Thailand is known as a great holiday destination (especially for honeymoons) but why? Is it the beautiful beaches, natural untouched jungles, welcoming people, unique handicrafts or the value for money you get vacation-ing here? Thailand does have all those options but perhaps the most important thing separating it from other South-East Asian countries is the weather. When is the best time to visit Thailand? There is always a good time to visit Thailand!
Unlike many countries Thailand only has three seasons – hot, hotter and hottest! I’m kidding, the seasons are actually cool, hot and rainy. Since Thailand is a big country the weather varies in different regions and with a little planning you can avoid the monsoon rains altogether. So when is the best time to visit Thailand?
The cool season is the best season to visit Thailand and lasts from October until the beginning of February. Weather wise this is by far the best time to visit Thailand, especially if you don’t like extremely hot weather. October to February is marked as Peak Season where Thailand sees a lot of tourists trying to escape their cold winters back home. The best month to visit Thailand is November as the weather is warm and sunny during the days but cool at night. Whilst there will be more tourists around in high season most hotels can handle the people and rarely will you feel like Thailand is busy. What you might discover is that some hotel prices are more expensive during high season. Prices vary but are usually 15-20% more expensive in high season compared to the rest of the year.
From March until June the Thai summer kicks in. The weather is hot and temperatures rarely drop lower than 25 degrees but can reach up to 40 degrees in the day. The cities are much hotter than the countryside or jungles and it’s advisable to stay in the shade between 11am – 3pm to avoid the hottest part of the day. The beaches are the best place to hang out during the hot season because the ocean breeze keeps the air cool. That said once you are used to the hot weather then this season is great – This is low season for tourism, prices are lower and you can strike great bargains on accommodation (if you stay 2 nights or longer). Thai people are more relaxed and have more time to talk to you. There are also very few tourists so you can find empty beaches everywhere!
The monsoon season kicks in late June and lasts until September. For some areas of the country (Central and eastern parts) monsoon season is characterised by heavy rains lasting for weeks on end. For the North, south and Bangkok monsoon season means that it rains for an hour or two every afternoon. Many tourists except the monsoon season to be bad and avoid travelling to Thailand because of it but in reality the rains are welcomed to cool the air. The hour of heavy rain often allows you to take a break, a nap or a well earned fruit smoothie, and if you do get caught in the rain don’t worry – it’s refreshing! Monsoon season sees the fewest tourists and a few of the smaller islands are shut down during this season. However for most hotels and guest houses prices are at their lowest and bargains can be had!
Because southern Thailand has two coasts (the Andaman side and the Gulf of Thailand) there is always a beach that is sunny. The two different coasts have slightly different monsoon seasons. For the Gulf of Thailand (which includes Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao) their beaches stay dry for most of the year, including Thailand’s monsoon season. The Gulf’s rains start in September and last until December. On the west, Andaman, side of Thailand the rains hit from May until September. Planning your trip carefully during the monsoon season means that you might avoid the rain altogether!
As well as the weather Thailand has a host of festivals to consider when travelling. In fact because Thailand observes Buddhist, Western and Chinese holidays there is a holiday or festival nearly every month. By far the most famous Thai holidays are Songkran (the water throwing festival) and Loy Kratong (releasing small festive boats into the river on full moon), but there are many lesser known festivals that are still worth visiting for:
January – expect fireworks to ring in the western new year on Dec 31st / January 1st. All cities celebrate New Year but it’s most fun in Bangkok or on the beach. Chinese New Year also falls in January or early February so expect to see some street parades led by dragons and daytime fireworks. Nakhon Sawan is best known for its Chinese New Year parade!
February – Macha Bucha day is one of the 3 important Buddhist holidays. This holiday marks a day where you should try to do good and purify your mind. Many Thai’s visit temples and it’s celebrated all over the country.
March – Since March is the hottest month of Thailand the country focuses on keeping cool and eating as much mango, mangosteen and durian as possible. Most Thai’s visit temples in the cooler evening time, so head to the local Wats to glimpse real life.
April – Imagine a nationwide water fight for 3 day: that’s Songkran! Everyone should experience it once in their lifetime, with Chiang Mai and Bangkok hosting citywide street parties from dawn until dusk. Since the weather is so hot a bucket of chilled water over your head is a welcome relief from the heat! The throwing of water symbolises calling the rains to relieve the heat.
May – Visakha Bucha day marks the Buddha’s birthday, enlightenment day and passing away. Again Thai’s flock to the temples to pay their respects and circle the stupas 3 times. In Chiang Mai most of the city walks up the mountain to pay their respects at Doi Suthep.
June – As the rains advance on most of Thailand, the rice planting season begins. Most people are too busy farming to celebrate but in the Northeast of Thailand Phi Ta Khon is celebrated with masks and rice wine to honour the dead (and unwind from a hard day on the rice fields).
July – Asahna Bucha is the 3rd holy day for Buddhists and marks a time of reflection. Most monks retreat to forest monasteries for the rainy season.
August – Mothers day (also the Queens birthday) is celebrated all over. Expect to see the Queens face on posters everywhere!
September – September marks the end of the rainy season and the start of the tourism season.
October – Head to Phuket for the slightly surreal vegetarian festival. Imagine lots of free vegetarian food in temples and parades of men passing swords through their cheeks. I told you it was surreal!
November – Loy Kratong festival is a beautiful time to visit Thailand. The whole country heads to rivers and lakes to float their troubles away in boats made of banana leaves and flowers. After their troubles are washed away they make wishes and light lanterns into the night sky. The Yi Ping festival of lanterns also occurs in November but is only celebrated in Chiang Mai.
December – As well as Christmas (and New Year) being celebrated, the Thai’s also spend the 5th December dressed in pink to honour the late Kings birthday (and father’s day since he is considered the father of Thailand).
When is the best time to visit Thailand? There is always something going on in Thailand, from Buddhist festivals to street parties for spirits or to call the rain, it doesn’t matter when you visit, you will always find something is going on. The best time to visit Thailand is now!
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