Best Time to Visit

Welcoming more than 10 million visitors annually, Thailand offers myriad experiences all year round, with the country’s different seasons providing diverse backdrops for a host of activities. 

The rainy season from June through October, for instance, sees short cloudbursts and hot, humid temperatures (as well as lush landscapes and thinner crowds). The festival of Loi Krathong, which takes place on the full moon in November, marks the end of the wet season and the beginning of the cool, dry season, which is considered ideal for visitors.

March through May, regarded as Thailand’s summer, is sunny and very hot, ideal for days on the beach.

Speak to one of our Destination Specialists about when and where you should go.
 

Understanding Thailand's Seasons

November through March typically sees cool, dry conditions throughout Thailand, making it peak travel season. The highest prices and biggest crowds are experienced at this time.

Considered Thailand’s summer, March through May can be rather hot even by local standards. This is the best time to hit the beach.

For much of the country, June is the beginning of the monsoon or rainy season, though this can vary from region to region. It typically lasts until October—and offers bargain hunters the best values of the year.  

The Best Times to Visit Thailand According to Your Interests

Renowned for its beaches, Thailand welcomes sun seekers from around the world. From December through April, the Andaman coast (home to such islands as Phuket and Phi Phi) sees throngs of visitors, while the beaches on the Gulf of Thailand (at places like Hua Hin or Koh Samui) fill up from January through March. 

For those looking to explore Thailand’s bustling cities or historic temples, the drier, cooler months between November and February are ideal. Northern mountain regions (best explored from Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai) can be chilly at this time, but adventurers are rewarded with prime hiking conditions. 

For those who can tolerate humidity, March and April offer travellers a nearly empty Bangkok, providing a world-class city with fewer crowds and easier access to dining, accommodation, and attractions.

The entire country celebrates in mid-April during Songkran, the Thai New Year. Dancing in the streets, water fights, and a fevered sense of joyous revelry greet visitors during this special time.

The Loi Krathong festival (also known as Yi Peng) takes place on the full moon of November and officially marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season. Locals place lanterns or candles on makeshift rafts in the hope of floating away their sins and beginning the high season with a clear conscience. 

Regional Highlights to Plan Your Thailand Trip Around

Although Thailand’s monsoon season is not as marked as some of its neighbours in South and Southeast Asia, the variations in climate are felt differently from region to region. The mountainous northern region differs from the southern region and even the south is split into two distinct climate zones.

During the cool dry season between December and February, the north may see dustings of frost in the mountains. During the Thai summer in March and April, though, temperatures can soar in the north. With the onset of the rainy season in September, the northeast sees swollen rivers and cascading waterfalls, making it especially scenic.

The southern area of Thailand experiences different rainy seasons on each of its coasts. The west coast (where islands as Phuket and Phi Phi are located) experiences its wetter season from May to October, while the east coast (site of Hua Hin and Koh Samui) sees wet weather in September and October.

Let the Seasons Shape Your Thailand Trip

To make the most of your time in Thailand, link the must-dos on your agenda with when you plan to visit. The most popular time for beach visits or city exploring, for instance, is the cooler and drier season from November through March. Other adventures, such as foodie tours or wellness getaways, can be had during the off-season. Speak to one of our Destination Specialists today to determine the right season for you.

FAQs

• When is the best time to visit Thailand for comfortable weather and festivals?
  • The best time to visit Thailand for near-perfect weather conditions is between November and March during the dry season. However, we suggest you avoid the Christmas and New Year period as this is the peak season with tourists crowds and high prices. If you must travel at this time please book early.
• How does Thailand’s monsoon season affect travel plans?
  • Thailand's monsoon season, typically from June to October, can disrupt travel by causing heavy rain, high humidity, and rough seas. However, this season also offers benefits like fewer crowds and lower prices. To mitigate the effects, visitors can focus on indoor activities like exploring museums and temples, seeking out destinations with less rain (like the east coast or the northern regions), and preparing for intermittent storms rather than constant downpours.
• What regions of Thailand have different peak seasons?
  • Thailand's regions have different peak seasons due to varied monsoon patterns, with the northern and central regions having a cooler, drier high season from November to February. The western coast of the south (the Andaman Coast) also has its high season during this time, while the eastern coast (the Gulf of Thailand) experiences its heaviest rainfall in October and November, making the peak season there shift to roughly April to September.

• What are the benefits of visiting Thailand during the shoulder seasons?

  • Visiting Thailand during the shoulder seasons (typically May to early June and late October to early December) offers lower prices for flights and accommodation, fewer crowds, and lush green landscapes. This "sweet spot" provides a more relaxed experience with potential for unique local events and is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who don't mind occasional rain showers.