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Best Time to Visit Thailand: Complete Guide

Team AckoFeb 27, 2024

If you're planning to visit Thailand, you're in for a treat! It's a beautiful country that boasts a rich history, a vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. The best time to visit Thailand is between November and April, but don't worry if you can't make it during those months. You can still enjoy the country throughout the year. To help plan your trip, it's important to consider what you're looking for. Here are some things to consider when planning your trip.

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Best Season to Visit Thailand

Thailand has a tropical climate, which means it's hot and humid all year round. However, there are three distinct seasons to be aware of: the peak season, the shoilder season, and the low season.

Peak season in Thailand:

Most tourists head to Thailand between November and February/March. These months can offer relief from the sweltering heat and the pouring rain, making it the best time of year to visit Thailand. Add Christmas and New Year celebrations to the mix, and you can see why Thailand will be the perfect vacation spot during this period.

Shoulder season in Thailand:

April to June, September, and October are considered to be shoulder seasons for tourism in Thailand. You may have to tolerate high temperatures or intense rain during these months. But fewer crowds at beaches and other places of interest can make up for this.

Low season in Thailand:

The monsoon season between July and October is considered the low season in Thailand. Rain can play spoilsport to an extent, even though it may only lash for a short duration during the afternoon or evening. However, sometimes the intensity and duration could vary too. Deals on hotels and flights can come to your rescue if you are willing to put up with the wet weather.

Best time to visit Thailand: month-on-month guide

Thailand in January

January is an exceptional time to visit Thailand. The weather will be warm and sunny during the day and cooler in the evening, making January Thailand best time to visit. But Ko Samui proves to be an exception, as it gets maximum rainfall during this month, along with the islands in the lower gulf. The Chinese New Year celebrations light up Bangkok’s Chinatown, and it is worth a visit.

Events: Chinese New Year (could fall in February as well)

Temperature

Bangkok - 32 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 28 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 29 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 31 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 31 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in February

February is the last of the "winter" months in Thailand. Most of the country sees an abundance of sunshine. So it’s the best month to visit Thailand to enjoy a beach vacation and the many water activities being offered on its beautiful and lush islands. The northern parts of the country, such as Chiang Mai, can experience a drop in temperature towards the evening and night. This month could also see fewer crowds compared to the other months in Thailand’s peak season.

Events: Chiang Mai Flower Festival and Chinese New Year (could fall in January as well)

Temperature

Bangkok - 33 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 31 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 31 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 33 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 32 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in March

Heat comes back with a vengeance to Thailand in the month of March. With the mercury rising, hitting the country’s much-talked-about beaches will be a great idea, especially in the southern part of the country like Ko Samui. The weather is getting hotter in the northern parts of the country as well. The north may also be hazy and smoky due to the burning of crops around this time. So those with respiratory issues may want to be cautious.

Events: Kite Flying Festivals and National Thai Elephant Day

Temperature

Bangkok - 34 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 34 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 33 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 34 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 33 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in April

Thailand's climate remains hot in April, especially in the northern and northeastern parts of the country. This could be Thailand best time to visit to head to the beaches, which are slightly cooler compared to cities like Bangkok and Chang Mai. The country’s biggest festive season, the Thai New Year, or Songkran, is the perfect way to beat the heat, where scented water is thrown on people to symbolise the washing away of sins and a fresh start for the new year. It is best to book your accommodations and travel arrangements in advance if you visit Thailand in April, as the Thais will be moving around the country in large groups to mark the occasion.

Events: Songkran

Temperature

Bangkok - 35 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 35 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 34 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 34 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 33 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in May

This month sees very little tourism as the celebratory mood winds down. You can score great deals on your accommodations during this shoulder season. Thailand's temperature remains high, with some showers coming to indicate that Thailand's rainy season is on its way.

Events: Rocket Festival, Royal Ploughing Ceremony, and Visakha Bucha

Temperature

Bangkok - 34 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 33 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 33 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 32 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 32 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in June

The rainy season kicks off in June, but it is still a hot month as far as Thailand’s temperature in June goes. But the rain doesn’t last long and limits itself to the afternoon or evening, so Thailand's weather in June is still manageable for travellers. The islands also experience rainfall, but Ko Samui and other eastern islands see less rainfall, so they remain good options. Bangkok's temperature in June is at a minimum of 24 degrees Celsius and can go up to 33 degrees Celsius, with rains playing havoc on the traffic. Since Thailand in June falls in the shoulder season, you can get good discounts on accommodation and transport, making it the best time for a Thailand trip.

Events: Hua Hin Jazz Festival, Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival, and Pattaya International Music Festival

Temperature

Bangkok - 33 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 31 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 33 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 32 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 31 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in July

The monsoon weaves its spell in Thailand in July. The heat and humidity also tend to go up this month. But the rains won’t throw your itinerary into disarray, as they don’t last for too long. Going inland or to some east coast beaches can be best during monsoon season in Thailand, as they tend to get less rain. But the summer holidays begin, and you may experience crowds at popular destinations.

Events: Asahna Bucha, Wan Khao Phansaa, Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, and the Birthday of HM the King

Temperature

Bangkok - 33 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 30 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 32 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 32 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 31 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in August

The monsoon shows its strength, especially in the northern and northeastern provinces of Thailand. There’s no escaping the rain if you want to visit Thailand in August, though the east coast beaches such as Ko Samui and Hua Hin can provide some respite from the showers. Tourists are fewer during this month, so wait times at attractions are less, and you get good deals on hotels.

Events: The Birthday of HM the Queen

Temperature

Bangkok - 32 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 30 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 32 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 31 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 31 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in September

Thailand in September is at its wettest. You can experience some sunshine too, in between the heavy showers. You can still do plenty of things if you work around the Thai weather in September. Since the rains can keep tourists at bay, you can experience all the wonders that Thailand has to offer at your own pace and save money as well due to discounts.

Events: Thai National Flag Day and Long Boat Racing

Temperature

Bangkok - 32 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 30 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 32 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 31 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 30 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in October

Thailand bids adieu to the rains towards the end of October. But not before some serious spells of rain are seen towards the beginning of the month, though the northern parts of the country are a bit drier as far as Thailand weather in October goes. You can visit the northern provinces to look at the countryside, which looks particularly lush and green post-monsoon. The southern islands can experience substantial rainfall along with sunshine, so keep this in mind when heading to the beaches there. Obey flag warnings on the islands and be aware of jellyfish, which move towards the shore during this season.

Events: Vegetarian Festival, Awk Phansa, and King Chulalongkorn Day

Temperature

Bangkok - 32 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 29 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 31 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 31 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 30 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in November

With the monsoon having beaten a retreat, Thailand's weather turns cold and dry in November. The humidity also takes a dip, making November the best time to go Thailand. While the western coastal islands become attractive due to the weather, the eastern ones see rain. Tourism sees a spike in Thailand in November due to the colder climes, but if you can schedule your trip for the earlier part of the month, you may beat most of the visitors and truly enjoy Thailand’s beauty.

Events: Loi Krathong, Yi Peng Lantern Festival, and Lopburi Monkey Festival

Temperature

Bangkok - 31 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 29 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 29 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 30 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 30 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in December

Thailand comes alive with the tourist season this month. Considered the coldest month in Thailand, Christmas and New Year celebrations across the country can warm the hearts of tourists. Since this is peak season, book flights and accommodations well in advance to avoid any glitches. Thailand in December is also an expensive time to visit the country, especially closer to Christmas and New Year's.

Events: Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Chiang Mai Red Cross and Winter Fair

Temperature

Bangkok - 31 Degrees Celsius

Chiang Mai - 28 Degrees Celsius

Ko Samui - 29 Degrees Celsius

Krabi - 30 Degrees Celsius

Phuket - 31 Degrees Celsius

Cheapest time to visit Thailand

If you want to do a more budget-friendly trip to Thailand, then choose what is considered the off-season in Thailand, which is between July and October. The monsoons come into play during this season. Though it might not be the best time to visit Thailand weather-wise, you can still enjoy what Thailand has to offer at more pocket-friendly rates if your plans remain fluid, keeping the weather in mind.

Expensive time to visit Thailand

If you want to enjoy the holiday season at the end of the year in Thailand, it's going to cost you a pretty penny. November to February sees many festivities along with a cooler climate. These factors lead to a tourist rush, especially around December. Hence, prices for flights and hotels are high around this time. Bookings will also have to be made well in advance, as it is not easy to get accommodations at the last minute.

More about the best time to go to Thailand

What is the best time to visit Thailand for a honeymoon?

Climate-wise, the months between November and March are cooler and more pleasant. But this is the peak tourist season in Thailand, with lodging and flights turning expensive. If you don’t mind encountering some rain or heat during your stay in Thailand, you can pick the off-season or even shoulder season months for a more affordable stay.

What are the best months to travel to Thailand for hiking?

October to February, when the weather is a bit cooler and drier, is the best time to enjoy hiking in Thailand. The period between June and October is also a good time to go trekking through the northern regions.

What are the best months to visit Thailand for festivals?

Thailand is famous for its festivals, and there are several throughout the year. The most famous is Songkran, which takes place in mid-April and is the Thai New Year. Another popular festival is Loy Krathong, which usually falls in November. People make small boats out of banana leaves and flowers and float them on rivers and lakes to celebrate the full moon. It's a beautiful sight to see, especially in Chiang Mai, where they release thousands of lanterns into the sky.

What is the best month to go to Thailand for island hopping?

The best month to go Thailand for island hopping is between January and April. It is likely to be nice outside this month, so it will not rain much. High winds stay in place during this time, making it a great time for any water sport.

What is the best time to go to Thailand for scuba diving?

Generally, October to April are the best time to go Thailand for scuba diving. However, it's important to note that different dive sites may have different seasons. So, the best time for diving depends on your specific diving destination and what you want to see or experience underwater.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best time to visit Thailand from India really depends on what you're looking for. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy mild weather, then the cool season is your best bet. But if you're interested in experiencing Thai culture, then visiting during a religious holiday is a must. And, if you're keen on experiencing a festival, we highly recommend planning your trip around Songkran or Loy Krathong. However, it's important to exercise caution during these events. While they're incredibly fun and vibrant, petty theft and pickpocketing can be common in crowded areas. To give yourself peace of mind, it's always a good idea to have travel insurance for Thailand. That way, you can protect yourself and your belongings from any unexpected incidents or mishaps.

If you're an Indian traveller, we recommend checking out ACKO travel insurance. It offers comprehensive coverage at an affordable price, and it's a great way to ensure that you're covered for any unforeseen circumstances. So don't forget to get your Acko travel insurance policy before you take off on your Thailand adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

What’s a good time to travel to Thailand to avoid crowds?

The low season between July and October can be the best time to avoid crowds in Thailand. The monsoon season can keep most tourists away. But if you can work around the rain, this is thebest time to visit Thailandto avoid crowds and score some nifty discounts too.

What’s the best season to visit Thailand for beaches?

This depends on the weather, and the islands on the eastern and western coasts of the country see rain at different points in the year. The western coast islands, such as Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Phi Phi, are good for a visit between November and March. If you want to visit the east coast islands, such as Ko Samui, then March, July to September will be good times to go.

What’s the worst time to travel to Thailand?

There is no such thing as the worst time to travel to Thailand, as it is a year-round destination. But if you take weather conditions into account, such as monsoon season Thailand or Thai summers, you should avoid the stretches between July and October for the rains and March and May for the heat.

How many days should I set aside to see Thailand?

We’d say that you would have to spend anywhere between 10 and 14 days to take in most of what Thailand has to offer. If you are short on time, you can squeeze in some of the major attractions in 7 days. But if you have more time on your hands, you can spend anywhere between 3 weeks to a month and explore Thailand at a leisurely pace.

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