When planning a trip to a country that we have never visited before and of which we know little, it is essential to know the best time to visit Thailand. As we have already seen, the climate in Thailand is very varied and characterized by a very hot and dry season alternating with the notorious rainy season, when it is cold, and rainfall is abundant, if not cyclonic. No tourist wants to find himself in the middle of a typhoon or see his vacation ruined by weeks of heavy rain.
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
Thailand is an exotic destination, which many people choose to spend a holiday based on sun, sea, and relaxation. In this case, as it is easy to imagine, it does not take much to ruin the journey, because the climatic conditions and temperatures influence in a dominant way the success of the holiday. If you want to go to the beach to enjoy the sun of Thailand, never choose the months of March and May, because even if there is almost always the sun, temperatures can reach very high peaks, forcing you to endure an almost infernal heat.
In addition to travelers only interested in Thai beaches, there are also other types of tourists who, instead, mix the classic bathing holiday in an exotic location with cultural visits. In general, the tropical climate of Thailand offers ideal conditions for a pleasant and trouble-free holiday in the months from November to February. In this period of time, it rains much less than normal, and the temperatures are mild, without excessive peaks of 40 ° C as in the hot season.
The best time for tourist areas of Thailand
Thailand, extending longitudinally, crosses different climatic zones that can change the aspects concerning temperatures and rainfall in the year. Let’s take a few examples to understand the situation in this country better.
If the destination of your holiday is the tourist area of Thailand overlooking the Andaman Sea, that is the area where they are (among other things) the famous Phuket and Krabi, the best time for the holiday is that between November and May. In this time frame, you will find warm (but mild) climate and little rainfall.
The same can not be said for the area overlooking the Gulf of Siam, where there are Koh Samui and Koh Tao, which in this period are often subject to precipitation of the storm.
The best time to visit the islands of the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, is from June to September. You can take advantage of the months between May and October (when it rains a lot in other areas of Thailand) to go to the Erawan Falls or the waterfalls in Khao Sok National Park. Thai tropical forests in these months offer themselves to visitors at their best, with dense vegetation, fragrant flowers and streams of water in full.
If your destination is the city of Bangkok remember that at the end of August the rainy season begins, which can bring with it abundant rainfall that has nothing to do with those we are used to in Italy. The monsoon period makes off-limits, or almost, the entire northern area of the country, including the “golden triangle” and the most famous tourist destinations like Phuket.
The month of April is by far the hottest of the year in Thailand, so it is not recommended for tourists, especially those who are not used to the heat typical of these countries of Southeast Asia. For the more adventurous, however, it should be remembered that in April we celebrate the characteristic Thai New Year, called Songran. Precisely because of the very high temperatures, the New Year is celebrated with the launch of water balloons filled with water and flour.
One last tip concerns the island paradise of Koh Samet which boasts the distinction of being almost never (with rare exceptions) subject to heavy rains that characterize the country. Koh Samet can be reached from Bangkok in a couple of hours, either by bus or car or by catamaran. The island of Koh Samet, although in recent years has improved its accommodation facilities, is commonly visited by Thais living in Bangkok and moving here for the summer holidays or a weekend at the beach.
Are you ready for your dream vacation in Thailand?
Thailand in January
Thanks to its geographical position, Thailand can be visited all year round, as its varied microclimate differentiates the numerous tourist resorts. For example, when in the Andaman Sea is the monsoon season, in the Gulf of Thailand you can instead enjoy the beautiful season. During the winter, the mild temperatures, the low humidity, and the excellent value for money, make the “Land of Smiles” one of the most popular destinations for those who want to escape from the cold western.
Immediately after the Christmas period, with the first days of January, prices return to normal standards: for a relaxing holiday. We do not recommend famous destinations like Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi Island, Ko Lipe, and Pattaya. In favor, instead of the fantastic archipelago of Mu Ko Chang composed of about 50 islands, including the beautiful Ko Chang (the third largest island in the country), Ko Kood, private and exclusive island, and Ko Mak, small and unspoiled.
Chinese New Year in Bangkok
In Bangkok there is one of the largest Chinatown in the world (if not the largest) and so this is a very heartfelt party: the main streets, which go along the Charoenkrung Road (the oldest street in Bangkok) through Yaowarat until you get at Phahurat Market, they become a swarm of food stands, traveling shows, traditional parades, and folklore shows. Everything is colored with intense red … a show not to be missed! However, it becomes almost impossible to visit the most important sites of the capital: Royal Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Traimit, Wat Arun, Flower Market, Amulets Market, unless you are resigned to face endless queues under the Thai sun!
Thailand in February
With thousands of kilometers of coastline, hundreds of islands, a spectacular marine life, all seasoned with breathtaking natural beauty, it’s no wonder that Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world, at any time of year, even thanks to the variety of its territory, very differentiated by weather conditions, geographical areas, etc.
The climate of the Land of Smiles (as it is also called Thailand) is purely tropical, hot and humid, dominated by the monsoon regime. The country is characterized by three main seasons, the wet summer (between May and October), the dry winter season, which unfolds between November and April, while the months between March and May mark the hottest period of the year.
In light of these distinctions, we can state that the period between November and February is the best for a holiday in this land, since it is less rainy, fresher, dry and with lower humidity and, therefore, less hot.
And in February, however, Magha Puja takes place, one of the three main Buddhist festivals. The day is dedicated to the commemoration of the Sangha, or rather the monastic community, and is a deeply felt religious festival throughout the country. It is the full moon day to commemorate the anniversary in which 1,250 disciples, called ‘Phra Arahanta,’ gathered to listen, in a spontaneous way, the preaching of the Buddha, who gave them a sermon to instruct them on the main points of his teaching and send them to teach all human beings. That day they received the votes, entering from that moment to be part of the sangha.
This is a popular festival among the people, who arrive very numerous towards the temples. It also involves many tourists who are inevitably involved in the celebration: holding a lotus flower, a candle, and incense, representing the 3 symbols of Buddhism, people revolve around the Wat. The consecrated building for the prayer of the Illuminati community, in the district of Khlong Luang, not far from Bangkok, reciting prayers and asking for graces and favors.
Thailand in March
What is the best season to leave for Thailand? The question difficult, because thanks to its geographical position that differentiates its microclimate, the “Land of Smiles” lends itself to be visited all year round. We can distinguish three different seasons, characterized by warm, rainy and dry climate:
The typical summer season runs from April to June, with average temperatures between 28 and 35 degrees.
Then follows the rainy season, until September, which in any case represents the less rainy monsoon season of all Southeast Asia, with the good probability of sunny days and average temperatures between 27 and 32 degrees.
The last season, the driest, runs from October to March, and has an ideal climate, mild, with temperatures around 26 to 30 degrees, with beautiful sunny days.
Being able to choose the months for a holiday in Thailand freely, the advice is to choose to leave between February or, even better, March: you will avoid mass tourism, usually concentrated in August and December, and also enjoy a better climate.
The dry season, the coolest, is the best for a trip to discover the beaches and the crystalline sea in the west coast (Phuket ), and the ideal period to attend it goes from December / January to March, without the risk of rains. Moreover, usually, flights from Italy, after January, still considered the high season, have attractive rates, which never hurts …
Phuket beach
Particularly in March, the beaches and islands of the South overlooking the Andaman Sea, that is to say, the most famous Phuket, but also Khao Lak, Krabi and its islands, Koh Lipe, Koh Mook, and Koh, are certainly recommended. Ngai and many more: a good month to experience the northern tours. For example, those departing from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, as well as the islands overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan. Period enjoys an excellent climate, for an unforgettable seaside stay.
Thailand in April
The month of April, like the 3 previous years at the beginning of the year, is a good time to visit Thailand: in fact, in the country we can distinguish two seasons, the wet summer, between May and October, and the dry, winter, between November and April, certainly more livable, and therefore more recommended for a holiday.
Bangkok, the multifaceted capital, has a typically tropical climate. The most suitable month is April, with average maximum temperatures of 35°C and minimum temperatures around 26°C. In the island of Phuket, in the area of the Andaman Sea, the hottest period is between the two months of March and April. With maximum temperatures of 33/34 ° C, sometimes even close to 40 ° just in April.
The most important event of the period is the Thai New Year, the so-called Songkran. If occasionally the celebrations can continue until the 16th, the Thai New Year is celebrated.
It is a religious festival, which marks the beginning of the Buddhist year, even if it is now only for the traditionalists since for many others, including the many tourists present annually, has taken on a different, more modern, profane and party animal. It is considered a happy and joyful party and the best way to experience it is to play the game and get confused with the local population.
In fact, wants to be offered to the Temple, bathing the images of Buddha with sketches (or, better, with “buckets”!) Of water, but not only: to wish good luck in a very cheerful way, you throw water also on passers-by, a veritable war of water balloon that, however, as a rule, do not bother much considering the temperatures of that month … Not surprisingly, the Thai New Year is also known as Water Festival ( Water Festival ), and the sense of all this is the belief in the Thai population that water washes away bad luck from every family. Some ways of launching are particularly curious, from traditional buckets or rubber barrels to the most original water gun, even to elephants!
Thailand in May
In May, usually, the period is almost totally rainy in different areas of Thailand, the “Land of Smiles”. In this month, in fact, we are so sweet for the spring that takes shape, we are in the presence of the summer and wet, and is therefore considered a period a little ‘risk to visit the country because the rainy season begins: in the month of Moreover, in May, monsoons are usually found in all the latitudes of Thailand.
However, the Gulf of Thailand area, mainly represented by Koh Samui, a beautiful and important landscape and tourist island, from Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, still enjoys a pleasant climate, as well as the island of Koh Samet , always protected also during the rainy season and therefore it is advisable to visit in every month of the year: in May, the temperatures are quite pleasant and very similar to those found on the island of Phuket, certainly more known and frequented, and the less frequent rainfall. In the most southern area of the country, however, the climate has more constant temperatures throughout the year, but also more abundant rains.
May is the month when it is certainly not in the middle of summer, but not even in the dry and winter season and, therefore, particular attention must be paid to sudden changes in the rainy regime, which occur especially in the coastal resorts of the Andaman Sea.
Extending longitudinally, the beautiful “Land of Smiles” actually crosses different climatic zones that can change the aspects of temperatures and rainfall over the course of the year, which is why, for example, if your holiday will be the tourist area of the aforementioned and famous island of Phuket, the best period will be between the months of November and May.
If, however, the greatest passion will lead you to the discovery of nature and animals, you can take advantage of the months between May and October (when, in other areas of the country, it rains a lot), to visit the Erawan Falls or those in the Khao National Park Sok. In fact, both the waterfalls and the tropical forests of Thailand offer visitors at their best, with dense tropical vegetation, fragrant flowers, and streams of water. A true incomparable show!
Thailand in June
During the period of transition from May to June, you can attend the very famous royal plowing ceremony in Bangkok and more precisely in the Sanam Luang plain. The ceremony is carried out by the priests who bless the seeds of rice and then throw them into a furrow created specifically by a chariot drawn by buffaloes. This traditional rite, with very ancient origins, symbolizes the beginning of the sowing period and is a festival celebrated throughout the country.
View of Bangkok City
Unfortunately, June represents a month with a somewhat “uncertain” climate for Thailand, with rainy days alternating with those of the Sun. The temperatures are still high, thanks to its tropical and very variable climate. Visiting Thailand in June is still a beautiful experience, no one will ever ruin the holidays for a bit of monsoon rain, even during the heat so hot, it can also be a pleasant sensation.
Precisely for this reason, Thailand hosts tourists and visitors throughout the year, which are fascinated by its wonderful beauties and its traditions so far from our culture that it seems almost surreal.
Thailand in July
Many tourists come to Thailand every year and are fascinated by it. Among the most affluent periods, we find the month of July, where we can also attend not a few traditional feasts and customs of Thailand. The day following this anniversary, another equally wonderful thing happens: in fact, the period begins when the young monks are ordained and close in a monastery for three consecutive months without ever leaving.
Monks Thailand
Also in the month of July, there is the festival of candles, or the party called Khao Pansaa which consists of a wonderful parade of giant candles, placed on wagons. The play of lights and the atmosphere created by the candles will leave you speechless!
The climate of Thailand is tropical and is mainly influenced by the monsoon, a wind where six months of sunshine alternate six months of rain. The period from mid-May to October is characterized by the monsoon from the south-west and often brings rains, sometimes even pleasant, given the high temperatures of the place.
Thailand in August
During the month of August, the month of holidays and holidays for most of the workers, Thailand is often chosen as a destination, despite the monsoon both in its season rains. Tourists, however, are able to enjoy the charm and traditions of these magical places, it will certainly not be a bit ‘of rain to ruin the holiday.
Visiting the beautiful islands of Thailand in August may seem a bit of a gamble. We must consider that it does not rain unceasingly as they say and that the islands are less precipitated: especially in the south Oriental of Thailand, you can enjoy sunny days even in the middle of August. Among the islands that can be visited are Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Samet. Here the sea is really crystalline and you can immerse yourself in a truly dreamlike setting, without giving up the sun and tanning. In particular, the island of Koh Samet is called “The Maldives of Thailand” and is the island where it rains less, so ideal for those who go on vacation in Thailand in August.
In Thailand, there are many traditional national festivals, particular customs that make Thailand the country of the three Capoduries: in fact, they celebrate the Western New Year, the national and the Chinese. Usually, in August, one of the many ” Full Moon Party ” dates take place. It is a traditional festival that takes place on the beach of Haad Rin Nok. With internationally renowned DJs performing under the full moon.
Thailand in September
Every year, lacs of tourists decide to spend their summer holidays in Thailand just in September. Despite the fairly frequent rains of that period, the temperatures are always kept high and therefore favor tourism all year round, not only cultural but also seaside. All the seaside resorts and islands located in the Gulf of Thailand are favorable in September, as rains are less frequent here or are shorter. Here there is a less elevated monsoon wind, as they are islands or localities mostly sheltered from the Gulf of Thailand.
For vegetarian tourists who come to Thailand in September, there will be a culinary surprise not to be missed: in fact, in the last days of the month, the Vegetarian Festival is celebrated with millions of inhabitants and tourists taking part.
Thailand is a country rich in history and beauty, able to jealously maintain and guard a culture far removed from the one we live in today. Precisely for this reason to take a trip to Thailand at least once in life, allows not only to broaden their horizons and their mentality but also allows to identify themselves in uses and customs that are truly unique in their kind, far from our daily reality.
Thailand in October
The month of October is perhaps one of the least recommended to go on holiday to Thailand. Because it is considered the wettest month of the year (despite the temperatures are always very high). In the peninsular area, depending on the slope, the climate is more moderate and even in the rainy season, these occur more rarely allowing tourists to enjoy the crystal clear sea and relaxation. The ideal climate for those who want to enjoy the sun season and the true Thai sea starts from November and ends in April when the rain monsoon returns to be heard.
Knowing in advance the climate of Thailand not only allows you to decide the best time to go, but also the type of travel: if you prefer a beach holiday October is the least indicated month, if you want to savor the culture and the traditions of this country so rich in history and wonders, even the month of October can be indicated.
In October there is also a very special and traditional festival in Thailand: the Phansa Festival, which recalls the return of Buddha to Earth after a period of preaching in paradise.
Thailand in November
Few travelers know this, but the month of November is definitely the most suitable for visiting Thailand and discovering its most hidden beauties.
The reason? In addition to a dry and cool climate, it is at this time of year that you have more chances to find a clear sky and long sunny days.
Besides, being still far from the Christmas period, Thailand is still approachable by visitors and backpackers who can not count on an unlimited budget.
If you have the opportunity and do not want to settle for a visit to Bangkok, go to Phuket, where there is Patong, one of the most popular beaches and a reference point for young people who love nightlife and unbridled fun.
Tropical Thailand
If you are looking for something less chaotic, starting from Phuket you can reach after about three hours flight the island of Ko Tarutao, famous for the Marine National Park.
This park, located on the border between Thailand and Malaysia, covers an area of 1500 square kilometers and has 51 islands.
It is a destination located outside the normal tourist circuits, but we strongly suggest you visit if the uncontaminated places fascinate you in a particular way.
Most of the islands are prohibited. Only except for Ko Tarutao and Ko Lipe. The latter, in addition to a dream beach and twenty bungalows, is inhabited by about a thousand Chao Lei, the sea gypsies.
The park, in addition to being a paradise for nature photography enthusiasts, also offers several places where diving enthusiasts, accompanied by local guides, can admire the beautiful multi-colored corals and the strangest tropical fish living in the Andaman Sea.
Thailand in December
Thailand in December is getting ready to welcome the travelers with its wonderful summer days, characterized by a calm sea, the sun shining everywhere and a breezy climate.
December is also the perfect month to visit Bangkok and see the Wat Pho, one of the largest and oldest temples in the capital, as well as home to the enormous Lying Buddha, a 15-meter-long and 46-foot statue entirely covered in gold.
In the temple, you can also experience an authentic Thai massage thanks to the students of the prestigious school that is hidden within its walls. Instead, you do not have much time available, alternatively you can go to visit the market of the amulets you located just outside the Grand Palace, the home of the royal family.
As for Christmas, you should know that in Thailand it is a working day like any other, but the locals, being very open to other cultures, however, do a great deal to make December 25 really unforgettable for travelers.
White Temple in Thailand
So do not be surprised. You may see festively decorated palms or the Go-Go Bar girls dressed as Santa! If instead, you prefer to celebrate Christmas in a more traditional way, try without thinking twice about Northern Thailand. In the vicinity of Chiang Rai, famous for its night market and the White Temple, which with its architecture seems to have come out from an oriental fairy tale, there are many tribal villages with a Christian majority that, every year, light up the small churches of colored lights and also set up cribs revisited in a Thai key.