Best time to visit Thailand
The best season to visit Thailand depends on your preferences and activities
Every year, Thailand continues to attract an increasing number of tourists to the paradisal beaches of Phuket, Khmer temples of Phimai or the Ayutthaya Archaeological Park.
The intermediate or temperate season is the best choice!
The best season in Thailand extends from November to February. Temperatures go down to between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius, the sun is overhead, and there is a gentle fresh and dry breeze, which makes the air much more breathable. However, if you plan to go mountain hiking, be aware that the northern part of the country may be colder during this period.
Specifically, it is one of the best seasons to visit Thailand if you intend to participate in water sports such as diving. In fact, the climate is ideal for diving in the calm waters, under the gentle sun shining over the Andaman Sea (west coast of Thailand around Phuket). This is particularly true from October to May. To the east, in the gulf of Thailand, there are optimal conditions for diving from April to October. The average temperature of the water is perpetually at 28 degrees Celsius. Beyond this temperate season, you may be overwhelmed by storms and incessant rain.
Whatever activity you may be interested in (strolls, tours, beaches, diving, etc.), the best time to visit Thailand is from November to February. You can visit the Land of Smiles at any time, but you should take some precautions in order to fully enjoy your stay.
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The rainy season: storms and heavy downpours
Thailand has a tropical climate that is marked by dry, wet and rainy seasons. The rainy season is also called the green season and it is very pronounced in the countries of South-East Asia. It lasts for four months, from June to October. During this period, the weather is marked by storms and intermittent rainfall during the day. The rains are heavier in the North (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, etc.) than in the South near Phuket. September is the climax of this season and you should avoid it by all means because this is the time of the year when there is a much greater risk of getting really drenched! September and October is also the typhoon season.
Although the rainy season is beautifully heralded by the growth of luxuriant vegetation, it may also prove difficult to bear. This is especially true for people that are not used to such a high level of humidity (sometimes reaching up to 90% with average temperatures of around 28 degrees). Apart from that, mosquitoes are abundant during the rainy season. Reaching your destinations everywhere in the country could also be complicated (mudslides, flooding, interrupted maritime traffic, etc.) and there is a risk of being stuck in your hotel due to the poor weather. You will agree that this is distressing! In short, if you intend to visit the country and spend a lot of time strolling outdoors or lying down on the beach, the rainy season is not the best season to visit Thailand!
During the dry season, there is a lot of sunshine but temperatures are high
Even though the sun shines brightly, the best season in Thailand is not necessarily the dry season. It extends from November to May. However, this period can be divided into two phases: a moderately dry phase from November to February, followed by a really dry season from March to May.
It is hot during the very dry season, with scorching temperatures from March to May. The climate may prove stifling, since temperatures may be around 40 degrees. Air-conditioning is indispensable! In Phuket, the change from dry to wet season is not so perceptible. It is mostly northern Thailand and cities like Bangkok that are particularly affected by this stifling weather. However, it may also be to your advantage if you intend to refresh yourself by bathing regularly and enjoying the sun on the beach!
Good to know: the sharks in Thailand
If you are not scared of sharks, you can observe them in the Similan Islands from February to May, and especially around March to April in Koh Tao Island. This is the best season because it is during this period that they have a lot of food.