Best time to visit Thailand

Fancy a trip to Thailand but wondering when’s the best time to go? We've got the details.

Holidays to Thailand tick off everything from temples to beaches. So, if you’re wondering when’s the best time to visit, we’ve got you covered. Plan your escape between November and March for toasty temps in the early 30s. Plus, with up to nine hours of sunshine a day and drier weather, long sunny days ideal for island hopping are on the cards. For more details, including when to dodge the crowds, read our guide...

Then, check out our holidays to Thailand.

When are the hottest months?

Thailand’s hottest months are April and May with temperatures hitting the mid to late 30s. Fancy visiting when it’s cooler? We’d recommend a trip from January to March when temps hover around the early 30s – great for days lounging on iconic beaches, like those you’ll find across the Phi Phi Islands. Or you can visit must-see World Heritage Sites, like the Similan Islands – home to some of Thailand’s most colourful coral reefs. As they’re UNESCO protected, this cluster of islets in the Andaman Sea are only open to the public between November and April.

When is the rainy season?

Thailand’s rainy season runs from May to October with August and September experiencing the most rainfall. But don’t let that dampen your holiday spirits, though. With daily temps flitting between the late 20s and early 30s, the short – but heavy – showers usually come in the late afternoon and offer a welcomed break from the tropical climate.

Best time to miss the crowds

Thanks to its tasty traditional cuisine, sandy beaches and postcard-worthy sights, the Land of Smiles is one of the most popular destinations. So, if you’re looking to dodge the crowds, book your break between May and September when humidity and temperature levels drop. And although you can't be sure of full days of sunshine, the temperatures can still reach a toasty 34 degrees.

Add these events to your calendar

Loy Krathong festival – November

Loy Krathong is Thailand’s own version of the ‘festival of lights’. This brightly coloured event takes place around various Buddhist temples in Phuket Town and marks the bringing of good fortune, where wishes for health and happiness are made. You can buy your own krathong – a lotus flower covered ‘boat’ – from one of many stalls that line the streets. They’re usually covered in flowers, candles and incense sticks. Plus, this festival is perfect if you’re a little superstitious – it’s said the lanterns will carry any bad luck away.

New Year’s Eve – 31st December

Whether you’re after chic rooftop bars, beach parties or the equivalent of New York’s Times Square – New Year’s Eve in Thailand has it covered. Our vote? Sun-kissed Phuket. Here, you can ring in the New Year at one of the most popular parties on Surin Beach – where fire eating, dancing and fireworks at midnight are on the agenda. Elsewhere, in Phuket Town, expect music concerts, singing contests and food stalls lining the streets. Plus, you can release a colourful lantern into the sky for good luck when the clock strikes 12.

Songkran festival – 13th - 15th April

Songkran – AKA Thai New Year – is the most celebrated festival in Thailand, and is marked by three days of festivities. The main celebration includes a nationwide water fight that symbolises spiritual cleansing. Yes, you read that correctly. It starts with the innocent sprinkling of water over Buddha statues all over the towns and cities, before turning into a fully fledged water fight. And because the festival falls in April, when temperatures are at their hottest, it’s the ideal way to cool down in the heat. The best place to get involved in the action is Phuket. Here, huge strips of sand like Patong Beach are packed with locals and holidaymakers, and you can bet they’re all carrying water pistols, garden hoses, and water buckets. Be prepared to get soaked!

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Then, get more info on the best things to do in Thailand and why Thailand isn't just for backpackers. Then, check out the best hotels in Thailand.

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Author: Olivia Hunt and Conor Braniff

Last updated: 08.10.2024