Best Time to Visit Thailand 2025/2026

Are you looking forward to a private Thailand tour? Thailand is an attractive tourist destination with rich natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and delicious food. Here, you can visit magnificent and glorious temples, such as Wat Phra Kaew, Temple of the Dawn, and Wat Phra Singh. You can explore a strong religious atmosphere, play water sports on a beach with clear blue water and white sand, and gain knowledge of exotic history and culture.

What is the Best Time to Visit Thailand

Traveling to Thailand at different times offers various travel experiences. A suitable travel time and place can improve your tourism quality. Fine weather affects your journey at least and makes you feel comfortable. If you want ideal weather, the best time to visit Thailand is from November to February.

There is little temperature difference in Thailand throughout the year. For most of the year, Thailand is hot. The cool season in Thailand is from November to February. The average temperature is from 19℃ to 26℃ (66℉ to 79℉). At this time, the temperature in Thailand is comfortable, with less rainfall, which is a good time to go sightseeing and experience the culture of Thailand. And you can travel everywhere in Thailand. If you travel with the old and children, it is also the best time to visit Thailand with family. Because the cool weather will make them feel better, and there are various festivals during these months, such as the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival, Chiang Mai Flower Festival, and Water Lantern Festival.

But what you need to know is that the best time to visit Thailand usually means the busiest time and the most expensive time. Of course, if you have a good budget, then you don’t need to worry. As for the pressure of the crowds, you can find a professional travel agent to help you with some trivial matters and find some quiet places for you.

The hot season in Thailand is from March to May, which is the driest and hottest time in Thailand. The average temperature is from 32℃ to 38℃ (90℉ to 100℉). The maximum temperature may exceed 40℃ (104℉). But you can experience the Songkran Festival in mid-April. If you travel to Thailand during these months, we suggest you bring some sun protection and medicine to prevent heat stroke.

The rainy season in Thailand is from June to October. The average temperature is from 27℃ to 28℃ (81℉ to 82℉). Generally speaking, the rainy season in Thailand is dominated by thunder showers. The rain is heavy, but it won’t last long. However, in most cases, it is not a good choice to travel to Thailand. But if you travel on a limited budget, visiting Thailand in the rainy season offers you lots of affordable hotels.

There are only two seasons in southern Thailand — the rainy season and the dry season. Fortunately, the rainy season on the two coasts in Thailand — the west coast and the east coast is short. So, you can enjoy a beach trip in Thailand almost all year round. The rain on the West Coast is mainly concentrated from April to October, while the rain on the East Coast is mainly concentrated from September to December. Therefore, the best time to visit Thailand's beaches is to avoid the rainy seasons.

Thailand Travel Guide by Month

Visiting Thailand in January

As one of the best times of year to visit Thailand, January in Thailand is cool and dry, and a popular travel month. It is one of the best times to visit Chang Mai. Chang Mai in January is pleasant in weather, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 27°C (52°F to 81°F). It is called the cultural center of northern Thailand. Chang Mai celebrates its traditional culture and heritage with a wonderful range of activities.

The Bo Sang Umbrella Festival and Sankampang Handicrafts Festival in Chang Mai takes place on the third weekend of January every year. Bo Sang is a small village not far from Chang Mai. It is famous for making umbrellas. The Bo Sang Umbrella Festival is held to recognize the efforts of local artisans. At this festival, you will see a dazzling array of crafts and colourful umbrellas. You can watch the Miss Bo Sang Beauty Pageant. Competitors hold a beautiful umbrella, ride on a bicycle through the main streets.

At the same time, cool Thailand is also suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. You can hike in villages or cycle. If you want to get close to elephants, January is also the best time to visit the Thailand elephant sanctuary in Chang Mai.

Visiting Thailand in February

Most places in February in Thailand are still dry. Chang Mai holds the annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival at the beginning of February. If you love vibrant flowers and attractive flower displays, don’t miss the Chiang Mai Flower Festival. This festival is usually celebrated in Nong Buak Hat Public Park. Here, you can admire amazing floats, complex presentations, and take part in all kinds of activities, such as flower arranging competitions and beauty pageants. You can get knowledge of diverse plants in southern Thailand and appreciate flower art design.

Participating Chinese New Year in Thailand could be a unique experience. You can visit Chinatown, feel the lively atmosphere of this festival, and its country. February is the best time to visit Bangkok. Except for comfortable weather, you can also expect long dancing and fireworks. Travel to the beaches in southern Thailand is also a good idea. February is the best time to visit Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands.

Visiting Thailand in March

There is little rainfall in Thailand in March. The average temperature is from 26℃ to 31℃ (79℉ to 88℉). The peak season begins to wind down in March in Thailand. You will have a chance to find cheaper hotels.

In such a deeply Buddhist country, Makha Bucha Day has a great religious significance. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the third lunar month in Thailand. Local people take part in activities of Makha Bucha Day at the nearby Buddhist temples with candles and offerings. The monks will chant scriptures and preach. You can visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, and the Temple of the Dawn in Bangkok to feel the Buddhist cultural atmosphere in Thailand.

Visiting Thailand in April

April is one of the hottest months in Thailand. The temperature can reach 40℃ (104℉). Many tourists plan their Thailand tour for the Songkran Festival. Songkran Festival is celebrated from April 13 to 15 every year, lasting 3 days. Songkran Festival is equivalent to the New Year in Thailand. At this festival, you can take part in a water fight, a bath Buddha parade, cycling, and other wonderful activities. You can see water fights in the streets. Local people and tourists splash water on each other with water guns and buckets. You can feel that the people are full of infectious joy and laughter. And you can visit temples. There are people making merit, praying, and attending a traditional ceremony. If you want to immerse in the culture of Thailand, don’t miss this festival.

Visiting Thailand in May

It begins to rain in May in southern Thailand. But the rain is short-lived. Such occasional showers are not necessarily a bad thing. Because it is hot in May, it can give you a break from the heat. May is the shoulder season for visiting Thailand. It means that you can enjoy a quieter Thailand tour. In May, it usually rains in the afternoon or at dusk. So, we suggest you arrange your journey in the morning.

If you still want to travel to the beaches, you can travel to the east coast, like Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan. Because there is less rain on the East Coast than on the West Coast. And it has more sunshine.

You can expect Buddha Day (Vesak Day). This is a Buddhist celebration to celebrate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha.

Visiting Thailand in June

Rainfall begins to increase in June. June is the start of the rainy season. It rains less in southern Thailand. The average temperature is from 30℃ to 35℃ (86℉ to 95℉).  You can explore local markets and feel the bustling scene. You can buy some handicrafts to keep as souvenirs If you want your journey to be unaffected, it is also a good idea to travel to Bangkok. In such a big city, you can discover some museums, such as Jim Thompson House, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the National Museum of Bangkok. Savor the culinary delights of Thailand in some local restaurants, such as Tom Yum Goong (sour Shrimp Soup), Tom Kha Kai (Thai Chicken Coconut Soup), and Pai Thai noodles.

Visiting Thailand in July

July is the rainy season with frequent rain. But it lasts a short time. The temperature dropped slightly. The average temperature is from 28℃ to 29℃ (82℉ to 84℉).

The forest comes to life in July. Why not hike into lush, verdant forests? You can explore the tropical rainforest in southern Thailand or hike in the cool mountains in northern Thailand. Besides stunning scenery, you can also observe various wild animals. But it would become difficult when it is raining. We suggest you check the Thailand weather forecast in advance and avoid areas prone to flooding.

You can experience the Phi Ta Khon Festival (the Ghost Festival) in the Loei Province of northeastern Thailand. If you travel to Thailand in July, you will have the chance to see the locals dancing in beautiful but weird clothes. You can join local people, take part in interesting activities, and put on a colorful and vibrant mask.

Visiting Thailand in August

Rainfall could reach its peak during August. The temperature is not as high as the hot season. But the average temperature is still from 26℃ to 30℃ (79℉ to 86℉). If you don’t like rainy weather, you‘d better avoid the islands on the west coast, like Phuket, Krabi, Koh Chang, etc. But the rainy season hasn’t arrived at the other coast. You can consider traveling to the beaches on the east coast, like Hua Hin and Koh Samui. You can arrange a flexible schedule so that you have something to do when it is raining instead of wasting time in the hotel.

Visiting Thailand in September

September is one of the rainiest months in Thailand. There are varying degrees of rain across the country. There may be flooding in some places. Therefore, it is not a good choice to visit beaches in September. If you travel to Thailand in September, we suggest you arrange some indoor activities and cultural experiences.

You can head to Bangkok or Chang Mai. Because of the heavy rainfall in September, there may be fewer crowds at some popular attractions, such as the Grand Palace. You can take advantage of this chance to explore popular tourist spots and the shopping mall. Take a stroll around the Chatuchak Weekend Market (JJ Market) with many stalls covered by a rain shed and discover fantastic new things. Chatuchak Weekend Market is the biggest market in Thailand. There are various goods, like antiques, handicrafts, clothing, housewares, eating, etc. You can see a lot of people buying and selling here.

Visiting Thailand in October

October is usually the end of the rainy season, which is drier than September. The rainfall drops, and so does the temperature. The average temperature is still from 24℃ to 27℃ (75℉ to 81℉).

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a highlight in October. People don’t eat meat during this festival, which lasts 9 days. You will see many parades. And there are some snack stands that sell food that can be eaten at this festival.

Visiting Thailand in November

The weather in November is cool and dry, which is the best time to visit Phuket. You can appreciate natural scenery on the islands, listen to the waves, and experience sea fishing in a catamaran. If you want to snorkel, November is suitable. Because the sea is quiet. And you can observe colourful shoals of fish and coral in the clear water. Visit Wat Chalong, the largest Buddhist temple in Phuket. The temple consecrates 108 Buddha statues, where you can feel the atmosphere of Thai Theravada Buddhism.

You can expect two Thailand Lantern Festivals, which take place on the same day. Loy Krathong Festival is celebrated in the whole Thailand, while the Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival only occurs in northern Thailand.

Water Lantern Festival (Loy Krathong Festival) usually occurs in the month of November, but the specific date is different from year to year. At this festival, you will see many activities of the Water Lantern Festival. People put decorated baskets in the river and let them float on the water.

Yi Peng Lantern Festival has cultural and spiritual significance for Chang Mai people. People believe that they can let go of all the troubles and misfortunes of the past year and pray for a better future by putting lanterns into the sky. You can marvel at the amazing scene — thousands of lanterns light up the night sky, giving a sense of peace and tranquility.

Visiting Thailand in December

December is one of the coolest months in Thailand, which is the best time to visit southern Thailand and enjoy the beaches. In southern Thailand, the average temperature is from 26℃ to 30℃ (79℉ to 86℉). In northern Thailand, the average temperature is from 18℃ to 25℃ (64℉ to 77℉). December is suitable for various activities. You can travel to the beaches in southern Thailand, enjoy bright sunshine and clear water, go sightseeing on a boat, meet dolphins, and cycle around the island. But what you need to pay attention to is that December is a good time to visit West Coast beaches, while the East Coast is still rainy.

In December, local people will celebrate Christmas. You can take part in all kinds of activities. And we suggest you book a hotel in advance, because December is the peak tourist season in Thailand. Popular tourist areas, like Bangkok and Phuket, are full of crowds. And it will become difficult to book a hotel.

Low Season to Visit Thailand

Actually, there is no absolute worst time to visit Thailand. Every month has its advantages and suitable places to visit. Generally speaking, the low season to visit Thailand is from July to September, which is also the monsoon season. These are the wettest months in Thailand. Heavy rain may flood the roads. Although you can enjoy cheaper hotels during the low season, the heavy rain may affect your travel. If you don’t want to spend your Thailand tour in a rainstorm, you’d better avoid July through September.

The hottest months (March to May) tend to have fewer tourists. If you can’t bear hot weather, you’d better avoid these months.