May marks the transition from cool and dry weather to sunny and warm days in Thailand. It is the beginning of the summer season. The average temperature in Thailand is about 29°C to 35°C. The humidity level is also high which can make travelling to Thailand really uncomfortable. There is minimum to no rainfall that occurs in Thailand in the month of May. It is best to explore the city in the early morning hours when there is less crowd and less sunshine.
What’s the weather like in Thailand in May?
The weather is hot and humid in the month of May, making it a great time to consider a Thailand tour package. You will get to experience soaring high temperatures, high levels of humidity and minimal rainfall during this month. The average temperature during the day time is between 29°C to 35°C. At night also the weather is quite pleasant and humid with an average temperature of about 23°C. The weather might differ from one region to another. The central and northern Thailand is relatively warmer and sunny. The southeast and southwestern regions remain cooler because of the sea breeze and also receives slight rainfall in the month of May.
May is the best time to visit Thailand as you will find pleasant weather, festivals and less crowd as compared to other months. Most of the outdoor activities which were closed during the rainy season are now operational.
Weather in Other Months
What to Expect in April?
Average daily temperatures in May
The average temperature during the daytime ranges between 29°C to 35°C. At night the temperature drops drastically to 23°C. The weather all across Thailand is hot and humid which makes travelling to Thailand a little uncomfortable. Central Thailand (Bangkok, Ayutthaya) has an average temperature of about 26.3°C to 33°C. Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai) has an average temperature of about 28°C. Southern Thailand (Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak) has a much cooler temperature of about 23°C.
Sunshine
There is abundance of sunshine in the month of may as it is the hottest month as compared to the other months. There is on average about 9 – 10 hours of sunshine which makes travelling to Thailand a little difficult. It is best to stay hydrated and carry lightweight clothes as the temperature can go up to 40°C. The ideal time to go for sightseeing and Island hopping would be in the morning when the climate is pleasant and cooler than in the afternoon time.
Rainfall
There is minimal rainfall during the month of May, especially at the start of the month. Thailand receives less than 20 mm of rainfall in the month of May. The amount of rainfall may vary from one region to another. Southern and the west coast still receives a slight rainfall as compared to the Northern and east coast. It is best to carry an umbrella and raincoat if you are travelling to Thailand.
Is May a good time to visit Thailand?
It is best to visit Thailand in the start of May and avoid visiting the place towards the end of may as it marks the beginning of the rainy season. However, for those who want to travel at an affordable rate and enjoy less crowds, it is better to travel during the end of the month. Central Thailand like Bangkok receives sudden downpours and has high humidity. The Andaman coast (like Phuket and Krabi) can experience rough seas, but the Gulf Coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) generally has better weather. Overall if you are okay with the rain and want to avoid the crowd then it is the best month to travel.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Thailand in May
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| If you are planning a trip to the beaches then it is the best time as you will experience cool breeze as compared to other regions of Thailand which are really hot. | It marks the beginning of rainy season which can disrupt your travelling experience. |
| Since it is the hottest month most people avoid travelling to Thailand during May which makes May a favourable month to travel if you want to experience less crowd. | The beach condition is not really good which can impact the beach activities and water sports. |
| Rainy season is over and you will be able to enjoy most of the activities as the places are all open and operational. | It is also the hottest month of the year which can make travelling to outdoor places a little uncomfortable. |
| The price of almost everything is low as compared to other months as it also marks the beginning of rainy season. | It might not be safe to travel as the roads might not be in good condition due to the heavy downpour specially in the Central and Northern region of Thailand. |
All Your Questions Answered
The weather in Thailand is hot during the month of May.
No, it does not rain a lot in the month of May but you will witness rain towards the end of the month.
In May, the east coast of Thailand, particularly the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, offers the best weather with sunny skies and minimal rain.
It is preferable to carry light breathable clothes and is best to carry an umbrella or raincoat.
No, Thailand is not crowded during May.
Yes, it is a good time for tourists to visit Thailand in May if they can handle high temperatures and rainfall during the end of the month. It is best for tourists to stay hydrated and carry light weight clothes.
