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Best & Worst Time to Visit Thailand 2024, Rainy Season (Not when you think!)

By CindyUpdated Feb. 24, 2024

The best time to visit Thailand is between November and March when the weather is cool and dry. However, it is also prime tourist season, and hotel and flight prices reflect the surge.

Thailand experiences very hot weather between April and June. The rainy season in Thailand occurs between June and October. One exception is the south's east coast (including Koh Samui), which experiences heavy rainfall from October to December.

Ready to plan your trip? Explore the ultimate guide to the best and worst times to travel to Thailand, complete with insider tips, recommended destinations, and curated activities for each season and month.

Best Times to Visit Thailand for Great Weather, Beaches, Festivals, and Low Prices

As mentioned above the best times to visit Thailand are from November to March. However, this can depend on your Thailand holiday purposes, budget, and weather preferences.

Best Time for the Best Weather

To bask in Thailand's finest weather, plan your visit between November and February. During these months, the country from the north inland to the south islands experiences cool and dry conditions, offering a delightful escape from extreme heat and rain. Perfect for exploring with clear skies and comfortable temperatures.

Best Time for Beaches and Islands

If you are a beach/island lover, November to March is the best time to visit beaches on the west coast of Thailand like Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Similan Islands, and Krabi. Meanwhile, Koh Samui, nestled on the east coast, is good to visit from January to March and July to September.

Get more ideas on planning a family trip to Thailand.

Best Time for Low Prices

For budget-conscious travelers, the monsoon season from May to October offers lower prices and fewer crowds. Despite frequent rain showers, this period offers unique opportunities to secure significant discounts – up to 50% – on accommodation, flights, and tours.

Best Time for Thailand Festivals

For an authentic experience of Thailand's vibrant festivals, plan your visit in November for the enchanting Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Festival or in April to immerse yourself in the lively Songkran Festival. Additionally, many couples opt to celebrate their honeymoon or anniversary at the captivating Yi Peng Festival.

Get more tips in our article: How to Plan Your First Trip to Thailand — 7 Easy Steps.

Or tell us your interests, and we're glad to share the perfect timing and activities.

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The Worst Times to Visit Thailand

Avoiding the Hot Season If Possible

Thailand's hot season, from April to June, brings soaring temperatures and intense humidity, peaking in April and May at over 40°C (104°F). If you're not a fan of the heat, be sure to avoid those months.

Tips for Travelling during the Hot Season:

  • Explore northern regions like Chiang Mai, where the climate is generally cooler compared to the southern parts of the country.
  • Engage in water-based activities to cool off, such as visiting coastal areas or islands.

Avoiding the Rainy Season If Possible

While the rainy season (July to October) graces Thailand with lush landscapes, it also brings short afternoon showers and potential disruptions due to monsoons and storms.

However, you can revel in the perks of serene locales with fewer crowds and attractive prices.

Tips for Travelling the Rainy Season:

  • Explore eastern and northern regions during the rainy season, as they typically receive less rainfall compared to the southern areas.
  • Keep an eye on weather forecasts and plan indoor activities on days when rain is expected.
  • Consider the sun-kissed beauty of Bali as a radiant alternative when Thailand is drenched in rain.

If you are going to visit other countries in Southeast Asia, you can read the Best Times to Visit Southeast Asia.

Thailand Travel Guide by Month

Click the sign of each month to check the travel guide information.

  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December

Thailand Weather in January: Nice Weather

  • Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 15–25°C (59–77°F)
  • Central Thailand (Bangkok): 25–32°C (77–89°F)
  • Southern Thailand (Phuket): 26–32°C (79–89°F)
Similan Islands Similan Islands

January offers great weather conditions, whether for city sightseeing or beach holidays.

It is a popular tourist season in Thailand, especially in tourist hotspots, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Koh Samui. Expect larger crowds at popular attractions and book accommodations in advance.

Events and Festivals

The key festival, when it is in January, Chinese New Year, is celebrated right across the country, especially in Bangkok's Chinatown.

Suggested read: Thailand in January: the top 5 places to visit, costs, and crowds.

Thailand Weather/Temperature Month by Month

Destination   Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Ayutthaya 🌧
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Bangkok 🌧
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Chiang Mai 🌧
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1"
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1"
Koh Samui 🌧
84°F
7"
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10"
Krabi 🌧
88°F
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Phuket 🌧
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3"
Koh Samet 🌧
91°F
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2"
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8"
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0"

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