Thailand is a tropical country with diverse topography and climate where you can find high mountains in the north, as well as tropical beaches and islands mostly in the south. With such diverse landscapes, Thailand's climate and weather are surprisingly easy to wrap your head around as long as you understand the basics.
When you think of Thailand, you are probably imagining a nice sunny day at the beach with plenty of sunshine, but that is often not the case. It rains a lot here in Thailand, and in order to maximize your time outdoors, you will need to plan your trip ahead and carefully align your travel during the right time of the year.
I have lived in Thailand my whole life, and a big portion of it was spent in Phuket and Bangkok. So, I know a thing or two about Thailand's tropical weather, and I am here to provide you with a complete guide on the best time to visit Thailand.
Within this guide, I will break down the weather in Thailand by seasons, regions, and months and provide all the information you need to find the best time to visit Thailand for your itinerary. Without further ado, let's take a look at the weather in Thailand by season.
Weather in Thailand By Seasons
Thailand has 3 seasons in total: cool, hot, and rainy. The temperature usually ranges from the blazingly hot 40°C during the hot season to as low as 10°C during the cool season, not to mention all the off and on-season rain that could happen anytime throughout the year.
These differences could affect your experience in Thailand and the type of activities you can do in Thailand. If you are planning a trip here, it is crucial to pick the right time to visit Thailand.
Cool Season - November to February
The cool season in Thailand runs from November to February, where the coolness can be felt most in Northern Thailand, where all the mountains are. The temperature during the cool season in Northern Thailand can range from 10°C to 25°C in cities and gets even lower up in the mountains.
Central Thailand during the cool season can also be quite nice, with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 25°C in places like Bangkok, but for fewer days than in Northern Thailand.
Southern Thailand doesn't experience much change in temperature during the cool season. In fact, it could even be rainy during this period due to the northwest monsoon hitting the islands and coasts in the Gulf of Thailand, making it less ideal to visit the Gulf of Thailand during this time.
This is also the peak tourist season, when the locals often take long holidays to enjoy the cooler weather of Thailand. So, expect a lot of traffic in touristy places during this time.
Here are some of the best things to do in Thailand during the cool season:
- Go hike Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand or hike any of the mountain trails in Northern Thailand.
- Spend your time exploring cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai on foot.
- Enjoy the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Festival in Thailand, which takes place at the beginning of November.
- Visit the beaches and islands in the Andaman Sea.
- Celebrate the New Year with the Thais.
Hot Season - March to May
Thailand's unbearable heat mostly comes from its proximity to the sea and its extremely high humidity. During the hot season, the temperature may be around 31°C on paper, but it could feel as hot as 40°C when factoring in the humidity. This makes visiting Thailand quite a challenging time.
The heat swept across the entire country, from North to Central to South, during this period, making it harder for you to explore the outdoors of Thailand. I would suggest avoiding visiting during this period if you can't handle the heat.
If you don't mind the heat, the hot season can be a great time to avoid the local tourist crowds and give yourself a chance to stray off the beaten path a little. Just make sure you keep yourself hydrated at all times when you are outside.
Here are some of the best things to do in Thailand during the hot season:
- Participate in the Water Festival of Songkran.
- Enjoy all the famous tourist attractions with fewer crowds.
Rainy Season - June to October
Thailand also sees a lot of rain throughout the year, all across the country, which could hinder your outdoor activities. However, it doesn't rain for very long in Thailand, only for a few hours maximum, so you may still be able to enjoy the outdoors during this time.
If you plan to stay in big cities like Bangkok during the rainy season, make sure to prepare for extreme traffic jams. For those of you who enjoy renting a motorbike to explore Thailand, be sure to pack yourself a rain jacket or poncho if you visit during this period. Trust me, you're going to need it.
Here are some of the best things to do in Thailand during the rainy season:
- Visit Erawan Falls or any other waterfalls across Thailand. Waterfalls are even more beautiful during the rainy seasons in Thailand.
- Visit Sangkhlaburi in Kanchanaburi.
- Visit Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and other islands and coastal towns on the Gulf of Thailand.
- Enjoy Thailand's tourist attractions indoors, such as visiting museums and going on a shopping spree at one of the many shopping malls in Bangkok.
- Attend the Vegan Festival in Phuket.
- Visit Khao Sok National Park. The weather is extremely nice during this time, and a little rain can create quite an atmospheric experience sleeping on a floating raft house.
When To Visit Thailand? (By Region)
Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand
The best time to visit Chiang Mai and other provinces in Northern Thailand is around November to January, when the weather is cool and most tourist attractions are open. Best of all, the burning season is yet to start, allowing you to enjoy Northern Thailand without having to deal with the suffocating smog that comes in February.
Best Places to Visit in Northern Thailand during the Cool Season:
- Mae Hong Son: 10-Day Itinerary for the Mae Hong Son Loop
- Chiang Mai: 20 Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai According to the Locals
- Chiang Rai: 16 Best Things to Do in Chiang Rai
- Pai: 15 Best Things to Do in Pai
- Nan: 16 Best Things to Do in Nan
- Phayao: 12 Best Things to Do in Phayao
- Phrase: 14 Best Things to Do in Phrae
Best Time to Visit Bangkok and Central Thailand
Ideally, the best time to visit Bangkok and other provinces in Central Thailand is around November to February when the weather is cool and dry, allowing you to enjoy exploring the outdoors more.
That said, the cool season will also coincide with the burning season in Central Thailand, which can impact your visibility and, more importantly, your health if you decide to visit Bangkok and Central Thailand during this time.
If you do not mind the heat and the rain, you can also visit Bangkok and Central Thailand during the hot and rainy seasons from April to October. You will see less smog during this time as the monsoon wind carries away the PM2.5 particles from cities.
Ultimately, it all depends on what you want to prioritize for your trip to Thailand. If you want to prioritize your health, then avoid the burning season at all costs. If you prefer visiting Thailand when the temperature and weather are at their best, visit during the cool season and deal with the smog as it comes by wearing a mask.
Best Places to Visit in Central Thailand during the Cool and Hot Seasons:
- Bangkok: 16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok
- Kanchanaburi: 17 Best Things to Do in Kanchanaburi, Thailand
- Sangkhlaburi: 10 Best Things to Do in Sangkhlaburi
- Lopburi: 10 Best Things to Do in Lopburi
- Ayutthaya: 12 Best Things to Do in Ayutthaya
Best Time to Visit Phuket, Krabi, and Other Islands in the Andaman Sea
The best time to visit Phuket, Krabi, and all the islands in the Andaman Sea is around November to April, when the weather is driest and the sky is mostly clear. You should be able to enjoy all the outdoor activities you expect to do in these places during this period without having to deal with rains, storms, and rough seas, which can be extremely dangerous.
Best Places to Visit in Southern Thailand during the Cool Season:
- Koh Lipe: A Travel Guide to Snorkeling in Koh Lipe
- Phuket
- Krabi is a popular tourist destination located in southern Thailand. It is known for its stunning beaches, clear blue waters, and limestone cliffs. The province offers a range of outdoor activities such as rock climbing, snorkeling, and kayaking. The famous Railay Beach, accessible only by boat, is a must-visit for tourists. Another popular attraction in Krabi is the Phi Phi Islands, which gained fame after being featured in the movie "The Beach." Overall, Krabi is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Best Time to Visit Koh Samui and Other Islands in the Gulf of Thailand
The best time to visit Koh Samui and other islands in the Gulf of Thailand is around April to September during the hot and rainy season when the weather is a little more predictable and you are less likely to experience heavy rainfall, which can be extremely dangerous.
Best Places to Visit in the Gulf of Thailand during the hot and rainy season:
- Koh Samui
- Koh Phangan is an island located in the Gulf of Thailand. It is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and abundant natural beauty. The island is a popular destination among tourists from around the world, who come to experience its unique blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you are looking to relax on the beach, explore the lush jungle, or party the night away at one of the famous full moon parties, Koh Phangan has something for everyone. With its warm tropical climate, crystal-clear waters, and friendly locals, it is no wonder why Koh Phangan is a favorite among travelers. So, if you are planning your next vacation, make sure to consider this beautiful island as your destination.
- Koh Chang, also known as the "Elephant Island," is a popular tourist destination in Thailand. It is located in the Trat Province, in the eastern part of the country, near the border with Cambodia. Koh Chang is the second-largest island in Thailand and is known for its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant marine life. The island offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. From relaxing on the white sandy beaches to exploring the waterfalls and hiking trails in the mountains, there is something for everyone. Koh Chang is also a great place for water sports enthusiasts, with opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. In addition to its natural beauty, Koh Chang also has a lively nightlife scene. There are numerous bars and restaurants where visitors can enjoy delicious Thai cuisine and refreshing drinks. The island also hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Koh Chang Music Festival and the Songkran Water Festival. To accommodate tourists, there are plenty of accommodation options on Koh Chang, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. The island is easily accessible by ferry from the mainland, and there are also domestic flights available. Overall, Koh Chang is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the beauty of Thailand's islands and immerse themselves in its rich culture.
- Koh Tao is a beautiful island located in the Gulf of Thailand. It is famous for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. The island offers a range of activities for visitors, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, and beach relaxation. Koh Tao also has a lively nightlife scene with numerous bars and restaurants. Whether you are a nature lover, water sports enthusiast, or partygoer, Koh Tao has something to offer for everyone.
When NOT to Visit Thailand? (By Region)
The Worst Time to Visit Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand
The worst time to visit Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand is between February to April, when the burning season is ongoing. Due to the geography in Northern Thailand, the smog from burning crops can linger for weeks, causing the AQI (Air Quality Index) rate to skyrocket above that of places like Pakistan and Bangladesh. This makes it extremely unhealthy to go outside during this time.
If you wish to maximize your time outdoors during your visit to Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand and want to enjoy all the beautiful nature that the remote hinterlands of Thailand have to offer, avoid visiting Thailand during this month at all costs.
The Worst Time to Visit Bangkok and Central Thailand
The burning season in central Thailand starts a little earlier than in Northern Thailand, and the air pollution is at its worst between November and January. Therefore, if your health is of utmost priority, avoid visiting this place.
Bangkok and Central Thailand can also be unbearably hot during the hot season between April and July. Therefore, if you cannot handle the heat, I would not recommend visiting during this period.
The Worst Time to Visit Phuket and Other Islands in the Andaman Sea
The worst time to visit Phuket and other islands in the Andaman Sea is between May to October, when you will likely experience heavy rainfall that can make the sea extremely dangerous. If you plan to go snorkeling or diving around the islands in the Andaman Sea, avoid visiting during the rainy season at all costs.
The Worst Time to Visit Koh Samui and Other Islands in the Gulf of Thailand
The same goes for Koh Samui and all the islands in the Gulf of Thailand, but in the cool season instead. Due to the monsoon coming in from the southeast, the worst time to visit the islands in the Gulf of Thailand is between October to January, where the rainfall is at its heaviest, making the sea extremely dangerous for boats to navigate. Avoid this period if you wish to go snorkeling and diving in this region of Thailand.
My Personal Recommended Time to Visit Thailand
As you can see, there is no clear-cut period for visiting Thailand. With such a wide range of landscapes to see and things to do in this country, the best time to visit Thailand will depend entirely on your itinerary and what you plan to do here.
If your itinerary involves visiting a lot of islands in the Andaman Sea, then the cool and hot seasons from November to May are preferable. If you want to visit the islands in the Gulf of Thailand, the period between February and September is recommended. If you want to go hiking in the mountains in Northern Thailand, then the cool season from November to January is the way to go.
That said, if you wish to experience everything the country has to offer, from hiking in the mountains in Northern Thailand to island-hopping in Southern Thailand, all in one go, then the best time to visit Thailand that I would recommend is between November and February.
By visiting Thailand between November and February, you can begin your journey in the north in November when the weather is already cool enough, but the peak tourist season has yet to pick up. Make your way down through Central Thailand before you reach all the islands in the south by February, in time for the weather to be less rainy and more manageable, especially in the Gulf of Thailand.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Thailand
Looking for more information for your trip to Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Thailand that you might find useful:
- Looking for a comprehensive travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3 Months Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Want to spend one month backpacking around Thailand? Check out: One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
- Have 2 weeks in Thailand? Check out this itinerary: 2 Weeks Backpacking Thailand Itinerary.
- Have only 10 days in Thailand? This itinerary might be more suited for you: 10-Day Itinerary for Thailand.
- Planning a trip to Thailand? Here are the 11 Best Places to Visit in Thailand.
- Thailand is incredibly rich in history, with ancient cities scattered across its landscapes. If you’re looking to explore some of the country’s most remarkable historical sites, don’t miss this guide: Discover Thailand's Rich History: 12 Best Historical Sites to Visit.
- Looking to go off the beaten path in Thailand? Check out the 10 Best Hidden Gems to Visit in Thailand.
- Visiting a country like Thailand, you are going to need a comprehensive packing list to make sure you bring everything you need for your trip. Check out: What to Pack for Thailand - The Essential Packing List.
- Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
- Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
- If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
- For a complete backpacking itinerary for Thailand, check out the 10 Days Backpacking Itinerary for Thailand.
- More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok. Here is a One Day in Bangkok Itinerary.
- Have more than one day in Bangkok? I highly recommend that you spend at least 3 days in Bangkok. Here is a complete 3 Days Itinerary for Bangkok.
- For more things to do in Bangkok, check out the 16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
- Wondering which temples are worth visiting in Bangkok? Check out: 10 BEST Temples to Visit in Bangkok.
- There is no need for an introduction to the renowned old capital city of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai. Here are the 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai according to the locals.
- One of the best road trips you can make in Thailand is traversing the Mae Hong Son Loop. Here's a complete backpacking guide and 10-day itinerary for the Mae Hong Son Loop.
- Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand, Central Thailand, or Southern Thailand?
- Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about you continue on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
- For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all of my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
2 Comments
Hey Pete,
I am planning on visiting Thailand June end/July first week. How is the weather at that time? I don't mind little rains. Will be exploring Bangkok - Krabi for 7 days.
Hey Andrea, that would be a good time to explore the country. It might rain some days but rains in Thailand usually last an hour or 2 and that is it.
I also did a few boat trips in Krabi in June last year and the weather was great. Hot and humid, but better than stormy weather that might get your boat tours cancelled. That said, it is not always a guarantee so be sure to stay updated on the weather while you are visiting Thailand. Avoid going on boat tours when the weather is not looking good. Thailand doesn't have the greatest track record when it comes to boat safety.
I hope this helps!