Thailand’s weather is famous for its distinct seasons, making it easier to plan the best time to visit depending on your travel style. While the hot season is a major draw for those who love sunny weather, Thailand also experiences a cool season and a wet season (or rainy season) that shapes when and where to go.
Travelers often wonder about the perfect time to visit Thailand—whether for island hopping in the Andaman Sea, relaxing on Thailand’s beaches, or exploring the vibrant cities and traditional Thai culture. The dry season (considered high season) brings clear skies, dry weather, and good weather for Thailand trips, especially in northern Thailand, southern Thailand, and along the west coast.
During the summer months, fewer tourists and shoulder season prices make it appealing to explore Thailand’s northern regions, visit Phuket, or enjoy Khao Sok National Park with mild temperatures. On the east coast beaches like Koh Samui, the rainy season starts later, making it a great spot for fewer crowds and sunny days.
The winter months bring cooler temperatures—ideal for visiting temples in Chiang Mai or other northern regions, while the wettest months see heavy rains across parts of Southeast Asia. Whether you’re planning to visit Thailand’s beaches, take part in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, or enjoy tropical sunshine and sunny skies all year round, knowing Thailand’s hot season and weather patterns can help you plan unforgettable Thailand trips.
Quick Highlights
Cultural Events: From the Phuket Vegetarian Festival to visiting temples during the winter months, Thailand offers rich traditions year round.
Hot Season (March–May): Peak heat with sunny skies, great for Thailand’s beaches and island hopping.
Wet Season (June–October): Heavy rain in many regions, but east coast beaches like Koh Samui remain good options with fewer crowds.
Cool Season (November–February): Cooler temperatures, clear skies, and the best time to visit northern Thailand and vibrant cities like Chiang Mai.
East Coast vs. West Coast: Andaman Sea (west) best in dry season; east coast beaches shine later when the rainy season starts elsewhere.
Season
Months
Temperature Range
Rainfall
Tourist Flow
Cool/Dry Season
Nov – Feb
20–30°C
Low
Peak
Hot Season
Mar – Jun
28–38°C
Moderate to High
Shoulder/Low
Rainy/Monsoon Season
May – Oct
26–34°C
High
Low
🗓 Month-By-Month Breakdown
January
Weather: Mild and cool in most regions (avg. 21–28°C). Best weather in the North (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai).
Tourist Season:Peak season due to cool, dry conditions.
Events/Festivals:
New Year Celebrations nationwide
Bo Sang Umbrella Festival (Chiang Mai)
Children’s Day (second Saturday)
Month
Avg Temp (°C)
Rainfall
Tourist Season
Major Events
January
21–28°C
Very low
Peak
New Year, Bo Sang Umbrella Festival
February
Weather: Still cool and dry, especially in the North; South starts warming up.
Tourist Season:Peak season continues.
Events/Festivals:
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
Chinese New Year (varies)
Month
Avg Temp (°C)
Rainfall
Tourist Season
Major Events
February
22–30°C
Low
Peak
Chiang Mai Flower Festival, Chinese New Year
March (Start of Hot Season)
Weather: Hot season begins; temperatures rise (avg. 28–35°C).
Tourist Season: Transition from peak to shoulder season.
Tourist Season:Low/Shoulder season (except during Songkran when tourism spikes).
Events/Festivals:
Songkran (Thai New Year, nationwide water festival) – mid-April
Month
Avg Temp (°C)
Rainfall
Tourist Season
Major Events
April
30–38°C
Moderate
Low/Shoulder
Songkran Festival
May
Weather: Hot and humid, start of monsoon in some regions (avg. 29–36°C).
Tourist Season: Mostly low season.
Events/Festivals:
Rocket Festival (Isaan region)
Visakha Bucha Day
Month
Avg Temp (°C)
Rainfall
Tourist Season
Major Events
May
29–36°C
High
Low
Rocket Festival, Visakha Bucha
June
Weather: Rainy season begins (avg. 28–34°C). Showers mostly in the afternoon.
Tourist Season:Low season.
Events/Festivals:
Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival in Loei)
Month
Avg Temp (°C)
Rainfall
Tourist Season
Major Events
June
28–34°C
High
Low
Phi Ta Khon Festival
July
Weather: Monsoon continues, heavy rain in most areas (avg. 27–33°C).
Tourist Season:Low season.
Events/Festivals:
Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent)
Month
Avg Temp (°C)
Rainfall
Tourist Season
Major Events
July
27–33°C
Very High
Low
Khao Phansa
August
Weather: Rainiest month in many regions (avg. 27–32°C).
Tourist Season:Low season.
Events/Festivals:
Queen Mother’s Birthday
Month
Avg Temp (°C)
Rainfall
Tourist Season
Major Events
August
27–32°C
Very High
Low
Queen Mother’s Birthday
September
Weather: Still wet but rain begins to ease in late September (avg. 26–32°C).
Tourist Season:Low season but prices lowest.
Events/Festivals:
Vegetarian Festival begins in late September/October (Phuket)
Month
Avg Temp (°C)
Rainfall
Tourist Season
Major Events
September
26–32°C
High
Low
Vegetarian Festival (starts)
October
Weather: End of rainy season, cooler air returning (avg. 25–31°C).
Tourist Season: Transition to shoulder/peak season late October.
Events/Festivals:
End of Buddhist Lent
Awk Phansa
Month
Avg Temp (°C)
Rainfall
Tourist Season
Major Events
October
25–31°C
Moderate
Shoulder/Peak
End of Buddhist Lent
November
Weather: Cool and dry, one of the best months (avg. 23–30°C).
Tourist Season:Peak season starts.
Events/Festivals:
Loy Krathong (lantern floating festival)
Yi Peng Festival (Chiang Mai)
Month
Avg Temp (°C)
Rainfall
Tourist Season
Major Events
November
23–30°C
Low
Peak
Loy Krathong, Yi Peng
December
Weather: Cool and pleasant (avg. 20–28°C). Best for beaches and North.
Tourist Season:Peak season.
Events/Festivals:
Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations nationwide
Month
Avg Temp (°C)
Rainfall
Tourist Season
Major Events
December
20–28°C
Very Low
Peak
Christmas, New Year Eve
Quick-View Chart – Thailand by Month
Month
Avg Temp (°C)
Rainfall
Tourist Season
Short Description
January
21–28°C
Very low
Peak
Cool, festive, ideal for beaches and trekking
February
22–30°C
Low
Peak
Flower festivals, Chinese New Year celebrations
March
28–35°C
Moderate
Shoulder
Start of hot season, Buddhist traditions
April
30–38°C
Moderate
Low/Shoulder
Hottest month, Songkran water fights
May
29–36°C
High
Low
Early monsoon, budget-friendly travel
June
28–34°C
High
Low
Lush countryside, Ghost Festival
July
27–33°C
Very High
Low
Buddhist Lent, cultural ceremonies
August
27–32°C
Very High
Low
Rainy but green, Gulf islands drier
September
26–32°C
High
Low
Few tourists, Vegetarian Festival starts
October
25–31°C
Moderate
Shoulder/Peak
End of monsoon, temple festivals
November
23–30°C
Low
Peak
Lantern festivals, cool breezes
December
20–28°C
Very Low
Peak
Best weather, Christmas & New Year
FAQs – When Is The Hot Season In Thailand?
Q. When is the hot season in Thailand?
The hot season in Thailand typically runs from March to May, bringing sunny weather, tropical sunshine, and sunny skies. This is considered a peak season for travelers who want good weather for Thailand trips, island hopping, and enjoying Thailand’s beaches.
Q. How does the rainy season differ from the hot season?
The rainy season (or wet season) usually begins in June and lasts until October. During this time, heavy rains are common across southern Thailand, the west coast, and northern regions, although east coast beaches like Koh Samui remain relatively dry until later when the rainy season starts there.
Q. What’s the best time to visit Thailand?
The cool season from November to February is widely regarded as the best time to visit Thailand, thanks to cooler temperatures, clear skies, and dry weather. This is also the high season, ideal for visiting temples, exploring vibrant cities like Chiang Mai, or relaxing at Thailand’s beaches.
Q. Are there benefits to traveling in the summer months?
Yes — the summer months (hot season) mean fewer tourists in some areas and shoulder season pricing in others. This is a great time to explore Thailand, visit Khao Sok National Park, or take part in traditional Thai festivals like the Phuket Vegetarian Festival.
Q. How do east coast beaches compare with the west coast?
The Andaman Sea on the west coast is best enjoyed during the dry season (roughly November to April) with sunny days and clear skies. Meanwhile, east coast beaches such as Koh Samui and southern Thailand often have fewer crowds during the wet season, making them attractive even when heavy rain hits other regions.
Q. What are the distinct seasons in Thailand?
Thailand’s weather is divided into three main periods:
Cool Season (Nov–Feb): Cool temperatures, mild temperatures, and dry weather—the best time to visit.
Hot Season (Mar–May): Sunny skies, tropical sunshine, and great for Thailand’s beaches and island hopping.
Wet Season (Jun–Oct): Heavy rains, wettest months, but also fewer tourists and lush landscapes across northern Thailand and southern Thailand.
Q. Can I travel year round in Thailand?
Absolutely. Thailand is a Southeast Asia destination with something for everyone year round. Thailand weather may vary, but you can always find sunny days, fewer crowds, or good weather depending on the region. For example, visiting temples in northern regions during the winter months offers cooler temperatures, while the east coast is great for island hopping when the west coast has heavy rains.
