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Best time to visit Thailand

Month-by-month guide of when to visit.

A month-by-month guide of when to visit 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

5

October

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

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

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.

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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. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. 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.

16 Aug 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. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! 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!

17 Sept 2025
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, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 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 Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. 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 (and I believe are) 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!

3 Jul 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, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - 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. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 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.

5 Jun 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!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

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5 Jun 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!

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