WHEN TO VISIT THAILAND

Best Time to Visit Thailand — Monthly Regional Weather

Planning a Thailand trip? For Bangkok’s temples and markets, consider less rainy, less intensely hot months. For a beach break, first read the seasons for your actual coast. Phuket and Koh Samui have different rainy periods, so preparation depends on your destination even within the same month. Choose a region and month below for weather and suggested plans.

Where and when are you going?

Bangkok · Month 1Relatively dry period

Average temperature27.4°C
Average high / low32.7 / 23.4°C
Monthly rainfall23.6mm
Rainy days2.6 days

What works well this month
Visit the Grand Palace and temples in the morning, then walk by the river before sunset. With less rain than during the wet season, this is a pleasant time to explore Bangkok on foot.

What to keep in mind
Even with little rain, midday can be hot and showers remain possible. Pack a hat and a lightweight umbrella.

Bangkok 12-month weather and travel guide →

Weather figures average observations from 1991–2020. Use them to compare hotter and wetter months, and read a separate forecast for your actual travel dates before departure.

Find a time to visit each region

Bangkok

November–February

Rainfall falls sharply from November. December and January average around 27°C, cooler than April. These months work well for temple visits followed by riverside walks, although daytime temperatures still top 32°C.

Monthly weather, benefits and cautions →

Pattaya

November–February

November–February brings less rain than September and October, with average highs around 30–31°C. It suits seaside walks and meals in town; December and January are particularly dry.

Monthly weather, benefits and cautions →

Chiang Mai

November–January

November–January averages around 22–25°C, comfortable for exploring the Old City and temples on foot. Average lows fall to around 16–17°C in December and January, so bring a layer for mornings and evenings.

Monthly weather, benefits and cautions →

Phuket

December–March

December–March is drier than the summer and fall rainy season, making it easier to combine the beach with the Old Town. February is driest at 24.0 mm, but March’s average high exceeds 34°C.

Monthly weather, benefits and cautions →

Krabi

December–March

December–March follows the wetter months of September and October and suits views of beaches and limestone cliffs. February is driest. In March, walk in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

Monthly weather, benefits and cautions →

Koh Samui

February–April

Koh Samui gets more rain in October–December than Phuket, making February–April a better fit for a beach vacation. February is driest at 64.3 mm. April gets hotter, so walk in the morning or evening and rest at your accommodation during the day.

Monthly weather, benefits and cautions →

How should plans change between rainy and dry seasons?

The dry season offers temple and market walks with less concern about rain. However, midday can still be hot in the dry season, so plan outdoor sightseeing in the morning or near sunset. During the day, browse a mall or rest at a café or your accommodation to avoid the heat.

During the rainy season, include meals and indoor breaks between sights rather than spending the whole day outdoors. Wait somewhere nearby during heavy rain, then head out again when it eases. For swimming or boat trips, read wind and wave forecasts as well as rainfall. At sea, follow local swimming restrictions and the operator’s instructions.

Regional seasons and what to pack →

Frequently asked questions

Is the rainy season the same everywhere in Thailand?

No. Northern and central Thailand, the Andaman coast and the southern east coast have different wetter periods. If choosing between Phuket or Krabi and Koh Samui, compare which coast gets less rain in your travel month.

Should I avoid the rainy season?

You do not have to avoid it. Eat or rest indoors during heavy rain, then explore nearby places as it eases. Keep outdoor sightseeing times flexible. Swimming, boats and island tours may need cancellation or changes according to the day’s weather and local instructions, so read cancellation and change terms when booking.

Is the table a forecast for this year?

No. The figures average weather observed from 1991–2020. They help compare travel months but do not predict your actual day. Before departure, read the Thai Meteorological Department’s forecast for your dates.

Continue planning your trip

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