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Best Time to Visit Thailand: Complete Guide

Team AckoSept 29, 2025

Thailand has become one of the most loved holiday destinations for Indians. Whether it’s Bangkok’s lively nightlife, Phuket’s golden beaches, Chiang Mai’s cultural charm, or Krabi’s dramatic cliffs, Thailand has it all. But if you’re wondering when the best time to go is, the answer isn’t as simple as picking one season. The experience you’ll have depends a lot on the weather, crowds, and your budget.

Read on to understand when you should go to Thailand.

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The Best Time to Visit Thailand

Thailand's climate is tropical, meaning warm or hot weather is almost guaranteed throughout the year. Yet, for tourists, the year is divided into three general seasons, each providing an extremely different type of holiday experience.

Cool and Dry Season (November to February)

This is the busiest time of year to visit Thailand. The weather is warm but not blisteringly hot, with occasional chilly nights. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are lively, and Phuket is packed with tourists. It's high season, so hotels and flights are pricier, especially around Christmas and New Year. For honeymooners, families, or first-time visitors, this might be the optimum time to go.

Hot Season (March to May)

During these months, temperatures rise quickly, particularly in the north and central areas of Thailand. While the heat is intense in the cities, the beaches and islands are relatively more bearable. The hot season also hosts Thailand's most favourite festival, Songkran, in April, a water festival one should not miss if you can withstand the heat and the crowd. Beach enthusiasts and festival lovers will find the hot season ideal.

Rainy/Monsoon Season (June to October)

Monsoon in Thailand experiences occasional rain showers in the afternoons or evenings. The rains make the countryside green and more lush, and there are fewer tourists, so you can travel comfortably. Islands along Thailand's east coast, like Koh Samui, will have a better climate than Phuket or Krabi, which get more rain. Hotels and airfares are also cheaper, and it is an ideal time for low-budget travellers, photographers, or anyone satisfied with enjoying Thailand on their own terms.

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Best time to visit Thailand: month-by-month guide

Thailand in January

January is an exceptional time to visit Thailand. The weather will be warm and sunny during the day and cooler in the evening, making January the best time to visit. But Ko Samui proves to be an exception, as it gets maximum rainfall during this month, along with the islands in the lower gulf. The Chinese New Year celebrations light up Bangkok’s Chinatown, and it is worth a visit.

Events: Chinese New Year (could fall in February as well)

Temperature

Bangkok - 32 Degrees Celsius
Chiang Mai - 28 Degrees Celsius
Ko Samui - 29 Degrees Celsius
Krabi - 31 Degrees Celsius
Phuket - 31 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in February

February is the last of the "winter" months in Thailand. It’s the best month to visit Thailand to enjoy a beach vacation and the many water activities being offered on its beautiful and lush islands. The northern parts of the country, such as Chiang Mai, can experience a drop in temperature towards the evening and night. This month could also see fewer crowds compared to the other months in Thailand’s peak season.

Events: Chiang Mai Flower Festival and Chinese New Year (could fall in January as well)

Temperature

Bangkok - 33 Degrees Celsius
Chiang Mai - 31 Degrees Celsius
Ko Samui - 31 Degrees Celsius
Krabi - 33 Degrees Celsius
Phuket - 32 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in March

Heat comes back with a vengeance to Thailand in the month of March. With the mercury rising, hitting the country’s much-talked-about beaches will be a great idea, especially in the southern part of the country, like Ko Samui. The weather is getting hotter in the northern parts of the country as well. The north may also be hazy and smoky due to the burning of crops around this time. So those with respiratory issues may want to be cautious.

Events: Kite Flying Festivals and National Thai Elephant Day

Temperature

Bangkok - 34 Degrees Celsius
Chiang Mai - 34 Degrees Celsius
Ko Samui - 33 Degrees Celsius
Krabi - 34 Degrees Celsius
Phuket - 33 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in April

Thailand's climate remains hot in April, especially in the northern and northeastern parts of the country. This could be Thailand's best time to visit to head to the beaches, which are slightly cooler compared to cities like Bangkok and Chang Mai. The country’s biggest festive season, the Thai New Year, or Songkran, is the perfect way to beat the heat, where scented water is thrown on people to symbolise the washing away of sins and a fresh start for the new year.

Events: Songkran

Temperature

Bangkok - 35 Degrees Celsius
Chiang Mai - 35 Degrees Celsius
Ko Samui - 34 Degrees Celsius
Krabi - 34 Degrees Celsius
Phuket - 33 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in May

This month sees very little tourism as the celebratory mood winds down. However, during this shoulder season, you can score great deals on accommodations. Thailand's temperature remains high, and some showers are coming to indicate that Thailand's rainy season is on its way.

Events: Rocket Festival, Royal Ploughing Ceremony, and Visakha Bucha

Temperature

Bangkok - 34 Degrees Celsius
Chiang Mai - 33 Degrees Celsius
Ko Samui - 33 Degrees Celsius
Krabi - 32 Degrees Celsius
Phuket - 32 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in June

The rainy season kicks off in June, but it is still a hot month as far as Thailand’s temperature in June goes. But the rain doesn’t last long and limits itself to the afternoon or evening, so Thailand's weather in June is still manageable for travellers. The islands also experience rainfall, but Ko Samui and other eastern islands see less rainfall, so they remain good options. Bangkok's temperature in June is at a minimum of 24 degrees Celsius and can go up to 33 degrees Celsius, with rain playing havoc on the traffic.

Events: Hua Hin Jazz Festival, Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival, and Pattaya International Music Festival

Temperature

Bangkok - 33 Degrees Celsius
Chiang Mai - 31 Degrees Celsius
Ko Samui - 33 Degrees Celsius
Krabi - 32 Degrees Celsius
Phuket - 31 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in July

The monsoon weaves its spell in Thailand in July. The heat and humidity also tend to go up this month. But the rains won’t throw your itinerary into disarray, as they don’t last for too long. Going inland or to some East Coast beaches can be best during the monsoon season in Thailand, as they tend to get less rain. But the summer holidays begin, and you may experience crowds at popular destinations.

Events: Asahna Bucha, Wan Khao Phansaa, Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, and the Birthday of HM the King

Temperature

Bangkok - 33 Degrees Celsius
Chiang Mai - 30 Degrees Celsius
Ko Samui - 32 Degrees Celsius
Krabi - 32 Degrees Celsius
Phuket - 31 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in August

The monsoon shows its strength, especially in the northern and northeastern provinces of Thailand. There’s no escaping the rain if you want to visit Thailand in August, though the east coast beaches, such as Ko Samui and Hua Hin, can provide some respite from the showers. Tourists are fewer during this month, so wait times at attractions are shorter, and you get good deals on hotels.

Events: The Birthday of HM the Queen

Temperature

Bangkok - 32 Degrees Celsius
Chiang Mai - 30 Degrees Celsius
Ko Samui - 32 Degrees Celsius
Krabi - 31 Degrees Celsius
Phuket - 31 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in September

Thailand in September is at its wettest. You can experience some sunshine too, in between the heavy showers. You can still do plenty of things if you work around the Thai weather in September. Since the rains can keep tourists at bay, you can experience all the wonders that Thailand has to offer at your own pace and save money as well due to discounts.

Events: Thai National Flag Day and Long Boat Racing

Temperature

Bangkok - 32 Degrees Celsius
Chiang Mai - 30 Degrees Celsius
Ko Samui - 32 Degrees Celsius
Krabi - 31 Degrees Celsius
Phuket - 30 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in October

Thailand bids adieu to the rains towards the end of October. But not before some serious spells of rain are seen towards the beginning of the month, though the northern parts of the country are a bit drier as far as Thailand's weather in October goes. You can visit the northern provinces to look at the countryside, which looks particularly lush and green post-monsoon. The southern islands can experience substantial rainfall along with sunshine, so keep this in mind when heading to the beaches there. Obey flag warnings on the islands and be aware of jellyfish, which move towards the shore during this season.

Events: Vegetarian Festival, Awk Phansa, and King Chulalongkorn Day

Temperature

Bangkok - 32 Degrees Celsius
Chiang Mai - 29 Degrees Celsius
Ko Samui - 31 Degrees Celsius
Krabi - 31 Degrees Celsius
Phuket - 30 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in November

With the monsoon having beaten a retreat, Thailand's weather turns cold and dry in November. The humidity also takes a dip, making November the best time to go to Thailand. While the western coastal islands become attractive due to the weather, the eastern ones see rain. Tourism sees a spike in Thailand in November due to the colder climes, but if you can schedule your trip for the earlier part of the month, you may beat most of the visitors and truly enjoy Thailand’s beauty.

Events: Loi Krathong, Yi Peng Lantern Festival, and Lopburi Monkey Festival

Temperature

Bangkok - 31 Degrees Celsius
Chiang Mai - 29 Degrees Celsius
Ko Samui - 29 Degrees Celsius
Krabi - 30 Degrees Celsius
Phuket - 30 Degrees Celsius

Thailand in December

Thailand comes alive with the tourist season this month. Considered the coldest month in Thailand, Christmas and New Year celebrations across the country can warm the hearts of tourists. Since this is peak season, book flights and accommodations well in advance to avoid any glitches. Thailand in December is also an expensive time to visit the country, especially closer to Christmas and New Year's.

Events: Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Chiang Mai Red Cross and Winter Fair

Temperature

Bangkok - 31 Degrees Celsius
Chiang Mai - 28 Degrees Celsius
Ko Samui - 29 Degrees Celsius
Krabi - 30 Degrees Celsius
Phuket - 31 Degrees Celsius

Cheapest time to visit Thailand

If you want to do a more budget-friendly trip to Thailand, then choose what is considered the off-season in Thailand, which is between July and October. The monsoons come into play during this season. Though it might not be the best time to visit Thailand weather-wise, you can still enjoy what Thailand has to offer at more pocket-friendly rates if your plans remain fluid, keeping the weather in mind.

Expensive time to visit Thailand

If you want to enjoy the holiday season at the end of the year in Thailand, it's going to cost you a pretty penny. November to February sees many festivities along with a cooler climate. These factors lead to a tourist rush, especially around December. Hence, prices for flights and hotels are high around this time. Bookings will also have to be made well in advance, as it is not easy to get accommodations at the last minute.

More about the best time to go to Thailand

What is the best time to visit Thailand for a honeymoon?

Climate-wise, the months between November and March are cooler and more pleasant. But this is the peak tourist season in Thailand, with lodging and flights turning expensive. If you don’t mind encountering some rain or heat during your stay in Thailand, you can pick the off-season or even shoulder season months for a more affordable stay.

What are the best months to travel to Thailand for hiking?

October to February, when the weather is a bit cooler and drier, is the best time to enjoy hiking in Thailand. The period between June and October is also a good time to go trekking through the northern regions.

What are the best months to visit Thailand for festivals?

Thailand is famous for its festivals, and there are several throughout the year. The most famous is Songkran, which takes place in mid-April and is the Thai New Year. Another popular festival is Loy Krathong, which usually falls in November. People make small boats out of banana leaves and flowers and float them on rivers and lakes to celebrate the full moon. It's a beautiful sight to see, especially in Chiang Mai, where they release thousands of lanterns into the sky.

What is the best month to go to Thailand for island hopping?

The best month to go Thailand for island hopping is between January and April. It is likely to be nice outside this month, so it will not rain much. High winds stay in place during this time, making it a great time for any water sport.

What is the best time to go to Thailand for scuba diving?

Generally, October to April are the best time to go Thailand for scuba diving. However, it's important to note that different dive sites may have different seasons. So, the best time for diving depends on your specific diving destination and what you want to see or experience underwater.

Final Thoughts

So when should you visit Thailand? It depends on what matters the most to you, weather, price, or activities. If you want the perfect weather, visit from November to February. For a mix of fun and being economical, shoulder seasons of March, April, and June are best. And if you're concerned about conserving your money, July to October will provide the best deals.

Well, if you're keen on experiencing a festival, we highly recommend planning your trip around Songkran or Loy Krathong. However, it's important to exercise caution during these events. While they're incredibly fun and vibrant, petty theft and pickpocketing can be common in crowded areas. To give yourself peace of mind, it's always a good idea to have travel insurance for Thailand. That way, you can protect yourself and your belongings from any unexpected incidents or mishaps.

If you're an Indian traveller, we recommend checking out ACKO travel insurance. It offers comprehensive coverage at an affordable price, and it's a great way to ensure that you're covered for any unforeseen circumstances. So don't forget to get your Acko travel insurance policy before you take off on your Thailand adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of a few questions and answers regarding the best time to visit Thailand.

What’s the best season to visit Thailand for the beaches?

This depends on the weather, and the islands on the eastern and western coasts of the country see rain at different points in the year. The western coast islands, such as Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Phi Phi, are good to visit between November and March. If you want to visit the East Coast islands, such as Ko Samui, then March, July, and September will be good times to go.

What’s the worst time to travel to Thailand?

There is no such thing as the worst time to travel to Thailand. But if you take weather conditions into account, such as the monsoon season in Thailand or Thai summers, you should avoid the stretches between July and October for the rains and March and May for the heat.

How many days should I set aside to see Thailand?

We’d say that you would have to spend anywhere between 10 and 14 days to take in most of what Thailand has to offer. If you are short on time, you can squeeze in some of the major attractions in 7 days.

Is Thailand very expensive in December?

Yes. December is the peak tourist season, so both flights and hotels are priced higher. Booking early can save some money.

What’s the best time for Indians to visit Thailand on a budget?

July to October (monsoon) is the cheapest. You’ll get great discounts, but be prepared for showers.

Is Songkran worth experiencing?

Yes. Songkran in April is Thailand's water festival, and it is fun-packed and lively. Just prepare yourself for heat and congestion.

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