Thailand is a great destination. Thailand is known for its hospitable people, beautiful nature, fascinating culture and fine sandy beaches.
But when is the best time to visit Thailand?
Below you can read more about the Thai climate and the best travel times.
Thai climate
Thailand is a big country located in southeastern Asia. To see other countries in this part of Asia, please visit COUNTRYAAH.
The country extends 1650 km from north to south and is about 780 km wide. The total coastline of Thailand is about 3,200 kilometers long.
The most significant climatic differences between different continents are reflected in their seasonal variation.
Note: Seasons may overlap and their start and end times may vary from year to year, so this guide is for guidance only.
Hot season, cool season and rainy season in northern, central and eastern Thailand:
- Hot season (about the end of February to the beginning of May).
The hot season is characterized by very warm weather, which is hottest in April, as well as high humidity and intermittent rainfall.
- Rainy season (approx. Mid-May to mid-October).
The rainy season is dominated by the southwest monsoon, which brings with it short but powerful showers. The name is a bit misleading, as even during the rainy season, the weather is sunny and clear most of the time. Unlike in Finland, in Thailand the rains do not last all day.
- Cool season (about mid-October to early February).
The cool season is characterized by dry and slightly wetter weather compared to the hot season. However, most of Thailand is located in a tropical climate zone, so cold weather like Finland is not known there.
Rainy season and dry season off the coast of southern Thailand:
- Dry season: Warm and relatively dry.
- Rainy season: Warm and rainy, high humidity.
On the eastern and western coasts of southern Thailand, the rainy season and the dry season coincide at different times, as the southwest monsoon affects coastal areas differently. In southern Thailand, it is therefore possible to enjoy the sun all year round.
Climate of northern Thailand
In northern Thailand, e.g. Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle.
There are three seasons in Northern Thailand:
- The hot season lasts from about the end of February to the beginning of May.
During the hot season, temperatures are high, and especially in April, mercury can rise to an average of up to 38 degrees, depending on the region. During the hot season it can rain a bit.
- The rainy season lasts from about mid-May to mid-October. During these months, one must be prepared for the rains brought by the southwest monsoon, which typically come as short but heavy deafness. Once the downpour is over, the weather is usually warm, sunny and humid.
- The cool season lasts from mid-October to early February.
The nights can be cool, especially in the mountains, but due to its tropical location, Thailand is generally warm all year round. Rainfall is at its lowest at this time.
Northern Thailand is a year-round travel destination. If you want to avoid the southwest monsoon, you should travel to northern Thailand between the end of October and the beginning of May.
| Chiang Mai weather statistics: | Oak | Pearl | Painting | April | May | Summer | Hay | Life | Autumn | Mud | Marras | Christmas |
| Average. highest temperature | 30 | 33 | 35 | 37 | 35 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 28 |
| Average. lowest temperature | 15 | 16 | 20 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 19 | 15 |
| Precipitation e.g. | 4 | 9 | 18 | 57 | 162 | 125 | 140 | 217 | 211 | 118 | 54 | 16 |
| Chiang Rain weather statistics: | Oak | Pearl | Painting | April | May | Summer | Hay | Life | Autumn | Mud | Marras | Christmas |
| Average. highest temperature | 29 | 31 | 34 | 35 | 33 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 29 | 27 |
| Average. lowest temperature | 13 | 18 | 17 | 21 | 23 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 21 | 17 | 14 |
| Precipitation e.g. | 8 | 14 | 28 | 98 | 213 | 178 | 311 | 358 | 284 | 125 | 59 | 14 |
Climate of central Thailand
In central Thailand, e.g. Bangkok, Cha Am and Kwai River.
There are three seasons in Central Thailand:
- The hot season lasts from about the end of February to the beginning of May.
At this time, the expected temperatures are the highest throughout the year. The heat can be really intense, especially in April, when both temperatures and humidity are at their highest.
- The rainy season lasts from about mid-May to mid-October.
Due to the monsoon winds, the humidity is high and more rain is produced than in northern Thailand during the rainy season.
- The cool season lasts from mid-October to early February.
The cool season is relatively dry, and temperatures are more pleasant than during the hot season, but the nights can feel cold.
You can travel to central Thailand at any time, as long as you prepare for very high temperatures and humid weather in April and rainfall, especially inland, between mid-May and mid-October. If you want to avoid the monsoon season altogether, travel to central Thailand between late October and early May .
| Bangkok weather statistics: | Oak | Pearl | Painting | April | May | Summer | Hay | Life | Autumn | Mud | Marras | Christmas |
| Average. highest temperature | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 34 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 31 |
| Average. lowest temperature | 21 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 21 |
| Precipitation e.g. | 13 | 20 | 42 | 91 | 248 | 157 | 175 | 220 | 334 | 292 | 50 | 6 |
| Cha Amin weather statistics: | Oak | Pearl | Painting | April | May | Summer | Hay | Life | Autumn | Mud | Marras | Christmas |
| Average. highest temperature | 30 | 31 | 32 | 34 | 34 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 30 |
| Average. lowest temperature | 22 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 23 |
| Precipitation e.g. | 12 | 15 | 54 | 46 | 109 | 79 | 93 | 71 | 120 | 246 | 101 | 8 |
| Average seawater temperature | 28 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 |
Climate off the coast of eastern Thailand
Trat Province and Koh Samet are located in eastern Thailand.
Also in eastern Thailand there are three seasons and they are much similar to those in central Thailand.
- The hot season lasts from about the end of February to the beginning of May.
The temperatures are more pleasant than in Bangkok, for example, although the weather is evenly warm here and the humidity is high.
- The rainy season lasts from about mid-May to mid-October.
Due to the southwest monsoon, rain will also be produced at this time.
- The cool season lasts from about mid-October to early February.
In the cool season, the weather is dry and cooler than in the other months, but of course still warm.
The best time to travel to the coastal areas of Eastern Thailand is from late October to early May, which is outside the monsoon season.
| Rayong Weather Statistics: | Oak | Pearl | Painting | April | May | Summer | Hay | Life | Autumn | Mud | Marras | Christmas |
| Average. highest temperature | 32 | 33 | 33 | 34 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 33 | 32 |
| Average. lowest temperature | 22 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 21 |
| Precipitation e.g. | 21 | 37 | 70 | 82 | 199 | 165 | 172 | 132 | 255 | 194 | 51 | 6 |
Climate of southern Thailand
The coasts of southern Thailand and the islands off the Malacca Peninsula are perfect for a relaxing beach holiday.
Temperatures do not vary as much as in the central and northern parts of the country, and the location closer to the equator guarantees pleasant temperatures all year round.
There are only two seasons on the Malacca Peninsula: the rainy season and the dry season.
The beginning of the rainy season varies, so holidaymakers can look forward to wonderful beach conditions all year round!
The west coast of southern Thailand
The western part of southern Thailand is bordered by the Andaman Sea. Phuket and Krabi and the islands of Koh Lanta, Koh Hain, Koh Kradan and Koh Mook.
- The dry season lasts from November to March.
The season is pleasantly warm, and the abundant sunshine is varied by occasional rains. The driest seasons are January and February. The dry season is a great time to travel to southern Thailand, for example, when planning an island hike on the islands off the west coast.
- The rainy season lasts from April to the end of October.
During the rainy season, the weather is warm, but the probability of rain is higher than during the dry season. The effect of the rainy season is stronger here than elsewhere in Thailand. Every now and then the weather gets so bad that ferry traffic has to be restricted, long-tail boats from island to island cannot leave the pier and hotels on popular holiday beaches have to be closed. The wettest months are September and October. If you want to travel to southern Thailand at this time, we recommend that you prefer the southern coast of southern Thailand.
The best time to visit the west coast of southern Thailand is outside the rainy season from November to March .
| Koh Lanta weather statistics: | Oak | Pearl | Painting | April | May | Summer | Hay | Life | Autumn | Mud | Marras | Christmas |
| Average. highest temperature | 33 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
| Average. lowest temperature | 24 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 25 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 |
| Precipitation e.g. | 10 | 10 | 30 | 110 | 190 | 180 | 270 | 250 | 380 | 310 | 160 | 40 |
| Average seawater temperature | 28 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 |
| Koh Ngai weather statistics: | Oak | Pearl | Painting | April | May | Summer | Hay | Life | Autumn | Mud | Marras | Christmas |
| Average. highest temperature | 30 | 31 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Average. lowest temperature | 22 | 22 | 23 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 22 |
| Precipitation e.g. | 24 | 24 | 54 | 89 | 145 | 137 | 163 | 186 | 194 | 222 | 155 | 64 |
| Average seawater temperature | 28 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 |
| Koh Mook Weather Statistics: | Oak | Pearl | Painting | April | May | Summer | Hay | Life | Autumn | Mud | Marras | Christmas |
| Average. highest temperature | 30 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 29 |
| Average. lowest temperature | 24 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 |
| Precipitation e.g. | 24 | 24 | 54 | 89 | 145 | 137 | 163 | 186 | 194 | 222 | 155 | 64 |
| Average seawater temperature | 28 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 |
The east coast of southern Thailand
The east coast of southern Thailand is bordered by the Gulf of Siam and includes the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, among others.
- The dry season runs from January to September.
Despite the name, it can rain from time to time during the dry season. The rains are brief and intense showers, and at other times the sun shines. Thanks to the many sunny hours, this is a great time to travel to the southeast of Thailand. The driest months are February and March.
- The rainy season lasts from October to December.
The period is typically warm, with April and May being the warmest months. The probability of rain is high and the air is wetter than when the monsoon hits the west coast. Most rainfall will occur in November.
The best time to visit the east coast of southern Thailand is during the dry season between January and September .
| Koh Samui weather statistics: | Oak | Pearl | Painting | April | May | Summer | Hay | Life | Autumn | Mud | Marras | Christmas |
| Average. highest temperature | 28 | 29 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 29 |
| Average. lowest temperature | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Precipitation e.g. | 90 | 30 | 30 | 80 | 160 | 100 | 120 | 100 | 130 | 290 | 430 | 150 |
| Average seawater temperature | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Koh Phangan Weather Statistics: | Oak | Pearl | Painting | April | May | Summer | Hay | Life | Autumn | Mud | Marras | Christmas |
| Average. highest temperature | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 29 |
| Average. lowest temperature | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 |
| Precipitation e.g. | 144 | 33 | 50 | 86 | 158 | 93 | 131 | 106 | 113 | 266 | 527 | 203 |
| Average seawater temperature | 28 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 |
When should you travel to Thailand?
There is no unequivocal answer as to what is the best time to travel to Thailand. What matters most is which part of the country you want to travel to.
However, one thing is certain: Thailand has a lot to offer throughout the year.
If you already know that you want to travel to a certain part of Thailand or want to visit Thailand at a certain time of the year, we recommend that you contact our tourist advisors. They are always ready to help you choose the best trip and / or travel time for you.