When planning a trip to Thailand there are so many different aspects to consider, but one of the most important is choosing the best time to visit Thailand.
Thailand is a vibrant and lively country, and throughout the year there are many different events and festivals you may want to try and coincide with your trip.
Of course, the changing weather in Thailand is a massive consideration also, and one that can make or break your trip! Today we are going to give you our top tips and advice to help you plan an amazing trip to Thailand!
See also: The Absolute 10 BEST Places to Visit in Southeast Asia
Weather in Thailand
Throughout the year, Thailand’s weather is generally hot and humid due to its subtropical climate. The hottest months of the year experience temperatures which go above 40°C (105°F) and the so-called “cooler” months will experience daily highs of 30°C (86°F).
However, this is quite dependent on the part of Thailand you are visiting as if you are touring the country you will find that the Northern regions can even drop down to 10°C (50°F).
If you are visiting the mountainous regions, this could drop down even further, something you may not expect in Thailand!
Best Time to Go to Thailand
Southern Thailand
The main difference between the seasons in Thailand is the rainfall, and this is something that you will want to keep in mind as it will really affect any sightseeing and activities you have planned.
Southern Thailand has a tropical climate and experiences fairly similar weather throughout the year.
The year here is broken into two different seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season lasts from May to October on the west side of the country, and on the east side, it’s a little later running from September to December.
The dry season will, therefore, be the remainder of the year. On the west side, including tourist hot-spot Phuket, this will run from November to March and it’s one of the best times of year to visit Thailand.
See also: Thailand Nightlife Travel Guide Book
Northern and Central Thailand
Heading into the Northern and Central parts of the country, we experience three different seasons in the year. Summers are extremely hot, lasting from March to June, and feature high humidity and a very small amount of breaks.
The rainy season is from July to October when you will see afternoon or evening thunderstorms or rain, which help to cool off the temperatures a bit.
Winter is then from November to February, when the temperatures are much more pleasant for visitors, and generally, the best month to visit Thailand in.
Visiting Bangkok? Don’t miss our travel tips for when is the best time to visit Bangkok.
Festivals and Events in Thailand
A big consideration for planning any trip is local events and festivals that may be taking place during your visit. Some of the large Festivals in Thailand are absolutely incredible, with stunning displays of culture that are well worth trying to coincide your trip with.
Below we are going to highlight some of the top events throughout the year in Thailand.
Chinese New Year
You may not know that Thailand has a large Chinese population. For three days towards the middle of January to the end of February, Bangkok, Phuket and Nakhon Sawan come to life with lion dancers and parades featuring dragons.
This is usually topped off with a Chinese Opera performance and fireworks. You’ll find this celebration in Chinatowns across the country.
Songkran – Thai New Year
Undoubtedly one of the biggest festivals of the year, Songkran takes place throughout the country around the middle of April. The New Year is welcomed in with a massive water fight on the streets and you are guaranteed to be drenched during these antics!
This festival takes place nationwide and is also a significant Buddhist holiday, but two areas you may want to consider being in during this time are Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
If you want to fit in with the locals, wear a bright, floral shirt with your swimwear underneath, and make sure to keep your valuables dry! This makes April one of the best months to visit Thailand and you won’t want to miss this unforgettable event!
See also: 7 Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Asia
Loy Krathong Festival – Festival of Lights
November in Thailand brings about great weather and is one of the country’s most celebrated holidays after Songkran.
Loy Krathong is a Festival of Light and involves gatherings of people to release “krathongs” onto bodies of water such as lakes and rivers, to pay respect to the Goddess of water. The belief behind this ritual is that it takes away any misfortunes to give you a fresh start.
If you are in Bangkok at the time, the Chao Phraya River is home to a massive celebration including processions of boats and performances. Also, you should check my 10 best Bangkok night markets and Bangkok nightlife travel guides for a better experience.
Yi Peng Festival (Yee Peng)
You may be lucky enough to time your trip correctly and be able to experience both the Loy Krathong Festival and Yi Peng Festival in one trip. The Yi Peng Festival takes place across Northern Thailand in November, although Chiang Mai is one of the best cities to be in during this time.
Fancy a Massage in Chiang Mai?
The event marks the end of the rainy season, and involves street parades, religious gatherings, and the release of floating lanterns, called Khom Loy.
When everyone in Chiang Mai releases their lanterns at night it is an absolutely incredible sight and marks respect for Buddha and the release of any bad memories.
See also: The 11 Absolute BEST Beaches in Thailand to Visit this Year
So there you have a round-up of Thailand’s weather and events and festivals that are held throughout the year.
Personally, I feel the December to April period is the best time to travel to Thailand, especially weather-wise.
Most visitors to Thailand tour the country and visit multiple spots during their trip, so make sure you take the time to further research the areas you are hoping to visit and create a clear plan for your trip.
I hope you enjoy planning your next trip to Thailand and have an incredible time when you visit this beautiful land!
Below you can watch my 40-second travel adventures video in Thailand. Enjoy!!
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