The best to visit Thailand is during the cool and dry season between November and early April, when temperatures range from 84°F to 97°F. However, the climate varies throughout the country, so you can visit all year round.
Those who love diving and snorkeling should visit the south west coast of Thailand in the dry season, between November and February. The conditions are better, with calmer seas, and fewer visitors give you more space to enjoy the ocean.
Month-by-month guide for traveling in 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.
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 colorful 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.
Visiting Thailand in March
Fine weather should be expected throughout Thailand in March, with temperatures rising into the mid 90°Fs 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.
Visiting Thailand in April
More excellent weather during April and the visitor numbers continue to rise. Be sure to book your accommodations far in advance to get the best choice of hotels. Traveling 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 (April 13 to 15): This is the traditional New Year's Day in Thailand. Scented water is poured over people and thrown in the street to symbolize the washing away of sins and bad luck.
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.
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 vacations. Thailand is bathed in sunshine at this time of year, and there are wonderful opportunities to grab a shoulder season bargain.
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 vacations. The beginning of the month is best.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 | 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" |
Khao Lak | 88°F 1" | 91°F 1" | 91°F 3" | 91°F 7" | 90°F 15" | 88°F 18" | 86°F 18" | 86°F 18" | 86°F 22" | 86°F 14" | 86°F 7" | 86°F 2" |
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" |
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" |
Udon Thani | 84°F 0" | 88°F 1" | 93°F 2" | 95°F 3" | 91°F 9" | 90°F 10" | 90°F 10" | 88°F 12" | 88°F 11" | 88°F 3" | 86°F 0" | 84°F 0" |
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Travel advice
Practical tips for traveling to Thailand, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest US State Department travel advice.
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Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Thailand
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What to do in Thailand: our highlights guide What to do in Thailand: our highlights guide
What to do in Thailand: our highlights guide
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