This article covers typical weather in October in Thailand, including average temperatures, rainfall, and travel tips on what to wear and best places to visit.
Thailand Weather in October: Overview
- Average temperature range: 24–32°C (76–89°F)
- Average rainfall: 292 mm (12 inches)
- Average rainy days: 22
- Average sunny days: 5
Compared with September, most of Thailand experiences slightly better weather conditions with less rainfall and lower temperatures/humidity in October.
On the other hand, October marks the end of the rainy season most of in Thailand. The rains start to recede at the end of the month, and the temperatures begin to drop. Heavy showers usually last for only an hour or two in the afternoon. With some smart planning, you can ensure that they will not affect your holiday plans.
Suggested Read:
>>> Thailand Rainy Season: When It Is and 5 Best Places to Go
>>> Best (and Worst) Time to Visit Thailand
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Thailand's Regional Weather
Location | Min. Temp. (ºC) | Max. Temp. (ºC) | Rainfall (mm) |
---|---|---|---|
Bangkok | 25 | 32 | 190 |
Chiang Mai | 22 | 31 | 118 |
Phuket | 24 | 31 | 280 |
Krabi | 25 | 31 | 298 |
Hua Hin | 24 | 31 | 200 |
Koh Samui | 24 | 30 | 290 |
Central Thailand and Bangkok: There are occasional downpours in Bangkok and central Thailand, which decrease gradually towards the end of the month. The average temperature is around 28°C (83°F).
Northern Thailand and Chiang Mai: Compared with the rest of Thailand, northern Thailand experiences less rain and moderate temperatures, averaging around 26°C (79°F).
Southern Islands of Thailand: Temperatures during October are on average around 27°C (81°F).
Islands on the east coast of the southern Thailand peninsula, including Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Chang, and Koh Samet, experience slightly more monsoonal rainfall in October as rainfall climbs towards the November peak.
While islands/areas of the west coast, including Phuket, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta, and Krabi experience better weather as the month goes on and the rainy season draws to an end. You can enjoy the sunshine for more of the day the later in the month you go.
Suggested read: Phuket vs Koh Samui: Which Is Better to Go
The Best Places to Visit in Thailand in October
October is a good month for travelers who wish to avoid sightseeing in times of higher heat and crowding. Here are the recommended places to visit in Thailand in October.
1. Chiang Rai
If you are looking for a Thai destination without the hassle of dealing with downpours in October, you could visit the northern cities. Chiang Rai, with many interesting temples and beautiful countryside, is a popular tourist attraction in northern Thailand.
When visiting Chiang Rai, you could extend your trip a little further to visit the Golden Triangle — a stunning viewpoint from where you can see the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos and where they meet. From the Thai side of the border, you can also see the mighty Mekong River and the surrounding hills.
Check the sample itineraries for Thailand tours: 10 days, 12 days, 14 days, and 21 days >>>
2. Chiang Mai
Along with Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai is a must-visit northern city in Thailand and is often praised as "the rose of the north." Surrounded by mountains and lush countryside, Chiang Mai is much greener and quieter than Bangkok in October. At the same time, its role as the capital city of the ancient Lanna Kingdom and its 300 ancient temples grant it a deep sense of history.
You can enjoy panoramic views of Chiang Mai at the famous Doi Suthep and have a close encounter with elephants in one of the 3 Truly Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai. If it is a rainy day, you can join a traditional Thai cooking class and discover the secrets of Thai cuisine.
3. Ayutthaya
As the capital of the ancient Ayutthaya Kingdom, Ayutthaya is famous for its ruins of temples and historical palaces.
Spend some days in this once-thriving historical city to learn about the glory of one of the largest kingdoms in Indochina history. Feeding the rescued elephants in an elephant sanctuary, or just biking tour through the old French, Portuguese, British, and Dutch quarters are some of the recommended activities.
4. Bangkok
October is a particularly suitable month to visit Bangkok if you don't want to join the crowds in the following months. As the capital of Thailand, there are numerous historical sites and cultural sites to explore, which include the Grand Palace, the Wat Pho and Wat Arun temples, and more. Bangkok is a must-visit city to learn about Thailand's Buddhist culture and appreciate these iconic Buddhist landmarks on a clear day.
Get more ideas on planning a family trip to Thailand.
5. Phuket
As one of the most popular islands on the west coast of Thailand, Phuket has warm tropical weather and high rainfall in October, though this mostly falls late in the day in thunderous bursts. The comfortable water temperature, good visibility, steady sea conditions, and crystal-clear waters make Phuket a great place for scuba diving and snorkeling. Though this is affected by the end-of-monsoon rains in October, the plus side is that it is not crowded and costs are low. Best Time to Visit Phuket, When Is the Rainy Season?
Suggested read: How to Plan Your First Trip to Thailand — 7 Easy Steps.
Crowding and Cost in October
Because of the wet weather, it is not very crowded in Thailand during October. It is a great time to get good deals on flights and hotels. Sometimes, you can get very big discounts when travel companies launch ads to attract more tourists in the off-season. Look out for promotions!
Clothes to Wear in October
With average temperatures of 24–32°C, the most popular cities are still quite hot in October. Light and cool clothes are good for this month. Shorts, skirts, T-shirts, light trousers are recommended to pack. Light waterproofs, umbrellas, and waterproof shoes may come in handy. Pack a warmer layer if venturing north.
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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