Visiting Laos in January
January is one of the best times to visit Laos with dry weather and pleasant temperatures, although it is cold in the north of the country especially at night. It is therefore best to wrap up during your cruise along Mekong River, early morning and at night. River level in this season is still high enough, making this a good time to take a cruise.
Visiting Laos in February
In February, Laos enjoys weather much like January's, with only a slight rise in temperature. The north remains chilly during the first half of the month, while Vientiane and Luang Prabang settle into pleasant mid-70s °F days. River levels stay favorable, making it an inviting time to explore.
Events & Festivals
- Boun Ma Kha Bu Saar, or the Full Moon Festival, honors one of Buddha's most important teachings. At temples, worshippers gather with candles in hand, joining processions and chanting prayers that light up the night in a serene display of devotion.
Visiting Laos in March
March sees the dry season deepen across Laos, with temperatures climbing steadily. In Vientiane and Luang Prabang, the mercury tops 86°F, while Pakse and the 4,000 Islands can push past 90°F. The heat can make travel in the central and southern regions tiring, so it's best to plan outdoor sightseeing early in the morning or later in the afternoon, avoiding the peak hours from 11 am to 3 pm. For relief, the higher elevations of the Bolaven Plateau offer a welcome escape from the rising temperatures. In the north, river levels continue to drop, making boat journeys more challenging, and the haze from the slash-and-burn season often hangs in the air.
Events & Festivals
- Boun Pha Vet (late March): Spanning three days and nights, this nationwide festival honors the penultimate incarnation of the Buddha. Temples retell the story through continuous recitations, drawing locals together in a deeply spiritual celebration.
- Boun Koun Khao: Rooted in the rhythm of rural life, this harvest festival takes place at village temples. It's a heartfelt occasion of gratitude for the season’s crops and a rare chance for visitors to witness traditional customs in their most authentic form.
Visiting Lao in April
April marks the end of the dry season, with only the faintest chance of rain appearing late in the month. River levels drop to their lowest, making boat travel tricky in many areas. Temperatures peak across the country, soaring to around 97°F in the south, which can make daytime travel challenging. The ongoing slash-and-burn season adds haze and smoke to both countryside and towns.
Events & Festivals
- Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year): One of Laos' liveliest and most beloved celebrations, this nationwide festival lasts several days. Streets come alive with music, parades, and joyful water fights, as locals splash scented water in a symbolic act of cleansing and renewal.
Visiting Laos in May
May ushers in the transition from dry to wet season. The first half of the month often stays dry, but by the latter weeks, rain showers are almost certain. Fortunately, these tropical downpours are short-lived, quickly giving way to clear skies and sunshine. Humidity rises as temperatures remain hot, and river levels stay low. In some regions, slash-and-burn practices continue until the rains set in.
Events & Festivals
- Boun Visakhaboucha: This sacred day honors the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing. In the early morning, devotees gather at temples to make merit, while in the evening, candlelit processions create a moving spectacle of faith and remembrance.
- Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival): Held in May or June, this spirited celebration marks the sixth lunar month and serves as a call for rain and fertility. Villages erupt with music, dancing, and laughter as locals launch homemade rockets skyward, blending devotion with festivity in a
uniquely Lao tradition.
Visiting Laos in June
June brings the arrival of the rains across much of Laos, though the north typically sees lighter showers than the rest of the country. Downpours are usually brief, giving way to stretches of sunshine, especially outside the southern regions. Temperatures remain warm, settling in the upper 80s°F.
Events & Festivals
- Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival): Held in May or June, this spirited celebration marks the sixth lunar month and serves as a call for rain and fertility. Villages erupt with music, dancing, and laughter as locals launch homemade rockets skyward, blending devotion with festivity in a uniquely Lao tradition.
Visiting Laos in July
July marks the heart of the wet season, with frequent showers and average temperatures around 86°F. The higher elevations of the Bolaven Plateau in the south offer cooler, more refreshing conditions. Rain typically falls in bursts lasting a few hours rather than all day, leaving plenty of time for exploration. By mid-month, the countryside begins to glow in lush greens, particularly across the central and southern regions. In Vientiane and Luang Prabang, expect milder days averaging 77–80°F, often under cloudy skies.
Visiting Laos in August
August is the wettest month of the year, with heavy rains sweeping across much of the country and only a few areas staying dry. Temperatures ease into the 70s°F as rivers swell again. In Luang Prabang, showers are often short and concentrated in the afternoons, leaving mornings and evenings beautifully clear—an excellent time for sightseeing. However, journeys into remote areas can become difficult due to muddy tracks and swollen rivers.
Visiting Laos in September
September carries much the same weather as August, though rainfall begins to taper off toward the end of the month. Average temperatures drop further—around 26°C (79°F) in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and 27°C (81°F) in Pakse and the southern provinces. This is one of the most scenic times to visit: the countryside is at its greenest, rice fields stretch in brilliant color, and waterfalls thunder at their peak after months of rain.
Events & Festivals
- Boun Khao Padabdin (Rice and Boat Racing Festival): This festival blends reverence and celebration. Families honor their ancestors with food offerings for monks and departed relatives, while lively boat races on the Mekong pay homage to the Nagas and water spirits.
Visiting Laos in October
October is one of the most rewarding months to visit Laos as the rains fade and clear, sunny days return. Average temperatures sit comfortably around 77°F in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and 78°F in the south. With landscapes still lush from the wet season and fewer tourists on the road, it’s an ideal time to enjoy the scenery without the crowds.
Events & Festivals
- Boun Ok Phansa (Boat Racing Festival): Held at the end of Buddhist Lent, around ten days before the October full moon, this vibrant festival features elaborately decorated boat races on the Mekong. The celebrations honor the Naga King, with festivities spilling onto the riverbanks in a spirited display of faith and community.
Visiting Laos in November
By November, Laos enjoys abundant sunshine and pleasant, dry weather. Rain is rare, yet rivers remain full, feeding flourishing wildlife and lush vegetation. With such favorable conditions, November marks the start of peak travel season—an excellent choice for experiencing Laos at its most welcoming.
Events & Festivals
- That Luang Festival & Trade Fair (November, Vientiane): One of Laos’ most significant religious events, this three-day festival draws tens of thousands of monks and pilgrims to the golden That Luang Stupa, the nation’s most sacred monument. By candlelight, worshippers offer prayers and wax candles in a moving display of devotion, while the accompanying trade fair adds a festive, communal spirit to the occasion.
Visiting Laos in December
December mirrors November with dry, sunny days and comfortable warmth—perfect conditions for exploring or enjoying a river cruise. By late month, cooler air settles over the north, especially in the evenings, adding a refreshing contrast to the tropical climate further south.