Thailand, the land of smiles, is full of surprises—from the mountainous regions in the North to the beautiful beaches of the south.
While the vibrant streets of Bangkok are lined with food stalls and street sellers, Pattaya has an array of relaxing beach resorts. Thailand has a lot to offer, which makes it popular among backpackers and families alike.
The best time to visit Thailand is between the months of November till early April during the cool and dry season. The monsoon rains typically hit Thailand around July to October, so it’s best to avoid this season if you’re looking for a warm, summer getaway.
The climate varies depending on the regions across the country and there’s plenty to see and do.
Check out our guide for a month by month breakdown of the best time to go to Thailand.
Weather in Thailand at a Glance
Thailand’s seasons are split into three main periods:
- From March to May, it is scorching hot.
- From May to October is Thailand’s rainy season (also called Thailand’s monsoon season).
- November to February is the coldest time of year.
That being said, Thailand never really gets cold, just less hot. The average daily temperature of 30°C is warm by anyone’s standards.
Different areas of the country have different peak periods, and this is mostly due to the rain brought about by the monsoon season. It ends at slightly different times in the North and South of the country.
Destinations to the west like Krabi and Phi Phi tend to take the full hammering of the monsoon season. Islands on the east, such as Koh Tao, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui have more stable weather.
The best month to visit Thailand:
- Thailand in January: Escape to the Islands
- Thailand in February: Hiking Adventures
- Thailand in March: Watersports Thrills
- Thailand in April: Splashing Fun Times
- Thailand in May: Perfect for Those on a Budget
- Thailand in June: Exploring the Less-Travelled
- Thailand in July: Take in the Waterfalls
- Thailand in August: Travel to the East Coast
- Thailand in September: Less Crowds and Cheap Accommodation
- Thailand in October: Discover the North
- Thailand in November: Release Grudges and Problems
- Thailand in December: Bask at the Beaches
Best time to go to Thailand
Visit Thailand in January for an Island Escapade
As one of the chillier months in Thailand, January gets busy. This time of year experiences very little rain and temperatures fall to 28ºC.
It makes it the perfect time of year for a beach holiday in the southern islands – Ko Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. If you’re planning to head north to the northern capital of Chang Mai, take a light jacket as it can get chilly in the evenings.
READ MORE: The best beaches in Thailand
February in Thailand is Perfect for a Hiking Trail
The climate is relatively similar to January, so I’d recommend taking the time to do a jungle trek in the North before the hot season approaches. For jungle treks, Chiang Mai is the place to be.
I recommend checking out Chinatown as they put on a big Chinese New Year festival during the month. If you’re into the festivities, lively performances and fancy decorations, don’t miss out.
READ MORE: Thailand shopping – What to buy in Thailand and where
Enjoy the Thrill of Watersports of Thailand in March
Thailand begins to slip into a hot season during March. The country sees very little rain, but the temperature can rocket up to 35ºC during the day in the south.
The calm waters mean it is the perfect time of the year to learn scuba diving on Koh Tao on the country’s east coast. So, if you are interested in watersports activities, this might be one of the best times of year to visit Thailand.
READ MORE: The 5 best islands in Thailand
A Splashing Fun Time in Thailand during April
Thai celebrate their New Year in mid-April. Songkran is a giant water fight and celebrations can be found throughout the country.
I’d personally recommend heading North to Pai, and the scenery is the perfect place to enjoy a splash with friends and locals alike. You can buy buckets and water pistols on every street corner and join in on the fun with the locals.
READ MORE: Songkran made our list of the best and biggest festivals in the world
May is a Budget Traveller’s Paradise
With temperatures continuing to increase, this time of year is something of a shoulder season in Thailand. It’s the best time to go to Thailand if you want an Asia adventure on a budget as prices fall. Accommodation and transport prices fall significantly, and you can save as much as half of what you’d spend on flights during the peak season.
If you’re up for an adventure, try white-water river rafting along the many rivers flowing through Thailand and enjoy the refreshing waters.
READ MORE: How much should you budget for a trip to Thailand
Explore Off the Beaten Track in June
With the monsoon season getting into full swing you can expect a lot of rain throughout the country in the month of June.
However, it is typical for downpours to only last a few hours throughout the day.
I’d recommend getting off the beaten track and admiring the tulip fields in Pa Hin Ngam National Park which is a few hours north of Bangkok.
READ MORE: Thailand hidden gems, discover what makes Thailand unique
Travel to Thailand in July for Stunning Waterfalls
With the extra rain helping the waterfalls to flow, July is the best time to go to Thailand to visit one of Thailand’s stunning national parks.
Kanchanaburi’s Erawan has a tonne of pools and waterfalls for you to take a dip.
READ MORE: Sightseeing in Thailand – Tourist Attractions and Landmarks
Travel to the East Coast in August
Make sure to bring your ponchos as August is the wettest month in Thailand.
If you’re still searching for a beach, I’d recommend Hua Hin. The sleepy east coast down is a trendy spot for locals and is low-key beautiful. They also throw the Hua Hin Food Festival in August.
READ MORE: The best cities to visit in Thailand
Visit in September for Fewer Crowds and Cheap Accommodation
I’d recommend avoiding the beaches in September as the weather remains too unpredictable, especially on the east coast. Instead of the beaches, head to the capital city for a visit to the floating markets, night markets and the popular Chatuchak Weekend Market.
For F4 Thailand fans, head down to Asiatique: The Riverfront and dine at one of the many riverside restaurants or take a ride on the tallest Ferris wheel in Bangkok.
However, it’s the best time to go to Thailand to avoid the crowds and get rock bottom prices on accommodation.
READ MORE: What to pack for Thailand?
Discover the North of Thailand in October
Temperatures start to decrease along with the humidity in October. Try and stick to the North of the country as the south remains relatively wet.
However, if you are set on visiting the south, you have to go to the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. The nine-day event is based on the Chinese belief in meat abstinence in the ninth lunar month.
READ MORE: Thailand massage and places to relax in Thailand
Release Your Grudges and Problems Among Beautiful Sight in November
Loy Kratong usually takes place in November and is a Thai festival to wash away one’s grudges, problems, and anger. Small hand-sized rafts are built and floated down rivers up and down the country.
While living in Thailand, this was one of my favourite cultural experiences, and you cannot afford to miss it!
As part of the festival in Chiang Mai, locals release thousands of lanterns into the sky, to create a genuinely unmissable snapshot.
READ MORE: Discover unique things to do in Thailand
Bask at the Beaches in December
Make sure to book in advance if you visit in December. It’s hectic but the best time to go to Thailand for families wanting a break over Christmas.
It’s an excellent time of the year for a beach holiday and to embrace the sun, but you might have to pay high accommodation charges.
READ MORE: Here are the very best things to do in Thailand – Don’t miss out!
Times to avoid Thailand
Thailand has several national holidays, which prohibit the sale and consumption of alcohol. These periods fall throughout the year, so make sure to visit the Thai Embassy website ahead of your trip if you are planning to party.
I’d also recommend avoiding the 13th of October. The death anniversary of the late King, Bhumibol Adulyadej is held on this day. Prepare to see Thais dressed in black while the party atmosphere is damp for at least a few days.
Before travelling to Thailand:
Before flying, it’s important that you do your research, prepare the necessary documents and take note of any travel restrictions and visa requirements.
For Thailand, you’ll need to apply for the Thai Pass and Thailand Travel Insurance to enter the country. As of 1 May 2022, fully vaccinated travellers need not complete an RT-PCR test on arrival but will be required to provide proof of their vaccination certificate and insurance to apply for the pass.
So what’s the best time to travel to Thailand?
After living in Thailand for almost two years, I can honestly say I don’t think there is ever a wrong time to visit the Land of Smiles.
The monsoon rains are an experience in themselves for foreigners, and it’s hot all year round. However, if the sun is a must and you hate rain, I’d recommend visiting Thailand between November to early April.
Don’t miss out on our Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide for
everything you need to know when planning your trip to Thailand
so you can make the most of your time in the Land of Smiles!
