Best Time to Visit Thailand: Month-by-Month Weather Guide

Best Time to Visit Thailand

The short answer: November through February is peak season with the best overall weather. But Thailand is a year-round destination, and the "best" time depends on where you are going, what you want to do, and how you feel about crowds and rain. This guide breaks it down month by month so you can plan with confidence. For a deeper dive into temperatures, rainfall charts, and regional forecasts, check our full Thailand weather guide.

Key Takeaways

Question	Key Answer
When is the best time to visit Thailand overall?	November to February during the cool season -- perfect weather, low humidity, and ideal for island hopping and city exploration
What is the cheapest time to visit?	June to October during the rainy season offers the lowest prices for flights, hotels, and tours -- see our backpacker budget guide
Can you still visit islands in the monsoon?	Yes -- the Gulf islands like Koh Samui and Koh Tao have calmer weather when the Andaman coast is wet
When is the best island hopping season?	December to April for the Andaman Sea (Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe); January to August for the Gulf -- explore all islands
When are the major festivals?	Songkran (Thai New Year) in April and Loy Krathong (floating lanterns) in November -- both celebrated nationwide including Bangkok and Chiang Mai
Do I need a visa?	Most nationalities get 60 days visa-free; check our Thailand visa guide for full details
What should I pack for rainy season?	A lightweight rain jacket, waterproof phone case, and quick-dry clothing -- see our practical travel tips for a full packing list

1. Thailand's Three Seasons

Thailand does not have the four seasons you might be used to. Instead, the year divides into three distinct seasons, each offering a different travel experience. Understanding these seasons is essential for planning the best time to visit Thailand for your priorities. For detailed temperature and rainfall data by month, visit our weather page.

Hot Season (March - May)

• Temperatures regularly hit 35-40+C, with April being the hottest month
• Humidity is high and the heat can be exhausting, especially in Bangkok
• Lower tourist numbers and better hotel deals
• Songkran (Thai New Year water festival) in April is a major highlight -- the biggest festival in the country
• Great time for Gulf coast beaches like Koh Samui and Koh Phangan
• Stay connected on the go with a Thailand eSIM -- no need to hunt for SIM card shops in the heat

Rainy Season (June - October)

• The southwest monsoon brings daily rain showers, usually in the afternoon
• Rain is heavy but short -- expect 1-2 hours of downpour followed by sunshine
• Lush green landscapes and waterfalls at their best
• Lowest prices for accommodation and flights -- ideal for budget travellers
• Some Andaman Sea islands (Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lipe) have reduced ferry services -- check transport options before booking
• Consider travel insurance for rainy season trips, especially if booking ferries and flights

Cool Season (November - February)

• The most comfortable weather: 25-32C with lower humidity
• Clear skies and calm seas on both coasts
• Peak season -- highest prices and biggest crowds
• Ideal for beach holidays, island hopping, and outdoor activities
• The best island hopping season runs through this entire period -- see our island hopping guide for routes and tips
• Perfect weather for exploring Chiang Mai and northern Thailand on foot

2. Month-by-Month Guide

January

Weather: Cool and dry across the country. One of the best months overall. Best for: Beaches, island hopping, city exploration in Bangkok and Chiang Mai Crowds: Peak season -- book accommodation and ferries in advance Events: New Year celebrations carry into early January

February

Weather: Dry and pleasant. Slightly warmer than January. Best for: Andaman islands (Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, Koh Lanta), northern trekking Crowds: Still peak season but slightly less intense than December-January Events: Chinese New Year celebrations in Bangkok's Chinatown and Phuket

March

Weather: Hot season begins. Temperatures climb to 33-37C. Best for: Northern Thailand before it gets too hot, Gulf islands like Koh Samui and Koh Tao Crowds: Shoulder season -- prices start dropping Events: Makha Bucha Day (Buddhist holiday, exact date varies)

April

Weather: The hottest month. Expect 35-40C+, especially in the central plains. Best for: Songkran celebrations, water activities Crowds: Songkran week (13-15 April) is extremely busy domestically Events: Songkran -- Thailand's biggest festival. Massive water fights in every city. The Thai food scene is at its best during festival season with special dishes and street food stalls everywhere.

Pro Tip: Songkran in Chiang Mai is the most famous and lasts nearly a week. Bangkok's Khao San Road and Silom Road are also legendary. Protect your electronics in waterproof bags -- you will get soaked. Read our practical travel tips for more advice on surviving Songkran.

May

Weather: Rainy season starts on the Andaman coast. Gulf coast still mostly dry. Best for: Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan Crowds: Low season begins -- great deals everywhere Events: Visakha Bucha Day (Buddha's birthday, most sacred Buddhist holiday)

June

Weather: Rain increases across the country. Andaman Sea can be rough. Best for: Gulf islands (calmer seas), northern Thailand including Chiang Mai (cooler than April-May) Crowds: Low season -- very few tourists Events: Quiet month festival-wise. A great time to enjoy Thai food without the crowds.

July

Weather: Peak of the rainy season in many areas. Daily downpours. Best for: Cultural experiences, cooking classes, spa days between rain showers Crowds: Very low -- you will have temples and attractions to yourself Events: Asanha Bucha and start of Buddhist Lent (Khao Phansa)

August

Weather: Similar to July. Heavy rain on the Andaman coast; Gulf coast fares better. Best for: Koh Samui and Gulf islands, Chiang Mai (green and lush) Crowds: Low season. Excellent value. Events: Queen's Birthday / Mother's Day (12 August)

September

Weather: The wettest month, especially on the Andaman coast. Occasional flooding in low-lying areas. Best for: Budget travellers who do not mind rain, cultural tourism in Bangkok Crowds: Lowest of the year -- check our budget backpacker guide for money-saving tips Events: The Vegetarian Festival in Phuket (late Sep/early Oct) -- dramatic and unique

October

Weather: Rain starts to ease, especially in the second half. Transition month. Best for: Late-month Andaman trips as weather improves, Koh Phangan Full Moon Party Crowds: Starting to pick up toward month's end Events: End of Buddhist Lent (Ok Phansa), Loy Krathong preparations

November

Weather: Cool season begins. Rain stops on the Andaman coast. Beautiful weather. Best for: Island hopping on both coasts, outdoor activities, diving around Koh Tao and Koh Lipe Crowds: High season begins -- book ahead for popular islands via ferry and transport Events: Loy Krathong -- one of Thailand's most magical festivals. Floating lanterns and krathong (decorated floats) on rivers and canals. Chiang Mai's Yi Peng lantern festival often coincides.

December

Weather: Cool, dry, and perfect across most of the country. Best for: Everything -- beaches on Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, temples, trekking near Chiang Mai, city exploration in Bangkok Crowds: Peak season. Christmas and New Year bring the highest prices and biggest crowds. Events: King's Birthday / Father's Day (5 Dec), Christmas and New Year celebrations

3. Regional Differences

Thailand's weather is not uniform. Here is how the regions compare:

Region	Best Months	Avoid
Bangkok & Central	Nov - Feb	Apr (extreme heat)
Northern (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai)	Nov - Feb	Mar - Apr (burning season haze)
Gulf Coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao)	Jan - Aug	Oct - Nov (storms)
Andaman Coast (Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, Koh Lanta)	Nov - Apr	May - Oct (monsoon)

The key takeaway: the Gulf and Andaman coasts have opposite seasons. When one side is rainy, the other is often fine. This means there is almost always a good beach destination in Thailand regardless of when you visit. Browse all our island guides to find the right match for your dates.

A Note on Northern Thailand's Burning Season

From late February through April, farmers in northern Thailand and neighbouring countries burn agricultural fields. This creates a thick haze that blankets Chiang Mai and surrounding areas. Air quality can reach unhealthy levels. If you are sensitive to air quality or have respiratory issues, avoid northern Thailand during this period. Check our weather page for air quality updates and our practical travel tips for advice on dealing with haze season.

4. Festival Calendar Quick Reference

Festival	When	Where
Chinese New Year	Jan/Feb	Bangkok, Phuket
Songkran	13-15 April	Nationwide (best in Chiang Mai and Bangkok)
Visakha Bucha	May (full moon)	Nationwide
Vegetarian Festival	Sep/Oct	Phuket
Loy Krathong	November (full moon)	Nationwide
Yi Peng Lanterns	November	Chiang Mai

5. Which Time Is Best for You?

Traveller Type	Best Time
First-time visitor	November - February (cool season, peak season)
Budget backpacker	May - October (rainy season = lowest prices)
Beach lover	December - March (best island hopping season)
Diver	March - May (best visibility around Koh Tao and Koh Lipe)
Festival enthusiast	April (Songkran) or November (Loy Krathong)
Digital nomad	Year-round (avoid burning season in the north)
Street food fanatic	November - February (comfortable weather for night markets)

6. Final Thoughts

There is no truly bad time to visit Thailand. Peak season (November-February) offers the most predictable weather, but low season brings lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more authentic experience. The rain during monsoon months is rarely an all-day affair, and a thunderstorm can be one of the most dramatic things to watch from a beachside bar.

No matter when you go, make sure you have the right travel insurance, a reliable eSIM for staying connected, and a clear picture of the visa requirements for your nationality. Check our transport guide for getting between destinations, and browse our practical travel tips for everything else you need to know before you land.

Start planning your trip with our Thailand island hopping guide or explore Thai street food to start building your must-eat list. For city-specific advice, dive into our guides for Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi.