Thailand has a tropical climate, so it is hot and humid for most of the year, with temperatures usually above 30°C. The best time to visit Thailand is between November and February when the heat is more comfortable, and rain is less common. This is known as the cool season. The rainy season is from May to October when warm, humid air brought in from the Indian Ocean causes the south to be at its wettest. This is the low season and when fewer tourists travel. Then there is the hot season, which is from March to May.

While the cool season is the best time to travel to Thailand for outdoor activities and exploring, the rainy season can offer lush landscapes and fewer crowds, especially in coastal areas. Meanwhile, the hot season is best for beachgoers and sun worshippers.

Understanding Thailand’s Seasons

Each season offers up its own charm and will appeal to different travellers. You can always find a destination that will give you the kind of weather and holiday you’re looking for. Read on to find out where to go in Thailand and when.

Exploring Thailand's Regions: When to Visit

Best time to visit Bangkok

The best time to visit Bangkok is during the cooler months from November to February, but when we say cool, you’re still going to be getting temperatures that are 31-32°C on average during the day, and 20°C at night. However, this is as cool as it gets and when the humidity is at its lowest. Clear, sunny skies make it a comfortable time of year to soak up the vibrant culture and energetic atmosphere. However, it is worth noting that, while the cooler months are the best time to travel to Thailand, they’re also the busiest and most expensive.

To avoid crowds, consider visiting Bangkok during shoulder seasons like March to May or September and October. While temperatures may be warmer, you'll encounter fewer tourists and can still enjoy the city's attractions with relative ease. Additionally, exploring popular sites early in the morning or later in the evening can help mitigate crowds.

Ideal Season for Island Hopping

The best season to visit Thailand for island-hopping is during the dry and sunny months from November to April. Calm seas, clear skies, and temperatures in the low-to-mid-30s make island life pretty perfect at this time of year.

For island-hopping adventures, we tend to suggest picking two contrasting destinations that can offer you something different. Combining the more developed islands of Phuket or Koh Samui with the more remote, desert-island style ones of Koh Lanta, Koh Yao Noi, or Krabi, gives you two different types of beach holidays. The island of Khao Sok is home to a national park where you’ll find elephants, gaur, gibbons, boar, and bears in one of the oldest rainforests in the world, offering up a contrast to beach escapades. The best way to get between the islands in Thailand is by private boat transfer, which our travel experts will organise for you.

When to travel to Northern Thailand

The best time to travel to Northern Thailand, including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the Golden Triangle region, is between November and April. During these months, temperatures range between 31°C and 39°C and the humidity builds up the closer to rainy season it gets (May to October). However, this part of the country is less humid than others thanks to the mountainous and countryside surroundings. You will see some rainfall all year, but it’s at its lowest between November and March, making it a good time to go to Thailand’s north.

Travellers can expect to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai by visiting historic temples, exploring traditional markets, and participating in local festivals. The Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, offers opportunities for scenic river cruises, wildlife encounters and visits to hill tribe villages.

Some of our favourite things to do in Northern Thailand include spending time learning about life as a monk, walking with elephants in the Golden Triangle, trekking in the lush jungles of Doi Inthanon National Park to find waterfalls, and experiencing the vibrant Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai.