have some fun!

Phi Ta Khon:  late June-July

This is called the Ghost festival and is a 3-day celebration held especially in the town Dan Sai, bordering Laos. During the festival, people bring attention to the spirits of the dead. During the 3 days of celebration, you’ll find fireworks, games, and parades held throughout the city where people dress up as dancing spirits. Take a look at the beautifully decorated costumes!

Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival): November

Loy Krathong is a celebration of the river goddess “Mae Nam” and takes place on the night of the 12th full moon every year. People traditionally release decorated krathongs (lanterns) on to the water and glowing paper lanterns into the sky at night. It is an absolutely beautiful sight.

We also have the list of festivals in Thailand throughout the year if you are interested

In general, Thailand has 3 distinctive seasons:

If you find yourself touring around Bangkok during Thailand’s hot season, prepare for a serious sweat fest. April and May are the most sweltering months, when temperatures can easily push into the the upper 90s and even past 100, and humidity is over 75 percent.

At times, you might feel like one of those steamed dumplings being hawked from the city’s abundant street food stalls. Still, no visit to Thailand is complete without a turn around the capital.

So check off a few temples, score some shopping bargains, and bask in the city’s sophisticated hotels, then get out of dodge and retreat to the more refreshing ambiance of island life.

While spots like Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Samui tend to steal the limelight, it’s worth considering less-crowded islands to escape the heat like Koh Chang, in the Gulf of Thailand.

Hire a scooter for a few dollars a day and spend your time visiting the island’s sweeping bays and many beaches. (We love White Sand Beach for its wide sands and calm waters protected by the island’s national park status.)

For something even more off the beaten path, Koh Mak, just south of Ko Chang, has more coconut plantations and mangroves than tourists and a mostly flat terrain perfect for exploring by bicycle.

For an idyllic stay, consider the Seavana Beach Resort Koh Mak, a romantic beachfront property with private outdoor spa bathtubs fronting a long and utterly deserted beach.

The weather is at its most unpredictable in Thailand during the rainy season, when the southwest monsoon dominates the forecast and rainfall can be heavy across much of the country. Peak monsoon months occur at different times during this period in the country’s varying regions.

By mid-October, north and northeast Thailand start to see less rain, while the southern reaches of the country can experience strong rainfall into December. However, while it can rain for several days on end at times, if you’re lucky, you can just as easily score week-long stretches of sunny weather.

Fewer travelers are willing to make that gamble—which means you might just have notoriously crowded spots like Krabi and Phuket to yourself.

All of this is to say: unless you’re allergic to rain, don’t let it deter you from visiting Thailand—especially when there are hotel bargains to be found.

A wonderful place to vacation during the rainy season is Northern Thailand, where the hills, rice terraces, and mountains turn brilliant shades of green. Flights to the mountainous city of Chiang Mai are also at their least expensive, and hotel deals are some of the best you’ll find all year.

Far and away, Thailand’s cool season is the most comfortable time to visit temperature-wise, with the most pleasant weather happening between November and mid-February. This is when the northeast monsoon blows in cool and dry air, which offers a much-needed reprieve from the heat.

In the south, temperatures tend to be in the low to mid 80s during the day, while at higher altitudes in the mountains of Northern Thailand, the mercury can even drop below freezing at night.

Naturally, the lessened heat and lower rainfall during the cool season means islands are crowded and rates for flights, hotel, and excursions are expensive.

Bangkok makes the prices worthwhile, though, with the celebration of the King’s birthday on December 5—one of the city’s biggest festivals of the year. Temperatures in Bangkok around this time are also at their most bearable—perfect for spending time outside at its many temples and markets.

From Pattaya in the north to Phuket and Trang down south, beaches and islands across the country are also booming because the weather is so darn perfect. Koh Samui has particular appeal during the fete called Loy Krathong (the Thai lantern festival, or festival of lights).

During the night of the full moon every November, locals by the thousands use candles and incense to light offerings made from banana leaves and send them afloat—in the sea, in hotel pools—under the night sky.

For a magical alternative, this is also a good season to consider heading to Chiang Mai, where sea mists lend a real mystique to the surrounding mountains and hill towns, and winter flowers weave in color at every turn.

Otherwise, head north to Chiang Rai, where clear blue skies and relatively cool temperatures encourage ticking outdoor adventures off your list, from cruising down the Mekong River to joining a guided trek to visit hill tribes in the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet.

Check the picture below to have the general idea of what you can expect throughout the year.

January

January is a peak time for tourism in Thailand, with the southern beaches on both coasts seeing hot sunny days, and the central and northern areas having cooler temperatures that are perfect for days trekking in jungles or sightseeing. Don’t forget to pack a lightweight sweater.

Accommodation prices are at a premium around the country, though you will still be able to find great deals if you head away from the tried-and-trodden track and explore less-visited areas. Beach lovers could swap Krabi and Phuket for Trang, a gorgeous southern gem.

This is also the perfect time of year to visit Sam Phan Bok, a natural wonder in Isan’s Ubon Ratchathani. Only accessible in the dry season, thousands of holes are scattered across the bed of the Mekong River.

In the north, the small village of Bo Sang springs to life for the annual Umbrella Festival. A great side trip from Chiang Mai, the festival is held over the third weekend of the month. It demonstrates the skilled traditional art of making the colourful paper parasols and there are parades, live music, traditional dancing, and plenty of food stands.

In the south, the Bay Regatta sees hundreds of vessels in the waters around Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi.

February

Another popular month for tourism, the weather is still good in most areas. While many places around the world are getting excited about Valentine’s Day, this isn’t such a big deal in Thailand. Instead, head to the Red Lotus Sea in Udon Thani for a romantic boat ride. Off the beaten track, the lake springs into bloom in the cool season, covered in beautiful pink lotus flowers.

Chinese New Year typically falls in February, though the exact dates vary from year to year. Go anywhere with a large Chinese population, like Bangkok’s Chinatown, to watch lion dances, acrobatic demonstrations, Chinese opera shows, dragon dances, and more.

The Buddhist celebration, and Thai national holiday of Makha Bucha is also often in February. (Precise dates vary each year.) Observe spiritual rituals in temples and see people making merit, praying, and chanting; Bangkok’s Wat Saket is especially atmospheric.

Alternatively, move away from the mainstream and head to Prachinburi’s Makha Bucha fair for processions, cultural demonstrations, and a lantern release.

Beach lovers can soak up the sun on either of Thailand’s southern coasts, with business booming in places like Phuket and Koh Samui, and Krabi Naga Fest brings music to the beaches.

March

In March, temperatures start to really heat up. It’s prime time for diving in the Similan Islands and other places along the Andaman coast. Environmentalists and nature lovers should check out the Turtle Release Festival in Phang Nga. Chumphon Marine Festival is also lively, with sand sculptures, water sports, marine tourism, and seafood galore.

If you’ve ever wanted to soar above the skies in a hot air balloon, Thailand International Balloon Festival could be ideal. Generally held in March, the dates vary so do make sure to check in advance. Also, the location changes from year to year. The three-day Pattaya International Music Festival is one of Thailand’s best music festivals, and it’s completely free to attend.

National Muay Thai Day, on the 17th of March, is a great time to learn more about this traditional martial art and its long cultural associations. Although many stadiums and Muay Thai camps around the country have demonstrations and events, the ancient city of Ayutthaya is the best place for boxing fans to spend the day.

April 

April is one of the hottest months in Thailand. Drink plenty of water, slap on the sunscreen, and make shade your friend. It is well worth paying the extra for accommodation with air-conditioning — fan rooms don’t really cut it in this heat.

April sees one of Thailand’s biggest festivals: Songkran. Famous for its huge nationwide water fights, celebrations for Thai New Year occur all around the country. The three public holidays are between the 13th and 15th, with extra days to compensate if these fall over the weekend. Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai are some of the best places to get wet and wild.

April is also traditionally the time that Thai men temporarily ordain as monks, with large ceremonies to mark the auspicious occasions. April the 6th is a public holiday that remembers the start of the Chakri Dynasty.

May

Another hot month in Thailand, May is a great time to visit some of Thailand’s more offbeat destinations and experience unusual festivals.

Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that durian makes itself known in Thailand. Chanthaburi, famous for its gem trade, hosts The World Durian Fruit Festival every May (exact dates vary), with competitions and games, sales fairs, parades featuring floats adorned with fruit, and lots of tasting opportunities.    

If you want May to really go with a bang, visit Yasothon in Northeastern Thailand. Usually held on the second weekend of the month, Bun Bang Fai Festival sees locals launching many rockets into the skies in hopes of receiving rains.

Alternatively, see unusual monk ordination rituals in Chaiyaphum, with monks-to-be paraded around town on bamboo platforms, shaken vigorously along the route. It’s no wonder that the unique rituals are known as the Brutal Ordination Parade!

Dates for the Buddhist holiday of Visakha Bucha Day follow the lunar calendar and so vary each year. It’s usually in May or June. A public holiday, it is the most significant event for Thai Buddhists, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Lord Buddha.

Temples up and down the nation are filled with people making merit. Some of the best places to observe local traditions are at Chiang Mai’s Doi Suthep and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok.

June

You’ll probably notice more showers by June and it pays to carry an umbrella and wear shoes that won’t slip. Take extra precautions when riding a scooter; Thailand’s roads can be lethal. Mellow out at Hua Hin Jazz Festival or admire the colourful fields of Siam tulips at Pa Hin Ngam National Park in Chaiyaphum.

If you’re heading north, don’t miss the Phi Ta Khon Festival in Dan Sai district of Loei province. A local spiritual festival, it features parades with people dressed in elaborate ghost costumes, complete with huge masks, and lots of music. The festival seeks to appease spirits and seek rains.

The exact dates vary each year and are set by sages and astrologers, but May is a fairly common month for the ghostly festival.

July

July is generally a pretty wet month all around Thailand, and it often feels very humid. Make mosquito repellent your best friend this month and don’t forget leech socks if venturing into the jungles.

Speaking of jungles, this can be a terrific month to visit national parks; the rains fill up the waterfalls and the landscapes are lush and fertile. Khao Yai National Park and Kanchanaburi’s Erawan National Park are especially beautiful.

The driest beaches and islands include Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Hua Hin, and Cha Am. Fans of underwater explorations should don their diving gear and snorkelling equipment this month, with July and August the best (and busiest) times for diving around Koh Tao.

The 30th is the King’s birthday and a national holiday. The Buddhist holiday of Asahna Bucha is a national holiday too. Dates vary according to the lunar cycle. It marks the start of Vassa, often referred to as Buddhist Lent. Special ceremonies are held in temples around the country and the Central Thai province of Saraburi has a large religious parade.

Alternatively, head to Isan for Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival. Huge wax sculptures are paraded through the streets and there’s lots of singing, dancing, and music. It’s a great way to enjoy local Northeastern Thai culture.

August

August is typically the wettest month all around Thailand. Prepare with rain ponchos, slip-proof shoes, and umbrellas. Backpackers should almost certainly make sure they have waterproof covers for their bags. Make a list of the best indoor activities; Bangkok’s many temples, museums, art galleries, and malls make it a perfect city come rain or shine.

August the 12th is the Queen’s birthday, Mother’s Day, and a national holiday. If you’re in Phuket in August you’ll witness Por Tor Hungry Ghost Festival, a time when people respect their ancestors and make offerings to spirits.

Foodies should add Hua Hin Food Festival to their itinerary, and the Akha Swing Festival in Chiang Rai offers a glimpse into fascinating traditions from one of Thailand’s ethnic groups.

September

The rains ease in September, except for the Andaman coast — this is the wettest time here. Around the country, waterfalls flow with abundance and the rivers are at their fullest.

September usually sees the start of long boat races, held on many rivers nationwide. The atmosphere is often electric, with roaring crowds, carnival-like games, street food galore, and traditional performances. Phitsanolok, Petchaburi, Singburi, Naan, and Surat Thani are just a few places where you can watch the age-old traditions on the water.

The multi-day Bangkok International Festival of Dance and Music draws large crowds, with musical performances from diverse genres, dance shows, operas, ballets, and more. For something really unusual, visit Lam Dome Yai in Ubon Ratchathani.

Every year, thousands of little shrimps make their way up the stream, clambering out of the water to march along the riverbanks to bypass the raging waters of the rapids before climbing back down into the water again.

October

Central, Northern, and Northeastern Thailand are mostly dry and the temperatures start to fall. Almost all of the islands, however, are wet. This is the ideal time to visit anywhere from Bangkok upwards before large crowds appear. The popular hippy hangout of Pai is especially great in October.

Also in the north, the Naga Fireballs of Nong Khai are strange phenomena that usually appear towards the end of the month. Mysterious balls of fire erupt from the Mekong River, said to be the work of the mythical Naga.

In Nakhon Phanom, the end of Buddhist Lent is marked with a beautiful illuminated boat procession. Various festivities mark the occasion around the country.

Many southern provinces have large and colourful vegetarian festivals, ideal for any meat-free foodie. Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival is especially well known, with gory rituals that involve self-mortification and fire walking.

Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival on Koh Lanta is a great chance to learn more about the Moken people, also known as sea gypsies. Based on the lunar calendar, the dates vary. People float boats on the waves and rejoice with traditional dancing and singing.

October the 13th is a public holiday to remember the passing of the beloved former Thai king, King Bhumibol. It is likely to be a very sombre day throughout the country. The 23rd is another national holiday honouring a former Thai king: King Chulalongkorn.

November

The dry season is well underway in most parts of Thailand, with moderate temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Beach lovers will be delighted that the Andaman coast is now at its best, along with Koh Chang and other islands along the eastern Gulf. The western Thai Gulf is, however, still rainy and stormy.

Mid-November (dates vary) sees one of Thailand’s loveliest festivals: Loy Krathong. Celebrated around the country, people float pretty krathongs on the rivers to give thanks to the water spirits. The north of Thailand has an extra celebration around the same time, known as Yee Peng.

Famous for its stunning lantern releases, Chiang Mai is one of the best places to experience this beautiful festival.

Originally established as a way to honour elephants, Surin Elephant Roundup (third weekend of November) features a large buffet breakfast for the beasts and several shows. Don’t miss the nearby sound and light shows at the ancient ruins of Prasat Sikhoraphum.

Another unusual celebration with an animal focus is Lopburi Monkey Feast. It takes place on the last Sunday of November and is a bizarre spectacle to witness!

December

December is one of the peak tourism months in Thailand, with great weather all around the country. Temperatures are, for the most part, comfortable, without being too hot or too cold. There’s little to no rainfall, and the beaches have lots of sun.

There are several national holidays during this month. The fifth is the birthday of the late King Bhumibol, and is also when Thai people celebrate Father’s Day. The 10th is Constitution Day.
For war history, don’t miss River Kwai Bridge Week in Kanchanaburi (held in November or December). 

For something novel, visit Loei province; it’s the only province in Thailand where temperatures can dip to freezing in the cool season. Ayutthaya World Heritage and Red Cross Fair has stunning sound and light shows amid the ancient ruins. Phetchaburi hosts one of the biggest and oldest music festivals in the Land of Smiles: Big Mountain Music Festival.

Christmas isn’t such a big deal in Thailand, though many malls do have festive decorations. For a true Thai Christmas, however, head to Sakhon Nakhon province.

Home to Thailand’s largest Christian population, the province has an enchanting Christmas Star Parade, with many cultural and religious activities, between the 23rd and 25th. And of course, New Year is huge all around the Land of Smiles.

If you are planning to visit one specific region in Thailand, check the detail below

Up here is mountain country, where crisp rivers separate many of the peaks and the climate swings are a bit more diverse, which is great for all kinds of agriculture, as well as for various type of traveler.

You’ll want to trek up this way If you’d like to avoid the sticky heat of the southern areas, but make sure to choose the right time or you’ll find it to be just as hot as everywhere else.

To make things worse, the drier terrain allows for crop burning in the hotter seasons that can make your travels less pleasant.

March and April are the hottest times of the year, followed by rains spanning from May until September. That being said, the farther north you go, the more uncommon it is to see much rain until later in the season.

Even at that, it may only rain for a half an hour a day. But don’t let the rain turn you off. It is the best time for river rafting and other water fun and frolics.

The home of sticky rice and spicy foods, the northeast is a dry plateau with few hills; however, they have rivers to rival the rest of the country and the monsoons usually bring these rivers to their spilling point.

Here they'll get the same 1,400 millimeters yearly average rain as the central folks and in the June to October, wet weather season, the rain brings the region’s natural settings to life. Everything is deep verdant green and the waterfalls begin to gush with intensity.

November to February is the cool season. Travelers usually enjoy this time of year because it almost never rains and yet it’s not as steamy as it will be in the hot season, which is from March until May.

If you intend a stay the hotter months, make sure to book a room with air conditioning because temperatures will get to a lofty 35°- 45°C until the rains begin again. But if you can endure, you’ll find many cultural festivals during this time of year.

The heart of the country is mostly flatlands with the lower boarder falling into the Gulf of Thailand. Humidity remains pretty consistent year round, but you will find all three seasons represented here.

The difference is, they are more evenly spaced apart than the other regions. February to June is the hottest time. Sunscreen and a hat are a must.

The heat is followed by the rainy season from June to October, where 1,400 millimeters of rain spills across the landscape annually.

However, you’re not likely to see any long, rainy days until the later part of the season, so feel free to plan some outings.

Last is the slightly cooler season from October to January. The later part of the cold season may even produce a few cold days here and there so, if you’re in the area for this part of the year, pack a sweater.

This region's climate is mostly similar to central Thailand; however, when the hot season kicks off in March, it's going to be a brutal 40-45 degrees Celsius until around October.

The cooler months –November to February – are usually very pleasant for those tourists accustomed to the European bitter cold at this time of year.

As true for the rest of Thailand, there are only a few days at a time of what could be considered cold weather during these months.

By May, the weather will bring on the rainy season. Out here, it's not uncommon to get intense weather, but it doesn't often get heavy until closer to the end of the season in October. Up until then, the storms last around 30 minutes or so.

If your intention is a more tropical, beach style holiday, the southern region of Thailand is exactly what you're looking for. Luckily, down South you only worry about two seasons: the wet season, with monsoon rain from April to October, and the dry season from November to May.

Compared to the rest of the country, South Thailand gets the most rain. The skies dump about 2,400 millimeters yearly. Monsoons begin around May bringing on the start of the rainy season. The wet weather can be almost continuous until October.

If you're lucky enough to catch a break in the rain though, you're guaranteed to have a very hot, humid, and steamy day. November will begin the dry season and temperatures at night can even fall to a light chill.

There is still some difference between the east coast and the west coast of southern Thailand.

Southeast Coast weather guide

Between March and April is the best time to visit Thailand’s islands of Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui for the most incredible diving and snorkeling along the east coast. Enjoy the 26-degree Celsius warm waters and spot magnificent sea animals, including whale sharks!

Southwest Coast weather guide

The southwest coast of Thailand is known for its breathtaking islands and gorgeous beaches. Water temperatures here stay high all year round and the average sea temperature along the Krabi coastline is 29 degrees Celsius. As a diver, December to January is the best time to visit Thailand’s west coast. Swim between colourful reefs and spectacular fish species off the islands of Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi.

Bangkok

Probably the most visited city in Thailand, with tons to see and do, the weather in Bangkok is fairly predictable. During the rainy season you’ll want to carry an umbrella, but it's not guaranteed you'll need it.
Rain is sporadic and downpours don't usually last more than 30 minutes to an hour. on't quote me on that though! Bangkok has seen some pretty severe flooding in the past, though downtown usually drains pretty fast.

The rainy season is from July to October, and the cool season between November and February. Average temperatures are 26°C with highs around 33°C. The lowest you may see is 21°C at night.
December is the coolest month but, that makes the perfect time for the tourist busy season. Attractions during this season will be at capacity.
Bangkok is pretty warm all year round but, during this season, average temperatures hit 31°C on a regular.

As the season progress it will often get up to 35°C and rarely droop below 25°C. Bangkok's hot season is strong from March to June, but, if you don't mind the heat, you'll find some good hotel deals and shorter wait times.

Below is the current climate of Bangkok and 7-day weather forecast

BANGKOK WEATHER

Pattaya

Some consider this place to have perfect weather. It doesn't get too much rain and isn't too uncomfortably hot. The average high is around 31°C and the low is around 22°C.

As another one of the most visited place is Thailand, the cool season is when you'll find the most people traveling there.

The hot season starts in March and doesn't cool until around the end of May. The temperatures climb to 33°C and rarely dip below 27°C.

It's a beach town so the ocean winds help to curb the heat, but the humidity doesn't quit which can often produce some rain. This is welcomed by most because a good soaking tends to cool things down a bit.

When the rainy season finally does set in between June and October, the storms will pour but they usually don't last long. The wet weather usually drives the majority of tourists more inland.

But if you can manage an occasional downpour, you find slightly cooler temperatures  and less crowded beaches and, this being the low season, you'll find better hotel rates too.

Below is the current climate of Pattaya and 7-day weather forecast

PATTAYA WEATHER

Chiang Mai

As the second most populated city in Thailand, Chiang Mai is known as the ‘cool weather capital’. In comparison to the sweaty heat of Bangkok, the climate can be far more agreeable for most travelers.

The most popular travel season starts in December and lasts through February. If you expect to be there at this time, you may find it a bit chilly at night or if you head up near the mountains in the day. I've witnessed temperatures as low as 4°C!

Make no mistake though, this is still Thailand and the days may still get up into the 30°C range.

By early February the daily high will commonly hit 40°C. March through June will continue that heat, and though there’s always the element of humidity in the air, rains won’t start until the end of May.

If you are looking for a summer time trip you may want to hold off until July. Due to slash-and-burn farming practices, a smoky haze may cover the usually awesome mountain views, and clog up your airways.

The rainy season in Chiang Mai arrives at the end of May and lasts until November. In these months, the weather can get pretty wet but, as in other parts of Thailand, the storm heads pass rather quickly.

Below is the current climate of Chiang Mai and 7-day weather forecast

CHIANG MAI WEATHER

Hua Hin

While the beaches aren't as good as down south, Hua Hin is a great place for some family summer beach sunning and an almost year round pleasant place for a holiday.

The cooler season spans from November to February where at night temperatures fall to around 24°C; however, the days warm up considerably with the highs in the low 30s.

The hot season lasts from March until June with April starting the hottest months. Average temperatures are consistently in the low 30s.

The rainy season is from July through October, but Hua Hin won’t see heavy downpours with any frequency. Being right on the ocean’s coast keeps the air moving and cuts the humidly down as well. The high will still be around 33°C in the day and 25°C at night.

Below is the current climate of Hua Hin and 7-day weather forecast

HUAHIN WEATHER

Phuket

Another one of Thailand’s island provinces, this beautiful oasis is warm pretty much year-round, but can be prone to some wet weather.

April through May and September through October are the hottest times of year in Phuket with an average temperature of 29°C and a low of 23°C. But that doesn't mean you won't see rain during these months.

May to October is monsoon season and you can expect to see between 18 and up to 23 days of rain a month.

September and October are usually the wettest months, but it's rare that the island will have more than two full rainy days in a row, and oftentimes rain falls through the night and it's dry by morning.

Though the temperatures don’t vary much, January has the coolest average temperature of the year, with highs around 32°C and lows of 22°C.

The rains in Phuket begin a little earlier than in other areas. The majority of the rain falls at the beginning of the season sometime around early May with averages of up to 400mm a month.

Most travelers agree that November to February is the preferable time to stay as temperatures are just a bit cooler and rainfall is scarce.

Below is the current climate of Phuket and 7-day weather forecast

PHUKET WEATHER

Koh Samui

Famous for Full Moon party goers stopping over due to its proximity to Koh Phangan, this is Thailand’s third-largest island and one of the most-sought after destinations in Thailand.

Koh Samui is located quite close to the equator, which keeps temperatures somewhat consistent throughout the year. The hot season comes between March and April and daily averages are often above 32°C.

The cold season starts in November and lasts through January. High temperatures can be 30°C and the average low is 25°C.

The cool season is between December and February when there is less rain. That makes this a popular time to visit this lovely island. That said, the hot season from March until August does little to stop the tourists though.

The beaches remain packed until the rain begins in September, which lasts until December. With temperatures still at around the 30°C mark, it’s still warm and can be pretty sticky. The main difference is that the weather patterns are ever-changing with intermittent sunshine interrupting the rains.

Though the rains can get rather heavy, the downpours usually don’t last long. That said, flooding can occur and local residents are used to waist-high water in Chaweng after a serious downpour. Take a chance in this low season though and hotel prices get lower and the crowds thinner.

Below is the current climate of Koh Samui and 7-day weather forecast

KOH SAMUI WEATHER

If you intend to combine Thailand with its neighbor countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos, the best time to do the long circuit of 2 to 3 months should be around November until February when the weather is at its best in all the countries.

Let’s find out more detail below:

Vietnam

The best time of year to visit the whole Vietnam is spring (February to April) and autumn (September to November). The temperatures are more moderate, and rainfall is lighter. In spring, March and April have the lowest rainfall across all destinations and temperatures are pleasant, though still cool in the far north.

It is the fact that Vietnam is a year-round destination. Every time of year, you can always find the sun somewhere (more or less).

Here is more detail about where and when to visit Vietnam throughout the year.

Cambodia

The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and April, when it sees very little rain. During this time, you’ll see clear blue skies making it a great time to enjoy a relaxing getaway on the southern coast.

Outside of this period, humidity increases, and the rains come, assisting Cambodian farmers in the growing of their crops. However, you shouldn’t be deterred from travelling – the countryside is lush and green, rivers are full and flowing, and the temples are quiet. This is the best time to visit some of the outer-lying temples, which will often be deserted.

At the end of the summer one of Cambodia’s true wonders comes to life – The Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and home to Cambodia’s floating villages.

Here is more detail about where and when to visit Cambodia throughout the year.

Myanmar

The very best time of year to visit Myanmar is between November and February, with warm dry days bringing in the bulk of the country’s annual visitors. However, a visit in the 'green season' (the months immediately either side of these high season dates) can reward those looking to explore key sites in more solitude. 

Here is more detail about where and when to visit Myanmar throughout the year.

Laos

The small, landlocked country of Laos is best visited between late October and early April, when the weather’s warm and dry throughout.

River travel is best between November and January, when high water levels make passage easy along Laos’ main waterway, the Mekong River. Visiting the Bolaven Plateau is also pleasant at this time of year.

Laos’ geography plays a major part in shaping its climate, and cool temperatures can still be found in the highlands, which lie mainly in northern, eastern and central regions.

The ‘green season’ falls between late May and October, when the rains return to the country.

However, showers are usually short and sharp, having little impact on your exploration. At this time of year, the country comes to life, with waterfalls beginning to flow once more and the lush scenery attracting a variety of wildlife.

Here is more detail about where and when to visit Laos throughout the year.

You can find below some frequently asked question about the weather and best time to visit Thailand

What is the best month to visit Thailand?

As said, the best time of the year to visit Thailand is during cool season from mid-October until March. November still has rainy days. December boasts of cooling temperatures and less rain; however, expect the holiday crowds with holiday rates. While March has some hot-weather day.

The absolute best times to visit is, then, January and February. The weather is at its coolest with the fewest days of rain and the most days of sunshine. If you are cost-conscious, avoid traveling during Chinese New Year when prices return to high holiday rates. Plan your trip before Chinese New Year or 2 weeks after when rates fluctuate back down.

What is the worst month to visit Thailand?

With such a wide program of events throughout the year and different seasons and weather conditions depending on the region, there really is no bad time to visit Thailand. There are, however, better times to visit particular areas.

Northern areas can see flash floods, flooded roads, and lots of mud in the rainy season. The south is generally best avoided in October and November, and the Similan Islands are closed between November and March.

Avoid Koh Chang and the Andaman coast in June and July. Heavy rains and storms combined with choppy sea conditions mean that you won’t experience the best that the areas have to offer.

The hot season in Central Thailand and Isan can be brutal and uncomfortable, while the cool season in Northern Thailand may be a bit too chilly for some people’s liking. The so-called burning season in Chiang Mai normally occurs between February and April, with thick smoke hanging in the air and the air quality greatly diminished.

The peak tourist seasons are naturally the most expensive times to travel. If you’re looking to keep costs down, visit in the shoulder seasons.

What is the cheapest month to fly to Thailand?

The cheapest month to fly to Thailand is during the low-tourist season period: hot and rainy seasons. Check detail above in the season-by-season weather guide.

During hot season, temperatures are well above 30 degrees Celsius (around 90 degrees Fahrenheit) with instant-sweat humidity. During rainy season, it is likely to rain for about an hour each day with occasional monsoons causing hours-long rains.

However, this is also the time of year when airlines and hotels will lure you in with amazing discounts and promotions. So, it is up to you to decide if you are willing to bear the intense, humid heat and rainy days in exchange for these tempting prices.

When is the low season in Thailand?

As the answer of above question, the low season in Thailand is during hot and rainy season. Check detail above in the season-by-season weather guide.

When is the rainy season in Thailand?

Rainy season ranges from mid-June until mid-October. Check more detail above in the season-by-season weather guide.