If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, you might be wondering when is the best time to visit. Any month can be a great time to visit, but Thailand has three main seasons: cool season, hot season, and green season.
Cool season (November-February)
Pleasant temperatures, lower rainfall, and less humidity make this a great time to explore Thailand. However, it’s also the tourist high season, especially in December and January, so book your accommodation in advance. If you’re looking for a beach holiday, December to April tends to be the most popular period.
Hot season (March-May)
Inland areas can be hot and dry during this time, but it’s perfect for enjoying the coast and beaches. April also has the exuberant Songkran New Year Water Festival which provides the ideal opportunity to cool off.
Green season (May/June-October)
Although there can be some tropical downpours during this time, there’s still plenty of sunshine around too. It’s a great time to see the Thai countryside at its greenest, and there are often promotions available for flights and accommodation. And because the Gulf Coast and Andaman Coast experience different weather systems, May to July can still be a great time for a beach holiday on the islands of Ko Samui, Ko Tao and Ko Pha Ngan.
Best beach weather
With different weather patterns affecting the Gulf Coast and Andaman Coast, you can still find a sunny Thai beach to relax on whatever time of year you travel. As a general rule, these are the areas where you should see the best weather:
April-October: Gulf Coast islands (Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Tao)
November-March: Andaman Coast (including Krabi, Phuket), East Coast (including Ko Chang, Pattaya)
January
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, January is a fabulous time to visit. The weather is generally pleasant with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity, making it an ideal time to explore city destinations like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, or to wander around the serene countryside of North Thailand.
January is a good month to visit any of Thailand’s beautiful beach resorts or islands on the Andaman Coast or East Coast. With consistently fine weather throughout January, it is the perfect time to go island hopping around Phuket, Krabi or Ko Chang.
Notable events:
Chinese Lunar New Year (usually falls in January or February)
January weather in Thailand
| Location | Avg. Min. Temp. (C) | Avg. Max. Temp. (C) | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
| Bangkok | 20 | 32 | 11 |
| Chiang Mai | 13 | 29 | 8 |
| Ko Samui | 24 | 29 | 144 |
| Krabi | 24 | 33 | 7 |
| Pattaya | 23 | 30 | 19 |
| Phuket | 22 | 32 | 42 |
February
February is an ideal month to holiday in Thailand. You can expect blue skies and warm temperatures throughout the country, with low humidity levels and comfortable temperatures.
Notable events:
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
February weather in Thailand
| Location | Avg. Min. Temp. (C) | Avg. Max. Temp. (C) | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
| Bangkok | 22 | 33 | 28 |
| Chiang Mai | 14 | 32 | 6 |
| Ko Samui | 25 | 30 | 33 |
| Krabi | 24 | 34 | 7 |
| Pattaya | 25 | 31 | 14 |
| Phuket | 22 | 33 | 30 |
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
March
March sees a gradual increase in temperatures as the cool season gives way to the hot season. With the peak tourist season now over, you can take advantage of lower prices for accommodation and internal flights, making it an excellent time to visit any of the many islands or mainland beach resorts.
Notable events:
Makha Bucha Day (usually falls in February or March)
National Thai Elephant Day
National Muay Thai Day
March weather in Thailand
| Location | Avg. Min. Temp. (C) | Avg. Max. Temp. (C) | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
| Bangkok | 24 | 34 | 31 |
| Chiang Mai | 17 | 34 | 15 |
| Ko Samui | 26 | 31 | 51 |
| Krabi | 25 | 34 | 36 |
| Pattaya | 25 | 32 | 52 |
| Phuket | 23 | 33 | 60 |
April
April is a month of celebration in Thailand, with the eagerly-awaited Songkran New Year Water Festival being a highlight. While the hot season has arrived with full force, Thailand has air-conditioning in taxis, hotels, and shopping malls to help you beat the heat.
Notable events:
Poy Sang Long Festival
Songkran Thai New Year Water Festival
April weather in Thailand
| Location | Avg. Min. Temp. (C) | Avg. Max. Temp. (C) | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
| Bangkok | 25 | 35 | 72 |
| Chiang Mai | 22 | 36 | 45 |
| Ko Samui | 26 | 32 | 86 |
| Krabi | 25 | 34 | 120 |
| Pattaya | 26 | 33 | 67 |
| Phuket | 24 | 33 | 157 |
May
May marks the start of the tourist low season, with the arrival of refreshing rain and a gradual lowering in the heat and humidity index as the month progresses. May is also a time for locals to celebrate with Rocket Festivals in the north and northeast.
Notable events:
Rocket Festivals
Visakha Bucha Day (falls in May/June)
Read more about visiting Thailand in May
May weather in Thailand
| Location | Avg. Min. Temp. (C) | Avg. Max. Temp. (C) | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
| Bangkok | 25 | 34 | 190 |
| Chiang Mai | 23 | 34 | 153 |
| Ko Samui | 26 | 33 | 158 |
| Krabi | 25 | 32 | 346 |
| Pattaya | 26 | 32 | 177 |
| Phuket | 25 | 32 | 345 |
June
June is an excellent month to explore the natural beauty of Thailand as the country welcomes the start of the green season. Although there is an increased chance of rainfall on the Andaman Coast and East Coast, it’s a different story on the Gulf Coast. The islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, and Ko Tao enjoy extended spells of warm and sunny weather from April to October with June a particularly good month to visit.
Notable events:
Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival
Read more about visiting Thailand in June
June weather in Thailand
| Location | Avg. Min. Temp. (C) | Avg. Max. Temp. (C) | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
| Bangkok | 24 | 33 | 152 |
| Chiang Mai | 23 | 32 | 136 |
| Ko Samui | 26 | 32 | 93 |
| Krabi | 26 | 32 | 204 |
| Pattaya | 27 | 31 | 79 |
| Phuket | 25 | 31 | 286 |
July
July follows a similar pattern to June, with pleasant conditions for exploring the scenic countryside in the central and northern regions.
Notable events:
Asahna Bucha Day (usually falls in July or August)
Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival
Read more about visiting Thailand in July
July weather in Thailand
| Location | Avg. Min. Temp. (C) | Avg. Max. Temp. (C) | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
| Bangkok | 24 | 32 | 158 |
| Chiang Mai | 23 | 31 | 167 |
| Ko Samui | 25 | 32 | 131 |
| Krabi | 25 | 31 | 297 |
| Pattaya | 26 | 31 | 77 |
| Phuket | 25 | 31 | 284 |
August
August is an excellent time to venture beyond the beaches and discover the diverse destinations Thailand has to offer, with fewer crowds and attractive deals on hotels and internal flights. While there may be tropical downpours in the afternoon or evening, temperatures are warm and comfortable.
Notable events:
Mother’s Day
Read more about visiting Thailand in August
August weather in Thailand
| Location | Avg. Min. Temp. (C) | Avg. Max. Temp. (C) | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
| Bangkok | 24 | 32 | 187 |
| Chiang Mai | 23 | 31 | 227 |
| Ko Samui | 25 | 32 | 106 |
| Krabi | 25 | 31 | 266 |
| Pattaya | 26 | 31 | 91 |
| Phuket | 25 | 31 | 272 |
September
In September, you can witness Thailand’s countryside at its greenest and most scenic, with long periods of sunny weather and occasional rain.
Notable events:
Thai National Flag Day
Read more about visiting Thailand in September
September weather in Thailand
| Location | Avg. Min. Temp. (C) | Avg. Max. Temp. (C) | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
| Bangkok | 24 | 32 | 320 |
| Chiang Mai | 23 | 31 | 251 |
| Ko Samui | 25 | 32 | 113 |
| Krabi | 25 | 30 | 391 |
| Pattaya | 25 | 31 | 202 |
| Phuket | 25 | 30 | 417 |
October
October marks the end of the wet season months for most of the country, with an enjoyable combination of sunshine and showers. Awk Phansa, an important date in the Thai calendar, is celebrated with regional festivals across the country.
Notable events:
Awk Phansa (usually falls in October)
Vegetarian Festival (usually falls in September/October)
Read more about visiting Thailand in October
October weather in Thailand
| Location | Avg. Min. Temp. (C) | Avg. Max. Temp. (C) | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
| Bangkok | 24 | 31 | 231 |
| Chiang Mai | 21 | 31 | 132 |
| Ko Samui | 25 | 31 | 266 |
| Krabi | 24 | 31 | 345 |
| Pattaya | 24 | 31 | 249 |
| Phuket | 24 | 30 | 351 |
November
Thailand’s cool season officially begins in November, with clear skies and lower humidity making it an ideal time to travel. The enchanting Loy Krathong Festival is celebrated in November.
Notable events:
Loy Krathong
Yi Peng Lantern Festival
Read more about visiting Thailand in November
November weather in Thailand
| Location | Avg. Min. Temp. (C) | Avg. Max. Temp. (C) | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
| Bangkok | 22 | 31 | 57 |
| Chiang Mai | 19 | 30 | 44 |
| Ko Samui | 24 | 30 | 526 |
| Krabi | 24 | 31 | 173 |
| Pattaya | 23 | 30 | 134 |
| Phuket | 23 | 31 | 188 |
December
December is another great month to visit Thailand, with pleasant weather and cooler temperatures making it an excellent time for family holidays and winter sunshine breaks. As one of the most popular months to visit Thailand, it’s advisable to book accommodation in advance.
Notable events:
Father’s Day
Christmas Star Parade
New Year Countdown
Read more about visiting Thailand in December
December weather in Thailand
| Location | Avg. Min. Temp. (C) | Avg. Max. Temp. (C) | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
| Bangkok | 20 | 31 | 9 |
| Chiang Mai | 15 | 28 | 15 |
| Ko Samui | 24 | 29 | 213 |
| Krabi | 24 | 31 | 39 |
| Pattaya | 22 | 30 | 4 |
| Phuket | 23 | 31 | 71 |
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