The enchanting land of Thailand promises to sweep your feet away and transport you to another world altogether. I totally love the laid back atmosphere of Thailand. But the real question is “When is the best time to travel to Thailand?”
As someone who has travelled to Thailand an endless number of times I can surely say that each month in Thailand is different. Each season has its own beauty however it depends on you what time of the year you are comfortable to visit. In peak season you will see a surge in all prices right from flight tickets to the hotel accommodation whereas in off season you will notice a drop in price for everything. So it is very critical as to which month you decide to visit the place.
In this article, we will discuss in detail about each month’s weather, crowd density, prices, activities that you can indulge in and also be a part of important festivals celebrated in Thailand.
This is written on the basis of extensive travel to Thailand during different months and can be your holy book to travel to Thailand.
Best Time to Visit Thailand: Month-by-Month Guide
Thailand basically has three main seasons. The first one is the cool and dry season which lasts from November – February when the temperature is around 20 – 30°C. The second season is the summer season which lasts from March – May when the temperature is about 30 – 40°C. The last season is the rainy season which lasts from June – October when the temperature is around 26 to 34°C.
There is a difference in weather in the four different regions of Thailand as well. No region has the same season. It would be great if you could check the weather forecast before travelling to Thailand.
Thailand Month-by-Month: Detailed Breakdown
Here’s the detailed month-by-month breakdown, where you’ll get get to know about the weather and temperature of the months, and also the best things to do there.
January
Travelling to Thailand during the month of January will be the best decision that you can make. The weather is cool and dry with a temperature of about 20° to 30°C. You will get to witness sunshine in the Andaman and Gulf coast however the North side is generally cool especially in the evening time.
It is generally crowded in the month of january as there is the new year and christmas celebration. Popular destinations like Phuket and Chiang Mai are heavily populated, and prices for accommodation, flights, and tours are generally at their peak. The best way to avoid the crowd would be to travel after the new year rush.
Things to do in the month of January:
- It is the most ideal time for island hopping.
- Ideal for trekking and exploring Northern Thailand.
- Enjoy the New Year festivities.
February
February is the most ideal time to travel to Thailand. Honestly, I did not face any hiccups while traveling to Thailand during this month and visited almost most of the places in Thailand from the historical temples to the white sand beaches.
The only disadvantage was that most of the people travel during this month as it is one of the best months to explore Thailand. Since we booked our ticket well in advance, like 60 days before the trip we were able to get a good deal. Otherwise, travelling during this month can be expensive.
Things to do in the month of February
- You can explore the historical temples and museums
- Explore the island and beaches
- Participate in the Chiang Mai Flower Festival
March
March is the start of the summer season especially in the central and Northern regions. It will be quite hot with slight pre monsoon rain in the evening so it is better to carry clothes accordingly. You can expect a temperature of about 26 – 31°C. It is best to carry a lot of sunscreens to avoid sunburn
If you are okay with a little bit of sun, then this is the best time to visit Thailand. But since it is the beginning of summer season many people prefer not to visit during this time. The shoulder season begins and most of the deals also disappear.
Things to do in the month of March
- You can go for beach activities like Kayaking in Krabi’s Ao Thalane.
- Experience Thai street food in outdoor markets
- You can explore the city of Bangkok early in the morning and avoid it in the afternoon time
April
April is the hottest month out of all the other months in the year. The one thing that helped me to survive the heat during this month was drinking tons of water and applying sunscreen almost every hour. The temperature is usually high during the day with thunderstorms and slight rainfall in the evening time.
What made our stay in Thailand really memorable was the festival of Songkran that is celebrated in Thailand during this month. It is generally not so crowded during this time.
Things to do in the month of April
- Experience Songkran, the traditional new year festival. Here there is water fight and it is believed that water removes all the negative energy from the body
- You can head to beaches and island
- Seek air-conditioned indoor attractions in cities.
May
May is the end of summer and the beginning of the Monsoon season. It will be hot during the day time and raining in the evening time. Thailand temperature ranges from 26.3C to 33C. Although you will find sun and rain both during this month, you can still enjoy the city attraction and charm of Thailand.
We did witness the sea in the Andaman coast go wild and rough. Our trips to certain places were cancelled due to the rough weather. Since it is the beginning of the rainy season you will not find many people here but you will get better deals on flights and accommodation.
Things to do in the month of May
- Explore Bangkok’s indoor attractions, malls, and nightlife.
- Enjoy lush, green landscapes in national parks.
- Indulge in the Traditional Thai massage.
June
I personally like the weather in Thailand in the month of June. It is the start of the monsoon season with slight and regular showers in the afternoon. You will feel like you have reached heaven because you will be surrounded by lush greenery all around you.
I was mesmerised with the scenic waterfall that was full till the brim. The Andaman coast usually receives heavy rainfall. Few places in the Andaman coast are closed during this period. Since it is the rainy season people don’t prefer to visit during this time. However you get the best deals during the rainy season.
Things to Do in the month of June
- Visit Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao for relatively better beach weather.
- Explore temples and cultural sites in Chiang Mai, enjoying the less crowded atmosphere.
- Visit Khao Sok National Park for lush rainforest scenery.
July
July is the same as June with heavy downpours in the afternoon time. However July receives the maximum amount of rain compared to the other months. The weather in Thailand can vary depending upon the region in the month of July. Despite the rain Thailand does receive a fair amount of sunshine for about 6 hours in a day
The Andaman coast remains impacted with the rain. Some of the major places during this time remain closed. Temperatures drop slightly throughout Thailand on July 28 – 29°C.Since it is the rainy season there is less crowd but super deals to visit Thailand.
Things to Do in Thailand in the month of July
- Explore the Gulf Coast islands.
- Discover cultural sites like Ayutthaya and Sukhothai with fewer tourists.
- Enjoy temple visits and cooking classes.
August
August is also one of the peak seasons of monsoon. You will experience high rainfall and there will be high humidity making you feel hotter than it really is. The temperature in the month of August falls between 24°C to 32°C.
Since it is the rainy season people normally do not prefer to visit Thailand during this time. But you get awesome deals and packages during this time. And not to mention Thailand is adorned with lush greenery all around it and it looks like a real beauty standing tall amidst the heavy rainfall.
Things to Do in the month of August
- Ideal for exploring national parks like Khao Sok, where rain makes the landscape vibrant and waterfalls powerful.
- Experience city life in Bangkok.
- Enjoy the lush scenery of Northern Thailand.
September
It is the wettest month for Thailand. However, different regions in Thailand have different experiences. While in the Andaman coast you will find wild sea and most places are closed but on the other hand the Gulf coast remains dry. The temperature usually falls between 25°C to 32°C .
However since it is the rainy season, people tend to avoid visiting the place during this time. But if you do not mind slight rain then there is no better month than the month of September. Just make sure to pack some warm clothing if planning to visit Thailand in September.
Things to Do in the month of September
- Explore indoor attractions in Bangkok.
- Take cooking classes or visit museums.
- If adventurous, enjoy the lush greenery and fewer crowds in national parks.
October
October embarks the dry season in Thailand. There is a decrease in rainfall especially towards the end of the month. The humidity level remains the same .During October, the temperatures in Thailand range from around 24°C in the northern and central regions to about 28°C.
The sea in the Andaman coast calms down and the north region experiences cool weather. Since the rainy season has almost stopped and the cold and dry season settles down, people start their plan to visit Thailand during this time.
Things to Do in the month of October
- Andaman Coast starts to become viable again for beaches.
- Explore cities and cultural sites with improving weather.
- Potentially experience the tail end of the Vegetarian Festival.
November
It is officially the beginning of the cool and dry season with a pleasant drop in temperature and reduced rainfall. The weather is excellent all across the country. The decrease in humidity and increase in the temperature provides a conducive environment for sightseeing and enjoying the scenic landscape.
The average temperature here ranges between 23°C – 29°C. Since the weather clears up and you can now see the blue skies so does the tourist now start flocking into the land of smiles. However the prices of most things like the transportation , flight and hotel accommodation.
Things to Do in the month of November
- You can go to the beaches, island hopping, diving, city exploration and trekking.
- Attend Loy Krathong & Yi Peng, two of Thailand’s most magical and photogenic festivals.
December
My visit to Thailand in the month of December was awesome .The weather during This time was cool and dry . All the regions have a ubiquitous climate in December. with sunny days and comfortably cool evenings. The temperature in December is usually between 28°C to 30°C.
Since it’s the festive season with Christmas and New Year celebrations, the country tends to be a bit more crowded compared to other months—but the vibrant atmosphere adds to the charm.
Things to Do in the month of December
- You can participate in all the activities like diving, sightseeing, trekking and hiking
- Enjoy festive decorations and events in major cities..
Best Time by Interests
Beach & Island Hopping – For beach hopping, the best month to travel would be from November – April in the Andaman coast while in the Gulf coast the best time to travel would be from February to September .
Cultural & City Exploration: For Cultural and city exploration, the ebay time to visit would be from September – December.
Trekking & Nature: The best month for Trekking and nature would be from November – February.
Diving & Snorkeling: For diving and Snorkeling the ebay month would be from November – April in the Andaman Sea and Similian island while it is generally good throughout the year in the gulf coast.
Budget Travel: If you want to travel on budget then travelling from May – october would be the best month.
Avoiding Crowds: To avoid the crowd you can travel during May, June, September, and October.
Festivals Enthusiasts: If you want to participate in the festival then you can come in the month of April (Songkran) and November (Loy Krathong/Yi Peng).
Tips for Traveling in Any Season
- Carry light breathable clothes, rain gear for wet season; proper footwear.
- Stay hydrated in thailand weather specially during summers.
- Be flexible especially during the rainy season, have backup plans.
- Book your tickets in advance especially during the peak season
- Rain showers are often short so enjoy the lushness.
- Consider taking the travel insurance. It is essential especially if you are traveling during monsoon season.
Conclusion
Thailand is an evergreen place which you can travel throughout the year depending on your comfort level. Each season has its own charm and beauty in the different regions of Thailand. Now that you know the country so well, when are you planning your trip to Thailand? And if you are ready to travel then explore some of our Thailand tour packages.
