Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. To find out more, please read our Cookie Notice. Close
The best time to visit Thailand is between November and early April. Not only is it the driest part of the year in the Land of Smiles, but it’s also the warmest – temperatures hover between 32 and 36 degrees, with up to nine hours of sunshine a day. And although these months are great if you fancy soaking up the sun by the sea, beaches are only part of the story on a holiday to Thailand.
The Land of Smiles has cemented its spot on the holiday hot list – it comes complete with a tropical climate, time-stamped historical sights and some of the tastiest food on the globe. And because it’s one of our favourite long-haul destinations, we’ve come up with more than a few reasons to visit Thailand. Once you’ve decided when to go, check out our deals on holidays to Thailand.
During the months of January and April, you'll be guaranteed sunshine-filled days - with temperatures reaching up to 34 degrees - so it’s ideal for beach lovers. January is generally the least humid month, while February and March are the driest and sunniest. Plus, during the hot season you’ll be able to visit must-seeg World Heritage Sites, like the Similan Islands. As they’re UNESCO protected, this cluster of islets in the Andaman Sea are only open to the public between November and April, so it’s the perfect time to visit.
Thailand’s rainy months are between March and October. Some days are continuously warm and sunny as normal, while others will have you running indoors from a sudden shower. Don’t let that put you off, though. When it does rain in Thailand, it’s usually in the late afternoon or evening, and it only lasts for a few hours at a time. Plus, the rain is a great way to keep cool and combat the humidity, so it's not all bad news.
Make the lost of your time in Thailand and find out the best places to visit.
Did you know nearly a million British tourists flock to Thailand each year? It’s not hard to see why, either. With tasty traditional cuisine, pristine beaches and plenty of postcard-worthy sights up its sleeve, the Land of Smiles is one of the most popular destinations for all kinds of travellers. But, if you’re looking to escape the crowds, you should visit Thailand between May and September. Humidity and temperature levels will have dropped – and prices are generally lower, too. And although you can't be sure of full days of sunshine, the temperatures can still reach a toasty 34 degrees.
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, where locals and holidaymakers all join in together to celebrate. It marks the bringing of good fortune, where wishes for health and happiness are made. Look out for the floating lanterns that light up the sky and rivers. 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.
Thailand is one of the best places in the world to spend New Year’s Eve. There are so many events and venues to pick from, whether you’re after chic rooftop bars, all-night-long beach parties, romantic river cruises or the equivalent of New York’s Times Square – you can bet Thailand has it covered. The best place to ring in the New Year is in sun-kissed Phuket. Here, you can celebrate at one of the most popular parties on Paradise Beach. This swathe of sand offers a free, fun-filled party where fire eating, dancing and fireworks at midnight are on the agenda. Elsewhere, in Phuket Town, you’ve got music concerts, singing contests, several food stalls and you can release a colourful lantern into the sky for good luck when the clock strikes 12.
Did you know Songkran is the most celebrated festival in Thailand? It’s also known as the Thai New Year, and it’s marked by three days of festivities. The main celebration includes a nationwide water fight that symbolises spiritual cleansing. 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.
Now you know everything about the Land of Smiles, it’s time to book.
Browse our holidays to Thailand and to find out why Thailand isn't just for backpackers. Plus, check out the best hotels in Thailand.
Author: Olivia Hunt
The ROBINSON Club Khao Lak strikes the perfect active-unwind balance with plenty of pools, a busy sports schedule and a tranquil on-the-sand postcode.
A beachfront setting, massages for two and a gourmet restaurant are all on offer at this adults-only hotel.
The TUI BLUE Mai Khao Lak offers private villas in its accommodation catalogue, and it’s set on an unspoilt beach.
Our top deals tailored to you, straight to your inbox Sign up for offers
Holiday Types
Popular Destinations
Mid/Long haul
Short Haul
Flights To
Cruise
Hotels
More from TUI
About TUI MyTUI app Cookies Notice Manage Cookie Preferences Privacy Notice Terms & Conditions Credit card fees Media Centre Travel Jobs Affiliates Discover Lakes & Mountains Discover Weddings App Store for Ios Google Play Store Travel Money Holiday Budget Calculator TUI Group First Choice Holiday Brochures Travel After Brexit Holiday Weather
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.
See gov.uk/travelaware and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK on Twitter and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel - for the latest general FCDO travel advice, including coronavirus travel guidance, security and local laws, and passport and visa information.
See gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice - for FCDO travel advice about individual destinations.
See Travel Aware page - for travel advice from TUI.
See travelhealthpro.org.uk - for current travel health news.
The advice can change so check regularly for updates.
All the flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Some of the flights on this website are also financially protected by the ATOL scheme, but ATOL protection does not apply to all flights. This website will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each flight before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk. ATOL protection does not apply to the other holiday and travel services listed on this website.