Weather in Thailand (When is the Best Time to Visit Thailand)

We have just finished a month in Thailand’s southern provinces and man the weather in Thailand was hot!!

For this reason, it is crucial that you pick the right months to visit Thailand so that you don’t get caught out in terrible weather.

Also, remember that different regions of the country have different weather patterns. So, when it is a perfect time of year to visit the west coast it may not be the perfect time of year to visit the east coast.

Here we will go through each month and see when is the best time to visit Thailand, month for month.

Thailand Weather

North Thailand

November to May is mostly dry, but is hotter from March to May.

May to November gets the heaviest rain from the southwest monsoon.

Southern Thailand

The South has two seasons, wet and dry. But the seasons don’t run at the same time on the west and east of the peninsula.

The west coast from April to October gets the southwest monsoon which brings rain and storms.

The east coast from September to December gets all its rainfall.

South of Thailand gets most of the rain almost double, while the north and central gets the least.

Best and Worst Time to Visit Thailand

Best Time to Visit Thailand

By far the best time to visit Thailand and have the best weather is from November to February.

Worst Time to Visit Thailand

July to October is the monsoon season with average temperatures of 29 Degrees with 90% humidity.

Try to avoid April if you can. This is the hottest time of year with temperatures averaging 34 Degrees with 75% humidity.

Thailand Weather Month by Month

Thailand Weather in January

The Thailand weather in January is the best on both coasts this is why it is peak season. The sun will be shining every day. No rain with an average temperature of 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Evenings get a little cool at times.

South Thailand

This is the most expensive time of year to visit Thailand. And the busiest time to travel to the islands of Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lipe, Koh Tao, Koh Samet and Koh Lanta.

It is also very busy in Chiang Mai, Ao Nang and Railay Bay.

Central Thailand 

Central Thailand including Bangkok will be cooler also with very little rainfall.

North Thailand

North Thailand including areas like Chang Mai and Chang Rai will be cool. Temperatures are in the low teens to high 20’s with no rain.

So if you don’t mind spending more money and travelling with the crowds January is your best month to visit Thailand overall.

Thailand Weather in February

Thailand weather in February is still great but getting to the tail end of the peak Christmas season. The crowds tend to start thinning out around this time with awesome weather and less chance of rain.

Average temperatures of 20 to 30 degrees Celsius are still present at these times.

South Thailand

February is a great time to travel in southern Thailand as prices start to come down. This is especially true on the islands. But watch out for destinations that are popular with Chinese travellers due to the Chinese New Years celebrations which occurs in February.

Islands to visit in South Thailand at this time of year in the Andaman sea are Koh Kradon, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi and Phuket. In the gulf Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Tao, Koh Chay and Koh Maak.

Central Thailand

The temperatures slowly rise and there may be a chance of some rain. This is the last cool month you will get until it starts to heat up!

North Thailand 

This is the period when temperatures start to go from cool to hot. The days begin to warm up but the nights can still be a little cool. The chance of rain is very low. Also, a good time to travel the north due to no haze from burning off.

February is a great time to travel to Thailand before it begins to heat up.

Thailand Weather in March

Thailand weather in March is starting to heat up.  This is when the tourist numbers begin to drop off. Everyone in the country starts heading south to the beaches.

The farmers in the north start burning off in preparation for planting their new crops in March. If you are a photographer you may want to avoid travelling at this time. Average temperatures of mid-20 to mid-30 degrees Celsius are normal at this time of year.

South Thailand

South Thailand still has great weather in March. All the islands are worth visiting but the water temperatures are heating up and can be a bit bath like.

Islands worth checking out this time of year are Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lipe, Koh Samet, and Koh Lanta on the westside and Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Tao. They all start to quieten down in March after the peak seasons.

Central Thailand

The temperatures keep rising and the days can get really hot and sticky.xpect mid 20’s to mid 30’s, so make sure you have air conditioning. Chances of rain at this time of year will be rare.

North Thailand 

Temperatures begin to average mid 30’s at this time of year during the day making it really hot. Farmers are burning off their rubbish all over at this time of year making the entire north region hazy.

This is bad for photos, can cause burning eyes and respiratory problems. It is not really advisable to travel to the north at this time of year. Unless you love haze and heat.

Read This Now: Visit Khao Lak

Thailand Weather in April

Visiting Thailand in April is hot! So if you are from a colder climate you may not like this time of year.

Expect temperatures in the mid to high 30’s with little rain.

In Thailand, April celebrates Songkran, the Thai New Year’s which kicks off the wet season. Songkran festival is a water festival so expect loads of water fighting throughout the streets.

South Thailand

April is another epic month for travel to the Gulf Islands of Koh Samui, Koh Pha Nang, and Koh Tao. It can rain a little at this time of the month so be prepared. While on the Andaman side expect more rain every couple of days.

Islands such as Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta can still be great to visit. You will still get long stretches of fine weather but will be quite hot.

Central Thailand

Visiting this part of the country is not pleasant in April. It’s hot and unbearable. Staying in an air-conditioned hotel room is the best thing to do.

North Thailand

Visiting Northern Thailand is unpleasant in April, popular places like Chang Mai can get temperatures above 35 Degrees.

Try to avoid April if you can it is unpleasant in most places.

Thailand Weather in May

May marks the beginning of the wet season in most areas in Thailand. It can feel like an extension of the hot month of April. Rain significantly increases around this time and local flooding can occur.

Expect rain throughout this period almost everyday and high humidity.

South Thailand – May sees the Gulf Islands of Koh Samui, Koh Pha Nang, and Koh Tao receiving less rain than other parts of the country. Certain resorts on the smaller islands close down at this time. Resorts on Koh Bulon Lae and Koh Wai hibernate.

Andaman Sea and gulf areas shift into the low season with wild seas and windy conditions making getting around almost impossible due to ferries limiting operations at these times. They start up again in November.

You can get some great deals at this time of year at Koh Phi Phi and Phuket islands, but be prepared for the afternoon downpours. Ferries still operate at this time of year but with limited ferry times due to the weather.

Central Thailand

Places like Bangkok can have a slight drop in temperature after the April heat but the humidity is still high in the 90% range. Expect rain and local flooding.

Northern Thailand

The rain starts up midway through May especially in Chang Mai and can rain every other day.

The northern parts of Thailand begin to have clearer skies as the smoke settles and the waterfalls begin to run. The north really begins to green up at this time of year.

Travel in May if you don’t mind getting wet!

Thailand Weather in June

Rainfall tends to drop a little during the month of June and places like Chang Mai, Pai, Mae Salong, Nan, Udon Thani and Phi Mai start to become lush and green. This makes it a good time to visit before the torrential rains of July and August.

The best islands to visit at this time of year are Koh Samui, Koh Pha Nang and Koh Tao. These islands tend to have less rainfall than the Andaman side and the eastern side of the gulf on the island of Koh Chang.

South Thailand

Frequent storms visit the Andaman sea at this time of year hitting islands such as Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lipe and Phuket. Also islands on the eastern side of the gulf experience bad weather which include Koh Chang, Koh Maak and Koh Kut.

The best areas to visit at this time of year are the Western gulf islands of Koh Pha Nang, Koh Samui, Koh Tao and mainland areas of Hua Hin and Cha-am. These places experience better weather and less rain than other parts of Southern Thailand.

Central Thailand

Places like Bangkok and Kanchanaburi will be the same as May with rainfall every other day. But the countryside will begin to green up and the local waterfalls will begin to run.

Northern Thailand

The weather in the north will get a little cooler and rainfall will decrease a touch. But it will still rain every other day.

Any trekking will be slippery and muddy with leeches. But this time of year is great for photography because the landscapes will be lush with all the rain.

Visit Railay Beach

Thailand Weather in July

July weather in Thailand is pretty much a continuation of June and is raining everywhere. North and South Thailand start experiencing heavier rainfall but temperatures remain about the same.

Places to visit at this time of year will be the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Pha Nang and Koh Tao. There will still be rain and wind but not as bad as the Andaman Sea islands such as Koh Lanta and Phuket.

Read this Now: Koh Lanta’s Best Beaches

South Thailand

Try to avoid the Andaman Sea islands on the west coast at this time of year, they receive more rain and wind causing rough seas.

Avoid islands such as Koh Lanta, Phuket and avoid Khao Lak on the west coast. Also, steer clear of the gulf island of Koh Chang it receives heavy rains this time of year.

Better to visit Koh Samui, Koh Pha Nang, Koh Tao and mainland areas like Hua Hin for less rain in the Gulf of Thailand.

Central Thailand

In July the rainfall becomes steadier so expect to get wet in areas like Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. Temperatures remain the same as June.

Northern Thailand

July sees the beginning of heavier rains in Chang Mai as the wet season kicks in. The only plus side to July is the forests will be lush and super green.

Expect to see occasional street flooding and expect to get wet at this time of year. Try to avoid Chang Rai in July as it gets most of the rain in the north.

Thailand Weather in August

August in Thailand sees the monsoon season in full swing, this the month you really want to avoid if you can. August marks the peak of the wet season so from here on in it only gets drier throughout the country.

Your best bet for drier conditions in Thailand in August will be places in the upper gulf coast like Hua Hin, Phetburi, and Sam Roi Yot. Or the lower gulf places like Surat Thani, and Chumphon.

Be sure to carry an umbrella and some waterproof gear when travelling around Thailand in August.

South Thailand

The Andaman coast and the eastern side of the gulf are really wet at this time of year. Try to avoid Koh Chang, Phuket and surrounding islands if possible. They will be really quiet and probably not much fun.

Instead visit islands like Koh Samui, Koh Pha Nang and Koh Tao. They should be quite nice at this time of year. Still, always be ready for heavy downpours.

Central Thailand

August sees a lot of rain in Bangkok and surrounding areas. Average temperatures sit at around 28 degrees. Expect local flooding at times after heavy downpours.

Northern Thailand

August marks the peak of the wet season in the north. Expect heavy rain for approximately 20 days or so out of the month.

Expect local flooding and some landslides in the northern provinces around Chang Mai and Chang Rai.

Thailand Weather in September

September sees an overall improvement in weather throughout the country and temperatures begin to fall a little.

There can still be plenty of rain about. Your best bet is to avoid September unless you are visiting the islands of Koh Sumui, Koh Pha Nang and Koh Tao.

South Thailand

September is the wettest month for the Andaman sea area. Try to avoid islands like Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi and Phuket unless you love rain. If you like to surf then you may want to head to the beaches of Phuket for some waves.

It is best to visit the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Pha Nang and Koh Tao at this time of year in the gulf. Avoid Koh Chang on the eastern side due to rain and mudslides.

Read This: Visit Koh Phi Phi

Central Thailand

Temperatures remain warm in areas like Bangkok and rainfall becomes heavier so avoid central Thailand in September.

Northern Thailand

Rainfall in the north steadily declines in September in preparation for October. Daily temperatures remain the same as August around the 28 degree mark average.

Thailand Weather in October

October is the perfect time to visit the northern parts of Thailand like Chang Mi and Chang Rai. It’s lush and green without the rains of August and September.

It is not a good time of year to visit the islands anywhere in October. Try and stick to visiting the northern parts of Thailand unless you want to get wet.

South Thailand

The eastern monsoon has begun in the lower gulf regions of Koh Samui and Koh Pha Nang with heavy rainfall. The west coast on the Andaman sea is still very wet but coming out of its wet season.

You may get lucky with a little bit of sun on the islands of Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lipe and Phuket.

Central Thailand

The wet season is quickly receding in October around the Bangkok regions. It can still be raining a little but expect better conditions with average temperatures of 28 Degrees.

Northern Thailand

October brings less rain and moderate conditions to the north and the crowds are still low, making it a great time to visit northern Thailand.

Temperatures begin to fall in October and the region starts to dry out as the monsoon season disappears.

Thailand Weather in November

November sees the wet season disappear across most of Thailand and temperatures becoming cooler around the country.

Islands start seeing more sunshine and start becoming popular once again to tourists in the Andaman Sea Islands such as Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta.

Avoid islands such as Koh Samui, Koh Pha Nang and Koh Tao as the eastern monsoon is in full swing with frequent storms.

South Thailand

It is shoulder season in the southern islands.orF some great deals on the western peninsula try out the islands of Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Phuket and Koh Lipe. Temperatures sit in the mid to high 20’s for this time of year.

Rain is still present on the west coast. But less frequent than on the gulf islands of Koh Samui and Koh Pha Nang. Krabi is also a great place to visit at this time of year. But still can have some heavy downpours at times.

Central Thailand

The regions of Bangkok and Kanchanaburi almost have no rainfall in November.  They begin to experience cooler conditions, temperatures from low to mid 20’s.

Northern Thailand

Chiang Mai sees lovely temperatures at this time of year, cool nights and moderate daytime temps.

This is the perfect time to visit the northern wilderness and book a trek into the jungle.

Thailand Weather in December

December is high to peak season throughout Thailand. The weather now is amazing, most of the rain has vanished and the temperatures become comfortable.

The country begins filling up with tourists at this time of year so make sure you book ahead any accommodation.

Diving becomes really good in Thailand in December after the rains have cleared making water visibility amazing.

This is the time of year that all the popular islands start to heave. It’s peak season for Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Phuket on the west coast.

South Thailand

The crowds flock to the West coast this time of year. You get loads of sunshine and great beach weather. Islands such as Koh Phi Phi are packed at this time of year. Make sure you have bookings in advance.

The Gulf islands may still see a little bit of rain. Between the rain you will see a lot of sunshine. Islands such as Koh Pha Nang and Koh Tao will be busy.

Central Thailand

December is the best time for Bangkok, no rain, blue skies and temperatures in the low 20’s and low 30’s.

Northern Thailand

This is a great time to explore Chiang Mai and other northern regions. The north will see little rain and cool daytime temperatures and cold nights so make sure you bring a jacket.

So When is The Best Weather in Thailand?

Go explore Thailand at any time of year. You will be sure to find something special no matter how the weather is.

As I said at the beginning of the post, our family visited Krabi in April. This is the hottest time of year for Thailand and still had a great time.

Travelling out of season can save you loads of money and you can experience things that the normal tourist will not.

So have fun, be cool and stay dry!