Best time to visit Thailand

The best time to visit Thailand

Updated: 24th October 2022

Long boat and beach - Best time to visit Thailand - On The Go Tours — Thailand is best travelled during the cool season

Seasons and Weather

Thailand essentially has three seasons – rainy, cool and hot. The hot dry season starts in March and lasts until May. This is followed by the rainy season from May to October. Frequent rains do occur during this time, but generally in short sharp bursts which are sometimes quite spectacular to witness – so certainly bring some waterproof clothing for this time of year. The cool season then lasts from November to February. With dry days and temperatures that are still very warm, this is considered the best time to visit.

Although Thailand broadly follows this weather pattern, there are variations between regions which are further explained below:

What's the climate like in northern Thailand?

The more mountainous areas of northern Thailand experience the greatest range in temperatures, dropping significantly at nighttime during the cool season from November to February. Although you'll need to pack warmer evening clothing, don’t let this put you off as the days are lovely and mild and the countryside is lush and in bloom.

During the hot season from March to May, this region is often much warmer than the central plains, with the northeast in particular having to deal with dust clouds and humidity.

What's the climate like in southern Thailand?

In contrast, temperatures are more consistent in southern Thailand. However, there are differences between the eastern and western coasts. The rainy season hits the west, or Andaman coast, harder than elsewhere in Thailand. Therefore, it's best to visit during the drier months from November to April, when there's also great snorkelling and diving.

The east, or Thailand’s Gulf coast, lies outside of the country’s general weather pattern. This part of the southern peninsula and its islands instead feel the effects of the northeast monsoon, which sees rainfall from October to January, with the highest amount in November.

Thinking of visiting Thailand? Download a copy of our Asia brochure for inspiration.

Climate | Chiang Mai

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Temp Min °C	12	16	20	23	24	24	24	24	23	22	19	16
Temp Max °C	30	33	35	36	34	32	32	32	32	31	30	28
Rainfall (mm)	33	95	177	385	126	105	161	157	157	113	39	12

Climate | Bangkok

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Temp Min °C	22	24	26	27	27	27	27	26	25	25	23	21
Temp Max °C	32	32	33	34	33	33	32	32	32	32	31	31
Rainfall (mm)	10	28	30	71	191	152	156	188	320	231	58	10

Climate | Phuket

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Temp Min °C	22	22	23	24	25	25	25	25	24	24	23	23
Temp Max °C	32	33	34	33	32	32	31	31	30	31	31	31
Rainfall (mm)	40	30	40	150	200	240	300	260	400	280	200	10

Best Time to Visit Thailand — MAP HIGHLIGHTING THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THAILAND BY REGION

Tropical beach Bang Por, Koh Samui's north coast — Thailand's beaches are best visited during the cool season

The Best Time for a Beach Holiday in Thailand

If you’re looking to sun yourself on Thailand’s beaches then the best time to travel is during the cool season from November to February. Although you may require a light sweater during the evenings in any destinations north of Bangkok, you can expect clear skies and much less humidity.

Despite being named the cool season, temperatures are still very warm and perfect for working on your tan. In contrast to the scorching heat of the hot season, you will enjoy a much more pleasant beach break.