Thai-Island-Tour

Thailand Weather - The Best Time to Visit Thailand

With tropical beaches, lush islands, and dramatic mountain ranges rounding out vibrant cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Southeast Asia is at its best in this self-dubbed Land of Smiles. Instead of having a spring, summer, fall, and winter, however, Thailand experiences three marked seasons: hot, cool, and wet. Any time of year is a good time to sample its spicy eats and fresh seafood, tour the gorgeous temples, and book blissful massages—but if you're hoping to avoid the heat or crowds, it's worth knowing which season suits your visit best.

Thailand is another country with a distinct east versus west climate. The pick for us is either November, for the beautiful west coast beaches, or June, for beating the crowds and enjoying some of the country's cultural highlights with great weather.

Weather Guide for Thailand

Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Bangkok90°F0"91°F1"93°F1"95°F3"93°F7"91°F6"91°F6"90°F8"90°F13"90°F8"88°F2"88°F0"
Ayutthaya90°F0"93°F1"97°F1"97°F3"95°F6"93°F7"91°F7"90°F7"90°F11"90°F7"88°F2"88°F0"
Kanchanaburi79°F0"85°F0"89°F1"91°F3"89°F6"85°F5"83°F6"83°F7"82°F11"82°F13"79°F4"78°F0"
Chiang Mai82°F0"88°F0"93°F1"95°F2"91°F6"88°F4"86°F6"86°F7"86°F8"84°F6"84°F1"82°F1"
Sukhothai77°F1"83°F0"89°F2"91°F4"90°F9"84°F9"82°F11"81°F15"83°F14"80°F10"78°F3"76°F0"
Phuket88°F2"90°F1"91°F2"91°F6"90°F13"88°F11"88°F11"88°F11"86°F15"86°F13"86°F7"88°F3"
Koh Samui84°F7"88°F2"91°F3"93°F2"91°F5"91°F3"90°F5"90°F4"90°F5"88°F11"84°F18"84°F10"
Krabi88°F1"91°F1"93°F2"93°F6"90°F7"90°F10"90°F9"88°F9"88°F13"88°F10"86°F8"86°F3"

Month-by-month Guide to 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. 

travel-to-ayutthaya

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.

phuket-thailand

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.

 

beautiful-scenery-of-thailand

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.
songkran-festival-thailand

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.

wat-pho

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.

 

ayutthaya-thailand

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.

koh-samui

Visiting ThailandAugust

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.

 

diving-in-phuket

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.

erawan-national-park

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.

thailand-temple-tours

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.
loy-krathong-festival-in-chiang-mai

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.

chiang-mai-thailand