When to visit Thailand

While things can change in individual years, Thailand usually experiences three distinct seasons:

November to February: Cool and dry

These months are considered the peak tourism season in Thailand. With moderate temperatures and bright skies, the weather is quite cool and dry. It's a great time to explore cities, see cultural sites, and enjoy outdoor activities without being scorched by the sun.

This time of year is also ideal for beachgoers, with renowned resorts such as Phuket and Krabi offering ideal weather for sunbathing and water activities.

March to May: Dry and hot

Thailand experiences hot and dry weather during these months. Temperatures, especially in April, can climb, and humidity levels are high.

It's a great time to visit islands like Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi, where you can soak up the sun and chill off in the crystal-clear seas. However, due to the extreme heat, exploring cities and indulging in outdoor activities may be difficult.

June to October: the rainy season

Thailand's rainy season lasts from June to October. During this time, rainfall is more frequent and heavier, especially in August and October. While the rain might be heavy at times, it rarely rains constantly throughout the day.

This time of year provides lush, green scenery with fewer tourists. It can be an excellent time for budget tourists because hotels and airfares may be less expensive. Because the wet seasons on the east and west coasts differ, you can choose the side with better weather for beach activities.

Thailand generally has warm to hot temperatures throughout the year, with average highs ranging from 29°C to 35°C depending on the season and location. However, higher elevations in northern regions, such as Chiang Mai and Pai, can experience cooler temperatures, especially during the evenings and early mornings.

The best time to visit Thailand is between November and February. During this time, you can look forward to pleasant and dry weather with plenty of sunshine. If you're planning a beach vacation, March and April are great months, especially for destinations like Phuket. However, keep in mind that the cities can get extremely hot during these months.

The rainy season in Thailand begins in May and reaches its peak in August and October. During this time, trekking can be challenging, and some travel routes may be affected. But the good news is that the rainy seasons on the east and west coasts differ, so with proper research, you can always find a sunny beach somewhere in the country.

Thailand can be prone to tropical storms and typhoons, primarily affecting the southern coastal areas. The typhoon season generally runs from June to November. So, if you’re travelling to Thailand during these months, you should stay informed about weather conditions, follow guidance from local authorities, and consider travel insurance coverage.

Since Thai people come from a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and religious origins, there are numerous traditional Thai events and festivals to experience.

While certain cultural events take place throughout Thailand, some are only for locals and are held in specific areas.

Chiang Mai Flower Festival (first weekend of February)

Every year during the initial weekend of February, Chiang Mai transforms into a vibrant spectacle of colors. The town is adorned with blooming flower beds, and flower vendors can be found throughout the area.

On the Saturday, the Flower Festival Parade takes place, featuring beautifully decorated floats, hill tribes dressed in a multitude of vibrant costumes, and captivating traditional dances and music.

Thai New Year (April 13-15)

The traditional Thai New Year "Songkran" is celebrated throughout the country, with Chiang Mai hosting the largest events. Water throwing, frequently ice-cold, is common at this time of year, and you may be covered with colourful talc as a blessing. Elders are honored, and there are musical and dance performances.

Rocket Festival (May)

This traditional festival, known as Bun Bang Fai, is celebrated in northeastern Thailand. It involves the launching of homemade rockets into the sky to encourage rainfall and fertility.

Vegetarian Festival (October)

Primarily celebrated in Phuket, the Vegetarian Festival is a nine-day event where devotees observe a vegetarian diet and engage in rituals, processions, and extreme body piercings as acts of purification.

Yi Peng Lantern Festival (November):

The Yi Peng Lantern Festival occurs during Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai. Thousands of glowing lanterns are released into the night sky, creating a spectacular sight.