The best time to visit Thailand is anytime between November and February, when the country is mainly dry and sunny and not too hot, typically averaging 28°C (82°F).
The climate in Thailand is tropical, with three distinct seasons: winter, summer and a wet season.
Winter, from November to February, is dry and relatively cool. However, the cooler temperatures are mostly felt in the north, including Chiang Mai, and in inland areas, while the coastal and southern regions remain hot even during winter.
Summer, from March to mid-May, is very hot, and precedes the wet season, which lasts from mid-May to October.
Northern and central Thailand, including Chang Mai and Bangkok, experience three distinct seasons:
Warm and dry – November to February, average 27°C (80°F);
Hot and humid – March to mid-May, average 30°C (86°F); and
Hot and wet – mid-May to October, average 29°C (83°F).
Northern Thailand: Chang Mai
The best time to visit northern Thailand is from December to April.
Central Thailand: Bangkok – Hua Hin – Pattaya – Koh Chang
The best time to visit central Thailand and the south-east coast is from December to February, with March and April also acceptable if very hot.
Peninsular Thailand The southern peninsular region of Thailand is warmer and has a longer rainy weason that the rest of the country. It also has a different wet season pattern and occurs at different times depending on the side.
East coast: Ko Samui – Ko Phangan – Ko Tao
Along the east coast, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand (or Gulf of Siam), from Chumphon to the border with Malaysia, the summer monsoon is generally mild. This region includes the islands of Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao.
However, from October to December, the monsoon intensifies bringing heavy and torrential rainfall, which often continues until early or mid-January
The best time to visit the east-coast is during February, but anytime from late-January to April is acceptable, noting that March and April is very hot.
West coast: Khao Lak – Phuket – Krabi – Phi Phi Island – Koh Yao – Ko Lanta
Along the west coast, overlooking the Andaman Sea, the summer monsoon brings heavy rainfall and rough seas. However, there's little rain from December to March. This region includes Phuket, Krabi, the Phi Phi Islands and Koh Lanta,
The best time to visit the south-west coast of Thailand is during the dry season from December through March when the skies are clear and sunny, and temperatures average 28°C (82°F).
High season: Peak tourist season in Thailand lasts from November to late March, with peaks in July and August.
Low season: April to June, September and October, when you can avoid the crowds and take advantage of discounted flights and room rates.
Rafting in northern Thailand is best between July and October when most rivers are swollen with monsoon rain.
Both biking and trekking are best in the dry season from November to early-March – but bring a sweater, as nights in northern Thailand can get pretty chilly.
Source: Meteorological data for Thailand is based on weather statistics gathered during 1991 to 2020 by the Thai Meteorological Department. Additional climate data is sourced from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Latest update: Best time to visit Thailand: 21 May, 2024
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