The best time to visit Thailand is between November and March when the weather is cool and dry. However, it is also prime tourist season, and hotel and flight prices reflect the surge.
Thailand experiences very hot weather between April and June. The rainy season in Thailand occurs between June and October. One exception is the south's east coast (including Koh Samui), which experiences heavy rainfall from October to December.
Ready to plan your trip? Explore the ultimate guide to the best and worst times to travel to Thailand, complete with insider tips, recommended destinations, and curated activities for each season and month.
best times to visit ThailandBest Times to Visit Thailand for Great Weather, Beaches, Festivals, and Low Prices
As mentioned above the best times to visit Thailand are from November to March. However, this can depend on your Thailand holiday purposes, budget, and weather preferences.
Best Time for the Best Weather
To bask in Thailand's finest weather, plan your visit between November and February. During these months, the country from the north inland to the south islands experiences cool and dry conditions, offering a delightful escape from extreme heat and rain. Perfect for exploring with clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
Best Time for Beaches and Islands
If you are a beach/island lover, November to March is the best time to visit beaches on the west coast of Thailand like Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Similan Islands, and Krabi. Meanwhile, Koh Samui, nestled on the east coast, is good to visit from January to March and July to September.
Get more ideas on planning a family trip to Thailand.
Best Time for Low Prices
For budget-conscious travelers, the monsoon season from May to October offers lower prices and fewer crowds. Despite frequent rain showers, this period offers unique opportunities to secure significant discounts – up to 50% – on accommodation, flights, and tours.
Best Time for Thailand Festivals
For an authentic experience of Thailand's vibrant festivals, plan your visit in November for the enchanting Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Festival or in April to immerse yourself in the lively Songkran Festival. Additionally, many couples opt to celebrate their honeymoon or anniversary at the captivating Yi Peng Festival.
Get more tips in our article: How to Plan Your First Trip to Thailand — 7 Easy Steps.
Or tell us your interests, and we're glad to share the perfect timing and activities.
The Worst Times to Visit Thailand
Avoiding the Hot Season If Possible
Thailand's hot season, from April to June, brings soaring temperatures and intense humidity, peaking in April and May at over 40°C (104°F). If you're not a fan of the heat, be sure to avoid those months.
Tips for Travelling during the Hot Season:
- Explore northern regions like Chiang Mai, where the climate is generally cooler compared to the southern parts of the country.
- Engage in water-based activities to cool off, such as visiting coastal areas or islands.
Avoiding the Rainy Season If Possible
While the rainy season (July to October) graces Thailand with lush landscapes, it also brings short afternoon showers and potential disruptions due to monsoons and storms.
However, you can revel in the perks of serene locales with fewer crowds and attractive prices.
Tips for Travelling the Rainy Season:
- Explore eastern and northern regions during the rainy season, as they typically receive less rainfall compared to the southern areas.
- Keep an eye on weather forecasts and plan indoor activities on days when rain is expected.
- Consider the sun-kissed beauty of Bali as a radiant alternative when Thailand is drenched in rain.
If you are going to visit other countries in Southeast Asia, you can read the Best Times to Visit Southeast Asia.
Thailand Travel Guide by Month
Click the sign of each month to check the travel guide information.
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
Thailand Weather in January: Nice Weather
- Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 15–25°C (59–77°F)
- Central Thailand (Bangkok): 25–32°C (77–89°F)
- Southern Thailand (Phuket): 26–32°C (79–89°F)
Similan Islands
January offers great weather conditions, whether for city sightseeing or beach holidays.
It is a popular tourist season in Thailand, especially in tourist hotspots, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Koh Samui. Expect larger crowds at popular attractions and book accommodations in advance.
Events and Festivals
The key festival, when it is in January, Chinese New Year, is celebrated right across the country, especially in Bangkok's Chinatown.
Suggested read: Thailand in January: the top 5 places to visit, costs, and crowds.
Thailand Weather in February: Nice Weather
- Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 15–25°C (59–77°F)
- Central Thailand (Bangkok): 25–32°C (77–89°F)
- Southern Thailand (Phuket): 26–32°C (79–89°F)
Similar to the weather of January, February's weather is still nice, warm, and dry.
Good weather means almost anywhere is a good place to plan your holiday.
Beautiful islands and beaches are also good places to go — Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak... All kinds of water activities enjoy ideal conditions.
Thailand Weather in March: The Heat Builds
- Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 20–30°C (68–86°F)
- Central Thailand (Bangkok): 28–35°C (82–95°F)
- Southern Thailand (Phuket): 28–34°C (82–93°F)
Phi Phi Islands
March is still a fabulous month to visit Thailand, especially in the first half of the month, though it starts to heat up in March. It's advisable to stay hydrated, especially in the central region with warmer temperatures.
During this season, you can go literally anywhere in Thailand thanks to the low rainfall. Water-related activities in the southern islands are enjoyable.
Suggested read: Thailand in March: top places to visit, costs, and crowds.
Thailand Weather in April: Hottest
- Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 25–35°C (77–95°F)
- Central Thailand (Bangkok): 29–35°C (86–97°F)
- Southern Thailand (Phuket): 29–35°C (84–95°F)
Thai New Year
April is the hottest month in Thailand. It is not unusual for temperatures to exceed 30°C (95°F) all day and night!
The heat in Chiang Mai during April gets even more oppressive than in Bangkok. Chiang Rai is slightly cooler by 1 or 2°C but is still hot nonetheless.
For beach lovers, you are almost guaranteed some blue skies and clear seas. Staying in a beach resort will be at least 4 or 5°C cooler than in Bangkok or Chiang Mai.
Festivals and Events
Thai New Year (Songkran Festival) is the biggest, longest, and most enjoyable festival in Thailand. It is a 3-day-long water fight that takes place throughout the country!
Suggested read: Thailand in April: top places to visit, costs, and crowds.
Thailand Weather in May: The Rains Start
- Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 25–35°C (77–95°F)
- Central Thailand (Bangkok): 31–36°C (88–97°F)
- Southern Thailand (Phuket): 28–34°C (82–93°F)
The White Temple, Chiang Rai
May is still hot and starts to be wet with it, as Thailand begins its rainy season. The rainy season is in full swing by the end of the month.
The weather in Bangkok and other cities in May starts to get extremely humid. Koh Samui is better than Phuket and Krabi to go because rainfall during May is much lower on the Gulf of Thailand than on the Andaman Coast.
May sees the end of the high season, which means that prices on hotels and flights begin to drop, bringing great value for visitors.
Suggested read: Thailand in May: top places to visit, costs, and crowds.
Thailand Weather in June: Wet and Hot
- Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 28–38°C (82–100°F)
- Central Thailand (Bangkok): 29–35°C (84–95°F)
- Southern Thailand (Phuket): 27–33°C (81–91°F)
Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai
Thailand can expect an average of 15 to 22 days of rain in June. However, the rain is usually short-lived, occurring in short bursts in the afternoon or evening.
This tourism low season is the best time to travel to Thailand for prices and quietness, with more choices of accommodation and various different promotions.
For beachgoers, Ko Samui and Hua Hin are the best destinations as they are not so affected by the rains at this time.
Suggested read: Thailand in June: top places to visit, costs, and crowds.
Thailand Weather in July: Wet
- Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 28–36°C (82–97°F)
- Central Thailand (Bangkok): 28–34°C (82–93°F)
- Southern Thailand (Phuket): 27–32°C (81–89°F)
Koh Samui
July experiences heavy rainfall, so be prepared for wet conditions.
The southern islands are affected by the monsoon in July, which brings heavy rains and turbulent waves to the west coast.
However, the east coast (Koh Samui, Koh Tao, etc) experiences fewer showers during this season and has relatively good weather in July. You can still enjoy sunny days at the beach on these islands.
Some urban areas, such as Bangkok, remain hot and wet. Staying refreshed with indoor swimming pool visits and cold showers will help relieve any discomfort.
Suggested read: Thailand in July: top places to visit, costs, and crowds.
Thailand Weather in August: Wet
- Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 27–35°C (81–95°F)
- Central Thailand (Bangkok): 27–33°C (81–91°F)
- Southern Thailand (Phuket): 27–32°C (81–89°F)
Koh Tao
Like July, August is one of the best times to visit Koh Samui and the surrounding islands. Though there are some brief rains, it is much better than the other side of the peninsula in Phuket, Krabi, Koh Chang, and the Phi Phi Islands.
A trip to Thailand in August can be a cost-effective opportunity to enjoy scenic spots and quiet beaches without the crowds.
Suggested read: Thailand in August: top places to visit, costs, and crowds.
Thailand Weather in September: Wettest
- Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 25–32°C (77–89°F)
- Central Thailand (Bangkok): 26–32°C (79–89°F)
- Southern Thailand (Phuket): 26–31°C (79–88°F)
Phuket Town
September is the wettest month in Thailand. But actually, only some rural areas are significantly affected by the rains during the wet season, such as the mountainous north around Chiang Mai.
Destinations like Bangkok offer travelers plenty to do and see, even when it's raining outside. Koh Samui is recommended for beach holidays in September as it is less affected by the rains.
Rains do not disrupt the travel experience too much for some, as it seldom rains all day long.
Suggested read: Thailand in September: top places to visit, costs, and crowds.
Thailand Weather in October: End of the Rains
- Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 22–30°C (72–86°F)
- Central Thailand (Bangkok): 24–31°C (75–88°F)
- Southern Thailand (Phuket): 25–30°C (77–86°F)
Grand Palace, Bangkok
Thailand experiences high or very high rainfall again in October, except in Northern Thailand where the rainy season already tails off to moderate levels.
The monsoon rain eases off with less rainfall and lower temperatures by the end of October in most of Thailand. However, Koh Samui begins its peak rainy season at this time.
Some visitors come to Thailand at the end of October to wait for the annual grand Thailand Lantern Festival in early November. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are the main venues.
Suggested read: Thailand in October: top places to visit, costs, and crowds.
Thailand Weather in November: Peak Season Starts
- Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 18–28°C (64–82°F)
- Central Thailand (Bangkok): 23–30°C (73–86°F)
- Southern Thailand (Phuket): 24–30°C (75–86°F)
Thailand's peak travel season starts from November. The rains and heat are gone or going from most of the country.
You can venture out without any worries of getting drenched, EXCEPT on the east coast, which receives a massive half a meter of rain in November.
Islands on the Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi Island, Similan Islands, etc.) are ideal places to go, by contrast, with only moderate rainfall.
Bangkok and Chiang Mai, with low rainfall, are the most popular cities in November for the Thailand Lantern Festivals .
Suggested read: Thailand in November: top places to visit, costs, and crowds.
Thailand Weather in December: Coolest
- Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 15–25°C (59–77°F)
- Central Thailand (Bangkok): 22–31°C (72–88°F)
- Southern Thailand (Phuket): 23–39°C (73–84°F)
Snorkeling in Phuket
December is the coolest month in Thailand, but it's still warm everywhere but in the cool/mild mountainous north.
December is a great time to visit most areas in Thailand (Koh Samui is still in rainy season though) and is also the country's busiest month for tourism.
There are celebrations on Christmas and New Year's Eve in Thailand. Shopping malls in Thailand have big sales from late December to early January. If you're planning a trip to Thailand over the Christmas and New Year period, try to book as early as possible. Popular hotels are usually booked up 3-6 months in advance.
Suggested read:
Thailand Weather/Temperature Month by Month
| Destination |
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Ayutthaya |
🌧
☀ |
90°F
0" |
93°F
1" |
97°F
1" |
97°F
3" |
95°F
6" |
93°F
7" |
91°F
7" |
90°F
7" |
90°F
11" |
90°F
7" |
88°F
2" |
88°F
0" |
| Bangkok |
🌧
☀ |
90°F
0" |
91°F
1" |
93°F
1" |
95°F
3" |
93°F
7" |
91°F
6" |
91°F
6" |
90°F
8" |
90°F
13" |
90°F
9" |
88°F
2" |
88°F
0" |
| Chiang Mai |
🌧
☀ |
82°F
0" |
88°F
0" |
93°F
1" |
95°F
2" |
91°F
6" |
88°F
4" |
86°F
6" |
86°F
7" |
86°F
8" |
84°F
6" |
84°F
1" |
82°F
1" |
| Koh Samui |
🌧
☀ |
84°F
7" |
88°F
2" |
91°F
3" |
93°F
2" |
91°F
5" |
91°F
3" |
90°F
5" |
90°F
4" |
90°F
5" |
88°F
11" |
84°F
18" |
84°F
10" |
| Krabi |
🌧
☀ |
88°F
1" |
91°F
1" |
93°F
2" |
93°F
6" |
90°F
7" |
90°F
10" |
90°F
9" |
88°F
9" |
88°F
13" |
88°F
10" |
86°F
8" |
86°F
3" |
| Phuket |
🌧
☀ |
88°F
2" |
90°F
1" |
91°F
2" |
91°F
6" |
90°F
13" |
88°F
11" |
88°F
11" |
88°F
11" |
86°F
15" |
86°F
13" |
86°F
7" |
88°F
3" |
| Koh Samet |
🌧
☀ |
91°F
1" |
91°F
2" |
91°F
2" |
93°F
4" |
91°F
8" |
90°F
8" |
90°F
8" |
90°F
8" |
88°F
11" |
90°F
9" |
90°F
3" |
90°F
0" |
Tour Thailand Your Way with Us
Discover Thailand through our unique tours with award-winning guides and with 1:1 help from a dedicated Thailand expert, every step of the way.
Tell us your interests and needs, and we will create a wonderful trip for you. We are happy to show you the authentic and colorful Thailand.
