When to go to Thailand: weather & activities guide
Looking for the best time to visit Thailand? Whether you want to enjoy the many sun-kissed beaches, take part in colourful festivals, or explore the many forests and reserves, timing is key. Dive into our comprehensive guide designed to align Thailand’s seasons and festivals with your travel plans, making sure your trip is timed to perfection.
Awesome things to do in Thailand
When to travel to Thailand
In our guide below we'll take a deep dive into all the aspects of what would be the perfect time to fly to Thailand for your trip. Here are the key points to remember.
- Thailand has three distinct seasons: cool (Nov-Feb), which offers pleasant weather and is great for exploring attractions and festivals; hot (Mar-May), when the heat peaks but coastal activities provide relief; and green (May-Oct), which is the rainiest period, yet offers lush landscapes and travel discounts.
- Regional considerations are crucial for timing your travels right, like northern Thailand being best during the cool season for trekking and cultural festivals, and beach holidays depending on whether you’re headed to the east or west coasts with their differing weather patterns.
- Despite the rainy season potentially being less appealing, it can still provide a unique travel experience if you’re well-prepared, and travelling during the shoulder season (Apr-Jun and Sep-Oct) can offer the perks of good weather, fewer crowds, and lower costs.
Thailand's climate overview
Thailand’s climate, like the country itself, is wonderfully diverse. Influenced by three main seasons: the cool season, the hot season, and the wet (green) season, each season offers unique adventures and ways to explore the richness of this Southeast Asian gem. Whichever season you choose to visit Thailand, high temperatures are a given, with variations in rainfall influencing the climate patterns.
The cool season, initiated by the northeast monsoon, offers cooler temperatures and less rainfall, while the hot season can see temperatures soar to 37°C in the north and the green season brings high humidity and heavy rains, particularly in the months of September and October. But what does each season mean for your travel plans? Let’s delve deeper into what each season has to offer.
Cool season (November-February)
From November to February, the cool season dominates, marking what many consider as the best time to visit Thailand. This is regarded as Thailand's high season, with most travellers opting for these months. This period brings cooler temperatures, bearable humidity, and reduced rainfall, ensuring agreeable travel conditions. As November turns into December, the weather remains pleasant with temperatures typically rising. It's a great time to visit some of the Thai islands in the Andaman sea or Koh Samui, for example.
During this season, you can experience plenty of festive activities in Bangkok, including night illuminations and visiting traditional century-old churches. The dry Thailand weather makes it an ideal time to explore the country’s beaches, with the climate remaining enjoyable with temperatures ranging from 29°C to 34°C.
Hot season (March-May)
As the cool season subsides, Thailand enters its hot season from March to May, a time of year when temperatures can soar, with April often experiencing sticky heat and temperatures reaching 35°C. But don’t let the heat deter you! This is a popular time for visiting coastal areas, where water activities provide relief from the heat.
One of the highlights of the hot season is the Songkran festival, the Thai New Year, which takes place in early April. This significant cultural event is marked by country-wide water fights that symbolize washing away the misfortunes of the previous year. This is a great time to immerse yourself in Thai culture and experience one of the country’s most vibrant festivals.
Green season (May/June-October)
The green season in Thailand, also known as the rainy or ‘monsoon’ season, spans from May to October and is characterized by heavy but inconsistent rains early on, with more persistent rainfall in the later months. Yet, the green season offers its own unique charm. The Thai countryside is at its most lush during the green season, providing picturesque landscapes that are ideal for photography enthusiasts. So, when’s Thailand’s rainy season? It’s during this beautiful green season.
During the green season, prices for internal flights and accommodation are a bit cheaper, making it a budget-friendlier time to explore Thailand. Islands such as Ko Samui in the Gulf of Thailand tend to receive moderate rainfall during the green season, which allows for a serene and less crowded beach holiday experience.
Visiting northern Thailand: Chiang Mai and beyond
Northern Thailand is a treasure box of stunning landscapes, trekking opportunities, and cultural experiences, best explored during the cool season. During this time, visitors can observe a variety of flowers blooming, such as the Wild Himalayan Cherry Blossoms in Chiang Mai's regions like Khun Chang Khien, Doi Inthanon, and Doi Angkhang, making it an ideal time for trekking.
Discover the stunning landscapes of Northern Thailand, a hidden gem in Southeast Asia, including:
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Doi Inthanon
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Doi Chiang Dao
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Phu Chi Fa
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The mountainous provinces of Phayao and Nan
Additionally, the annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival, occurring on the first weekend of February, showcases a street parade with floral floats, cultural performances, and additional festivities at locations like the Three Kings Monument and Thapae Gate.
Island hopping in Thailand
Thailand offers a lot of island experiences, with the best times to visit differing between the east coast islands like Koh Samui and Koh Tao, and the west coast islands, such as Phuket. For the Andaman Sea islands, also on Thailand's west coast, the winter months of November to February are ideal for diving and snorkeling due to excellent weather conditions.
Check out our island-hopping packages in Thailand.
On the other hand, east coast islands such as Koh Samui offer pleasant weather throughout the year, experiencing minimal rainfall in January and February, and featuring a dry season that extends from December to August. Koh Tao presents the best hot and dry weather conditions from February to May, making it an excellent choice for diving enthusiasts.
Cultural experiences and festivals by month
Cultural experiences and festivals are happening year-round in Thailand, as a country rich with traditions. Thailand January kicks off with the Bo Sang Umbrella and Sankhampaeng Handicrafts Festival in Chiang Mai, showcasing local arts and crafts. As February arrives, the Chiang Mai Flower Festival celebrates floral beauty with parades and contests.
In April, the country comes alive with the Songkran festival, the traditional Thai New Year festival, characterized by water fights and festive gatherings. As we move into the second half of the year, the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival and Pai Jazz & Blues Festival light up July, followed by the Por Tor Festival, or the Hungry Ghost Festival, in August.
As the year draws to a close, November’s festivities include the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai and the internationally recognized Loy Krathong. December is packed with events, including the Glorious of Ayutthaya Fair, River Kwai Bridge Festival, King’s Birthday celebrations, numerous Christmas events, and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Shoulder season advantages
The shoulder months in Thailand span from April to June and again for the month of October. These times offer a good balance of favourable weather and fewer crowds for visitors. This can be a great time to visit for those looking for a balance between good weather and fewer crowds.
Travelling to Thailand during the shoulder season offers several advantages over the peak season:
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Fewer crowds, making it easier to enjoy popular areas and attractions without long queues
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Lower pricing for accommodations, food, and tours
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More availability for last-minute bookings
Tips for Travelling During Rainy Season
Though the rainy season might not be the preferred choice for many, visiting Thailand during this time can still be an special experience with a little bit of extra preparation. Here are some tips to stay comfortable and safe:
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Pack a waterproof jacket or poncho
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Wear clothing that dries quickly
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Use waterproof bags or cases for electronic devices and important documents
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Carry an umbrella
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Wear non-slip footwear
With these preparations, you can enjoy your trip to Thailand even during the rainy season.
Having a flexible itinerary is key during the rainy season, as outdoor activities may be disrupted by rain. Here are some tips to help you navigate the rainy season:
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Regularly check weather updates and be prepared for possible changes in transportation schedules due to the rain.
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Choose accommodations with good indoor facilities, so you have a comfortable place to stay if it’s raining.
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Allocate a bit of extra travel time for slower road conditions in the rainy season.
Planning your beach holiday in Thailand
To plan a beach holiday in Thailand, it's good to look at regional weather patterns for the places you'd like to travel to. The cool season is ideal for visiting Thailand’s west coast resorts like Phuket, Krabi, and the Phi Phi Islands due to tranquil sea conditions, while Thailand’s east coast offers alternative east coast beaches options.
During the green season, the Gulf Coast beaches, including Chumphon, Hua Hin, and Ko Samui, are sunnier and more suitable for beach holidays, particularly from May to July. Importantly, water temperatures around Thailand’s beaches hover around a comfortable 30°C (86°F), allowing for enjoyable swimming any time of the year.
Wildlife encounters, eco-tourism and volunteering
From November to April, the dry season presents an ideal opportunity for wildlife viewing in Thailand’s national parks, with animals gathering around the water sources. Khao Yai National Park is most visited in the dry season when wildlife such as elephants are active and more easily spotted.
Kaeng Krachan National Park is home to a rich variety of birds and the chance to see rare animals like tigers and Asiatic black bears, but it is more remote and usually requires an organised tour. Rainy season in Thailand offers unique photographic opportunities of lush landscapes and full waterfalls, such as in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.
Ethical wildlife encounters with rescued elephants are possible by volunteering in sanctuaries, like the Elephant Rescue and Education Centre we work with. Here you can help to care for these majestic creatures in a cruelty-free setting, giving you an unforgettable experience.
From the cool breezes of the cool season to the humid rains of the green season, the soaring temperatures of the hot season to the milder weather of the shoulder season, Thailand has so many diverse experiences to offer, catering to every type of traveller.
Whether you’re looking to explore the stunning landscapes of northern Thailand, enjoy a serene beach holiday on the Gulf Coast, immerse yourself in local culture and festivals, or encounter wildlife in the country’s national parks, there’s no wrong time to visit Thailand. It’s all about what you want from your journey. So pack your bags, Thailand awaits!
Frequently asked questions
The most frequently asked questions regarding the best time to travel to Thailand.
What is the best month to go to Thailand?
The best time to visit Thailand is from November to February for sunny, dry weather that's not too hot. May and June are also good if you don't mind occasional showers.
What is the worst month to visit Thailand?
There is no real worst month to visit Thailand, but if we had to pick one it would be March or April. These months are still great for beach holidays on islands like Phuket, but can be very hot in the cities. If you're travelling in March or April, make sure to plan accordingly and pack plenty of sunscreen and light, breathable clothing.
When is the rainy season in Thailand?
The rainy season in Thailand, also known as the monsoon season, takes place between July and October. It is characterized by heavy but inconsistent rainfall in the beginning, which becomes more persistent towards the end.
What is the cheapest time to go to Thailand?
The cheapest time to go to Thailand is during the low season, which is from early July to September. This is when you can find the biggest discounts on flights, accommodations, and tours.
What is the weather like during the hot season in Thailand?
The hot season in Thailand, from March to May, is characterised by high temperatures, often reaching 35°C in April. This is a great time to visit coastal areas for water activities.