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Best time to visit Thailand

Month-by-month guide of when to visit Thailand

Best time to go to Thailand

Thailand is one of those rare places that works brilliantly year-round—it just depends on what kind of trip you’re after.

The most popular time to visit is between November and February, when the weather is cooler (by Thai standards) and mostly dry. It’s a brilliant time for island-hopping, temple-hopping, or both. That said, it’s also when places book up fastest, so if you’ve got your heart set on a particular hotel or island, planning is key.

March to May is the hottest part of the year, and while that puts some travellers off, it’s also when you’ll find fewer crowds and better prices. If you don’t mind the heat, it can be a fantastic time to explore cultural sights or even join in with Songkran—the Thai New Year—which takes place in April and involves nationwide water fights and plenty of good-natured chaos.

The rainy season (June to October) has a reputation for being a washout, but it really depends on where you go. You’ll get lush, green landscapes and quieter beaches, and over on the Gulf side—think Koh Samui or Koh Phangan—you’ll often find sunnier days than expected. Prices drop too, so it can be a great time for a more budget-friendly trip if you’re happy to dodge the occasional downpour.

Whatever time of year you visit, Thailand’s mix of culture, food, nature and beaches always delivers.

Chiang Mai

January in Thailand

January is one of the most delightful months to visit Thailand. The weather is characterized by pleasant temperatures and dry conditions. Daytime temperatures typically range from 25°C to 32°C, making it perfect for outdoor exploration.

The month kicks off with vibrant New Year's Eve celebrations in major cities, such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Spectacular fireworks displays light up the night sky, and many establishments host special parties and events. Towards the end of January, the Chiang Mai Flower Festival takes place, featuring colourful parades, floral exhibitions, and garden competitions, adding a touch of natural beauty to your visit.

Yi peng lantern festival Thailand

February in Thailand

February is a continuation of the pleasant weather experienced in January. The cool, dry conditions persist, creating a comfortable atmosphere for travellers.

Chinese New Year, celebrated in various Thai-Chinese communities, adds a dash of cultural festivities to the month. In Chiang Mai, the Lantern Festival coincides with this period, where you can release lanterns into the night sky for good luck.

Thai ladies celebrating Songkran in traditional dress Thailand

March in Thailand

March is still a great time to visit Thailand. While temperatures start to rise as the month progresses, it remains relatively comfortable with low humidity and minimal rainfall.

The highlight of March in Thailand is the Songkran Festival, marking the Thai New Year. This event is celebrated with water fights, parades, and traditional ceremonies. It's a unique cultural experience that's both fun and refreshing.

Phuket

April in Thailand

April marks the beginning of the hot season in Thailand. Temperatures can soar, reaching up to 40°C (104°F). It's generally dry but increasingly scorching.

The Songkran Festival celebrations often continue into the first half of April, making it a vibrant and festive time to visit. Be prepared to get drenched in friendly water fights as part of the festivities.

Phi Phi Island

May in Thailand

May is still part of the hot and dry season. However, temperatures might be slightly more bearable compared to April.

While May doesn't feature any major festivals, it's an excellent time to explore Thailand's beautiful beaches and islands without the peak-season crowds. The clear skies and warm waters make it ideal for beach vacations and water activities.

Fields near Chiang Mai Thailand

June in Thailand

June is the start of the rainy season in most parts of Thailand. Humidity increases, and sporadic rainfall becomes more common.

While there are no major festivals in June, this quieter period allows you to explore popular tourist destinations with fewer crowds. Consider indoor and cultural activities during occasional downpours.

Flowers at atemple in Chiang Mai Thailand

July in Thailand

July is firmly within the rainy season in most of Thailand. Frequent downpours are expected, especially on the west coast and in northern regions.

July doesn't feature significant events, but it's a time to experience Thailand's lush green landscapes. You can visit national parks and enjoy the vibrant flora that thrives during the rainy season.

Royal Pavilion Chianmai Thailand

August in Thailand

Rainfall continues in August, but the east coast islands like Koh Samui and Koh Phangan tend to have better weather during this period.

On August 12th, Thailand celebrates the Queen's Birthday, a national holiday. It's a time when Thais show their love and respect for the monarchy.

Maya Bay Island

September in Thailand

September marks the transition as the rainy season starts to wane. The weather gradually improves, particularly towards the latter part of the month.

Mahidol Day on September 24th is another national holiday, commemorating the life and contributions of Prince Mahidol, the father of modern medicine and public health in Thailand.

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October in Thailand

October is a great time to visit as the rainy season recedes, and the weather becomes more comfortable. You'll notice a decrease in rainfall, and conditions become ideal for travel.

Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand

November in Thailand

November offers pleasant weather with less humidity. It's an excellent time for outdoor exploration and activities.

Loy Krathong, the Festival of Lights, is a major event in November. During this celebration, people release lanterns and float decorative krathongs (small rafts) on rivers and lakes, creating a magical, illuminated spectacle.

Railay Beach Krabi Thailand

December in Thailand

December is the peak tourist season in Thailand. The weather is cool and dry, providing ideal conditions for various outdoor activities.

Christmas and New Year's Eve are widely celebrated in major cities and tourist areas. You'll find festive decorations, special dinners, and lively parties to ring in the new year.

Trips in Thailand

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George W

This was our 2nd trip organised via Far & Wild from Australia - previously Africa and now Sri Lanka. Nia and the rest of the team were great - excellent itinerary, happy to modify the trip based on my suggestions and research, and they handled some last minute changes caused by a health issue without any problems at all. They were very quick to reply to all messages - and the trip went really smoothly. If you want an up-market holiday, this is a great organisation to organise that sort of trip!

December, 2025
Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

August, 2025
Nick and Carly

Thank you to Nia and Far & Wild. My wife and I wanted to go to Vietnam and capture a real taste of the country from top to bottom but didn't have a clue where to start. We weren’t even sure if it was possible. Through speaking to Nia, sharing ideas and asking questions we were able to book what looked to be an extremely exciting trip - we could not wait to go. The reality of the trip more than matched our expectations. We had unforgettable experiences that we would never have been able to organise ourselves. The true value in this trip was that someone who knew what they were doing could give us the experience we truly craved. Well done Nia, it was a holiday we will never forget and we can’t wait for the next one. Thank you!

November, 2026
Kamal

Had an absolutely amazing 3 weeks in Chile and Argentina! We were a group of 8 friends - 4 couples. The vans used for our private excursions were very good and spacious. All the ground arrangements were as planned … the guides were very good - their English and knowledge was amazing. They made sure we had a good time. The picnic lunches were served in great locations with fabulous views and setup with tables and table cloths! Highly recommend Far & Wild! Looking to book another trip with them next year!

December, 2025
Lucinda F

Seamlessly organised! Brilliant suggestions of where to go which really gave us a 360 view of Kenya and hit our families need for adventure and mine for a bit of luxury.

November, 2025
Richard S

Alistair took time to understand what we were after and came up with an unforgettable Kenyan safari and beach holiday which we will all remember for a very long time. Real memory making trip with our 10 and 12 year old boys. Exactly what we hoped for and more!

November, 2025
Sue S

Otti organised a superb holiday to Kenya and Seychelles for my husband and I and our 2 adult daughters. It was our first safari and we only had a vague idea about where to start. Otti made the process so simple for us, suggesting an itinerary which she tweaked following discussions about the camps and hotels, and was really quick responding to my many queries; she was friendly, helpful and gave me complete confidence we were in excellent hands throughout. Far and Wild clearly have knowledge about the places they are recommending and work as team to provide the best service - definitely a 10 out of 10 for customer service and organising an amazing holiday for us.

September, 2025
Anonymous client

We can't thank the Far and Wild team enough for the most incredible trip we just had in Kenya. Otti really took into account what we were after and delivered an experience that exceeded all expectations. It was the trip of a lifetime! We had the most beautiful and unique time while on safari at the Instinct of the Mara. We really wanted to visit a camp that took ethical and sustainable practices seriously without compromising on the experience... and wow, it was truly wonderful and special! We'll definitely be returning. Our time at Diani beach was also lovely and very relaxing. Every step of the trip was seamless and we didn't have to worry about a thing. We had 4 domestic flights and a handful of car rides to take and everything was extremely organized and ran smoothly. We can't wait to book our next big trip!! Very grateful.

September, 2025
Claire L

Ben and Tamara at Far & Wild were exceptional in every respect. They offered thoughtful advice, excellent recommendations, and meticulous planning, weaving together their personal connections to help our family transform a collection of ideas into a magnificent six-week adventure. Every detail was handled with care - no transaction overlooked - which is all the more impressive given the complexity of moving three people across four regions of the country by every mode of transport imaginable. Their expertise gave us complete peace of mind and allowed us to simply enjoy the journey. I have already recommended Far & Wild to friends and would not hesitate to do so again.

August, 2025
Steven V

So great to be able to leave the details to the professionals at Far & Wild. Our two-week tour of Buenos Aires and southern Uruguay was pitch-perfect to our requests and goals. Amanda understood clearly what we were after, and crafted an idyllic itinerary with our style of hotels, guided tours, and transfers. Complementing Far & Wild's first-person knowledge of the territory were the excellent resources "on the ground" in Argentina and Uruguay to handle last-minute changes and requests. We've found our travel partner!

November, 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. It was good value for the level of luxury we had.

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps was ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024

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