Best time to visit in Thailand

Deciding the best time to visit Thailand depends entirely on the kind of holiday you want. 

Whether it is picture-perfect Island hopping, misty mountain treks, or vibrant cultural festivals. Most travellers choose November to February as the best time to go to Thailand for flawless weather. During these months, the weather is less humid, and the skies are clear and blue, perfect for exploring the temples in Bangkok or diving in the Andaman Sea.

But in 2025-2026, travel trends are changing. Smart travellers now choose the shoulder months to avoid big crowds and get better deals on Thailand Tour Packages. If you do not mind a little rain, the Green Season offers lush landscapes and the best month to visit Thailand to enjoy luxury in a budget. 

Knowing about the weather, how easy it is to get around, and how busy places are will help you plan a trip that is right for you.

Peak Season: November to February

This is the perfect time for easy, comfortable travel. The humidity disappears, the skies are bright blue, and the whole country is ready to welcome visitors.

  • Weather: Crisp, cool days averaging 22–28°C with low humidity and almost no rain.
  • Travel Conditions: Excellent conditions across the country for all activities.
  • Best Places to Visit: Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Koh Lanta.
  • Crowd Levels: High, as both international and domestic tourists flock to Thailand. Accommodation and flights often book early.
  • Things to Note:  Hotels cost 40 to 60% more than usual. Flights, tours, and restaurants are also more expensive during this time. Book 2 to 3 months early, or 4 to 6 months for Christmas and New Year. Northern Thailand gets cool at night, so pack a light jacket.

Shoulder Season: March to June

Shoulder season offers warmer weather and fewer tourists while still maintaining generally good travel conditions.

  • Weather: Intense heat. Temperatures can spike above 35°C, especially in April, which is the hottest month.
  • Travel Conditions: Great for beach lovers who want to spend all day in the water. Walking in the city can be exhausting midday.
  • Best Places to Visit: Beaches of Phuket and Krabi, and cultural hubs like Bangkok and Chiang Mai; celebrate Songkran Festival (Thai New Year) in April.
  • Crowd Levels: Moderate, good for those who prefer quieter beaches.
  • Things to Note: Prepare for heat, especially inland and in cities; Songkran offers a unique cultural experience, but expect crowded celebrations.

Off Peak Season: July to October

Known as the monsoon season, this time is marked by rain, lush landscapes, thundering waterfalls, and the most authentic local vibe.

  • Weather: Warm with short, refreshing rain showers.
  • Travel Conditions: Rain usually comes in short afternoon or evening storms, while mornings stay mostly sunny. Humidity is high, and waterfalls and forests look greener. Some roads may flood during heavy rain.
  • Best Places to Visit: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao (Gulf Coast). Rice terraces in Northern Thailand.
  • Crowd Levels: Very Low. You can enjoy major temples in peace and find empty stretches of beach. Best for peaceful holidays and big savings on Thailand Tour Packages.
  • Things to Note: September has the heaviest rainfall. Carry rain gear; plan flexible itineraries; many waterfalls and national parks are spectacularly green.

Which Season is best for Your Trip?


Families

The Peak Season (Nov-Feb) is safest. The weather is cool, especially in the north, making it great for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The seas are calm and safe for kids, and all attractions are open with regular schedules.

Honeymooners

Late January to March hits the sweet spot. You get the perfect weather of the peak season but without the chaotic Christmas/New Year crowds. Luxury resorts in Krabi and Phi Phi Islands are perfect for romantic getaways with excellent diving and snorkelling. Krabi is ideal for romantic sunset dinners and private pool villas.

Budget travellers

June to October are unbeatable for value. You can often stay in 5-star luxury resorts for 3-star prices. You will find lower prices on hotels, tours, and flights plus fewer crowds. Rain usually lasts about 30 minutes during the day but can go for 2 hours at night. September has the lowest prices.

Adventure lovers

November and December. November is perfect for outdoor activities with cooler temperatures and clear skies. After the monsoon, everything still looks fresh and green. These months are best for trekking in the northern mountains and rock climbing. Kanchanaburi or Pai is best for trekking and nature exploration.

Best Time Based on What You Want to Do


Best time for beaches

For the Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi), the window from November to April is flawless. However, for the Gulf Coast (Samui, Phangan), the season is longer - January to August is the best time to see Thailand beaches on this side.

Best time for culture and festivals

November is the best time to visit. You get to see the beautiful Yi Peng (Lantern Festival) and Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights). For a fun and lively trip, go in April for the Songkran water fights.

Best time for budget travel

May to September is when airlines and hotels drop rates significantly. These months offer the lowest prices and still allow great sightseeing with flexible planning. This season offers the lowest airfares, and a little rain is worth the savings if you are looking for the best time to visit Thailand.

Thailand Weather by Month and Region


  • Bangkok: Cool and pleasant from November to February. Hot from March to May. Rainy from June to October with short, heavy showers.
  • Phuket: Best weather from December to April with calm seas. May to October - the monsoon season brings strong waves and red flags on the beaches. Good for surfers, but unsafe for swimming.
  • Chiang Mai: Cool from November to February. Hot from March to May. Rainy from June to October with green landscapes. Avoid mid-February to early April when air quality drops. Rain decreases in October, with pleasant weather returning in November.
  • Koh Samui: Koh Samui has different weather from Phuket. It is drier in summer. But it rains more in October and November, so do not visit during those months. January to late September is the best time to visit. February has the best weather, and June to August are warm and dry. Note that the weather here is different from the Andaman coast.

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