Thailand is a place that’s evergreen. While in my own opinion, there’s always something to do, regardless of the time of the year, many people do not agree, and avoid Thailand during certain parts of the year. The timing will depend on your preferences, but in this article, we’ll cover some of the worst times to visit Thailand, taking all factors into consideration.
The Rainy Season (May to October)
Unfortunately, Thailand can have huge storms of unletting rain from May to October. That being said, it can also be relatively mild, raining only for a couple of hours each day. It is hard to predict exactly, but the rainiest months tend to be August and September.
If you enjoy a lot of outdoor activities, this can really throw a wrench in your plans, which makes it understandable that people consider this time the worst to come to Thailand.
The weather reports are very unreliable, and you will be unlikely to plan around bad weather with any certainty. However, there are better times to visit Thailand for those looking to avoid such inconveniences.
The Hot Season (March to May)
Thailand can be scorching hot from March to May, but really, April is the most hellish month. You can expect temperatures to be in the high 30s Celsius, depending on the exact location. For example, in Bangkok, the average high in April is 35°C (95°F).
Coupled with the humidity, walking around outside is almost unbearable. This is not a time for long periods outdoors. Even exploring ancient ruins or wandering through markets becomes difficult and not very enjoyable.
Burning Season (January to April)
If you’re planning on visiting the north of Thailand during this time, you will be unpleasantly surprised by the pollution. From January to late April, the pollution levels can be downright dangerous. During this time, many cities in northern Thailand top the charts for having the worst pollution in the world.
This is a time when local farmers burn fields to make way for a new planting season. The air quality then plummets, and the sky becomes red and hazy. It’s not the healthiest place to be, which makes January to April one of the worst times to visit northern Thailand.
The Bottom Line
So, there you have it: the worst times to visit Thailand. Personally, I don’t think Thailand is untravelable during these times, though you may have to adjust your activities slightly. But for some, bad weather and poor air quality are legitimate reasons to delay a trip, so timing must play some factor in your decision making.
