Planning a trip to Thailand in March? Read our article about the weather in March in Thailand for average temperatures and rainfall across the country, and travel tips on what to wear, travel costs, and best places to visit in March.
Thailand Weather in March Overview
- Average temperature range: 27–34°C (80–93°F)
- Average rainfall: 25 mm (1 inch)
- Average rainy days: 13
- Average sunny days: 15
In Thailand, March ushers in the hot season. The country heats up as the days go by, especially in the north and central regions, with the average daily high temperature reaching 34°C (93°F).
Thailand's Regional Weather
| City | Min. Temp. (ºC) | Max. Temp. (ºC) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | 25 | 34 | 31 |
| Chiang Mai | 19 | 35 | 17 |
| Phuket | 23 | 34 | 75 |
| Krabi | 22 | 35 | 65 |
| Hua Hin | 24 | 32 | 28 |
| Koh Samui | 26 | 31 | 65 |
Bangkok and Northern Thailand: Temperatures continue to soar through March, when most days hit 30°C (90°F) or over. Sightseeing can be exhausting for those not used to the heat.
Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand: In March, Chiang Mai's daytime temperatures can soar upwards of 35°C (95°F), which is enough to make excursions almost unbearable for some. Perhaps even worse than the blistering heat is the smog and haze in the region as local farmers burn the last of the year's crops to prepare for the next season's planting.
Southern Islands of Thailand: Temperatures of Thailand’s southern peninsula islands are generally lower than those in the central and northern regions. And there is the added benefit of the cooling sea breeze. March is the perfect time for travelers to head to the southern beaches (east or west coast). The calm seas and clear waters throughout the southern region in March make it an ideal destination for both beach lovers and diving enthusiasts alike.
The Best Places to Visit in Thailand in March
With low rainfall everywhere and moderate temperatures in the south, March is still a particularly suitable month to visit southern Thailand, but other places are still visitable if you don’t mind the heat. If you are considering visiting Thailand in March, here are some of the best places you can visit.
1. The Southern Islands: Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui
PhuketThe Andaman Coast and the Gulf of Thailand experience similar weather in March, so no matter where you choose to spend your beach holiday, you will get plenty of sunshine and little rainfall. Krabi and Phuket on the Andaman Coast, with calm seas and unique accommodation options, are excellent choices for a beach getaway in March. It's also probably the best time to take a boat trip to see the surrounding islands.
Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand offers unrivaled luxury accommodation options, coupled with idyllic beaches and all the amenities you could wish for. If you want a Thai island-hopping adventure, you can also visit the islands of Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, etc. by ferry.
2. Bangkok
March is a suitable time to visit Bangkok. The weather in March is not yet unbearably hot, especially in the first part of the month.
It is still busy, but the crowds of people are smaller than in January and February. You don’t need to spend too much time to wait in line for the most visited attractions, such as the Grand Place and temples. Try to arrange your visit to the historical palaces or temples in the morning, and avoid the afternoon heat by spending time in the air-conditioned shopping malls or Thai massage shops.
3. The Surin and Similan Islands
Koh Phi Phi March is in the prime diving season for Similan and Surin Islands, offering near-perfect conditions and super-clear waters.
The reefs around these two paradise islands are some of the finest in Asia, making them a diver's dream. The islands get busy from December to March, so it's best to book well ahead of time to avoid being disappointed.
4. Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga is a nature lover's dream all year round, but especially in March, which is the month of the annual Turtle Release Festival. The festival involves releasing young turtles that have been raised at the local research center into the sea.
No trip to Phang Nga would be complete without a boat trip to the bay's many islands. The seemingly endless karst limestone cliffs shooting up out of the bay are one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the kingdom.
5. Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park If you would like to see wild elephants in your trip to Thailand, then visit in March. March 13 is Thailand’s National Elephant Day, when you can see the amazing creatures being celebrated and adored.
Some well-maintained ethical elephant sanctuaries exist in Chiang Mai and the surrounding areas. But if the north’s smoky haze may be an issue for you, consider taking a trip to Khao Yai National Park to see them in the wild.
6. Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya Historical Park March is a good time to visit Ayutthaya if you are interested in Thai martial arts (Muay Thai). March 17 is national Muay Thai Day in Thailand, and although it is celebrated at gyms across the country, the biggest celebration is held in the ancient capital city of Ayutthaya.
The city organizes a week-long event from March 10 to 17, with kickboxers from around the world in attendance. If you are a fan of Muay Thai, or just want to learn more about it, Ayutthaya is the place to do it.
Crowding and Costs in March
March is the month when the high travel season tails off, although it is still crowded in some big tourist cities, like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. You can still see some long lines in their tourist attractions, like the Grand Palace. But crowds are becoming smaller and smaller.
Many hotel still use the high season rate throughout March, while others begin to offer deals to attract more bookings. So, it is a mixed-price month, when any savings depend on where you are going and what you want to do in Thailand.
Clothes to Wear in March
March is a hot month in Thailand, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 34°C (81–93°F) in most parts of Thailand. Shorts, light trousers, T-shirts, hats, and sandals are the most popular clothes during March.
If you are visiting Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, or the mountainous areas in northern Thailand, you’d better prepare some long sleeve clothes because the temperature in the evening can be lower than 23°C (73°F).You may see some rainy days on the southern coastlines, so prepare a light raincoat or umbrella if you are going there.
Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Thailand
Learn about the weather in Thailand for 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month.
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