Best time to visit Thailand - Tucan Travel

Best time to visit Thailand

The weather in Thailand

The weather in Thailand is generally hot and humid, with two distinct seasons: wet and dry. The seasons differ from coast to coast since Thailand is quite a large country, so depending on where you are visiting the weather can vary quite a bit. In general, Thailand is ideal to visit between November and early April, which are the winter months. This is when the climate is cooler and generally dry. There is also limited rainfall along the coast and optimal conditions for diving and snorkelling.

The wet season is normally from July to November, so while it is still more than possible to travel during this period it can feel more hot and humid for those not used to it. That said, it can also be a great time to see the attractions with less crowds. It's also good to know that it doesn't rain constantly and instead tends to have a tropical downpour followed by a sunny and dry spell. If you pack right with lighter, easy to dry clothes, these downpours can even be fun and refreshing. Our own Thai based staff always tell us how much they love it when it rains during the summer and brings to temperatures down.

Did you know?

Thailand has a subtropical climate which means even in the cooler months you can enjoy highs of around 30 degrees.

traveller snorkelling off the coast of Phuket during high season in Thailand

Flooded streets of Bangkok during monsoon season in Thailand

a beautiful sunny day on the beaches of Thailand

Best time to visit Thailand weather chart for Thailand's capital, Bangkok

So when is the best time to visit Thailand?

In short, Thailand is a fantastic destination year round and each season has its advantages and disadvantages. Visiting Thailand in the shoulder season can be a great compromise, as the weather will be picking up but there should be less tourists around. Travel at the end of October or end of April to catch the dry season but not have to battle the crowds that arrive in the middle of the season.

Bangkok is best visited during the cooler season, from November to February. Rainy season is over and the temperatures will be more bearable than when the sweltering heat arrives in March.

High season for Phuket sits between November and March, when the rain lessens and the seas calm, creating perfect swimming, snorkelling and diving conditions. If you are a sun worshipper or want to relax at the beach, avoid Phuket between July and October as constant sun isn't guaranteed and rainfall is more likely.

Located in the north of Thailand, November until February will provide a cooler and drier climate in Chiang Mai.

View Tours to Thailand

Festivals & events
in Thailand

Thailand is full of colour and chaos at the best of times, but travel when a festival is in full swing and you’ll see the country in a different light. The whole country comes together for celebrations and you’ll enjoy a real sense of community and the importance of family in Thailand.

Loi Krathong

(Festival of Lights)

(November, dates vary)

Loi Krathong normally coincides with Yi Peng. The Festival of Lights involves thousands of small, candlelit lanterns being released on waterways throughout Thailand. These lanterns symbolize offerings to the river spirits and paired with the lanterns released into the sky offer a truly breathtaking scene.

Lanterns floating into the sky during the celebrations at Loi Krathong

Chiang Mai

Flower Festival

(First weekend of February)

Chiang Mai Flower Festival is one of the most beautiful events in Thailand! Overflowing with colour, it's a photographers dream and simply wonderful to see if you are in the area. Normally occurring on the first weekend in February each year, Chiang Mai is home to a huge variety of flowers which make it the perfect location to celebrate the beauty of Thailand.

An elaborate display of colourful flowers at the Chiang Mai Flower Festival

Songkran (Thai New Year and Water Festival)

(April)

Possibly the most exciting festival in Thailand, Songkran is a three day water fight throughout the entire country. The festival marks the beginning of the traditional Thai New Year with the final day landing on New Year's Day. Complete with music and dancing, people roam the streets with water guns, hose pipes and basically anything that can be filled with water! Happening from the 13th to 15th April every year, you are sure to find yourself getting a bit wet if you travel to Thailand during this time.