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Best Time Visit Laos: Season-wise Weather, Events & More

Team AckoFeb 21, 2024

The latest trends and reels in social media are increasing our curiosity about visiting different international locations. One such place that has been trending all over Instagram and Facebook reels is Laos, a pleasant location in Southeast Asia. However, what those reels don’t clear for you is which months are the best time to visit Laos or when you can get good weather on your international trip.

Well, do not stress, as we have brought the answers to your exact question - “When is the best time to visit Lao?”

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Go through this article to enlighten yourself about the best time to visit Laos and get an idea about the weather conditions, major festivities to attend and some tips as a bonus from our side.

Contents

When is the Best Time to Visit Laos?
Best Season to Visit Laos
Best Month to Visit Laos
Explore More About Best Time to Visit
- When is the most expensive time to visit Laos?
- When should I visit Laos for good weather?
Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Best Time to Visit Laos?

When you plan for your visit to Laos, the best time to visit the place is from November to January. The natural beauty of Laos makes it a perfect spot for visiting any time of the year. Nonetheless, to get the best of the place, planning your trip during the winter months is the best. Moreover, you may want to plan your vacation for a different time depending on the location where you'll spend your vacation and how you want to get around.

A few trade-offs must be made when planning your trip to Laos. The cheaper costs of the rainy season from May to October offset the higher risk of washed-out roads. Nonetheless, during the peak season, you will find the entire region suddenly brightened up with people hustling around and enjoying cool and cosy weather.

Before arranging a trip to Laos, consider the pros and cons of each season. Keep on reading to learn about the weather in Laos, popular holidays, and things to do in Laos from season to season.

Best Season to Visit Laos

Laos has three distinct travel seasons that we have discussed in detail below.

Peak Season in Laos

The dry season normally lasts from late October until early April. Because the weather is typically cool and dry, it is considered the peak tourist season. By October, the prevailing winds in Southeast Asia change direction. The northeastern autumn flows down from Siberia, delivering cold, dry air to places still wet by the late southwest autumn's rains.

Between November and February, the gusts of the cold taiga winds make it the best time to visit Laos. Temperatures fall to an all-time low of 57-79 degrees Fahrenheit (14-26 degrees Celsius) in December, with rain falling to 0.4 inches (10mm) in the same month.

The north and east of Laos have the chilliest climate, with higher-altitude locations like Luang Namtha or Phongsali experiencing temperatures as low as 41 °F (5 degrees Celsius) in the evenings. Pack properly for cooler, drier weather. Bring light sweaters for lower-altitude destinations like Luang Prabang, but dress warmly if travelling north or east of the country.

Pros of going to Laos during the peak season: You can enjoy pleasant weather with cool temperatures and minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities and exploring cultural sites.
Cons of going to Laos during the peak season: Being the peak tourist season, you will face higher prices on accommodations and transportation and high crowds.

Shoulder Season in Laos

The hot season typically lasts from March to May. Temperatures can rise significantly during this period, and there may be brief rain showers. This is known as the shoulder season because it occurs between the dry and wet seasons. It's no coincidence that Laos celebrates the raucous New Year festival Bun Pi Mai (Songkran) during the hottest, driest months of the year, from March to April.

When temperatures reach a scorching 100°F (38 °C), the lush countryside wilts and rivers begin to run dry. As the rice harvest approaches, farmers put fire to their fields, a traditional method of preparing soil for the next crop.

Pros of going to Laos during the shoulder season: Travellers can experience a transition between dry and wet seasons with warmer temperatures. Fewer tourists means more affordable prices.
Cons of going to Laos during the shoulder season: Increasing temperatures, occasional rain showers, and some outdoor activities may be affected.

Low or Off-season in Laos

The wet season in Laos typically lasts from May to October. This is the wettest time of year, with the heaviest rain falling from July to September. From May to October, the "green" season is Laos' official off-tourist season, with tour packages, hotel rooms, and fares at all-time lows.

Certain routes may be rinsed out and too dangerous to drive on, and jungle trails may be too slippery or flooded to walk on. Around April or May, the prevailing winds change again, with the southwest autumn carrying moist, hot air from the Indian Ocean. Rain begins to fall on Laos' parched, brown countryside as storms intensify.

Pros of going to Laos during the off-season: Lush green landscapes, vibrant vegetation, and fewer tourists; lower prices for accommodations and activities.
Cons of going to Laos during the off-season: Heavy rainfall, potential flooding, and some activities may be limited or disrupted

Best Month to Visit Laos

Still not sure about the best time to visit Laos? To decide which month would be perfect for you to visit this beautiful destination, we have provided average temperatures for each month and the different weather.

Season	Travel Months	Min Temperature	Max Temperature
Summer	June-August	22°C	32°C
Autumn	September-November	17°C	31°C
Winter	December-February	13°C	30°C
Spring	March-May	17°C	33°C

June to August (Summer in Laos)

During the summer, Laos is hot, wet, and humid, which severely hampers tourism. The rain deteriorates the condition of Laos' network of unpaved roads, rendering some impassable, and the monsoon hampers certain activities, particularly those that take place outside. Rivers that are too low to cross during the end of the dry season, on the other hand, become crucial modes of transportation after rain boosts water levels.

The parched landscape also comes back to life, with rice fields turning emerald and tumbling waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery. It's also worth noting that, while most of Laos experiences rain, it usually doesn't last long in June. The rain helps to cool things down, so you can still do some sightseeing.

Important Events in Laos in Summer: Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) in May or June, featuring traditional rocket launches; Khao Phansa marks the beginning of Buddhist Lent in July.
Why Should You Visit in this Month: You can experience the lively Rocket Festival and witness the unique Buddhist Lent ceremonies.
Things to Remember: Be prepared for hot and humid weather; carry sunscreen; and stay hydrated.

September to November (Autumn in Laos)

While it rains for the majority of September, the end of this month brings bright, warm temperatures with the most picturesque landscapes. By October, there is only an occasional smattering of rain, and temperatures hover around 30°C. As outdoor activities resume, now is the time to visit Laos and enjoy its many delights before the crowds return during peak tourist season. It's also a great time to score a shoulder season deal.

November is no longer wet, but rivers are still full from recent rains - it's time to take a stroll along the country's waterways. Outdoor activities such as trekking, tubing, and swimming are becoming increasingly popular, and pleasant temperatures make sightseeing and temple-hopping - and exploring in general - a better experience. So this is definitely one of the best times of the year to visit Laos.

Important events in Laos in autumn: Boat racing festivals in various locations, celebrating the end of Buddhist Lent, and the Luang Festival in November.
Why should you visit this month: This is the time to enjoy the excitement of boat racing events and partake in cultural festivities at That Luang Festival.
Things to remember: Pack lightweight clothing; be aware that occasional rain showers may occur.

December to February (Winter in Laos)

This is the best time to visit Laos for a little bit of everything: sightseeing, river travel, and countryside exploration. From November to January, the best months to visit lowland Laos are when the daytime temperatures are pleasant, the evenings are slightly chilly, and the landscape is bright and green after the rains.

The temperatures are significantly colder at higher elevations, sometimes dropping below freezing. In December, temperatures in Vientiane and Luang Prabang average around 27°C and 22°C, respectively, while temperatures in southern regions such as Pakse reach around 30°C.

Dry conditions on land are also ideal for visiting Buddhist shrines and enigmatic caves, as well as visits to elephant camps, coffee plantations, and indigenous markets. It's also the best time to visit Laos for outdoor activities like rock climbing, adventurous hikes, and cycling tours. Book a day trip or multi-day trek to the hill tribes of northern Laos from towns like Muang Sing, Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, or Vang Vieng.

Important events in Laos in winter: Lao National Day on December 2nd, marked with parades and cultural events.
Why should you visit this month: Experience comfortable weather for outdoor activities and explore cultural celebrations during National Day.
Things to remember: Bring a light jacket for cooler evenings, especially in northern regions.

March to May (Spring in Laos)

From the very start to the end of spring, Laos undergoes major transformations. Temperatures rise quickly, peaking in April, when the lower regions are baking hot and humid and the highlands are, for the most part, equally hot, if a little less muggy. However, there are locations, such as Paksong on the Bolaven Plateau, that have a temperate climate all year.

In Luang Prabang, temperatures typically hover around 36°C. Because of agricultural practises such as slash-and-burn, much of the north, including Luang Prabang, is shrouded in smoke from March until the start of the rainy season, which can be quite unpleasant to deal with at times.

But it's not just the weather. Spring is possibly the best time to visit Laos to enjoy the country’s festivities. Laos New Year is celebrated in the middle of April and is a major event on the calendar. Locals wash Buddha statues, and water fights are common. The water here is thought to bring good luck and has the further advantage of cooling the recipient in hot weather.

In May, the Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) is held, during which homemade rockets are launched into the sky to persuade the spirits to bring rain.

Important events in Laos in spring: Pii Mai (Lao New Year) in April, celebrated with water festivals and religious ceremonies.
Why should you visit this month: The visitors can experience the beautiful festive season and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere of Pii Mai, a vibrant and joyous time to experience Lao culture.
Things to remember: Expect warmer temperatures; participate in water festivities during the New Year celebrations.

Based on the information presented above, Laos proves to be a suitable destination at any time of the year and the best time to visit Laos is determined by personal preferences. Whenever you visit Laos, you will be welcomed with incredible scenery and fascinating activities that are sure to please.

Regardless of the season, full travel coverage is essential for protecting against unexpected events such as medical emergencies or trip disruptions and ensuring a worry-free adventure. So, first and foremost, get International travel insurance and begin planning your Laos trip right away! Your trip without travel insurance to Laos can turn out to be disruptive in the event of financial losses.

Explore More About Best Time to Visit

Want to explore the best of Laos? Well, a few more details are discussed here.

When is the most expensive time to visit Laos?

Well, it is during November to January, which is also considered the best time and the peak season to visit the place for a vacation. People from all over the world prefer to visit the place at this time, thus increasing the prices of accommodation, travel, flight fare and travel packages.

When should I visit Laos for good weather?

To enjoy the best weather during your international vacation to Laos, plan your trip between October and January. The temperature during this period remains most favourable for people aiming to explore the most of Laos. Moreover, the weather is warm and dry, and keeps you comfortable during your journey and helps you make the most of your travel plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let us check out a few commonly asked questions and answers regarding the best time to visit Laos.

1. Is it expensive to visit Laos?

Once you get past the airfare, Laos is a relatively cheap travel destination. However, it may appear more expensive than other Southeast Asian destinations because most commodities are imported, raising the cost of food and goods.

2. When is the hottest time of year in Laos?

The hottest months in Laos are typically between March and June, when temperatures can reach 35°C or higher.

3. What is the best time to visit Vientiane, Laos?

The dry season, from November to April, is also the best time to visit Vientiane. This time of year has pleasant temperatures and little rain, making it ideal for sightseeing and cultural experiences.

4. Is it easy to travel to different locations in Laos?

Visitors hoping to see rural Laos should prepare for hours of exhausting travel on the country's motley fleet of lumbering jitter-boxes. Buses only connect larger towns, and on many routes, they can be few and far between, making it difficult to visit attractions such as ruins and waterfalls.

5. What is the best time to visit Laos for honeymoon?

If you are planning a trip to Laos for your honeymoon, make sure to plan the tour between the months of October to April. The weather is perfect to have a lovely honeymoon and enjoy several outdoor activities with your partner.

6. How is the weather in Laos during the dry season?

The weather in Laos is generally cool and dry during the dry season (November to April). Daytime temperatures are pleasant for outdoor activities, and rainfall is minimal, which makes it an ideal time to visit the country's natural and cultural attractions.

7. What is the official language of Laos?

Lao, also known as Laotian, is one of Southeast Asia's Tai languages and the official language of Laos.

8. When is the best time to visit Luang Prabang?

The dry season, from November to April, is the best time to visit Luang Prabang. This time of year has pleasant weather with cool temperatures, making it ideal for visiting cultural sites and participating in outdoor activities.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to change. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.