What is the Best time to Visit Thailand - 2024 Travel Guide

22 July 2024 | Latest News

Introduction

Need to know a place that offers a tapestry of cultural richness and matchless tranquility throughout the year? Thailand, with its 1200+ islands and 40,000 temples welcomes you. As per Statista’s 2023 stats, the total revenue generated due to tourism was 2.17 trillion Thai baht last year.

From ancient temples to sun-kissed beaches, this land of smiles promises a kaleidoscope of adventures for visitors. However, what’s the best time to visit Thailand? The months that range from November to March are considered the most visited months. But this country also has a lot to offer for its citizens in other months. In this post, discover the month-by-month guide to find the most suitable time to explore Thailand. Further, you will also learn 7 tips to level up your travel experience.

Thailand’s Season and Climate

As per the Tourism Authority of Thailand, this country has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging between 18 to 38°C throughout the year. So you could expect quite a versatile season in the country. Its weather can be classified into 3 distinctive classes:

• Cool season: The winter season in Thailand stays between November to February. During this time, you can expect a temperature of 19 to 30°C.
   
• Hot season: From March to May, you should hope for a hot season in Thailand. The median temperature range is 29 to 38°C. May is typically the hottest season, with the average temperature at night being as high as 25°C.
   
• Rainy season: This season starts from mid-May and lasts till mid-October. There is abundant rain during this time. The temperature can be anywhere between 26 to 32°C.
  
   

Month-by-month Guide to Visit Thailand

2023 saw a record number of tourists in Thailand post-COVID-19. Almost 1285.66 million foreigners visited this country last year, as per Statista. The following is a list of month-by-month guides to visit Thailand:

January

January is called postcard-perfect month. In fact, it is one of the most visited months, with total visitor revenue generated around 94 billion baht, as per Statista. January is a great time to flock in Thailand, due to its cool ambiance and New Year Celebrations.

Climate and Temperature:

• January beckons you to experience one of the best months to explore Thailand's allures because the weather is cool and dry.
   
• The average temperatures range between 24 - 32°C (75 - 89°F). It provides a pleasant atmosphere for your tropical escapades.

Celebrated Events In January:

The following are the events that visitors can take part in and celebrate in January in Thailand:

• New Year’s Day,
• Children’s Day,
• Chinese Lunar New Year (Depending on the Lunar date),
• Bo Sang Umbrella Festival.
  
   

Top Destinations for You to Explore in January:

The following are the places that you can explore in January:

• Bangkok and Central Thailand: They have relatively warm days and present marvels like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and bustling markets.
   
• Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand: In this part, you can unveil ancient temples, hill tribe villages, and other breathtaking natural landscapes,
   
• Southern Islands and Coasts: Islands like Phuket and Krabi boast cool and dry weather, perfect for beach trips.

Is January an Ideal Time for You to Visit?

• Absolutely! With pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall, January provides you with an optimal travel experience in Thailand. However, beware that this month may have more than usual crowds. Moreover, prices can also go higher this month.

February

February is the month of sunshine. The weather is slowly transitioning from winter to spring. This is the best month to explore Thai resorts, as prices take a dip after the New Year’s celebrations.

Climate and Temperature:

• February marks the last month of the cool season in Thailand. It also offers you a comfortable temperature range which is perfect for outdoor adventures.
• Countrywide, you can expect average temperatures between 25 – 33°C (77 - 91.4°F), particularly in Chiang Mai and the northern regions.

Celebrated Events in February:

February offers the following festivals for visitors:

• Chiang Mai Flower Festival,
• Chinese New Year (Depending on the Lunar date),
• Valentine’s Day (Unofficial).

Top Destinations to Explore in February:

In the month of February, the following are considered great places to visit:

• Chinatown, to enjoy the traditions of Chinese New Year.
• Chiang Mai, to explore the Elephant Park and waterfalls in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park.
• Ayutthaya, to dive into the historical exploration of the place
   

Is February an Ideal Time for You to Visit?

With pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall, February is great to visit Thailand. It provides you with an optimal travel experience in Thailand. On top of that, you'll find manageable crowds and reasonable prices. This collectively allows you to fully immerse yourself in the country's wonders.

March

March is called the shoulder month as it bridges the winter and summer seasons. The days are hot but not very scorching. After applying enough sunscreen, you can soak on any beach in the country.

Weather and Temperature:

• March ushers in sunny weather as Thailand transitions into the summer season.
• You can expect average daily temperatures ranging from 27°C to 34°C (81°F to 93°F). There could be higher humidity and occasional rain showers (minimal rainfall) in this month.

Celebrated Events in March:

Visitors can see or take part in the following events in March:

• National Thai Elephant Day,
• National Muay Thai Day on March 17,
• Traditional Kite Flying Festival.
   

Best Places for You to Visit in March:

The best places to go in March include the following:

• Beaches on the West Coast: Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Similan Islands, and Krabi offer you ideal beach weather for basking in the sun and indulging in water activities.
   
• Koh Samui: Nestled on the east coast, Koh Samui is an excellent destination. It is a topical paradise and offers scenic viewpoints.

Is March a Good Time for You to Visit?

You can enjoy warm temperatures, beach days, and a plethora of outdoor adventures. However, ensure that occasional rain showers won't dampen your overall experience.

April

April marks the start of summer in Thailand. The temperature can go as high as 36°C. The weather really soars in central and southern regions.

Weather and Temperature:

• April marks the beginning of the hot season in Thailand. Average temperatures soar between 29°C and 36°C (84°F to 97°F).
   
• You need to be aware of high humidity and occasional thunderstorms may occur. These particularly occur later in the month.

Famous Events:

Marked April activities include:

• Chakri Day on April 6,
• Songkran Festival or Thai New Year,
• Poy Sang Long (March to April).
   

Best Places for You to Visit in April:

The best places include Koh Pha Ngan, Ko Samui, and Koh Phi Phi to explore the stunning beaches with a range of accommodations.

Is April a Good Time for You to Visit?

If you can embrace the heat and want to experience the Songkran festival, Thailand welcomes you. Here, you can enjoy activities like water fights, relaxing in the evening on the beaches, and vibrant nightlife.

May

May brings a unique experience. Although there is rainfall in this month, you can expect dry mornings. The days could be humid and scorching. In May, crowds usually thin out, causing overall prices to fall.

Climate and Temperature:

• May usher in Thailand's rainy season with an average rainfall of up to 84 mm.
• You can anticipate a median temperature ranging from 29°C to 35°C (84°F to 95°F). This is coupled with increased humidity and frequent afternoon showers.
   

Famous Events:

These are the prominent events that take place in May in Thailand:

• Royal Ploughing Ceremony of Bangkok,
• Visakha Bucha Day,
• Labor Day on the 1st of May.

Best Places for You to Explore in May:

The best places to explore in May are given below:

• Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand: These areas have ancient temples, hill tribe villages, and lush rainforests. Hence, it is comparatively easy to stay here in summer.
   
• Tropical Fruit Season: May is a paradise for tropical fruit enthusiasts. Enjoy fruits like juicy mangoes, rambutans, and durians at local markets.
  
  

Is May an Ideal Time for You to Visit?

Yes, May is an ideal time to visit Thailand, if you appreciate verdant landscapes. With fewer tourists during this period, you'll have the opportunity to engage in more authentic interactions and experiences.

Important note: Mind that March-May is also linked with the smoke and haze problem. This is because of the burning of waste in the countryside. Wear the mask and look for respiratory symptoms to avoid any issues, especially the people with Asthma.

June

A month jam-packed with rain showers, June is a wet month throughout the country. You should watch for the heaviest rainfall in the areas like Kra Isthmus along the Andaman coast. A great thing is that June ends the dangerous smoky season in the country.

Climate and Temperature:

• June continues the rainy season. Therefore, it offers you a refreshing respite from the heat.
• You can expect average temperatures ranging from 26°C to 33°C (79°F to 91°F). Of course, there would also be high rains in the afternoon and the Northern areas.

Famous Events:

• Sunthorn Phu Day

Best Places for You to Explore in June:

• Chasing Waterfalls: You can’t miss the waterfall show this month. The cascades from the areas like Erawan Falls or Mae Sa Waterfall are quite famous.
   
• Koh Samui and Eastern Islands: If you are rain-phobic, travel over Koh Samui. This area invites you to discover its quieter beaches and indulge in exhilarating water sports.

Is June an Ideal Time for You to Visit?

If you are a huge fan of nature and seek to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, June is your call. In this month, you can enjoy the last days of the dry hot season. You can also grab great opportunities for shoulder season bargains.

July

July is characterized by heavy rainfall. Almost the entire country faces severe rains, coupled with thunderstorms. It is one of those months that see the least of visitors. Therefore, it could be a dream visit for introverts and peace lovers this month.

Climate and Temperature:

• July marks the peak of Thailand's rainy season. You can expect rainfall up to 170mm.
• The temperature stays in the range of 27 - 32°C (81– 90°F).

Famous Events:

The famous events that fall in July are:

• Asahna Bucha Day,
• Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival,
• Phuket Yachting Race Week (June to July).

Top Destinations for You to Explore in July:

For the coming tourists, the top destinations of July include:

• Pai: A town in the hills of northern Thailand, it offers a refreshing touch for tranquil lovers.
• Ayutthaya: It has low rains and you can explore the ruins of ancient temples.
• Southern Islands: While the wet season continues, these islands receive less rainfall. Hence, it offers you a reprieve from the showers. They include Koh Samui, Tao, Pha Ngan, and Samet.
  
  

Is July an Ideal Time for You to Visit?

You should avoid visiting Thailand in July as there is heavy rainfall in this season. However, if you love taking risks and want to explore Thailand's allures without the crowds - this month is your deal. Since it is a low-visiting month, you can expect some discounts at high-end hotels.

August

August is called an off-season month. There are fewer visitors, but more promotions in August. Further, there are various sales in the shops and malls for the shopping lover.

Climate and Temperature:

• August continues the monsoon season. However, it is less consistent, compared to other areas. For example, Phuket and Koh Samui have higher downpours than the rest of the country.
• You can expect average temperatures ranging from 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F), perfect for exploring the great outdoors.

Famous Events:

These are the famous events to see in August:

• Birthday of Queen Sirikit,
• Por Tor Hungry Ghost Festival.
   

Top Destinations for You to Explore in August:

Most of the areas of Thailand are not worth visiting due to high rain. Places like Phuket and Koh Samui can create problems for incoming foreigners. Apart, you can go to Ko Pha Ngan as this city hosts full moon parties in August. Furthermore, Ko Tao, Hua Hin, and Phetburi are some other tourist’s welcoming sites.

Is August an Ideal Time for You to Visit?

August is not considered safe for exploration for foreigners due to high rains. However, if you appreciate lush green landscapes and want to attend full-moon parties, you can shoot your shot. Remember to wear proper clothes, and bring raincoats, and other rain gear.

September

September boosts variable weather. It could be hot and cool in the same month. However, this month also brings heavy rainfall. Natives start preparing for the winter this month.

Climate and Temperature:

• September is the wettest month in Thailand. However, rains are variable. For instance, the Eastern seaboard or Gulf of Thailand has less rain, compared to the Andaman Coast.
• You can expect average temperatures ranging from 26 - 32°C (79 - 89°F). This is a pretty warm and decent atmosphere for outdoor chilling.

Famous Events:

The following are the famous events that occur in September:

• Bangkok Car Free Day,
• National Long Boat Racing,
• Thai National Flag Day,
  
  

Top Destinations for You to Explore in September:

Ko Samui is a great escape as it has less rain and some of the nicest beaches. You can also go to Khao Yai National Park to explore and play with the wildlife. And if you are a social person, Kanchanaburi is a cosmopolitan city with various centers, museums, and shopping malls.

Is September an Ideal Time for You to Visit?

It depends on your tolerance for rain and your appreciation for lush, green landscapes. With a little bit of care, you can explore the country. As usual, you will be embraced with showers and fewer crowds.

October

October showcases the first signs of winter. This shoulder month comes with great deals. Many companies put promotions to attract new buyers - which could be a great deal in your favor.

Climate and Temperature:

• October marks a shift in Thailand's weather. The humidity will keep getting low as the month passes. You will face more chilly weather in the Northern areas.
   
• You can anticipate average temperatures ranging from 24 - 27°C (75 - 81°F). This is perfect for exploring this kingdom's wonders.

Famous Events:

The famous events for the month of October are:

• Awk Phansa,
• Chulalongkorn Day,
• Boat race festival,
• Vegetarian Festival.

Top Destinations for You to Explore in October:

These are the top destinations to explore in October:

• Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai: Northern Thailand beckons you with its cooler climes. Therefore, they are an ideal setting for outdoor adventures.
   
• Eastern Seaboard: This part includes areas like Pattaya, which offers more than enough sunshine to enjoy the scenic scenery of the country.
   
• Southern Thailand Gulf Coast: The islands of the Gulf of Thailand also offer less wet yet more sunny sites. These are great neighborhoods to see blue skies and soak in green.

Is October an Ideal Time for You to Visit?

October marks the beginning of the high tourist season. The weather is generally favorable for sightseeing and indulging in a myriad of outdoor activities. However, many areas of the country still see heavy rainfall. Therefore, you have to decide your stay before you travel.

November

November is one of the most crowded and profitable months, in terms of tourism. A total of 2.5 million visitors came in this month, generating a profit of over 138 billion baht in 2023. The hype of this month is because it has a medium-cold pleasant weather.

Climate and Temperature:

• November heralds the end of the rainy season. The atmosphere becomes more warm and dry, which is perfect for tourism.
   
• The average temperature stays between 25 - 32°C (77 - 89°F). Therefore, you can immerse yourself in Thailand's enchanting landscapes.

Famous Events:

The top events of November are given below:

• Loy Krathong,
• Light and sound show in Sukhothai,
• Yi Peng Lantern Festival,
• The elephant round-up in Surin,
• The Monkey Banquet at Lopburi.

Top Destinations for You to Explore in November:

Almost every part of the country is welcoming tourists in November. However, the following are the most important areas to visit in this month:

• Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai: These are the best places for cultural attractions and romantic dates. They also invite visitors to see the Loy Krathong celebration.
   
• Bangkok: You should visit the capital as it is full of vibrant activities. Night parties and day outdoor ventures are quite common here.
   
• Eastern Islands: You should not forget to travel to the eastern side of the country. Here you can explore different species as well as water games.
   

Is November an Ideal Time for You to Visit?

Absolutely! The weather is generally favorable. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in Thailand's allures. Furthermore, the festivals like Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Festival will double the fun for you.

December

December is the most crowded and the most visited month. Last year, it generated more than 139 billion baht in tourist revenue. It is also the driest month of the year, with quite a pleasant temperature. A great deal of visitors from Australia and Asia come in this month.

Climate and Temperature:

December beckons you to experience one of the most delightful months to explore Thailand's wonders. The average temperature stays between 24 - 32°C (72 - 88°F) in this month.

Celebrated Events:

The celebrated events of this month include:

• Christmas and New Year's Celebrations,
• Songkran Water Festival,
• Sanuk,
• Constitution Day on December 10.
   

Top Destinations for You to Explore in December:

• Southern Islands and Beaches: Locations like Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui welcome you with sunny days and pleasant evenings.
   
• Krabi: It is famous for its white sandy beaches and limestone cliffs. Further, it is also a home of inland adventures like water diving and snorkeling.
   
• Ko Lanta: Located on the west coast, this place is a popular spot for families. You can wander this remote town on a scooter or explore Mu Ko Lanta National Park.

Is December an Ideal Time for You to Visit?

December is a very ideal time for the visit. The weather is perfect, activities are at their peak, and cuisine is top-notch. However, bear in mind that prices could be high and you even have to face residence issues.

Tips to Choose the Best Time to Visit Thailand

If you are traveling to Thailand, the following are the tips that you can consider to boost your vacation experience:

• Booking Bliss: During the peak tourist season from November to March, there is a high demand for hotels and airways. Therefore, it is advised that you book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
   
• Local Lingo: When you meet with the locals, greet them with the traditional "wai." it is a respectful dip of the head with your hands together. Further, remove your shoes before entering homes. It is a common practice to not wear shoes at home in Thailand.
   
• Rainy Rhythm: The rainy season in Thailand has its unique rhythm. Although it commonly falls between June to October, the weather is variable. The northern, central, and southwestern parts have rainfall between June to October. While, the southeast coast and the Gulf of Thailand join the dance a little later, from October to December.
   
• Vaccination Vacation: Before you embark on your Thai escapade, consider getting vaccinated against common diseases. These include tetanus, hepatitis A, and rabies. In fact, the authorities also demand COVID-19 vaccination these days.
   
• Ask Vegetarian Food: Thailand is a vegetarian-phobic country. Even their sauces have fish and meat ingredients. It is advised that you dine in at Indian-owned restaurants to get vegetarian food.
   
• Trip-spoiling Bugs: Mosquitoes and other bugs are quite common in Thailand. Therefore, it is advised that you prepare in advance or they may disturb your picnic experience.
   
• Price Fraud: If you are traveling via tuk-tuks, ask a native to get an idea of the average fare. Many taxi and rickshaw drivers may try to inflate prices for you.
  
  

Conclusion

The TL;DR is that if you are looking for a place to spend your vacation, Thailand can be your next shot. The best time to visit Thailand is between November to March. However, if you are coming in other months, you can also expect a lot more. For example, you can enjoy the Thai New Year in April and the National Long Boat Festival in September. Lastly, if you are in Thailand, it is advised to practice modesty, stay alert for price fraud, and get your vaccination on time.