Thailand Faces Major Drought in 2026 — What Travellers Should Know

A Dry Season Worse Than Usual

Thailand's dry season runs from mid-January through mid-May every year, but 2026 is shaping up to be more severe than normal. The government has projected a national water shortage of over 4,450 million cubic metres — well below the 12,000 million cubic metres the country needs to sustain critical demand for agriculture, industry, and daily life. For context on typical seasonal patterns, see our best time to visit Thailand guide and the dedicated El Niño and heatwave travel tips for 2026.

The National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command (NDPMC) has ordered all provinces to step up drought preparedness, with a focus on securing household water reserves and surveying backup water sources.

Which Areas Are Affected

The north, northeast, and central regions are the most vulnerable. These areas rely heavily on reservoirs and major rivers that have not been replenished to sufficient levels. Provinces including Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Phitsanulok, Kanchanaburi and parts of the south are flagged for potential water scarcity.

Bangkok and major tourist islands are less directly affected, as they draw on separate water systems. However, rolling water pressure reductions are possible in some areas during peak dry months.

Will Songkran Be Affected

April is the peak of Thailand's dry season and also when Songkran — the country's famous water festival — takes place. In previous drought years, the government has issued "dry Songkran" campaigns, limiting the hours of water play or restricting high-volume water use.

No formal restrictions on Songkran 2026 water play have been announced yet, but travellers should be aware that localised water-saving measures may apply, particularly in the north and northeast. For full event coverage, see our Songkran 2026 festival guide and the nationwide celebrations across 76 provinces. The Bangkok Songkran at Khaosan Road and the S2O Songkran music festival are among the biggest events expected to proceed with safety measures in place.

What This Means for Tourists

For most tourists visiting Bangkok, the islands, or the southern beaches, the drought will have minimal day-to-day impact. Hotels and resorts maintain their own water reserves, and tap water for showers and pools will remain available.

However, travellers heading to rural areas, national parks, or northern provinces may notice:

• Lower water levels at waterfalls and rivers, including popular spots like Erawan Falls in Kanchanaburi
• Reduced flow at some hot springs and natural pools, including sites around Chiang Rai
• Haze and poor air quality in the north, partly driven by agricultural burning during the dry season — relevant if you are visiting Chiang Mai or Khao Yai National Park
• Higher temperatures than usual, potentially exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in some inland areas

Tips for Travelling During the Drought

• Stay hydrated. Carry water at all times, especially outside major cities. Check our Thailand budget guide for current costs including bottled water.
• Check national park conditions before visiting. Some waterfalls may be reduced to a trickle in March and April. Our camping in Thailand national parks guide lists the parks most affected by seasonal conditions.
• Be respectful of water use in rural communities where supplies may be limited.
• If visiting Chiang Mai or the north, pack a reusable N95 mask for haze days.
• Make sure your travel insurance for Thailand covers weather-related disruptions and activity cancellations.

The rains typically return in May or June, ending the dry spell and transforming the landscape. If you want green scenery and full waterfalls, consider timing your trip for the early rainy season instead — our Thailand rainy season travel tips explain what to expect. If the north is on your radar for later in 2026, note that the double-track railway expansion to Chiang Rai will eventually make it easier to reach those cooler, wetter highland regions by train.