Best time to visit Thailand

If you want to know the best time to visit Thailand, the real answer depends on your preferences. In other words, it differs for everyone. So how can you figure out when is the best time for your trip? Some like to joke that Thailand only has three seasons – hot, hotter, and hottest. While there is some truth to that, here’s how Thailand actually breaks down its seasons:

• cold season: ฤดูหนาว réu-doo năao
• hot season: ฤดูร้อน réu-doo rón
• rainy season: ฤดูฝนตก réu-doo fŏn dtòk

While it’s true that it never gets really cold in Thailand, there is actually a “cold season” there. If you’re from a freezing place like Michigan or London, you’ll probably laugh at the notion that 60-65F is cold. This season generally lasts from November to February, and it is probably the most pleasant time to travel in Thailand.

The hot (or dry) season lasts from February to May. There are lots of hot, sunny days during this time. In the northern part of the country there’s very little rain, and even droughts, while in the south on the islands there’s already quite a bit of rain.

The rainy season in Thailand lasts from May to October. Usually, it will rain once a day for a few hours, so it’s really not that bad. Keep in mind, though, that some places may experience flooding during the rainy season.

For your reference, here is a summary of the weather conditions in Thailand.

January
January has good weather conditions throughout Thailand and is one of the best months of the year.
In the north, it is cool and dry, with a refreshing breeze and an average temperature between 20 – 24°C. This is the perfect time for trekking, and cycling in the Golden Triangle region and Chiang Mai.
In the south, the beaches’ conditions are similar on both coasts with cooling breezes and average temperatures between 26 – 29°C.
However, while rainfall on the west coast beaches is rare, the east coast such as Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan may experience the odd short shower. The dry conditions and warm sea temperatures are also ideal for diving in the west coast around Phuket, Khao Lak and Krabi.

February

Much of northern Thailand is cool in February, with little chance of rain and an average temperature between 20 – 25°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities. This is also one of the driest and warmest months for exploring the rainforest of Khao Sok National Park.
The south is sunny, dry, with clear blue skies, little chance of rain and average daily temperatures between 26 – 31°C. The islands of Koh Chang and Koh Kood on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand may experience the occasional rain shower but nothing major. Diving continues being an ideal activity on the west coast around Phuket, Khao Lak and Krabi, with good underwater visibility and water temperatures around 27°C.

March

The temperature starts to rise throughout Thailand, most keenly felt in Chiang Mai, Khao Sok National Park, and the northern regions, as winter draws to an end. Although the weather is dry, humidity levels are high and the temperature can hit 33°C.
High temperatures of up to 35°C and little chance of rain is expected in Bangkok and central Thailand, making sightseeing more challenging, so plan for shorter experiences rather than all-day visits.
The south is sunny, dry, with clear blue skies, little chance of rain and average daily temperatures between 26 – 31°C. Diving continues being an ideal activity on the west coast, with a good chance of spotting manta rays and whale sharks during March.

April

The temperature throughout Thailand in April can be summed up in one word: “hot”, with average temperatures in the high 30’s°C a frequent occurrence. The heat in Bangkok and central Thailand around Kanchanaburi can be particularly oppressive, making sightseeing challenging, so plan for shorter experiences rather than all-day visits.
In the south, the temperatures are slightly cooler with temperatures between 29 – 34°C. Diving on the east coast becomes more favorable than the west coast, with good underwater visibility and the possibility of spotting whale sharks around Koh Tao and Koh Samui.

May

The temperature drops slightly throughout the country, and most regions welcome a significant rise in rainfall, but nothing major to avoid visiting Thailand.
Khao Sok National Park is warm with high humidity levels, with a high chance of rain on the west coast beaches of Phuket, Khao Lak and Krabi.

June
Short downpours with periods of good weather characterize June. The average temperature is around 29 – 31°C and the humidity level is high.
In the northern and central regions of Thailand, the rivers start to rise with the return of rainfall, and the hills and rural countryside become greener. Weather patterns in the south and on the islands are similar to May: warm, wet, with a high chance of rain.

July

The temperature decreases slightly throughout Thailand in July with average temperatures of 28 – 29°C, but rainfall increases with short daily showers.
In Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle region, heavy rains will make trekking difficult.
Koh Chang and Koh Kood are particularly wet in July, and the west coast and the beaches of Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak have a much higher chance of heavy downpours than the east coast beaches of Koh Samui, Khanom and Koh Pha Ngan.

August

Temperatures in August continue to drop slightly, down to 26 – 30°C, while the humidity level remains high as rainfall peaks across much of Thailand. In rural regions such as Chiang Kham, the rain can make traveling around difficult. Koh Chang and Koh Kood will also experience their wettest month of the year with daily downpours.
As with previous months, Hua Hin and Cha Am, and the east coast beaches of Koh Samui, Khanom and Koh Phan Ngan continue enjoying drier conditions with plenty of sunshine.

September
September marks the wettest month of the year throughout Thailand. All corners of the country receive rain in varying amounts. Temperature is expected to decline significantly and the humidity level reaches its peak. Beach conditions are poor with heavy rain and rough seas in both west and east coasts.
However, a comfortable temperature level around 26°C, green and lush rainforests, and low season hotel deals make September nonetheless an acceptable month for traveling.

October

The rain starts to recede in October, and humidity levels fall as the month progresses. Temperatures also decline to 24 – 27°C as October mark the start of “winter” in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and the rest of northern Thailand.
The beaches in the south such as Phuket, Khao Lak and Krabi experience the wettest conditions. Khao Sok National Park is also at its wettest this month.

November

Sunshine returns in November although temperatures are still comfortable and humidity is no longer an issue.
Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and the rest of northern Thailand enjoy sunny days with pleasant temperatures, making it a great opportunity for outdoor activities. Kanchanaburi is also a great choice as this lovely weather pattern also flows through central Thailand.
This is a suitable month for beach lovers, as the islands of Koh Chang and Koh Kood, and the beaches of Hua Hin and Cha-Am are filled with sunshine, less rainfall, and a lovely average temperature of 28°C.

December

The best month of the year for visiting Thailand. With minimal rainfall, favorable temperatures, and plenty of sunshine, this is the most ideal time for creating unforgettable memories.
Northern Thailand enjoys favorable weather conditions for trekking in the Golden Triangle region and cycling around the Chiang Mai countryside, with temperatures around 23 – 25°C.
Low humidity levels and an average temperature of 26°C in Bangkok and central Thailand make it ideal for sightseeing.
Sunseekers have the pick of any Thai beach in December, with daytime highs of 31°C not uncommon, and blue skies being the order of the day. The only region with any amount of rainfall is the south-east coast of Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Khanom, although plenty of sunshine punctuates the showers. Dry conditions and warm sea temperatures on the west coast make December an ideal month for diving around Phuket, Khao Lak and Krabi.

In general, the climate varies throughout this country, makes it possible to visit all year round. However, a lot of people think that the best time to visit Thailand is between November and February when the weather is at its best. 

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