The Best Places to Visit in Thailand in February

Bangkok and Central Thailand

While Bangkok and Central Thailand are very warm compared to the rest of the country, daily temperatures in February are more temperate compared to the scorching summer months of March and April.

Temperatures in the capital tend to hover around the high 20s and low 30s (75–90°F). The relative lack of rain makes this a great season to explore the city’s many tourist attractions.

Northern Thailand

February falls between the cool and hot seasons in Northern Thailand. The early mornings and evenings are still crisp and fresh, and temperatures during the day can go up to 32°C (90°F).

For some people, this may be too hot, but most can still enjoy what the city and the surrounding countryside have to offer.

February is the last month before local farmers start burning their left over crops to prepare for the season ahead. This annual tradition leads to the accumulation of an uncomfortable haze across the north of Thailand, so if you are planning to visit Chiang Mai or any of the surrounding provinces, it’s best to do so in January or February.

Southern Thailand

The weather on the Andaman Coast of Thailand is at its best in January and February. Phuket, Krabi, Ko Phi Phi, and Trang all receive plenty of sunshine and little rainfall; what’s more, the conditions at sea are fantastic for water activities like swimming and diving.

Over on Koh Samui, the last of the January rain subsides, making way for sunny days with a constant temperature of around 27°C (80°F). It’s perfect weather for soaking up some sun on the beach!

Eastern Thailand

The eastern seaboard is the wettest part of Thailand all year round; February is a great time to visit this beautiful part of the kingdom. Daily temperatures on the east coast hover at around 27°C (80°F), which is ideal for beach lovers.

You are likely to experience rainfall only every four or five days, so you can spend the rest of your time exploring the stunning tropical islands of Koh Chang, Koh Mak, Ko Kut, and Koh Wai. 

1. Bangkok

Grand Palace, Bangkok

As the weather is still mild in Bangkok in February, it is a great time to visit the country’s capital.

Chinese New Year (more commonly known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival in Thailand) usually happens in February (although it was on January 25 this year [2020]), and a trip to Bangkok’s Chinatown to witness the celebrations is a must.

Yaowarat Road, the main street in Chinatown, is shut at both ends, and this usually gridlocked road turns into a pedestrian walkway. The road is lined with local street food stalls, and there are a range of special events, including parades and dragon dances.

Valentine’s Day is big business across the globe, but Thailand seems to take V-Day celebrations a step further than most other countries.

Bangkok turns pink on “Wan Valentine,” and couples walk around clutching flower bouquets and oversized stuffed toys. The famous Pak Khlong Flower Market goes into overdrive in the lead up to the big day, and traders do some of their best business of the whole year.

If you’d like to join in the romantic celebrations, there is no shortage of suitable destinations. Restaurants provide special meals, as do hotels, and there are several cruises down Chaopraya River that you could choose from.

If you want to go all out and celebrate with your loved one in Bangkok, there’s even a helicopter ride over the city available on Valentine’s Day!

2. Phuket

Phuket

The Andaman Coast of Thailand is arguably the most picturesque in the country; it is truly stunning. There are endless white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise seas, and towering limestone cliffs as far as the eye can see.

Phuket is the jewel in the Andaman’s crown, and the country’s most visited island. There is a beach for everybody on the southwest coast of Thailand. 

Phuket is home to some of Thailand’s most popular beaches, high-end resorts, and nightclubs. If you like islands with a great nightlife and fabulous beaches, Phuket could be the place for you.

There are some quieter beaches on the southern part of the island, and Phuket Town has some of the most delectable local food options in the whole of Thailand.

With its large ethnically Chinese population, Phuket is another fantastic place to ring in Lunar New Year. Various activities on the special day include cultural performances, traditional music shows, and parades, all set against the magnificently colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture of Old Town Phuket.

3. Krabi

Krabi

Another wildly popular destination among tourists across the globe is Krabi, and its highlight is, undoubtedly, Railay Bay.

The beach has a breathtaking mix of white sand and limestone karsts, and although it is technically a mainland beach, it has a real island feel because the bay is only accessible by boat.

Another highlight in Krabi is the Naga Fest, a three-day annual music festival held at the end of February. This is a free event, and people of all ages are encouraged to join in the festivities. Families, couples, and groups of friends are all welcome.

4. Trang

February is the perfect time to visit the lesser-known Trang archipelago. The Trang islands are everything you would imagine a Thai beach paradise to be.

These islands have been spared (for now) the crowds of tourists and overdevelopment, unlike their more famous neighbors, Phuket and Krabi.

5. Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi

Traveling to the stunning Phi Phi island in February can be a real treat. With average daily temperatures of around 28°C (82°F), it’s the perfect time for beach lovers to visit. It only rains on around four days of the month, so there’s little chance of bad weather ruining your boat trips.

All the places listed previously experience almost identical weather in February, so why not island-hop and experience them all?

6. Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

February is one of the best times to visit Chiang Mai, as the weather is perfect for all kinds of activities. While the Spring Festival celebration in Chiang Mai doesn’t quite match up to the one in Bangkok, it’s still a beautiful affair. There are red lanterns all over town, and celebrations go from morning to night.

The best place to celebrate is Warorot Market, otherwise known as Kad Luang. There are food stalls selling all kinds of delicious Thai-Chinese treats, a lion dance, and even a show of fireworks in the evening.

Another famous festival in February is the Chiang Mai Flower Festival, which showcases the region’s beautiful flowers and ornate decorations. The main event takes place at Tha Pae Gate and Nong Buak Hard Park over three days. It includes exhibitions, flower competitions, traditional Lanna dance shows, and a floating parade.