When to Visit Thailand
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
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Year-Round Essentials
Hot Season (Mar-May)
Rainy Season (Jun-Oct)
Cool Season (Nov-Feb)
Shoulder Season Transitions
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
This is peak season for a reason—temperatures are comfortable, rainfall is minimal, and humidity feels less oppressive than usual. You'll find the beaches packed and prices at their highest, but the weather is about as good as it gets. Northern Thailand can actually get quite cool in the evenings, especially in the mountains.
February
Similar to January with lovely weather across most of the country, though temperatures start creeping up toward the end of the month. It's still peak tourist season, so expect crowds at major attractions and higher prices. The northern regions might see a bit of haze from agricultural burning, which can affect air quality.
March
The heat starts building in earnest now as Thailand transitions into the hot season. You'll notice it particularly in Bangkok and central Thailand, where the combination of heat and humidity can be intense. Rainfall is still low, but you might get the occasional afternoon shower as the season shifts.
April
This is typically the hottest month of the year, with temperatures often pushing into the upper 30s Celsius. Songkran (Thai New Year) happens mid-month, which means massive water fights in the streets—actually a welcome relief from the heat. It's not the most comfortable time to visit unless you're prepared for serious warmth.
May
The rainy season begins to creep in, usually starting in the south and working its way north. You'll get afternoon thunderstorms that can be quite dramatic but often clear up quickly. The heat remains intense, though the rain brings some relief. Crowds thin out considerably, which is a nice bonus.
June
Full rainy season now, though it's not as dire as you might think—rain tends to come in bursts rather than all-day affairs. The landscape is beautifully green, and tourist numbers are low. The Andaman Coast gets heavier rainfall than the Gulf Coast, so island choice matters if you're beach-bound.
July
Rainy season continues with regular afternoon downpours, though you'll often get sunny mornings. Humidity is high, which can make it feel quite muggy. Interestingly, this can be a decent time to visit if you don't mind getting wet occasionally—prices are low and attractions aren't crowded.
August
Similar conditions to July, with regular rainfall and high humidity. The rain can sometimes affect ferry schedules to the islands, so build some flexibility into your plans. That said, you'll get better deals on accommodation and won't be fighting crowds at temples and markets.
September
This tends to be one of the wettest months, particularly on the Andaman Coast where monsoon conditions can be quite intense. Some island resorts actually close for the season. The Gulf Coast fares better weather-wise, which is worth considering if you're set on beach time during this period.
October
The rains start to ease up in most regions, though the south can still be quite wet. Everything is lush and green from months of rainfall, which makes for beautiful scenery. Temperatures remain warm but feel slightly less oppressive as the season transitions toward the cool months.
November
This is when Thailand's high season begins, and you can see why—the rains have largely stopped, temperatures are pleasant, and humidity feels more manageable. The Andaman Coast clears up nicely, making it prime time for beach holidays. Loy Krathong festival usually falls this month, which is worth timing your visit for.
December
Peak season is in full swing with excellent weather across the country. Beaches are busy, hotels are booked up, and prices reflect the demand. Northern Thailand can get surprisingly cool in the evenings, especially in places like Chiang Mai and Pai. If you're visiting over Christmas and New Year, book well in advance.