When is the Best Time to Visit Thailand?

From delectable cuisine to enviable beach days, uncover the best time to visit Thailand…

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Best time to visit

The best time to visit Thailand depends on where you’re going and what you’re doing. If it’s island life that’s calling you, you have some flexibility as those on one side of the country have a different rainy season to those on the other, and likewise with the dry season. This means you can usually find an idyllic, sun-soaked island whenever you decide to travel. For sightseeing in Bangkok, you might like to pick the cooler months, while hiking in the north is best outside of monsoon season. Although, with a tropical climate, you can always expect a bit of rain, it doesn’t last long and can often be quite a refreshing relief against the hot humidity.

Monthly Climate Guide for Thailand

, Thailand

Average temperatures (Celsius) and rainfall (mm)

Jan
34°C 3mm
Feb
35°C 3mm
Mar
37°C 8mm
Apr
38°C 7mm
May
38°C 8mm
Jun
37°C 17mm
Jul
35°C 12mm
Aug
36°C 14mm
Sep
36°C 19mm
Oct
35°C 14mm
Nov
35°C 5mm
Dec
35°C 3mm
Jan
33°C 6mm
Feb
32°C 4mm
Mar
33°C 14mm
Apr
33°C 26mm
May
33°C 19mm
Jun
33°C 30mm
Jul
31°C 40mm
Aug
31°C 40mm
Sep
31°C 46mm
Oct
31°C 39mm
Nov
32°C 16mm
Dec
32°C 8mm
Jan
34°C 4mm
Feb
36°C 2mm
Mar
38°C 6mm
Apr
39°C 8mm
May
38°C 11mm
Jun
37°C 17mm
Jul
36°C 12mm
Aug
37°C 12mm
Sep
36°C 20mm
Oct
35°C 21mm
Nov
35°C 10mm
Dec
35°C 3mm
Jan
33°C 5mm
Feb
34°C 1mm
Mar
37°C 2mm
Apr
37°C 13mm
May
37°C 22mm
Jun
35°C 14mm
Jul
35°C 9mm
Aug
35°C 13mm
Sep
35°C 15mm
Oct
33°C 16mm
Nov
33°C 12mm
Dec
33°C 14mm
Jan
32°C 3mm
Feb
35°C 1mm
Mar
38°C 5mm
Apr
39°C 8mm
May
39°C 13mm
Jun
37°C 17mm
Jul
35°C 12mm
Aug
35°C 17mm
Sep
35°C 16mm
Oct
35°C 8mm
Nov
33°C 3mm
Dec
31°C 2mm
Jan
33°C 5mm
Feb
34°C 1mm
Mar
37°C 2mm
Apr
37°C 13mm
May
37°C 22mm
Jun
35°C 14mm
Jul
35°C 9mm
Aug
35°C 13mm
Sep
35°C 15mm
Oct
33°C 16mm
Nov
33°C 12mm
Dec
33°C 14mm

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.

Meet our experts on luxury holidays to Thailand

Our team of Thailand specialists are waiting to help you book your next adventure. Contact us today to start planning your tailor-made trip.

Best Time to Visit Thailand FAQs

  • Is 2 weeks in Thailand enough?

    Yes, two weeks in Thailand is long enough to combine a few different locations. Our tours last between 8 and 14 days, but we can adapt the itineraries to fit your requirements.

  • When is the best time to visit Thailand with family?

    The best time to visit Thailand with your family is either Christmas or Easter Holidays, and if you’d like to get better deals, early July. These months offer pleasant weather, making it comfortable to explore attractions and enjoy outdoor activities with loved ones. Dive deeper into our guide for more insights on family-friendly destinations and tips.

  • When is the best time to visit Thailand for couples?

    The best time to visit Thailand as a couple will depend on what you’d like to do. However, many people find the cool and dry season from November to February ideal for romantic getaways. During this time, the weather is pleasant with lower humidity, making it perfect for exploring Thailand's cities and islands, as well as trekking in the north. This time of year coincides with major festivals and events, such as Loy Krathong and the Chiang Mai Flower Festival, adding an extra touch of romance to the trip.

    Alternatively, some couples prefer the quieter and less crowded shoulder seasons of March to May and September to October. While temperatures may be warmer during these months, they still offer opportunities for memorable experiences without the peak tourist crowds.

  • When is the best time to visit Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia?

    The best time to visit Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia is between November and February, which is when it’s dry and the temperatures haven’t reached their peak and allow for sightseeing. However, the shoulder months of March, May and September/October are also good times to travel to Southeast Asia.

  • When is the best time to visit Thailand and Bali?

    Bali’s dry season is from April to October, which is the opposite to Thailand’s. So, the best time to visit Thailand and Bali together would be avoiding August and September, and going in April, May, June, or October.

Call us on 020 3918 3595 to start planning your holiday

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