Thailand’s Three Seasons
Thailand has three seasons, and the best time depends on where you are going.
- Cool and dry (roughly November to February): the most comfortable weather for most of the country, with sunshine and lower humidity. It is also the busiest and most expensive season.
- Hot (roughly March to May): very hot and humid, with temperatures often above 35°C in cities. Good for beaches on the Gulf and for cheaper hotels, but tiring for sightseeing.
- Rainy (roughly June to October): heavy showers, often in the afternoon or evening, rather than all-day rain. Prices drop and the landscape turns green, but sea conditions on the Andaman coast can be rough.
Best Time to Visit Thailand Month by Month
- January: cool, dry and busy. One of the best months almost everywhere.
- February: still dry and pleasant. In the north, smoke from crop burning can make the air hazy from about February to April.
- March: getting hot. Beaches are good, but the north can be smoky.
- April: the hottest month. The Songkran water festival is on 13 to 15 April.
- May: hot, with the first rains arriving. Good prices.
- June to August: rainy on the Andaman coast and in the north, though the Gulf islands (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) are often drier. Lower prices.
- September and October: the wettest months for much of the country. Some island businesses close, and ferries can be cancelled.
- November: the rain eases and the cool season begins. Loy Krathong and Yi Peng lanterns fall around the full moon this month.
- December: cool, dry and very busy around Christmas and New Year, with the highest prices of the year.
Best Time for Beaches
Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Phi Phi): best from roughly November to April, with calm seas and clear water.
Gulf islands (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao): they follow a different pattern and are often pleasant from roughly January to August, with heavier rain toward the end of the year.
Best Time for Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the North
Bangkok is hot and humid all year, and the cool season from November to February is the most comfortable time for sightseeing. Chiang Mai is also at its best then, with cooler mornings and evenings. Avoid the north in the smoky season if you have breathing problems, and check air quality forecasts before you go.
Festivals and Events
- Songkran (13 to 15 April): Thai New Year, celebrated with big water fights. Expect to get wet, and protect your phone.
- Loy Krathong and Yi Peng (November): floating lanterns and offerings on the full moon, with the biggest events in Chiang Mai and Sukhothai.
- Chinese New Year (January or February): lively in Bangkok’s Yaowarat area, with street food and parades.
- Vegetarian Festival (around September or October): the biggest celebrations are in Phuket, with street processions and special food.
- Full Moon Party (monthly): a beach party on Koh Phangan around every full moon.
Festival dates move each year, so check them before you book. Hotels fill up and prices rise around Songkran and over Christmas and New Year.
Cheapest Time to Visit Thailand
The lowest prices are usually from May to October, when flights and hotels cost much less. If you can handle some rain, this is a good way to save, especially on the Gulf islands. Shoulder months such as early November or late April can offer a good balance of weather and price.
Plan Your Trip
Once you have picked your dates, check the visa rules, see the best places to visit and compare flights. For the full overview, read our Thailand travel guide.