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Coral reef in Thailand

When is the best time to visit Thailand?

The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool and dry season between November and early April, when temperatures range from 29°C to 34°C. However, the climate varies throughout the country and you can visit all year round.

In the south, the climate differs between the eastern and western coasts. The west coast is more favourable during the winter months, when diving and snorkelling will be at their best.

The weather on the east coast of Thailand is good for most of the year. Rainfall there is lowest in January and February, and highest in November.

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Month-by-month guide for travelling in Thailand

Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand

Visiting Thailand in January

The weather is good throughout the country at this time of year. There is little chance of rain, while cooler temperatures in the north make conditions more comfortable and all the west coast beaches are likely to be bathed in sunshine. Perhaps the only exception being Koh Samui, which often sees high levels of rainfall at this time of year.

Events & Festivals

  • Chinese New Year Festival (date varies): While this isn't a public holiday, it is celebrated across the country; particularly in Bangkok's Chinatown, which turns red and hosts exciting dragon parades, firecrackers and dancing in the streets.
Limestone karst, Krabi, Thailand

Visiting Thailand in February

A few showers are expected on Thailand's east coast toward the start of the month, but the rest of the country remains hot and dry. Even the normally cool early mornings in the north begin to heat up.

Events & Festivals

  • Chiang Mai Flower Festival (first weekend of February): A three-day festival held at the end of the 'cool season', featuring a parade and colourful displays of chrysanthemums and the Damask Rose — a variety found only in Chiang Mai.
  • Chinese New Year Festival (date varies): While this isn't a public holiday, it is celebrated across the country; particularly in Bangkok's Chinatown, which turns red and hosts exciting dragon parades, firecrackers and dancing in the streets.
Coral Island (from Vijitt)

Visiting Thailand in March

Fine weather should be expected throughout Thailand in March, with temperatures rising into the mid 30°Cs and the colder weather in the north disappearing. This means that you can go anywhere in the country to enjoy sun-kissed beaches.

Events & Festivals

  • Chinese New Year Festival (date varies): While this isn't a public holiday, it is celebrated across the country; particularly in Bangkok's Chinatown, which turns red and hosts exciting dragon parades, firecrackers and dancing in the streets.
Girls on parade, Sothon

Visiting Thailand in April

More excellent weather during April and the visitor numbers continue to rise. Be sure to book your accommodation far in advance to get the best choice of hotels. Travelling over Songkran (Thai New Year) means you can have great fun joining in the celebrations, but it is likely to be busier.

Events & Festivals

  • Songkran (13th to 15th April): This is the traditional New Year's Day in Thailand. Scented water is poured over people and thrown in the street to symbolise the washing away of sins and bad luck.
Koh Samet, Thailand

Visiting Thailand in May

A great month to visit Thailand as prices lower following the peak season, meaning that you may be able to take advantage of a shoulder season promotion. For the majority of the month very little rain is expected, but for guaranteed sunshine on the beach, stick to the east coast.

Wat Arun, Bangkok

Visiting Thailand in June

June is a good time to visit, allowing you to catch the last of the dry weather and avoid the crowds seen during the European school holidays. Thailand is bathed in sunshine at this time of year, and there are wonderful opportunities to grab a shoulder season bargain.

Koh Samui, Thailand

Visiting Thailand in July

Temperatures start to drop a little as wind and rain becomes more common toward the end of the month. The sun is still out on the east coast beaches, but islands such as Koh Samui tend to get busy over the school holidays. The beginning of the month is best.

Angthong National Marine Park, Gulf of Thailand

Visiting Thailand in August

The rain is widespread across Thailand now; especially in the north of the country where heavy rainfall is common. Beach options start to dwindle, with Hua Hin and Koh Samui being the best places to head; although you may still experience a few showers.

Flower at the White Temple, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Visiting Thailand in September

September is usually the wettest month of the year, so it's not ideal for beach goers. However, those seeking a low season bargain and no crowds can still enjoy a worthwhile exploration at this time of year.

Western gate at Phanom Rung

Visiting Thailand in October

Rains continue throughout the beginning of October and temperatures begin to drop. However, the more comfortable cooler temperatures and lower humidity, along with less chance of rain at the end of the month, make October a good month to travel.

Events & Festivals

  • Vegetarian Festival (October): This nine-day festival celebrates the Chinese belief that abstinence from meat during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar will obtain good health and peace of mind. Experience this festival in Phuket.
Khao Lak

Visiting Thailand in November

The sun returns to Thailand's west coast and beach goers begin to flock to Khao Lak, Phuket and Krabi once again. Perhaps the only exception being Koh Samui, which often sees high levels of rainfall at this time of year. If you visit at the start of the month you can beat the crowds. Early mornings and late evenings in northern Thailand begin to cool as winter approaches.

Events & Festivals

  • Loy Krathong (November): A festival predominantly celebrated by southwestern Thai cultures. Decorated baskets are hand-made using banana tree trunks, bread or styrofoam and floated along a river as locals make a wish.
Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

Visiting Thailand in December

Thailand's west coast beaches prepare for the Christmas rush and it's best to book far in advance to secure your preferred option. With good weather all round, it's peak time to visit Thailand. Perhaps the only exception being Koh Samui, which often sees high levels of rainfall at this time of year. We recommend going at the beginning of the month to avoid the hotel surcharges over Christmas.

Thailand Climate Guide

Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Ayutthaya 32°C 5mm 34°C 22mm 36°C 35mm 36°C 85mm 35°C 157mm 34°C 184mm 33°C 180mm 32°C 185mm 32°C 282mm 32°C 169mm 31°C 43mm 31°C 5mm
Bangkok 32°C 8mm 33°C 23mm 34°C 25mm 35°C 69mm 34°C 190mm 33°C 154mm 33°C 163mm 32°C 197mm 32°C 327mm 32°C 239mm 31°C 52mm 31°C 8mm
Chiang Mai 28°C 8mm 31°C 7mm 34°C 14mm 35°C 47mm 33°C 150mm 31°C 100mm 30°C 141mm 30°C 167mm 30°C 197mm 29°C 148mm 29°C 36mm 28°C 15mm
Khao Lak 31°C 36mm 33°C 38mm 33°C 76mm 33°C 183mm 32°C 383mm 31°C 460mm 30°C 469mm 30°C 446mm 30°C 563mm 30°C 361mm 30°C 171mm 30°C 58mm
Koh Samet 33°C 16mm 33°C 52mm 33°C 57mm 34°C 100mm 33°C 210mm 32°C 199mm 32°C 205mm 32°C 192mm 31°C 271mm 32°C 240mm 32°C 77mm 32°C 10mm
Koh Samui 29°C 189mm 31°C 52mm 33°C 67mm 34°C 62mm 33°C 136mm 33°C 84mm 32°C 128mm 32°C 109mm 32°C 119mm 31°C 272mm 29°C 467mm 29°C 252mm
Krabi 31°C 31mm 33°C 30mm 34°C 59mm 34°C 142mm 32°C 190mm 32°C 256mm 32°C 221mm 31°C 231mm 31°C 324mm 31°C 264mm 30°C 209mm 30°C 81mm
Phuket 31°C 40mm 32°C 28mm 33°C 63mm 33°C 143mm 32°C 322mm 31°C 292mm 31°C 292mm 31°C 272mm 30°C 381mm 30°C 335mm 30°C 186mm 31°C 65mm
Udon Thani 29°C 6mm 31°C 20mm 34°C 41mm 35°C 81mm 33°C 229mm 32°C 264mm 32°C 250mm 31°C 303mm 31°C 278mm 31°C 82mm 30°C 10mm 29°C 3mm

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Travel advice

Practical tips for travelling to Thailand, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest FCDO travel advice.

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