Thailand
The best time to visit
When to go to Thailand
Go in the cool, dry season, November to February, for the most comfortable weather. March to May is fiercely hot, and the monsoon runs roughly June to October, though the islands differ coast to coast.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Bangkok. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Dec.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Rainy season.
In short
The year at a glance
Thailand has three seasons, and Bangkok sets the ratings below. The cool, dry months from November to February are the season to aim for, with warm, sunny days and lower humidity, which is also why they are the busiest and priciest. March to May is the hot season, when temperatures and humidity climb hard.
The southwest monsoon brings the rains from around June to October to most of the country. The islands are the exception worth knowing: the Andaman coast, including Phuket and Krabi, is wettest from May to October, while the Gulf coast, including Koh Samui, gets its heaviest rain later, around October to December.
Month by month
Thailand month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Bangkok.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°C / 90°F | 22°C / 72°F | 15 mm | Ideal 87 | Hot and dry. Bangkok hotels in January |
| February | 33°C / 91°F | 24°C / 75°F | 20 mm | Ideal 80 | Hot and dry. |
| March | 34°C / 93°F | 25°C / 77°F | 40 mm | Great 73 | Very hot and dry. |
| April | 35°C / 95°F | 27°C / 81°F | 90 mm | Great 62 | Very hot with a little rain. |
| May | 34°C / 93°F | 26°C / 79°F | 250 mm | Fair 37 | Very hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| June | 33°C / 91°F | 26°C / 79°F | 150 mm | Good 53 | Hot and wet. |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 155 mm | Good 54 | Hot and wet. |
| August | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 200 mm | Good 48 | Hot and wet. |
| September | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 330 mm | Fair 30 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| October | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 290 mm | Fair 36 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| November | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 55 mm | Ideal 89 | Hot with a little rain. Bangkok hotels in November |
| December | 31°C / 88°F | 21°C / 70°F | 10 mm | Ideal 90 | Hot and dry. Bangkok hotels in December |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Bangkok and the centre
Hot and humid year round, most comfortable in the cool, dry season from November to February.
Phuket and the Andaman coast
Driest and best from November to April. The rains here run May to October, with the heaviest in the middle of that stretch.
Koh Samui and the Gulf coast
Follows a different pattern, staying drier in summer and taking its heaviest rain around October to December.
Go for
Best time to visit Thailand for
Islands and beaches
November to April on the Andaman coast for Phuket and Krabi, with calm, clear seas and sunshine.
Cities and temples
November to February for Bangkok and Chiang Mai, with the year's most comfortable weather.
Festivals
Songkran, the water-fight new year, in April, and Loy Krathong, the festival of lights, in November.
Value and green season
June to October brings cheaper travel and green landscapes, with rain that often falls in short bursts.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Songkran, April
The Thai new year turns the whole country into a giant, joyful water fight.
Loy Krathong, November
Floating lanterns and candle-lit baskets drift on rivers and lakes across the country.
Rainy season
May to Oct.
Extreme heat
Apr.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Thailand
Compare hotels and rentals around Bangkok, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
Prefer to sort flights first? Compare flights
Questions
Good to know
What is the best time to visit Thailand?
When is the monsoon in Thailand?
Is April a good time to visit Thailand?
Where else, and when
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