What’s the weather like in Thailand?
Thailand is an incredible country in Southeast Asia known for its rich culture, stunning scenery, and delicious food. It has a tropical climate and warm weather year-round, making it a popular destination for those looking to escape the colder climates at home.
Though the country is generally hot and humid, the weather can vary depending on the region and time of year you visit. For example, Pai is much cooler than other destinations because of its higher elevation. Generally, the weather in Thailand is characterized by three seasons: the wet, the cool, and the hot season.
Hot Season
Instead of dry, Thailand sees a hot season (known as rue-du-ron in Thai), a period during the year when temperatures surge to over 30 degrees.
- This season typically runs from March to May, with temperatures averaging 30 – 35 degrees Celcius throughout the country. April is known as the hottest month in Thailand.
- Humidity spikes during this time, making it sometimes feel even hotter.
- The high temperatures are most noticeable in the country’s north, with locations such as Chiang Mai being the hottest (up to 37 °C). Chiang Rai is slightly cooler.
- In the south and coastal areas, the hot season is less pronounced, with temperatures approaching 33 °C in places such as Phuket. The sea breezes provide natural air-con, and skies are guaranteed to be clear blue.
Rainy Season
Thailand thanks its lush tropical scenery to the rainy (monsoon) season, known as rue-du-fon, immediately following the heat.
- This season typically starts at the end of May and runs till October/November, with the heaviest rainfall in September/October.
- Temperatures slightly drop, but the season brings in warm, humid air from the Indian Ocean, leaving humidity levels high.
- While it can rain heavily at times, it doesn’t rain the entire day (just a few hours in the afternoon). The rest of the day is sunny, leaving plenty of room to relax on beautiful beaches and stroll through cities like Bangkok.
Note that the east coast of Thailand, including Koh Samui and Koh Tao, experiences the monsoon season at another time during the year. This area sees frequent rainfall between October and December, with the heaviest rain during August/September. This means you can alternate between destinations during different seasons.
- The cool season in Thailand usually runs from November to February, having lots of fresh air and less humidity.
- The weather conditions change because the northeast monsoon season changes the wind direction, bringing in cool, dry air and less rainfall.
- The Andaman Sea is the calmest during this period, making it a great time to visit beautiful beach locations such as Phuket, Krabi, and the Phi Phi islands.
- The Gulf Coast of Thailand experiences its monsoon season during this period.
Tip: Avoid visiting northern locations such as Chiang Mai between January – March, as they experience the so-called ‘burning season’. During this time, there’s a lot of pollution in the air from fires being burned on neighboring farmland.
The low tourism season in Thailand runs between July and October when most of the country sees frequent rainfall. Prices during this time are often lower, and the crowds are much smaller. Because of the weather, some locations (like small islands) shut down, and boat services are limited.
Best Time to Visit Thailand
Whether you’re looking to relax on soft sand beaches with views over the turquoise seas or dive deep into the rich Thai culture by exploring hilltop temples, there are many incredible things to do in Thailand.
Best Time to Visit Thailand for Beaches and Relaxation
Thailand is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. With pristine white sand and limestone karsts that tower out of crystal-clear waters, they make the perfect place to relax. Phuket, Koh Samui, the Similan Islands, and Krabi are all incredible and popular locations for a fair share of sun, sand, and gorgeous water.
The best time to visit Thailand for beach time is between November and February (the cool season). During this period, the weather conditions are better and the seas calmer, making it perfect for all kinds of water activities. Diving and snorkeling on Thailand’s west coast are at their best during these months, especially in January.
Thailand’s east coast is good to visit between July and September when the rest of the country sees the monsoon season. Relax under clear blue skies with a fresh coconut in hand, and watch as the gentle waves of the sea hit ashore.
Must-read: Koh Lipe, Thailand’s paradise island
Surfing in Thailand
Did you know that you can go surfing in Thailand? Though it’s no comparison to surf meccas Bali or Costa Rica, there are a few locations in the Land of Smiles that are beautiful to practice the sport.
Two locations in the country see a bit of a surf scene: Koh Phayam and Phuket, both in the Andaman Sea. The monsoon season (May – October) brings in consistent onshore winds, creating reliable breaks on the Thai coastline. This is the best time to visit Thailand if you’re looking to catch some waves.
Tip: Visit the stunning location of Koh Lanta if you prefer a more relaxed time on the water. This is known as a great kayak or SUP spot.
Best Time to Visit for Nature Hikes
The tropical climate of Thailand, full of dense jungle forests, soaring limestone cliffs, and beautiful palms, makes the perfect playground for nature lovers. Wander over hidden jungle paths under the lush canopy or through canyons with views over the fantastic surrounding valleys. The north of the country is especially beautiful to go on a peaceful nature hike.
November – January is the best time to visit Thailand for nature walks. The rainy season has just finished then, bringing in a cooler climate perfect for enjoying the gorgeous outdoor scenery. All the nature trails are open during this time, with less chance of rain and better visibility of the spectacular views!
Good to know: This season brings cooler temperatures. Especially at higher altitudes, the temperature can drop close to zero, so be prepared with lots of warm layers.
Discover the lush landscapes around Chiang Mai, full of blooming flower fields and incredible nature parks such as Doi Inthanon. Or, visit the mountain village of Pai while trekking the Mae Hong Son Loop, known for its brightly-colored rice paddies, natural hot springs, and incredible viewpoints.
Best Time to Visit for Festivals and Events
Besides the incredible temples across the country, such as the famous Wat Arun in Bangkok, there are many other ways to get a glimpse of Thailand’s incredible culture. Discover some of the country’s best events and traditions, from a sky or river full of lantern light to New Year’s celebrations with water fights.
Lantern Festivals
The Lantern Festival in Thailand is a unique tradition of the country and an incredible experience. During these events, thousands of lanterns are released into the sky and rivers, and musical parades fill the streets.
If you want to attend these lantern events, known as the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Festivals, visit in October-November. On the evening of Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights), the locals release floating rafts onto the water to thank the ‘Goodness of Water’.
Yi Peng is unique to Northern Thailand, especially Chiang Mai, and typically takes place around the same time as Loy Krathong (often a day before). The sky fills with lanterns during this event, covering everything in a golden-orange light. Both events take place on different days each year in November.
Thai New Year’s (Songkran Festival)
The Thai New Year’s celebration, known as the Songkran Festival, is Thailand’s biggest, longest, and most enjoyable festival. It’s a 3-day-long water fight that takes place throughout the whole country, from Bangkok to Phuket!
This festival marks the end of the dry season, full of religious ceremonies and water fights. It takes place every year from April 13th to April 15th, but it extends 5-10 more days in many places. All over the country, the streets fill with people, Buddha images, and water – a must-see when traveling through Thailand!
Did you know? The word Songkran means ‘movement’ in Thai. The Songkran event celebrated the sun’s movement into a new position (coming of rain).
The Best Months to Visit Thailand for the Fewest Crowds
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia as it offers something for every type of traveler, from backpackers to luxury travelers. During the cool season (Nov-Feb), it’s known to get busy, with bigger crowds visiting and accommodations often full.
Because of this, the best time to visit Thailand for fewer crowds is to visit during the rainy season (May-Oct). There are heavier rains during this time of the year, but they only last a couple of hours a day, leaving plenty of time to explore when the sun is out. It’s best to stay flexible if you travel during the rainy season, as weather forecast changes happen.
Cheapest Time to Travel to Thailand
Thailand is known as an affordable travel destination, with fair prices for accommodation, transportation, and tours. However, prices fluctuate throughout the year based on the season and the number of visitors. For example, in the high season, prices are known to surge due to an increase in tourism.
The most affordable time to travel to Thailand is between May and September. Though it’s hot and there’s more rainfall, prices are low, and tourists are few. Profit from big discounts on beautiful accommodations and quieter tours as you explore gorgeous Thailand. Booking a flight to Thailand is the cheapest to do in April.
Best Months to Visit Thailand Overall
Though there is no real wrong time to travel to the country as the climate varies throughout, the best months to visit Thailand are October – November. This is the end of the rainy season, providing a cooler environment, lush surroundings, and rich rice paddies. Additionally, it’s just before the high season begins (Dec-March), with lower accommodation prices and fewer visitors.
Do I Need Insurance to Visit Thailand?
No matter how long or what you plan to do on your Thailand travels, we recommend purchasing single-trip travel insurance. The country itself is safe, though unforeseen circumstances can happen – such as an injury while hiking through beautiful locations such as Pai or losing your camera in busy Bangkok.
Travel Insurance
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Do I Need a Visa for Thailand?
Most passport holders do not need a visa to enter Thailand. However, a valid passport and a ticket are required to prove that you will exit the country within 60 days.
Where to Stay in Thailand
From beachfront getaways in Krabi to luxurious villas in Chiang Mai or floating bungalows in Khao Sok National Park, there are many incredible accommodations all over Thailand. Spend a night up in the country’s lush hills, listening to the sounds of nature, or enjoy the breathtaking rooftop views from your hotel in bustling Bangkok.
Below are our favorite stays for different destinations in Thailand.
- Bangkok: Tavee Guesthouse, Elephant Hostel
- Chiang Mai: Makkachiva, i Lanna House, 18 In Town Homestay
- Chiang Rai: Baan Ga Cha Villa, Mora Boutique, Sleepy House
- Doi Inthanon: Father’s Garden, Monsonkeang, Kowit Farmstay
- Koh Lipe: Ten Moons, Mali Resort,
- Krabi: Family Tree Hotel, Golden Hotel, Hula Resort
- Pai: Pai Village Resort, Kanlaya’s Resort, Pai Princess Resort
- Phuket: Sawasdee Village, Baan Sutra Guesthouse, Dinso Resort
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