There’s a reason Thailand is the gateway to Southeast Asia. With postcard-perfect beaches, centuries-old temples, and a dizzying amount of street food and nightlife, Thailand checks all the boxes for travellers looking for a fantastic adventure. Its capital, Bangkok, is also one of the best-connected destinations in the world, making it easy to access from nearly every major city. Plus, Thailand is a great jumping-off point for diving deeper into the rest of Southeast Asia.
To be honest, there’s no wrong time to visit Thailand — it only depends on what you’re looking to do. Whether it’s a new year’s festival like Songkran, a tropical island adventure, tasting world-class grub, or visiting ancient temples tucked amid misty mountains, we’ve got you covered on the best time to visit Thailand.
Best time to travel to Thailand for weather
The best time to visit Thailand for perfect weather is during the cool and dry season, which runs from November to early April. Temperatures range from 28.5-36°C (84°F to 97°F). The exception is the Lower Gulf, which includes the islands of Koh Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Koh Tao. These islands see the most rainfall from September through December.
Burn season in Northern Thailand runs from February to April when the dry weather can result in forest fires, so you may encounter some smoky conditions if you travel to Northern Thailand during these months. The ‘Land of Smiles’ has many different climates from north to south, so you can find a good time to visit Thailand any time of year. Generally speaking, the dry season has the best weather in most areas of the country.
Best time to travel to Thailand for beaches
Thailand’s beaches are mainly located along its southern coastlines, which touch the Andaman Sea to the west and the Gulf of Thailand to the east. The country has more than 1,400 islands between these two coasts, so there’s no shortage of beaches you can explore when visiting Thailand. However, when to visit Thailand’s islands depends on which coast you visit. The dry season is the best time to travel to Thailand for the beaches in the Andaman Sea, while the best time to visit the Gulf of Thailand beaches is December through August.
For scuba diving in Thailand, you can dive the east coast islands year-round. Dives in the Andaman Sea are best between November and April. Remember that the world-famous Similan and Surin Island marine parks in the Andaman Sea are closed from mid-May to mid-October.
When is Thailand’s rainy season?
Thailand’s rainy season, or "monsoon season," runs between July and October. The country's west coast, north, and central parts receive the heaviest rainfall during these months. However, the east coast’s heaviest rains fall from September through December. Best pack your dollar store poncho if you’re heading here at this time of year!
When is Loi Krathong?
You’ve seen the pictures of Loi Krathong: floating lanterns glowing ethereally like thousands of orange fireflies rising to the inky black sky. One of the most beautiful festivals in Thailand, Loy Krathong is an ancient festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil. The holiday is held on the night of the 12th lunar month, usually in November. The celebrations for Loi Krathong in northern Thailand are legendary, so November is often the best time to visit Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai has plenty to do beyond the Loi Krathong festival. Wander the golden-dipped temple complex at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, where you can sit with young monks to discuss daily life and Buddhism. Chiang Mai is a wonderful city to learn about Northern Thai cuisine through a cooking class. Many classes take travellers to local markets to pick out ingredients, adding an enriching glimpse into daily life. If you want to dive deep into Chiang Mai, consider this Journeys: Explore Northern Thailand trip that takes you to the heart of its history and culture.
When is Songkran?
Songkran is the best time to visit Bangkok if you love fast-paced energy, electric nightlife, and a seriously good water fight. Songkran, or Thai New Year, is held every April 13 and runs for about five days. The biggest celebration in the nation is marked by massive outdoor water fights — which may leave you drenched from head to toe but are very welcome in the sweltering April heat. Though the roots of Songkran are much more subdued and centre around the cleansing of Buddhist imagery and local temples, the modern-day iteration of the celebration is all about getting soaked in the streets and raucous celebrations. While Songkran is celebrated all over Thailand, Bangkok’s festival is nothing short of legendary.
But you will have a fantastic time in Bangkok no matter when you visit. Cruise down the Chao Phraya River by traditional long-tail boat and venture out into the small clans of western Bangkok's Thonburi district. Visit legendary temples like Wat Po, known for its massive reclining Buddha. Or head out of town on a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ayutthaya, the original capital of the Kingdom. You can experience the best of Bangkok on our Classic Thailand - West Coast tour that begins and ends in the capital city with a little bit of everything in between.
Low season in Thailand
The low season in Thailand runs from July to September when the monsoons can be at their most ferocious. Travel around Thailand gets a bit more complicated during this time, so expect flight cancellations and travel delays. But if you’ve got the time and patience to deal with travel hiccups, this is the time of year when you will find the deepest discounts on flights and hotels.
High season in Thailand
Not surprisingly, the high season in Thailand is anchored by great weather and/or the top holidays in the country. Dry season, Songkran, and New Year’s Eve are particularly popular times for travel to Thailand. Expect more crowds, higher airfare, limited hotel availability, and higher hotel prices.
Shoulder season in Thailand
Shoulder season in Thailand runs from April to June and through the month of October. If you travel to Thailand during the shoulder season, you’ll miss the swell of high-season crowds and dodge much of the monsoon season. Dry season can sometimes last well into May, meaning you’ll have the best weather and far fewer tourists. Monsoon season ends around November, so travelling towards the later half of October can often mean the rains have slightly tapered off.
