A seasonal guide to the best time to visit Thailand

Are you an adventurous traveller or a beach bum? Whether you’re more interested in a cultural trip or living the ultimate island life, Thailand has it all. With gorgeous mountain landscapes in the north, paradise beaches in the south, and cities brimming with cultural heritage, this country offers you a vacation with endless possibilities. So, when is the best time to visit Thailand?

Your best time to travel to Thailand depends on what kind of vacation you are dreaming of. We have highlighted some of the best things to do in Thailand, including the best weather conditions and top attractions such as islands, hiking, festivals, food markets and, of course, shopping. Once you’ve received your Thai visa, all that’s left to do is book your ticket and head east!

Thailand weather

Thailand’s tropical weather is comprised of warm, cool and monsoon seasons where north and south experience different weather patterns. For the best time to visit Thailand, first decide on which region you want to explore.

Northern Thailand weather

The northern parts of Thailand are surrounded by green tropical forests and staggering mountain landscapes. The weather in this area is defined by a rainy season, cool season and warm season.

October to February is the cooler period in the north and definitely the best time to visit Thailand for its incredible hiking and stunning sunrises. In the morning you can wake up to fresh air with temperatures peaking at 20-25 degrees Celsius during the day. This blossoming period is perfect for experiencing the countryside with its picturesque green mountains, rice terraces, and winter flowers.

The months of March to May experience the hottest weather in this area. With this heat, northern Thailand’s weather is similar to the south, just a little less humid! Be prepared for sweltering temperatures, so pack in extra sunblock and drink plenty of water.

Monsoon season up north starts from mid-June and stays until October. Keep in mind that rain showers generally occur sporadically, in short bursts, so always have a raincoat on hand and be flexible with your activities. While you’ll need to plan your hiking around these rain showers, the upside is you can enjoy much cooler temperatures.

Weather and Climate in Chiang Mai

Average temperature & rainfall per month:

Month

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Low °C

13°C

14°C

18°C

21°C

23°C

23°C

23°C

23°C

23°C

21°C

19°C

15°C

High °C

29°C

32°C

35°C

36°C

34°C

32°C

31°C

31°C

31°C

31°C

30°C

29°C

Rainfall (mm)

8

6

16

52

152

136

168

230

241

124

36

15

Essentials to Pack

– Comfy hiking shoes

– Backpack

– Sturdy daypack

– Sunscreen

– Map of the region

– Insect repellent

– Light, comfortable clothing (cotton)

– Light raincoat

Central Thailand weather

The flat cultivated landscapes of central Thailand experience a tropical climate comprised of a cool season, warm season and rainy season.

The cooler season, from October to January, is the best time to visit the central parts of Thailand. In Bangkok, the temperatures range from 28-30 degrees Celsius and you can enjoy strolling around the vibrant streets of the capital city.

The warm season generally hits central Thailand from February until June, where you may get temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius in Bangkok. Some areas around central Thailand may be hot but still very humid –  a combination which can be challenging if you’re doing more physical activities. Feel free to laze by your hotel pool after a full day of shopping and sightseeing!

The months of July to October are affected by central Thailand’s monsoon season. If you do want to visit during these months, remember to bring a raincoat for the afternoon showers.

Weather & Climate in Bangkok

Average temperature & rainfall per month:

Month

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Low °C

21°C

23°C

25°C

26°C

26°C

26°C

26°C

26°C

25°C

25°C

24°C

21°C

High °C

32°C

33°C

34°C

35°C

34°C

33°C

33°C

33°C

32°C

32°C

31°C

31°C

Rainfall (mm)

10

10

50

110

180

180

180

170

220

190

40

10

Southern Thailand weather

The southern part of Thailand, stretching down past beachy Phuket, is defined by two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season.

The dry season spans from December until May, and temperatures range from around 25 to 32 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit Thailand’s southern parts is during the dry season from around November to April. During this time, you get to soak in the tropical heat along the beautiful coastline while cooling off in the sparkling turquoise waters.

The rainy season in the south starts in around June and continues until October. The rains usually come in short spurts so, if you’re planning to visit Krabi and the surrounding islands, you’ll still get plenty of sunshine. You can also indulge in having the flawless beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui all to yourself!

 Weather & Climate in Phuket

Average temperature & rainfall per month:

Month

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Low °C

23°C

23°C

24°C

24°C

24°C

24°C

24°C

24°C

24°C

24°C

23°C

23°C

High °C

31°C

33°C

33°C

33°C

32°C

31°C

31°C

31°C

30°C

30°C

30°C

31°C

Rainfall (mm)

40

28

62

142

323

291

292

272

381

335

186

65

Essentials to pack

– Flip flops

– Backpack or waterproof bag

– Light, comfortable clothing (cotton)

– Water bottle

– Sunscreen

– Swimming costume

– Sun hat

– Insect repellent

Snorkelling and 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 snorkelling along the east coast. Enjoy the 26 degree 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 colourful reefs and spectacular fish species off the islands of Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi.

How much are flights to Thailand?

High season (November-February)

The tourist peak season hits Thailand from December to January and also in April during the Thai New Year. During the festive peak period, prices on flights and accommodation can go up by more than 30% during low season, so this might not be the best time to visit Thailand if you’re looking to travel on a budget. However, if you do a little bit of planning and book early enough, you may just score some great deals on cheap flights and accommodation.

Low season (March-October)

Travelling during low season has the advantage of being a lot cheaper, especially if you visit places that aren’t busy all year around. Take advantage of fewer crowds, lower prices, emptier hotels and having the beaches all to yourself!

Stay updated on our latest flight deals to Thailand.

Top things to do in Thailand

With so many incredible things to do in Thailand, you might need a little guidance. Here is a list of the top things to do in Thailand that you simply cannot miss out on.

Southern Thailand

Beaches  

The best time to visit Thailand’s beaches is ideally between November and March, but anytime is really a good time! The beaches in Thailand are famous for their dreamy palm trees, white sand, and turquoise waters. Explore the iconic Railay beach, just a boat ride away from Ao-nang. Or enjoy the silence and beauty of Kata beach on Phuket.

Island-Hopping

Explore the blossoming islands by Thailand’s famous longtail boats. From the city of Krabi, you can easily access and explore more than 200 beautiful islands of this western archipelago. Here you can find the most extraordinary secret beaches in Thailand. Among these are the paradise islands of Phi Phi where the iconic movie The Beach was filmed. Start early and you can easily spend an entire day island hopping amongst the majestic limestone cliffs.

Snorkelling

Snorkelling is, without a doubt, one of the greatest things to do in Thailand. The underwater life along the Thai coast offers a great variety of corals, fish, and anemones. By the Surin Islands on the east coast, you will find some of the most stunning reefs on the planet. Spot extraordinary clownfish living among colourful corals.

Floating Markets

If you are staying in Bangkok, make sure to visit a floating market. These charming markets are situated on narrow riverbanks where vendors and farmers sell exquisite products from their boats. Bang Kachao is one of the most famous markets and celebrated for its authenticity and fine organic products. This truly is shopping with a difference!

Northern Thailand

Street Food

One of the essential things to do in Thailand is to try its distinct and delicious street food. The street food culture is very diverse, and dishes are super tasty and cheap. Some common and simple Thai dishes are:

Poh Pia Tod – small, delicious spring rolls

Som Tam –  a classic fresh Thai salad

Phad Thai – the all-time noodle favourite

Tom Kha Gai – traditional chicken galangal soup

Hiking

If you are an adventurer and intrigued by Thailand’s northern landscapes, go hiking in the area around Chiang Dao. This small town is a 90-minute drive away from Chiang Mai, and easy to access by bus or car. It is such a wonderful place to visit, just to experience the outstanding nature.

Temples

Thailand is a Buddhist country and visiting the temples is a part of everyday life for many Thai people. Many temples are beautifully decorated and have a great history behind them, so make sure to visit one. In Chiang Rai, you find the temple Wat Rong Khun – a spectacular white building decorated with pieces of glass that sparkle in the sunlight.

A few things to keep in mind when visiting any of Thailand’s temples:

• Be sure to always dress appropriately – ladies should cover their shoulders and skirts or dresses must extend below the knees.
• Men can wear T-shirts, but no shorts.
• You will also be required to remove your shoes before entering any temple or shrine so, if you’re planning on temple-hopping, it might be best to wear sandals.

Chiang Mai’s Ancient City

The ancient city of Chiang Mai is a historical crown jewel for Thailand. Even though it is today the largest Metropol in the north, it has kept a grand cultural heritage and charm that is astonishing. It is also known for its food and vegetable markets, with locally produced goods.

Annual events and holidays

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: 16 January (date changes every year)

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.

Now that you have a complete guide on Thailand’s seasons and attractions, the best time to visit Thailand is generally between the cooler months of November to February, or between June and September if you’re looking for the best deals. Since peak season runs from December to January, we recommend you to travel just outside of this period. This will guarantee you both spectacular weather as well as cheap flight tickets for your holiday!

What is your idea of the best time to visit Thailand? Share your thoughts below on your ideal Thailand getaway.

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This blog post was written by Beatrice Fröjd.