January is an excellent time to visit Thailand. With settled weather, it’s perfect for a beach holiday on any of the Thai islands or at beach resorts. The cool season also makes it an ideal month to explore the countryside and mountains, allowing you to fully enjoy Thailand’s natural beauty.
January weather
January is one of the cool season months with most areas of Thailand enjoying warm sunshine and clear blue skies. With lower humidity and pleasant evening temperatures, January is perfect for sightseeing. While there’s a slight chance of an isolated shower in some areas, the weather is generally fine throughout the month. If you plan to visit the north or north-east, be prepared for relatively chilly evenings by Thai standards, and consider packing a lightweight top.
Where to visit in January
January is an ideal month to visit most destinations in Thailand with settled weather across most of the country. It’s a great time to explore Thailand’s beach resorts and islands, with conditions on the Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Trang) almost perfect for island hopping. However, the Gulf Coast (Ko Samui) may still experience some isolated showers in the first half of the month.
For a more active holiday, January’s lower humidity makes it an excellent time to explore Thailand’s towns and cities. Consider hiring a bicycle to tour the atmospheric ruins of Ayutthaya or Sukhothai. Golf enthusiasts will find January perfect for playing at world-class courses in Pattaya, Phuket, Hua Hin or Chiang Mai.
In North Thailand, the cool season brings flowers into full bloom. If visiting Mae Hong Son, make sure to see the spectacular sunflower fields at Khun Yuam. In North-East Thailand, the carpets of water lilies at the Red Lotus Lake are a captivating sight and in Southern Thailand, water lilies also fill the wetlands at the wonderful Thale Noi in Phatthalung.
Events and festivals in January
Although the traditional Thai New Year (Songkran) is in April, Thailand also celebrates with the rest of the world in welcoming in the New Year with New Year’s Eve on December 31 and New Year’s Day on January 1 designated as public holidays. The Chinese New Year, which falls in January or February depending on the lunar calendar, is also celebrated by Thai people with Chinese ancestry. The largest celebrations are in Bangkok’s Chinatown, but parades and events are also held in other areas of the country including Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Trang.
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The second Saturday in January is Children’s Day, featuring fun activities and music concerts for youngsters. The third weekend of January usually hosts the colourful Bo Sang Umbrella Festival, a delightful local event near Chiang Mai.
Notable January events include the free Concert in the Park by the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (usually at Lumpini Park) with the outdoor concert season running from December to February.
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