Timing Your Thai Adventure: Best Time to Visit Thailand

Thailand is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and warm hospitality. From bustling metropolises like Bangkok to the serene Thailand islands, Thailand offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers. Visiting ancient temples, enjoying the vibrant street markets, and trying out the world-class food in Thailand are just some of the things to do in Thailand. 

Before your Thailand trip, you must apply for a visa.

Time in Thailand: what is the weather like?

The weather in Thailand is primarily influenced by the monsoon zone in Southeast Asia. The coastal breeze helps the weather, which is quite moderate even in the summer.

The weather in Thailand corresponds to a tropical climate with three seasons:

• Rainy season: from May to October. September and October are the two months with the most rainfall. During the rainy season, the weather is dominated by the southwest monsoon which brings warm humid air, high humidity and rain. Rain tends to happen during short bursts of an hour or two in the afternoon or overnight. The low season in Bangkok goes from June to November. While it's not the ideal time to visit due to the frequent showers and high humidity, it can still be an option for travelers, especially for budget-conscious individuals.
• Dry season: from November to April. The high season spans from November to February. During those months, the weather is cooler and less humid. The cool season is one of the best time of year to travel to Thailand and specially to the west coast, such as Phuket Thailand, Krabi and the Ko Phi Phi islands.
• Hot season: from April to June. This season is characterized by high temperatures and humidity, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C (86°F to 104°F). In places like Chiang Mai average temperatures peak at around 37ºC in April and, with minimal breeze and little rainfall, it can be a more difficult time to travel to Thailand. The hot season is less pronounced in the south of the country with temperatures peaking closer to 33ºC. 

Best time to visit Thailand

The best time to visit Thailand is between November and March because you can enjoy the gorgeous scenery and all kinds of outdoor activities without high temperatures, but neither cold weather. Temperatures during those months can range from 84°F to 97°F and there is low humidity. However, the climate varies throughout the country, so you can visit all year round.

If you want to explore the beaches on the west coast like Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Similan Islands, and Krab, the best time to go to Thailand is between November and March. Then, you will find calmer seas, and fewer visitors, which will give you more space to enjoy the ocean.

We recommend avoiding April because of the heat and August and September if you don't like rain. Nevertheless, during those months you can enjoy reasonable prices and less-crowded beaches and temples.

During the wet season, it doesn't rain all day long, so you could find some sunny days to enjoy. However, there's a good chance you won't be allowed to dive or go island hopping because of the strong waves.

Weather in Thailand by month

In the following section of the article, we are going to present you what to expect each month and the best months to visit Thailand.

Weather in Thailand in January

The weather in Thailand in January is nice since there is little chance of rain and it is not too cold. Temperatures can range from  20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). It is a good time in Thailand to go sightseeing in the cities and to enjoy some beachy holidays with diving and snorkeling. 

Weather in Thailand in February 

The weather in Thailand in February is hot and dry in general terms. Temperatures can range from  22°C to 32°C (72°F to 90°F).

You can expect a few showers on Thailand's east coast toward the start of the month, but there are some beautiful islands and beaches to go to. Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak will offer you all kinds of water activities and enjoy ideal conditions. 

Weather in Thailand in March

The Weather in Thailand in March is hotter than previous months. You can expect temperatures rising to 31ºC and the colder weather in the north disappearing. You can go anywhere in the country to enjoy some of the best beaches in Thailand.

Weather in Thailand in April 

More excellent weather during April. It is the hottest month with temperatures ranging from 29°C to 34°C. Be sure to book your accommodations far in advance to get the best choice of hotels. 

For beach lovers, you are almost guaranteed some blue skies and clear seas. Staying in a beach resort will be at least 4 or 5°C cooler than in Bangkok or Chiang Mai.  

Weather in Thailand in May

May is a  great month to visit Thailand as prices are lower following the peak season. The weather is more rainy than previous months, since it begins Thailand rainy season. Nevertheless, temperatures range from  28°C to 34°C

For the majority of the month very little rain is expected, but for guaranteed sunshine on the beach, stick to the east coast. Additionally, the weather in Bangkok and other cities in May starts to get extremely humid. Koh Samui is better than Phuket and Krabi to go because rainfall during May is much lower on the Gulf of Thailand than on the Andaman Coast.

Thailand weather in June

Thailand's weather in June is dry and hot. Therefore, June is a good time to visit, allowing you to catch the last of the dry weather and avoid the crowds. You can expect to find temperatures around 30ºC and lower prices and more quietness. 

Thailand can expect an average of 15 to 22 days of rain in June. However, the rain is usually short-lived, occurring in short bursts in the afternoon or evening. For beachgoers, Ko Samui and Hua Hin are the best destinations as they are not so affected by the rains.

Thailand weather in July

Temperatures start to drop a little as wind and rain becomes more common toward the end of the month. The Thailand weather in July is wet with temperatures that range from 25°C to 32°C. The sun is still out on the east coast beaches (Koh Samui, Koh Tao, etc.), but the southern islands are affected by the monsoon in July, which brings heavy rains and turbulent waves to the west coast.

Thailand weather in August

The rain is widespread across Thailand in August, therefore Thailand weather in August is wet. It is especially rainy in the north of the country where heavy rainfall is common. It still remains quite hot with temperatures that can surpass 30ºC.

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. Though there are some brief rains, it is much better than the other side of the peninsula in Phuket, Krabi, Koh Chang, and the Phi Phi Islands. 

Thailand weather in September

September is usually the wettest month of the year, so it's not ideal for beach goers. Temperatures can range from 25°C to 31°C. However, those seeking a low season bargain and no crowds can still enjoy a worthwhile exploration at this time of year.

Destinations like Bangkok offer travelers plenty to do and see, even when it's raining outside. Koh Samui is recommended for beach holidays in September as it is less affected by the rains.

Weather in Thailand in October 

The weather in Thailand in October is rainy and temperatures begin to drop. Although it is rainy, the rains begin to stop. However, the more comfortable cooler temperatures (30ºC as a maximum) and lower humidity, along with less chance of rain at the end of the month, make October a good month to travel. Remember that at the end of October is when Koh Samui begins its peak rainy season.

Weather in Thailand in November

The weather in Thailand in November is one of the best weathers of Thailand: rain and heat begging to go. Thailand in November has temperatures ranging from 24°C to 31°C.

You can venture out without any worries of getting drenched, except on the east coast, which receives a massive half a meter of rain in November. Islands on the Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi Island, Similan Islands, etc.) are ideal places to go with only moderate rainfall.

Bangkok and Chiang Mai, with low rainfall, are the most popular cities in November for the Thailand Lantern Festivals. Down below, we explain some of the most important events and festivals to enjoy in Thailand.

Thailand weather in December

Visiting Thailand in December is considered one of the best time to travel to Thailand since the weather is cool and you can enjoy the festivities of Christmas and New Year. 

We recommend booking your trip to Thailand as soon as possible. The earlier you book it the better. Popular hotels are usually booked up 3-6 months in advance. 

Best time to visit Thailand for events and festivals

Thailand is a country full of festivals and events. Therefore you can visit the country anytime and expect to see some kind of festival. Nevertheless, there are a few months where the most important events take place.

• Songkran (water festival) between the 13 and 15 of April. This is one of the biggest, longest and most fun festivals in Thailand when there is a 3-day water fight through the whole country. 
• Loy Krathong in November. Although it is a festival predominantly celebrated by southwestern Thai cultures, it has become widely known. Decorated baskets are hand-made using banana tree trunks, bread or styrofoam and floated along a river as locals make a wish.
• Yi Peng Festival in November. It is a festival where participants release thousands of rice-paper lanterns into the sky from the Peng River. There are also parades, religious ceremonies, fireworks and the releasing of paper floats in the river.
• Vegetarian Festival in late September or October. It is a nine-day festival that celebrates the Chinese belief that abstinence from meat during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar in honor of the Nine Emperor Gods of Taoism will obtain good health. We recommend you to experience this festival in Phuket. 
• The Chinese New Year in January or February. You should definitely travel to Bangkok's Chinatown to see the dragons, drummers, worshippers, and visitors, all under the glow of firecrackers and red lanterns. 
• Chiang Mai Flower Festival in February. This is a three-day festival that features a parade and colorful displays of chrysanthemums and the Damask Rose — a variety found only in Chiang Mai.

Is Thailand safe?

In Thailand safety is not a huge concern for traveling around. Some general tips are: 

• Keep an eye on your belongings
• Do not talk badly about the royal family and the currency of the country (which shows a picture of the king)
• Be aware that there is a risk of motorcycle accidents
• Avoid these areas: the provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla in southern Thailand and the borders shared with Myanmar and Cambodia.