September is one of Thailand’s low-season months, but there are advantages to visiting during this quieter time of year. Travelling outside of the tourist high season brings with it the opportunity to enjoy discounted rates on accommodation and internal flights.
September weather
When visiting Thailand during the green season (aka the rainy season), it’s important to note that it doesn’t rain all day every day. Temperatures remain warm and you can still experience plenty of sunshine and good conditions during your stay in many destinations.
Where to visit in September
If you’re planning a beach holiday, consider visiting the Gulf Coast islands of Ko Samui, Ko Tao, and Ko Pha Ngan which usually enjoy more settled weather in September. This is particularly true in the first half of the month. On the mainland, Chumphon, Hua Hin, Khanom and Prachuap Khiri Khan are good options for beach lovers. On the opposite Andaman Coast, weather conditions are variable in September. More settled weather arrives in October.
On the East Coast, if you’re planning to visit beach resorts like Pattaya (in Chonburi province) and Ko Samet (in Rayong province) you can expect sunshine with occasional showers. Moving further east to Ko Chang and the nearby islands (in Trat province), the weather is more mixed with some heavy tropical downpours during September.
If you travel to North Thailand in September you’ll soon discover why this is called the green season. Expect a mix of sunshine and showers, but the verdant mountains and valleys are at their best thanks to the rains and it’s a wonderful time to admire the stunning scenery of the north. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are great bases to uncover more of the north’s charms, with opportunities to visit Mae Hong Son, Lampang, Nan, and Phrae.
Visitors to Bangkok can anticipate seeing a mixed bag of weather with sunshine and tropical downpours. Whatever the weather, there is so much to see and do in Bangkok that any month is a good time to visit the Thai capital. Pack a portable umbrella in your daypack and if the rain does come down, head to Bangkok’s amazing shopping malls which you can reach using the BTS Skytrain or MRT Metro.
Events and festivals in September
With rivers in full flow, September heralds the longboat racing season with events taking place at locations across Thailand including Ayutthaya, Chonburi, Nan and Phitsanulok.
The tradition of longboat racing in Thailand dates back centuries. The races correspond with the Buddhist rains retreat period. Known as ‘Phansa’, this is sometimes referred to as ‘Buddhist Lent’ and is a time when local communities will pay their respects to the river.
Not everybody is sad to see wind and big waves in September. Thailand has a burgeoning surf scene centred around Phuket and nearby Khao Lak on the Andaman Coast. From July to September, surfing conditions in this area can be excellent with local surf clubs organising a series of events and competitions to make the most of the waves.
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