Here’s Everything You Need Know To About The Best Time To Visit Thailand

Images of glorious sun-dappled islands with sapphire skies, and glittering diamond-encrusted waters run through your head when you think about Thailand. And oh boy, does this country deliver all that; and more once you pack your bags and decide that this is the best time to visit Thailand for your vacation. There is more to do than laze around on the beaches of Thailand. There are lush, pretty countrysides; bustling cities packed with world-class malls; art and architecture to take in; and mouth watering delicacies to be sampled! So when would be the best time to go to Thailand, you may ask? Well, the best time to travel to Thailand really depends on you, dear traveller, as Thailand is a great destination all year around, even if it does see bouts of intense rain and soaring mercury levels. Even the monsoon season or peak summertime can turn into the best season to visit Thailand from India depending on your comfort level handling either the rain or sun. However, if you want to make an informed decision about Thailand as a tourist, we will help you zero in on aspects such as which is the best month to visit Thailand, what events you can look out for, and what kind of weather you can expect during your visit.

Best time to visit Thailand

The best time to visit Thailand really depends on what you want from the trip. If you want a pleasant, cool climate with little to no rain, then the time between November and March can be a great period to visit, even though this falls squarely in Thailand’s high tourist season. If you want to travel on a budget, you can choose the off-season and shoulder-season months, where you can get good deals on hotels and transport, but may have to tolerate heat, humidity, and wet weather. But if you have a backup plan for every day, keeping the weather in mind, you can still have a great time.

Best season to visit Thailand

Peak season: Most tourists head to Thailand between November and February/March. These months can offer relief from the sweltering heat and the pouring rain, making it a great time to visit Thailand. Add Christmas and New Year celebrations to the mix, and you can see why Thailand will be the perfect vacation spot during this period.

Shoulder season: April to June, September, and October are considered to be shoulder seasons for tourism in Thailand. You may have to tolerate high temperatures or intense rain during these months. But fewer crowds at beaches and other places of interest can make up for this.

Low season: The monsoon season between July and October is considered to be the low season for Thailand. Rain can play spoilsport to an extent, even though it may only lash for a short duration during the afternoon or evening. However, sometimes the intensity and duration could vary too. Deals on hotels and flights can come to your rescue if you are willing to put up with the wet weather.

A month-on-month guide to travel in Thailand

Thailand in January

The weather gods bless Thailand with a pleasant climate right off the bat in the very first month of the year. The weather is cool, with ample amounts of sunshine and little to no rain in the offing, making January the best time for Thailandif you are planning a visit. But Ko Samui proves to be an exception, as it gets maximum rainfall during this month, along with the islands in the lower gulf. The Chinese New Year celebrations light up Bangkok’s Chinatown, and it is worth a visit.

Events: Chinese New Year (could fall in February as well)

Temperature

Bangkok - 32 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 28 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 29 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 31 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 31 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in February

February is the last of the "winter" months in Thailand. Most of the country sees an abundance of sunshine. So it is a great time to enjoy a beach vacation in Thailand and the many water activities being offered on its beautiful and lush islands. The northern parts of the country, such as Chiang Mai, can experience a drop in temperature towards the evening and night. This month could also see fewer crowds compared to the other months in Thailand’s peak season.

Events: Chiang Mai Flower Festival, and Chinese New Year (could fall in January as well)

Temperature

Bangkok - 33 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 31 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 31 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 33 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 32 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in March

Heat comes back with a vengeance to Thailand in the month of March. With the mercury rising, hitting the country’s much-talked-about beaches will be a great idea, especially the ones in the southern part of the country like Ko Samui. The weather is getting hotter in the northern parts of the country as well. The north may also be hazy and smoky due to the burning of crops around this time. So those with respiratory issues may want to be cautious.

Events: Kite Flying Festivals, and National Thai Elephant Day

Temperature

Bangkok - 34 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 34 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 33 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 34 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 33 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in April

Thailand's climate remains hot in April, especially in the northern and north-eastern parts of the country. This could be the best season for Thailand to head to the beaches, which are slightly cooler compared to cities like Bangkok and Chang Mai. The country’s biggest festive season, the Thai New Year, or Songkran, is the perfect way to beat the heat, where scented water is thrown on people to symbolise the washing away of sins and a fresh start for the new year. It is best to book your accommodations and travel arrangements well in advance if you are to visit Thailand in April, as the Thais will be moving around the country in large groups to mark the occasion.

Events: Songkran

Temperature

Bangkok - 35 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 35 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 34 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 34 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 33 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in May

This month sees very little tourism as the celebratory mood winds down. You can score great deals on your accommodations during this shoulder season. Thailand's temperature remains high, with some showers coming to indicate that Thailand's rainy season is on its way. 

Events: Rocket Festival, Royal Ploughing Ceremony, and Visakha Bucha

Temperature

Bangkok - 34 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 33 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 33 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 32 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 32 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in June

The rainy season kicks off in June, but it is still a hot month as far as Thailand’s temperature in June goes. But the rain doesn’t last for too long and limits itself to the afternoon or evening, so Thailand weather in June is still manageable for travellers. The islands also experience rainfall, but Ko Samui and other eastern islands see less rainfall, so they remain good options. Bangkok temperature in June is at a minimum of 24 degrees Celsius and can go up to 33 degrees Celsius with rains playing havoc on the traffic. Since Thailand in June falls in the shoulder season, you can get good discounts on accommodation and transport, making it the best time for a Thailand trip.

Events: Hua Hin Jazz Festival, Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival, and Pattaya International Music Festival

Temperature

Bangkok - 33 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 31 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 33 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 32 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 31 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in July

The monsoon weaves its spell in Thailand in July. The heat and humidity also tend to go up this month. But the rains won’t throw your itinerary into disarray as they don’t last for too long. Going inland or to some east coast beaches can be best during monsoon season in Thailand, as they tend to get less rain. But the summer holidays begin, and you may experience crowds at popular destinations. 

Events: Asahna Bucha, Wan Khao Phansaa, Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, and the Birthday of HM the King

Temperature

Bangkok - 33 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 30 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 32 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 32 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 31 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in August

The monsoon shows its strength, especially in the northern and north-eastern provinces of Thailand. There’s no escaping the rain if you want to visit Thailand in August, though the east coast beaches such as Ko Samui and Hua Hin can provide some respite from the showers. Tourists are fewer during this month, so wait times at attractions are less, and you get good deals on hotels.

Events: The Birthday of HM the Queen

Temperature

Bangkok - 32 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 30 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 32 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 31 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 31 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in September

Thailand in September is at its wettest. You can experience some sunshine too, in between the heavy showers. You can still do plenty of things if you can work around the Thailand weather in September. Since the rains can keep tourists at bay, you can experience all the wonders that Thailand has to offer at your own pace, and save money as well due to discounts.

Events: Thai National Flag Day, and Long Boat Racing

Temperature

Bangkok - 32 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 30 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 32 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 31 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 30 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in October

Thailand bids adieu to the rains towards the end of October. But not before some serious spells of rain are seen towards the beginning of the month, though the northern parts of the country are a bit drier as far as Thailand weather in October goes. You can visit the northern provinces to have a look at the countryside, which looks particularly lush and green post-monsoon. The southern islands can experience substantial rainfall along with sunshine, so keep this in mind when heading to the beaches there. Obey flag warnings on the islands and be aware of jellyfish, which move towards the shore during this season.

Events: Vegetarian Festival, Awk Phansa, and King Chulalongkorn Day

Temperature

Bangkok - 32 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 29 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 31 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 31 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 30 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in November

With the monsoon having beaten a retreat, Thailand weather turns cold and dry in November. The humidity also takes a dip, making November the best time for a Thailand trip. While the western coastal islands become attractive due to the weather, the eastern ones do see rain. Tourism sees a spike in Thailand in November due to the colder climes, but if you can schedule your trip for the earlier part of the month, you may be able to beat most of the visitors and truly enjoy Thailand’s beauty. 

Events: Loi Krathong, Yi Peng Lantern Festival, and Lopburi Monkey Festival

Temperature

Bangkok - 31 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 29 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 29 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 30 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 30 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in December

Thailand comes alive with the tourist season this month. Considered the coldest month in Thailand, Christmas and New Year celebrations across the country can warm the hearts of tourists. Since this is peak season, book flights and accommodations well in advance to avoid any glitches. Thailand in December is also an expensive time to visit the country, especially closer to Christmas and New Year's.

Events: Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Chiang Mai Red Cross & Winter Fair

Temperature

Bangkok - 31 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 28 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 29 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 30 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 31 Degrees Celsius

Cheapest time to visit Thailand

If you want to do a more budget-friendly trip to Thailand, then choose what is considered the off-season in Thailand, which is between July and October. The monsoons come into play during this season. Though it might not be the best time to visit Thailand weather wise, you can still enjoy what Thailand has to offer at more pocket-friendly rates if your plans remain fluid, keeping the weather in mind.

Expensive time to visit Thailand

If you want to enjoy the holiday season at the end of the year in Thailand, it's going to cost you a pretty penny. November to February sees many festivities along with a cooler climate. These factors lead to a tourist rush, especially around December. Hence, prices for flights and hotels are high around this time. Bookings will also have to be made well in advance, as it is not easy to get accommodations at the last minute.

More about best time to go to Thailand

What is the best time to visit Thailand for a honeymoon?

Climate-wise, the months between November and March are cooler and more pleasant. But this is the peak tourist season in Thailand, with lodging and flights turning expensive. If you don’t mind encountering some rain or heat during your stay in Thailand, you can pick the off-season or even shoulder season months for a more affordable stay.

What are the best months to travel to Thailand for hiking?

October to February, when the weather is a bit cooler and drier, is the best time to enjoy hiking in Thailand. The period between June and October is also a good time to go trekking through the northern regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

What’s a good time to travel to Thailand to avoid crowds?

The low season between July and October can be the best time to avoid crowds in Thailand. The monsoon season can keep most tourists away. But if you can work around the rain, this is thebest time to visit Thailandto avoid crowds and score some nifty discounts too.

What’s the best season to visit Thailand for beaches?

This depends on the weather, and the islands on the eastern and western coasts of the country see rain at different points in the year. The western coast islands, such as Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Phi Phi, are good for a visit between November and March. If you want to visit the east coast islands, such as Ko Samui, then March, July to September will be good times to go.

What’s the worst time to travel to Thailand?

There is no such thing as the worst time to travel to Thailand, as it is a year-round destination. But if you take weather conditions into account, such as monsoon season Thailand or Thai summers, you should avoid the stretches between July and October for the rains and March and May for the heat.

How many days should I set aside to see Thailand?

We’d say that you would have to spend anywhere between 10 and 14 days to take in most of what Thailand has to offer. If you are short on time, you can squeeze in some of the major attractions in 7 days. But if you have more time on your hands, you can spend anywhere between 3 weeks to a month and explore Thailand at a leisurely pace.

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