Best time to visit Thailand: A monthly breakdown 

When planning your trip to the Land of Smiles, there are many facts to consider. Where to go, what to see, activities to participate in. However, one of the most important things to think about is the weather. The best time to visit Thailand is when you’ll have the most blue skies and sunshine.

Many travel blogs and websites would have you believe that Thailand is always sunny and warm, perfect for time on the beach. While this is true for a good chunk of the year, there are distinct seasons in the country, and they are worth considering when planning your Thailand itinerary. 

Thailand’s Seasons

The majority of the country has three distinct seasons: hot season, wet season, and cool season.

Hot season begins in March and typically lasts until mid-May. Temperatures can soar above 35°C (100°F) in central and northern parts of the country, making it a hot and sticky time to visit Chiang Mai, Pai, or Bangkok. However, March-June tends to be the best time to visit Thailand to escape the major holiday crowds and the monsoon rains.

Wet season begins in mid-May and typically lasts until October. This encompasses the monsoon season, which lasts from July-October. The wet season is probably the worst time to visit Thailand if you plan on spending all your time on the beach. However, rains in the first few months are fairly inconsistent and last only a few hours at a time. Towards the end of the monsoon season, showers become more frequent and persistent. 

Cool season follows the monsoons and lasts from November to February. Northern Thailand is much cooler than the south, but the country will be mostly dry, with cooler temperatures for the rest of the year. 

It is worth noting that Thailand’s weather changes based on the region. For example, the Andaman coast, Phuket, and Krabi have different weather patterns to Koh Samui and Koh Pangan.

The rainy season on the west coast is from April to October but lasts from September to December on the east coast. 

Thailand weather by month

If you’re still asking yourself when is the best time to visit Thailand, here is the ultimate breakdown of the weather month by month.

Thailand in January

January is a great time to check out eastern, central, and northern Thailand. Places like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Hua Hin have mild temperatures hovering around 20℃ (~70℉) and practically zero rain. This is perfect if you’d like to go trekking or explore a palace or two.

Unfortunately, this is not the best time to visit Thailand’s beaches. However, if you are dead-set on seeing a beach in January, head to the east.

Pro Tip–January in Thailand can be quite crowded. If you are headed to the beach, avoid the rain in Koh Samui and Phuket. Instead, opt for Koh Mak or Koh Chang.

Thailand in February

February is hot and dry in places like Bangkok and central Thailand. However, it also happens to be the best time to visit Thailand’s beaches in the east and south. Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket have the best weather. This is also the best time to visit Koh Samet and Hat Lek. 

Great weather can also draw great crowds. So be sure to book your accommodation early if you plan on checking out the beaches in February. 

Thailand in March

March marks the beginning of the burning season in northern Thailand. This is not an ideal time to visit cities like Chiang Mai, Pai, or Chiang Rai. Farmers burn their fields to prepare for their new crops.

However, the south and east of Thailand are great for beach vacations in March.

Thailand in April

April happens to be when Songkran, or Thai New Year, falls. This can be a fantastic cultural experience, and if you can plan your Thailand itinerary around the lunar holiday, it is well worth it.

The best places to visit in Thailand in April are Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai because they are bound to have some great festivities. 

Thailand in May

May is a great time to head up to northern Thailand. The burning season has ended, and peak tourist season has also started to taper off.

The first half of May will still have tours running, and you’ll be able to get from point A to point B with relative ease.

Unfortunately, May isn’t the best time to plan your beach vacation. The seas start to get a bit rougher in May, and the weather is a bit unpredictable. 

Thailand in June

If you are traveling to Thailand in June, plan to head to the Gulf of Thailand. This is the perfect time to explore Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and their neighbors.

June is also the driest of the rainy months for northern Thailand. It could be an excellent opportunity to plan a tour of several cities after soaking up some sun in the Gulf. 

Thailand in July

If you plan to visit Thailand in July, head to the western part of the Gulf, like Koh Samui or Hua Hin. This will give you the best chance for sunshine and clear skies.

It is best to avoid Phuket and the eastern Gulf during July, as you are more likely to encounter wet weather. 

Northern Thailand will be cooler and cloudy. Overcast days are the norm. Rain is common during July and usually comes down in an all-day, persistent drizzle. 

Pro Tip–Keep this in mind while packing. Bring lots of layers if you plan on traveling to cities like Pai, Chaing Rai, or Chiang Mai in July.

Thailand in August

August is a great time to visit pretty much anywhere in northern Thailand. 

Bangkok and eastern Thailand are quite grey and overcast in August, but you may be treated to some beautiful, sunny days as well.

Pro Tip–If you can be flexible with your plans, check the weather forecast and look for deals once you arrive and plan your trip around the weather that way.

If following the sunshine isn’t for you, avoid Bangkok and eastern Thailand in August. 

Thailand in September

September is typically the wettest month of the year in Thailand. As a result, rivers can flood, landslides are common in the north, and many businesses shut down for the month.

That isn’t to say that Thailand isn’t worth visiting in September. Cha-am and Koh Samui, as with many other resort towns, will still be up and running if you are looking for a beach holiday.

September in Thailand is also a great time to interact with local people. So they won’t be overwhelmed with too many other tourists during this time. 

Thailand in October

October is one of the cheapest months to visit Thailand. The worst of the rainy season is over, and blue skies and great air quality are the norms across the country.

If you are planning a trip to Thailand in October, focus on Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Lanta. The weather is finally turning for the better here. But, at the same time, the seas get rougher over on the other side of the peninsula.

Thailand in November 

November may be the best month to visit Thailand overall. Temperatures are a bit cooler, rains have quieted, and holiday tourists haven’t poured into the country yet. 

Thailand in November is also great because most regions are experiencing great weather, and flights are usually at a great price point before the December rush.

Thailand in December 

December is a very popular time to visit Thailand because the temperatures are mild and consistent, and rainfall is relatively low. 

It is a great time to escape winter in many northern hemisphere countries, especially if you plan an island getaway to places like Koh Lipe or Koh Kood.  

As you can see, no matter when you plan your trip, the best time to visit Thailand is when you decide to go! So get packing!

Thailand Travel Restrictions

As of March 2022, Thailand’s travel restrictions have eased, and tourists have been allowed in the country provided they meet specific requirements.

Vaccinated travelers may enter Thailand if they follow the Test and Go or SandBox programs, allowing them to skip quarantine and jump straight into enjoying their trip. 

To ensure you have everything in order before you arrive, check with the Thai embassy for the latest information on travel restrictions and visa requirements. 

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