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When Is the Best Time to Visit Thailand? Avoid This Time for 2024?

Thailand is a tropical paradise visited by millions of people every year. The warm climate makes it the perfect spot for water activities, relaxing on the beach, or exploring cultural and natural wonders.

With so many of the best attractions outdoors, it pays to know a little about the climate and seasons there. Here, we'll tell you the best time to visit Thailand and when not to go in 2024.

Thailand Has Three Seasons: Cool, Hot & Wet

There's no winter in Thailand, but the country does have three distinct seasons. Each season offers different experiences for travelers. Understanding the differences will help you find the best time to go.

Cool Season: November to February
This is when temperature and humidity are at their lowest, making it pleasant to be outside. It is the peak season for tourists and a great time to experience Thai festivals.

Hot Season: March to June
Peak temperatures during this time can reach 40℃. There are fewer tourists, but the heat can be challenging.

Wet Season: July to October
The monsoon season sees some heavy rainfall and high humidity. The rains can interfere with outdoor activities, but the landscape is at its most lush and green.

best time travel to Thailand
November to February is the best time travel to Thailand

The Best Time for Visiting Thailand Is the Cool Season: from Nov to Feb

The cool season from November to February is widely considered the best time to visit Thailand. With mild temperatures ranging between 20℃ to 30℃, it is the ideal time to explore the beautiful landscapes.

Combined with the low humidity, spending time outdoors on the beach or visiting temples and cultural sites is comfortable and enjoyable. You can fully immerse yourself in where you travel in Thailand with various attractions and charming experiences. 

It is also a great time of year to experience several important Thai festivals. Loy Krathong and New Year celebrations occur during the cool season, adding a cultural fair to visits. Clear skies and dry weather add to the experience. You won't have to worry about rain delays or whether you can take some great pictures.

The Hot Season of Thailand Is from Mar to Jun: the Cheapest Time to Visit

If you don't mind the heat or are looking for a budget travel option, the hot season can be a good option for travel. Lasting from March to June, the hot season brings the highest temperatures and driest weather.

The central and northern areas can see highs above 40℃, but that also means there are fewer tourists. Outside of the peak travel season, popular attractions are less crowded, and it's possible to find deals on accommodations and tours.

The intense heat can make outdoor activities challenging. If you plan to be outside in Thailand during the hot season, stick to the shade and drink plenty of water.

Thailand also has many options for staying out of the heat. The mountainous region in north Thailand has many beautiful temples and doesn't get as hot as some other areas. You can escape the worst of the heat at temples such Wat Phra That Doi Suthep sitting on a mountain overlooking Chaing Mai. Or in the cool mountainous landscapes of Pai where you’ll find Wat Phra That Mae Yen.

Exploring markets or enjoying a beach tour in Thailand in the mornings or evenings will help to avoid the worst of the heat, and air-conditioned museums are a great way to learn about Thailand's history and culture while staying cool.

Thailand Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Thailand Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

The Rainy Season of Thailand Is: from Jul to Oct, also the Cheapest Time to Visit

At first glance, the rainy season in Thailand may not seem like a good time to visit. Much of the country see increased rainfall and high humidity from July to October.

The southwestern monsoon can bring heavy downpours and even flooding. However, in many areas, it doesn't rain the entire day. In the western coastal areas of Phuket, and Ao Nang and Railay Beach of Krabi, showers often fall during the afternoon or evening, with sunny parts the rest of the day. Bangkok and the central and northern regions usually experience intermittent heavy showers, mostly in late afternoon and evening. Mornings, and between rainfalls brings sunny or overcast weather.

The advantage of traveling to Thailand in the rainy season is fewer tourists. Hotels tend to be cheaper, and attractions are less crowded. The rains also transform the landscape into vibrant colors as the natural scenery comes alive. If you're a nature lover who is looking for great deals, it's worth considering this season.

The Coolest Month in Thailand Is Nov, at about 26 Degrees Centigrade

One of the most comfortable times to visit Thailand is in November. During this month, Thailand sees some of its coolest temperatures, with an average of around 26℃. This is the perfect temperature for taking part in outdoor activities such as snorkeling, diving or jungle trekking, and exploring places like the ancient ruins at Ayutthaya Historical Park near Bangkok or Chiang Mai Old City and temples.

November also comes after the rainy season, so the landscape remains full of lush greenery and vibrant foliage. With clear skies and drier conditions, November is perfect for spending time outdoors and getting excellent photographs of your trip.

ayutthaya-historical-park
Ayutthaya Historical Park

The Hottest Months in Thailand Are Apr and May: Try to Avoid

It is best to avoid traveling to Thailand in April and May. During this time, temperatures soar, often reaching over 40℃. The central and northern parts of the country, in particular, can be extremely hot with high humidity.

Spending time outdoors in that weather can be uncomfortable, and travelers need to take precautions to avoid dehydration and heat-related illnesses. To stay safe in the heat, travelers are advised to avoid going outside during the hottest parts of the day and to try and stick to air-conditioned environments whenever possible.

For Enjoying the Thailand Traditional Activities: Visit in Nov and April

The best times to experience Thai culture and traditional activities are in November and April. The Loy Krathong festival is held in November on the evening of the full moon.

To celebrate, people gather near rivers and lakes to float krathongs, beautifully decorated lotus-shaped baskets. It creates a magical sight with thousands of krathongs with flickering candles floating out over the water.

It is celebrated nationwide, but Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Sukhothai, and Ayutthaya are particularly popular places to experience it.

Thai New Year, called Songkran, is celebrated between April 13th and 15th. It is a fun festival celebrated with water fights that symbolize a new beginning. While the temperature is exceptionally high in April, the festival is lively, and the water fights are a great break from the heat. Besides the water activities, visitors can also enjoy traditional Thai food and participate in religious ceremonies.

thai-new-year
Thai New Year

The Monthly Climate Features of Thailand

Month

Temperature (High / Low)

Rainfall

Bangkok (°C)

Chiang Mai (°C)

Phuket (°C)

January

32 / 21

30 / 13

31 / 23

Minimal

February

33 / 23

32 / 14

32 / 23

Minimal

March

34 / 25

34 / 18

33 / 24

Light

April

35 / 26

37 / 22

33 / 25

Light

May

34 / 26

35 / 23

32 / 25

Heavy

June

33 / 26

33 / 24

31 / 25

Heavy

July

33 / 26

32 / 24

31 / 25

Heavy

August

32 / 26

32 / 24

31 / 25

Very heavy

September

32 / 25

31 / 23

30 / 24

Very heavy

October

31 / 25

31 / 21

30 / 24

Very heavy

November

31 / 24

31 / 17

31 / 23

Light

December

31 / 22

30 / 14

31 / 23

Minimal

January
Cool and dry weather across the country, with average highs around 30℃ in the central areas. Ideal weather for outdoor activities, relaxing on the beach, and exploring cultural sites.

February
Dry and cool weather continues with mild temperatures across the country—great weather for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and festivals.

March
The beginning of the transition to the hot season. Temperatures are rising to hit the mid to high 30℃. Some outdoor activities start to get less comfortable in the heat.

April
It is the peak of the hot season, with temperatures rising about 40℃ in some regions. Avoiding too much time outdoors from late morning to afternoon is best.

May
The weather is hot and increasingly humid. Temperatures are similar to April's, with added high humidity. Best to choose indoor activities.

June
The rainy season is beginning with some drop in temperatures. Outdoor activities are okay, but they might be interrupted by rain.

July
The weather is warm but humid. Planning for outdoor activities should allow for frequent rainfall.

August
Rainy season with warm temperatures and high humidity. Flooding is possible in some regions, such as Bangkok, Sukhothai, and Ayutthaya.

September
The rainy season continues. Hot and humid weather.

October
Rainfall begins to decrease toward the end of the month. Temperatures remain warm.

November
It's an excellent time for tours with cool and dry weather throughout the month. Skies are usually clear, and temperatures are between 25℃ to 30℃—perfect conditions for experiencing the outdoors or taking part in the Loy Krathong festival.

December
The weather is cool and dry around the country, with pleasant conditions for travel. Temperatures range between 26℃ to 31℃ in the central regions. 

Conclusion

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the different seasons in Thailand before planning your tour there. The comfortable weather of the cool, dry season is the choice for many tourists, but the other seasons offer some advantages.

Great deals are available in the rainy and hot seasons, and Thai New Year, during the heat of April, is an exciting cultural experience. Let us know what kind of tour you are looking for, and we'll get you started planning your dream holiday right away.

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