A green sea next to large rocks in Phuket, Thailand.

What’s the Best Time of the Year to Go to Thailand?

If you’ve landed on this page, you’re probably wondering about what the best time of the year to visit Thailand is. The standard answer is no secret. Most travelers and locals agree that the best time is between November and March. It isn’t called “high season” for no reason. With clear skies and lower temperatures, the weather in Thailand is much cooler than usual.

But if you’re like us, and can’t stand the crowds and tourist traps, this may not be the best option. Depending on what you want to do, you may even prefer the “low season,” which runs from around April to October.

To clear up the confusion and help you decide when to come, we’ll go over the weather in each season.

What is the Best Season to Visit Thailand?

Understanding Thailand’s weather is important for planning your trip, since it changes throughout the year in ways most people are not familiar with. This is especially important if you only plan to stay for a couple of weeks.

Cool Season (November to February)

A group of tents in the mountains of Thailand.
Image by icon0 com via Pexels.

Thailand cools down in this season, and there is little rain, creating a comfortable climate for travelers. In Bangkok, daytime temperatures stay around a winterish 30°C (86°F). In the North, such as Chiang Mai, cooler evenings call for light jackets. (Locals will say it’s cold, but frankly it isn’t.)

This time is a great time for visiting Ayutthaya’s temples, exploring Bangkok’s streets, or enjoying the North’s natural beauty. The North is especially cool and breezy during this time. If only considering the weather, this season is by far the best time to go.

Festivals and Events

  • Loy Krathong: Celebrated across the country in November, Loy Krathong is a beautiful festival where people float decorated baskets on water to pay respects to the river spirits. It’s a festival of lights, and we highly recommend that visitors partake in the celebrations.

Hot Season (March to June)

Boats lined up on a beach in Thailand.
Image by Miro Alt via Pexels.

Temperatures climb above 35°C (95°F) and humidity goes up, which makes outdoor activities difficult. But Thailand’s natural beauty peaks in this season, with flowers in full-bloom and many fresh local fruits like mangoes and durians for sale. Beaches in Phuket and Koh Samui turn into hot spots around this time, as well as locations along the Andaman Sea.

Festivals and Events

  • Thai New Year (Songkran): In April, Songkran is celebrated with massive water fights. The entire country becomes a warzone for a few days, and if you don’t run away, you will surely get water dunked on your head (it’s a blessing). Songkran occurs during the hottest days of the year, so it’s much welcomed.
  • Chinese New Year: Usually in January or February, this festival is especially important in cities with large Chinese communities, like Bangkok and Phuket. There are dragon dances, fireworks, and cultural performances.

Rainy Season (July to October)

A man driving a tuk-tuk in the rain.
Image by Ingo Joseph via Pexels.

The rainy (monsoon) season is just what it sounds like. The rain seems to come mainly in the afternoons and evenings, which turns the landscapes very green. The thunderstorms are very beautiful, and it doesn’t rain every day, or even all day.

This season isn’t popular, though, for obvious reasons, and it is considered part of the “low season.” However, it is popular among budget travelers because hotel prices plummet.

Festivals and Events

  • Asahna Bucha: A Buddhist festival usually held in July, marking the beginning of Buddhist Lent.
Image by Ninara, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr.

Shoulder Season (October, and April to early June)

The months just before and after the high season, also known as the shoulder season, can also be a good time to visit Thailand. The weather is still somewhat pleasant, and you’ll avoid the largest crowds. You can enjoy Thailand without the high prices and packed tourist spots.

The Bottom Line

The best overall time of the year to go to Thailand is, of course, between November and March. That being said, there are still many things to do in the hot and rainy seasons, depending on your personality and lifestyle. From enjoying the dry weather during the Thai New Year to witnessing the lush green landscapes in the rainy season, every season in Thailand has its pros and cons.

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