Playas idílicas, cultura fascinante y una cocina sublime se unen para ofrecer uno de los destinos turísticos más populares del mundo: thailand.
Once you've narrowed down the options of what you'd like to see and do, you're left with choosing the best time to visit Thailand. What is the best time to visit Thailand?
From exploring the many ornate temples and monuments to lazing on a palm-fringed sandy beach with a festive cocktail, there's no shortage of experiences to be had.
→ Is it safe to travel to Thailand in 2023?
Water sports enthusiasts have a wide range of water activities to choose from, including surfing, fishing, scuba diving, and whale and dolphin watching.
The bustling capital of Bangkok is a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds where the modern and the traditional coexist. While the various islands and beach destinations offer a simpler and slower pace of life, in stark contrast to the bustling cities.
It's a great destination year-round, but due to its geographic location, the country can experience extreme weather that may influence your decision. It all comes down to finding the best time to go to Thailand based on the experience you want to have.
Finding the sweet spot when it comes to cost, crowds, and weather is the ultimate juggling act, but it's something we hope to simplify with this guide.
The best time to visit Thailand – From January to April
The best time to go to Bangkok – From November to March
The best time to go to Koh Phangan – From January to May
The best time to go to Chiang Mai – From November to February
The best time for tourism – From November to February
The cheapest time to visit Thailand – From May to September
When is the best time to go to Thailand?
Choosing the best time to visit Thailand will largely depend on the type of experience you want to have.
Maybe you are planning a trip for a certain season or event, or even if you have a small travel window and want to decide where to go in that season, we have gathered all the facts.
The busiest season to travel to Thailand is the coldest, between November and March. Although it's technically winter, don't let that fool you. Temperatures are still around 20 degrees Celsius, with blue skies and lower humidity than at other times of the year.
Since the weather is so good, it is also a popular time for tourists. So expect crowds at attractions and inflated prices on flights and the accommodation throughout Thailand.
If you want to travel at this time, it is better to book well in advance, as hotels fill up quickly.
February is the driest month, especially in the south, so if avoiding rain is important to you, this is the best time to travel.
April and May, and September and October are good times to travel if you are looking for lower prices and fewer crowds. The weather at this time is still good, but not too hot. Rain can be expected, but is usually in the form of a sudden heavy downpour that passes quickly
The month of August can be busier in Thailand due to the influx of visitors from Europe taking their summer vacations to the west coast
The summer months in Thailand are humid, making the already high temperatures feel even hotter. It's the rainy season, which means rain is expected almost every day, causing possible travel delays and changes in plans.
Due to the weather, there are far fewer tourists and the prices are pleasantly lower. It's the cheapest time to visit Thailand, whatever your itinerary
Although it is not the best time for water sports, hiking or lounging on the beaches, if you feel like a cultural experience visiting temples, Thai cooking classes and other indoor activities, it is worth it.
The best time to go to Bangkok
Thailand's prosperous capital is a busy destination year-round, with different peaks in tourist growth at certain times.
Ironically, the winter months (November to March) are the busiest to visit the city. Although it's technically winter, temperatures hit the 20's and early 30's so it's still hot, but not unbearable.
This is when tourists flock to the city to take advantage of the milder temperatures, low humidity, and rain. Therefore, when you visit the city at this time, expect a greater influx of tourists and higher prices. Still, there are plenty of affordable hostels in Bangkok, so look around.
In April, the humidity begins to increase and the rains are more and more frequent. Between the heat (average temperatures rarely drop below 30ºC) and the humidity, things can be uncomfortable.
Between April and October, the number of visitors is lower and you are more likely to get good deals on accommodation and flights.
festivals like Songkran (Thai New Year) they tend to attract many tourists and cause brief spikes in prices and tourist numbers this low season.
Monsoon rains fall between July and August in Bangkok. Although you will experience frequent bursts of heavy rain, you will also enjoy the advantages of the low season: fewer tourists and cheaper prices. Bangkok offers a wide variety of indoor attractions, temples and shops. There are many things to do in Bangkok even if it rains
The best time to go to Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is a small island located in the Gulf of Thailand, offering powdery beaches, clear coastal waters and a relaxed island atmosphere.
As you would expect from a tropical destination, the climate is hot and humid. January to April are the best months for a visit, since the temperatures are milder, as is the humidity. This is the high season, so expect higher prices and a lot of other tourists.
October and November (and sometimes even December) are the rainiest months on the island and are not a good time to travel. In addition to making access to the island difficult, flooding is frequent.
The rest of the year there can also be precipitation, but it is usually in the form of short and strong showers. February is the only month of the year in which it does not rain much.
April to June can be extremely hot and humid, although it is still less humid than Phuket. July and August are good times to travel from a weather point of view, as it is very hot, perfect for lounging on the beach. You can expect frequent downpours, but they are usually brief and go away quickly.
The island gets very crowded during the Full Moon Party, so book your Koh Phangan accommodation in advance.
The best time to go to Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai's elevated location in northern Thailand means it has a highly seasonal climate, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity than the rest of the country.
The best time to go to Chiang Mai would be during the cooler months, between November and February. Temperatures at this time reach a maximum of 20 degrees (Celsius) and can drop to a cool 10ºC. There is also much less humidity and precipitation at this time
That being said, you will be in the company of a lot of other tourists around this time and will probably have to pay a bit more for things like accommodation and activities. Locals also flock to Chiang Mai at this time to enjoy the cooler weather, so expect a lot of the famous thai traffic and the crowded restaurants and transport
In April, the weather is hot, with an average of 40°C, and dry. The landscape is less lush and photogenic, and occasional wildfires choke the air with smoke.
Chiang Mai is a great place to experience Songkran (Thai New Year): they have one of the biggest celebrations in Thailand, next to Bangkok and Khon Kaen. For this reason, tourism soars on these dates.
The rainy season in Chiang Mai is between June and October. Conditions are humid and rain falls mostly in the late afternoon or at night. After a brief downpour, it usually clears up again. Towards August and September, you can experience longer showers that last for a day or two.
The rainy season is considered low season, so you are likely to get good deals on accommodation and enjoy a much calmer experience.
The best time for sightseeing in Thailand
The months between November and February are the best time for sightseeing in Thailand. This is technically the winter period, but temperatures are still warm, reaching 20 degrees Celsius.
It's the most popular time to visit, so be prepared for crowds of other tourists and long lines at attractions and restaurants. If you want to travel at this time, you will do well to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
If you want to avoid the crowds and get a bargain on accommodation, the months between September and November are ideal. This is the rainy season, when showers are frequent, but usually only last for an hour or two in the late afternoon and evening.
This is the cheapest and least crowded time in Thailand, but it can mean some travel delays in case the dirt roads turn to mud during this time
The best time to visit Koh Phangan
The islands of the Gulf of Thailand offer an incredible tropical haven that is ideal to visit at most times of the year. In general, it rains less on the islands than on the rest of the country throughout the year. The monsoon rains come later here and are over in less time.
A tropical holiday on the island of Koh Phangan is best enjoyed between January and April, when temperatures are cooler and less humid. However, this time of year also comes with bigger tourist crowds and higher prices. Beaches will be crowded, and there may be a wait at restaurants and water sports centers
Increased heat and precipitation are more common from April through August, so you'll enjoy much more affordable prices, but short-duration showers are common in the late afternoon. July and August offer great weather, but there is a peak in summer tourists from Europe and prices may increase in anticipation of this
The best time to visit Koh Phangan for a beach holiday that offers a balance between weather and crowds is between September and October.
Divers visiting the island can go out at most times of the year, outside of heavy rain. Good visibility and an incredible variety of species make Koh Phanang a popular place to explore the world below the waves.
The cheapest time to go to Thailand
Spent | Oct–Feb | Mar – June | Jul–Sep |
---|---|---|---|
Hostel | $11 | $10 | $11 |
One-way flight to Bangkok from Sydney | $571 | $553 | $482 |
private hotel room | $304 | $155 | $235 |
Entrance to the Grand Palace | $16 | $16 | $16 |
In general, Thailand is an affordable destination with a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets. It is possible to experience all that this incredible country has to offer at a reasonable cost, but if you feel like money, you can add the bells and whistles to level up.
It is essential to plan your trip thoroughly if you want to visit during the high season. But if you're very price conscious, the cheapest time to visit Thailand is during the rainy high summer, between May and September.
The Busiest Time to Visit Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination that receives tourists practically all year round. Since most visitors seek an idyllic beach vacation in this tropical paradise, there is more tourist traffic at certain times of the year than at others.
Peak season in Thailand falls on the cooler months of November through April. The weather is less sweltering, with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius and the humidity is much lower. This is the best time to visit Thailand for a beach holiday, scuba diving and swimming, but there will be an increase in pace. The beaches will be crowded, as will transport routes and restaurants
In April, the Songkran Thai New Year festival attracts large numbers of tourists who come to participate in the water fights that take place in the streets throughout Thailand.
If you plan to visit Thailand in high season, it is best to plan and book your trip as far in advance as possible. There are more accommodation options, and sometimes costs can be lower if you book well in advance. Keep in mind that booking in high season also entails stricter booking and cancellation conditions
Another tourist peak occurs in August when European travelers head to Thailand for their summer vacation.
The weather in Thailand
Thailand offers a warm tropical climate throughout the year. The weather in Thailand comprises three main seasons: rainy (May to October), cool (November to February) and hot (March to May). High summer temperatures can seem even hotter with increased humidity
The cold season falls between November and February and is considered the peak travel season. The weather in Thailand at this time is pleasant and hot (between 20 and 30 degrees), the humidity is low and the rains are infrequent. The cold season attracts many more travelers and you may need to book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Get ready to be among a lot of other travelers at this time
In the north of the country, you can expect less humidity and cooler temperatures in general. Between November and February, in the more mountainous regions it can be somewhat cold, with temperatures dropping to single digits (Celsius)
The rainy season also differs from place to place. In the northeast, the rains are common between November and April, while the southwestern regions receive their downpours between May and October
In general, the southern regions of Thailand get the most rain in the country, usually in the form of short, dramatic showers that clear quickly. The central regions of the country experience the greatest heat. This includes cities like Bangkok, which feels even hotter as a result of high humidity.
The rainy season is a good time to visit Bangkok and do some good shopping: the Big Sales take place from mid-June to mid-August.
What is the best weather in Thailand??
It is always hot in most of Thailand. In the northern mountains it can get quite cold during the cold season, but the rest of the year the mercury hovers around a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius.
The best time for a beach holiday is between November and March, when it is not too hot and humid, and there is less rainfall. However, this means sharing those dusty beaches with other tourists, and perhaps having to wait in lines at the attractions.
The rainy season, between May and September, is a great time to tour the cities and visit the many temples and palaces, do some shopping and explore the more cultural side of Thailand.
Don't be fooled into thinking that the rainy season is cooler. High temperatures and humidity combine to make sweltering heat. You'll save on accommodation if you travel at this time, so we recommend getting air conditioning if you can. If you can handle the heat and afternoon showers, you'll be rewarded with blissfully empty beaches and a more relaxed experience with no lines.
April through May and September through October offer a certain balance between weather, crowds, and cost. The weather is still hot, but not sweltering, and now and then there is a downpour. But they are usually short and there are not too many travelers. The prices are not as high as in the high season, but they are not as cheap as in the rainy season.
Festivals in Thailand
Most of the celebrations in Thailand have a religious root or are national holidays. Religious holidays do not usually have fixed dates, so you will have to plan carefully and do your research before booking.
From the popular Songkran Thai New Year celebration to spectacular sights like the Loy Krathong Festival, and even the Kin Jay Vegetarian Festival, there is something for everyone.
- Full Moon Party:
Once a month, Phangan Island hosts a popular Full Moon Beach Party to celebrate the full moon. Dance music pulses through the night as partygoers dance on the sandy beach until a new day arrives. These parties are very popular with tourists, attracting top EDM DJs to provide the beats.
- Songkran:
The Thai New Year celebration is a very popular event among tourists. Thai people pour scented water on each other to symbolically wash away the sins and bad luck of the previous year. This turns into a lively water fight in the streets with people using buckets, squirt guns and hoses. The party is best enjoyed in larger cities, such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
- Amazing Thailand Big Sale:
From mid-June to mid-August, shoppers flock to Thailand for a country-wide shopping extravaganza. Bangkok is arguably the best place to take advantage of these incredible sales, but other cities like Chiang Mai and Phuket are also worth visiting.
Shoppers can get incredible discounts on everything from clothing to jewelry to electronics. If you're looking for a bargain, chances are you'll find it here, with discounts of up to 80% in stores.
If you're in Bangkok in October, why not try something different and head to Chonburi (an hour away) for this unique 140-year-old festival? In addition to the main event, buffalo racing, there are also other fun side attractions such as buffalo beauty pageants and other contests.
- Loy Krathong Festival:
This is possibly the most beautiful festival in Thailand. Locals release thousands of boats made of banana leaves with candles and flickering flowers into ponds, lakes and rivers across Thailand to symbolically wash away sins. The spectacle is a feast for the eyes as these glittering offerings float through the night.
- Phi Ta Khon:
Also known as the Ghost Festival, this three-day celebration echoes the legend of a party that both the living and the dead wish they could attend. On the first day, it is traditional for everyone to dress up as a ghost. Parades and shows are held on the second day, and Buddhist ceremonies are held on the last day.
- Kin Jay Vegetarian Festival:
This annual festival is held between late September and mid-October and focuses on cleansing the body by not consuming meat, fish, or alcohol. Any vendor wearing a yellow apron or hanging a yellow flag in their establishment will only offer fully vegan food during this time.
When to Visit Thailand – A Month-by-Month Breakdown
If you're still trying to determine the exact time to go to Thailand that ticks all your boxes, we've broken down each month of the year and detailed the experience you're likely to have. If you have a very narrow travel window and need help deciding what's good around that time, this breakdown will make it easier for you.
January in thailand
The month of January offers great weather across the country, with cooler temperatures and a lower chance of showers. Chiang Mai is the coolest place in January as it drops to around 10-15ºC. The tourist season begins throughout the country, so it is likely that everything will be very crowded (roads, restaurants, beaches) and more expensive.
February in thailand
Warm weather between 20 and 30 degrees can be expected. Farther north, more precipitation is likely, as well as occasionally along the east coast. The rain usually falls in short showers which cool things down a bit.
In other parts of the country, February offers perfect weather for beach vacations: hot, sunny weather, and little rain. This also means that it is a popular time to travel, so booking well in advance is advised for a visit during peak season. Crowds of tourists and higher prices may put some off.
March in thailand
In general, March is lovely and hot. As the summer season approaches, temperatures can reach 30 degrees, and rainfall is minimal. Water sports along the west coast are great at this time, especially scuba diving. The tourist crowds start to thin out as the low season approaches, so prices may start to drop.
April in thailand
In April the temperatures rise and rise, and the increased humidity before the monsoon can make the heat quite stifling. During the month of April there is an increase in tourism, as people come to participate in the Songkran New Year festivities. While this is a great experience, it comes with those higher prices and much larger crowds.
May in thailand
Temperatures are down a bit from April, but still sweltering. The humidity increases considerably due to the more frequent showers. Despite the approach of the rainy season, there are still plenty of sunny days to be enjoyed. It's a good time to travel if you want to avoid the crowds and high costs, but still enjoy pleasant weather that isn't too hot or too rainy.
June in thailand
The month of June is still considered low season, so you are likely to enjoy some lovely sunny days with some afternoon showers that pass as quickly as they arrive. The west coast gets a little more rain than other places at this time.
There are several food and music festivals in June, making it a really fun and exciting time to visit. In general, you will enjoy the advantages of the low season in June: less crowds and some really good accommodation deals
July in thailand
Heavier rains are expected in July, especially on the coast, but temperatures remain in the low 30s. There is an increase in the number of tourists related to the start of the summer holidays, so accommodation costs are likely to increase at this time
There are some important celebrations in July, namely the King's birthday and the Buddhist period of Lent.
August in thailand
Rainfall is highest in the north and west of Thailand, making travel here much less attractive. Therefore, it is likely that you will find good travel deals at this time
The east coast remains reasonably rain-free, making it a popular spot for European travelers on their summer vacations.
September in thailand
Heavy rains and stormy seas make escaping to the islands difficult. In the rest of the country, heavy rains bring muddy roads and humid conditions that make the 32ºC average temperature seem much hotter.
The good thing is that there will not be many other tourists, so you can get very good deals
October in thailand
The main rains begin to diminish in most of the country, taking with them much of the humidity, especially in the north. Temperatures also drop as we approach the winter months
This milder climate increases the number of travelers who come to enjoy the good weather. As tourism recovers, prices start to rise steadily towards peak season
The end of the rainy season and the end of Lent bring many religious celebrations.
November in thailand
The west coast is blessed with mild temperatures and sunny skies, and visitors are flocking to beach vacations, kicking off the high season. At this time you can still get a deal on accommodation, especially if you book in advance
In the north of the country and in the highlands, cool weather arrives, with decidedly cold temperatures in the mornings and at night. On the east coast and islands in the gulf, only now is the peak of the rains
December in thailand
The month of December offers some of the best weather in Thailand: it is sunny and pleasant, with minimal rainfall. With peak season crowds, you can expect peak season prices, so if you plan to visit around this time, make sure you book well in advance
The Christmas and New Year period also entails high prices, as well as stricter reservation and cancellation conditions
If you're traveling to the north, be sure to pack warm clothing to combat the night chill, while visitors to the southeast should bring a light raincoat as rain is still expected
Frequently asked questions about the best time to visit Thailand
What is the best time to go to Chiang Mai?
The busiest time in Chiang Mai is between November and early February, when the weather is cool and pleasant. Rainfall and humidity are also much lower at this time. The maximum temperatures during the day are around 20 years, but at night it can cool down a lot, down to ten years.
Due to this mild climate, it is high tourist season, so you will pay a lot more for accommodation. At this time of year, Chiang Mai also receives an influx of local tourists, so it can be quite crowded.
If you want to balance good weather with fewer crowds, a good time to visit would be between June and October. Even though it is the monsoon/rainy season, the rainfall is only a brief downpour, which also cools things down a bit. The surroundings are lush and green at this time, and there are few tourists.
When is the rainy season in Thailand?
The rainy season in Thailand hits different places at different times and affects each region differently.
In the north, the rains come earlier and stay longer, beginning in mid-June and continuing well into December. The rains are not the persistent and persistent type. Instead, showers are frequent and unpredictable, coming in short, sharp bursts.
The rains come later as you move south, and central Thailand gets its wettest in June, but it all ends by the end of October.
The western coast has a similar rainfall pattern to central Thailand, but the eastern coast experiences its rainfall much later, between October and December.
When is the coldest month in Thailand??
The word "cold" is not usually associated with a tropical place like Thailand, which offers warm to hot weather for most of the year. The lowest temperatures of the year tend to occur in January.
In the northern parts of the country, especially in the more mountainous regions, temperatures can drop to as low as ten degrees Celsius between December and March, especially in the mornings and at night.
Between November and April, Thailand is usually much cooler than during the summer months, with average temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. This is the best time to visit Thailand, as the weather is pleasant and ideal for a beach holiday.
When is the worst time to visit Thailand?
The worst time to visit Thailand is summer (May to September), when it is swelteringly hot, humid and rainy. In some parts, this can lead to unpleasant travel conditions, and stormy weather can put the brakes on any travel plans.
It's the best time to travel if you're looking for a bargain on accommodation and far fewer tourists. Conversely, high season, which offers amazing weather, is the worst time to travel if you don't like big crowds and inflated prices.
Final Thoughts on the Best Time to Visit Thailand
By now, you've probably already decided on the best time to visit Thailand, which will offer you the experience you've been dreaming of.
If you are planning a tropical beach getaway in high season, be sure to book well in advance to mitigate some of the high season inflation, and to ensure you have more accommodation options. Last-minute deals are a great way to save even more on off-season travel, but they'll leave you frustrated and broke if you try it in peak season.
Whichever time you decide to visit, a trip to Thailand is guaranteed to leave you with amazing memories of a colorful country, amazing nature, sandy beaches, palm trees, and vibrant culture.
Greetings traveler 🙂
¡Yo creo que la mejor época para visitar Tailandia es cuando el clima sea perfecto para disfrutar de todas las actividades! ¿Quién está conmigo?
Totalmente de acuerdo contigo. El clima perfecto es clave para disfrutar al máximo de cualquier destino. ¡Pero también hay que considerar la temporada turística y evitar las multitudes! ¿Quién más está buscando esa combinación perfecta?
¡Yo digo que la mejor época para visitar Tailandia es cuando tú quieras! 😎🌴
¡No puedo esperar para visitar Tailandia en el 2023! ¿Alguien más emocionado? 🌴🌞
¡No puedo esperar para visitar Tailandia en el 2023! ¿Alguien más emocionado? 🌴🌞
Ojalá puedas disfrutar de tu viaje, aunque personalmente prefiero explorar destinos menos masificados y más auténticos. ¡Pero cada quien tiene sus gustos! ¡Que lo pases bien!
¡Qué artículo más interesante! Creo que la mejor época para visitar Tailandia es en el mes de abril. ¿Alguien está de acuerdo?
¡Totalmente de acuerdo contigo! El mes de abril es perfecto para visitar Tailandia. El clima es maravilloso y hay festivales increíbles como el Songkran. No hay duda de que es la mejor época para disfrutar al máximo de este hermoso país. ¡Gracias por compartir tu opinión!
No estoy de acuerdo, creo que el mejor momento para visitar Tailandia es durante el monzón. ¡Es emocionante!