Things to Do in Thailand in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Thailand
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Lowest hotel prices of the year - beachfront resorts on Phuket and Krabi drop 40-60% compared to December-February, with 4-star properties averaging ฿1,200-2,000 versus ฿3,500-5,000 in peak season. Book 3-4 weeks ahead for best selection without premium pricing
- Andaman Sea visibility peaks for diving - July sits between monsoon transitions, giving the Similan Islands and Phi Phi underwater visibility of 25-30 m (82-98 ft), better than the plankton-heavy March-April period. Water temperature holds steady at 28-29°C (82-84°F)
- Asalha Puja and Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) mid-month - temples across Thailand hold candlelit processions on the full moon (July 13, 2025), followed by the start of Buddhist Lent when monks retreat for three months. Witness locals offering robes and essentials to monasteries, especially powerful at Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok and Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai
- Fewer tourists at major sites - Crowds at Grand Palace, Ayutthaya, and Chiang Mai temples drop by 50-70% compared to winter months. You'll actually get photos without 200 people in frame, and boat tours to islands like James Bond Island operate at half capacity
Considerations
- Afternoon rain is guaranteed - Not all-day downpours, but 60% of July days see 20-45 minute thunderstorms between 2pm-5pm. This disrupts beach time and outdoor temple visits unless you plan morning activities. Western Gulf (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) gets heavier rain than Andaman coast
- Heat and humidity combination is intense - With 70% humidity and 32°C (90°F) temperatures, it feels like 38-40°C (100-104°F) during midday. Walking more than 1 km (0.6 miles) in Bangkok between 11am-3pm leaves most travelers drenched in sweat. Air conditioning becomes non-negotiable
- Some island services reduce frequency - Ferry schedules to smaller islands like Koh Lipe and Koh Tao may run less frequently (every other day instead of daily), and a few beach clubs on Phuket close for low season renovations. Always confirm operating schedules 48 hours before travel
Best Activities in July
Similan Islands Liveaboard Diving
July offers the tail end of Similan Islands season (parks close mid-May through mid-October in some years, but 2025 regulations allow July access). Underwater visibility reaches 25-30 m (82-98 ft) with minimal current, perfect for seeing manta rays at Koh Bon and leopard sharks at Richelieu Rock. Water temperature of 28°C (82°F) means 3mm wetsuits suffice. Liveaboard boats run at 40-60% capacity versus the packed December-April season.
Bangkok Temple and Market Tours (Early Morning)
July heat makes afternoon temple visits miserable, but 6am-10am offers perfect conditions - 26-28°C (79-82°F), fewer crowds, and monks receiving alms at dawn. Visit Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Wat Saket before tourist buses arrive at 10am. Follow with floating markets like Damnoen Saduak (90 minutes from Bangkok) which operate 7am-11am before afternoon storms. The rain actually enhances the atmospheric canal boat rides if you catch a light drizzle.
Northern Thailand Trekking and Hill Tribe Villages
Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai regions get afternoon rain in July, but mornings stay clear and temperatures in mountain areas hover around 24-26°C (75-79°F) - significantly cooler than Bangkok's 32°C (90°F). Rice paddies are brilliant green after early monsoon rains, waterfalls like Sticky Waterfall and Mae Sa Falls flow at full volume, and trails through Doi Inthanon National Park (Thailand's highest peak at 2,565 m / 8,415 ft) are less muddy than August-September. Hill tribe villages see minimal tourist traffic.
Krabi Rock Climbing at Railay Beach
Railay's limestone cliffs offer 700+ routes, and July brings a unique advantage - morning limestone is dry and grippy (humidity drops overnight), while afternoon rain cools the rock face. Climb 6am-11am, break during midday heat and rain, then enjoy evening routes 4pm-6pm after storms pass. Water temperature of 29°C (84°F) makes deep water soloing comfortable. Fewer climbers mean you'll wait minutes, not hours, for popular routes like Diamond Cave and Hidden World.
Ayutthaya Historical Park Cycling
Cycling through Ayutthaya's 400-year-old temple ruins works perfectly in July if you start at 6am when temperatures sit at 26°C (79°F). The 15 km (9.3 mile) main circuit takes 3-4 hours, finishing before midday heat peaks. July's green season means temple grounds are lush (versus brown and dusty in March-April), and you'll have Wat Mahathat and Wat Chaiwatthanaram nearly empty. Afternoon rain doesn't matter since you'll be done by 10am, leaving time for indoor museums or the return train to Bangkok.
Thai Cooking Classes (Indoor Cultural Activity)
July's afternoon rain makes cooking classes ideal - spend 2-4pm indoors learning to make pad thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice while storms pass outside. Classes in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket include morning market visits (6-8am) to buy ingredients, teaching you to identify galangal versus ginger and select proper fish sauce. The hands-on format means you'll recreate dishes at home, and air-conditioned kitchens provide relief from humidity.
July Events & Festivals
Asalha Puja (Asanha Bucha Day)
July 13, 2025 marks Asalha Puja, commemorating Buddha's first sermon. Temples nationwide hold wien thien (candlelit processions) at sunset - thousands of locals walk clockwise around temple halls carrying flowers, incense, and candles. Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai host the most spectacular ceremonies. Alcohol sales are prohibited nationwide this day, and bars/clubs close. Arrive at temples by 6pm to witness the processions starting at 7pm.
Khao Phansa (Start of Buddhist Lent)
July 14, 2025 begins Khao Phansa, the three-month Buddhist Lent period when monks retreat to temples for intensive meditation. Locals visit temples at dawn to offer yellow robes, candles, and necessities to monks. In northeastern Isaan provinces like Ubon Ratchathani, spectacular carved candle festivals feature 3-4 m (10-13 ft) tall wax sculptures paraded through streets. This marks the traditional start of rainy season rice planting - you'll see farmers in paddies nationwide.