Best Time to Go to Thailand: When to Go and What to Know
Thailand Through the Seasons
If you want to know what the best time to go to Thailand is – you’ve come to the right place.
We’ll show you how the country looks through the months and what to do depending on your time of visit. We’ll also give you insight into the wonders of the country and why so many travellers flock to it.
Without further ado, let’s get into it.
Quick Look at Thailand
A country of gleaming temples, golden Buddhas, stunning landscapes, and beautiful beaches – Thailand is truly a country like no other. From island hopping to thrilling nightlife, nature reserves, and more, Thailand has something for everyone.
All that is to say Thailand is an incredible place to visit any time of year. However, it’s important to note that the country sees two specific seasons: a wet season and a dry one. Also, the weather varies throughout the year, as do the prices.
The tropical country of Thailand is typically warm almost all year round. However, the winter months, which are from November through March, are the peak dry season. April is the hottest month in Thailand because it’s when the country moves into the wetter seasons, lasting from May to October.
Thailand also has three travel seasons:
- High: November to March
- Shoulder: April to June + October
- Low: July to September
Now, let’s take a closer look at the best time to go to Thailand depending on the prices, activities, and more.
Best Time to Go to Thailand for Great Weather
For ideal weather, consider visiting Thailand during the dry season. From November to March, the majority of the country sees cool and comfortable weather, with little chance of rain. The Andaman Coast, where you’ll find the most beautiful beaches, has an average temperature of 26°.
That means that travellers can enjoy clear, blue waters, gorgeous scenery, and much more. Not only that but during the dry season, many Thai festivals take place, drawing big crowds. However, if you’re visiting during the dry season, you can also expect higher prices.
On the other hand, during the wet season , you might see some short, sharp showers.
Best Time to Go to Thailand for Island Hopping
One of the best ways to explore Thailand is to travel from one gorgeous, limestone island to the next. However, going island hopping during the wet season might prove to be difficult due to sudden downpours.
The islands off the west coast, like Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands, Ko Lanta, and many others in the Andaman Isles are best seen between late October and May or June. If you try visiting them during the wet season, you might find them completely closed off due to monsoons. What’s more, even if you’re able to visit, you might not have many accommodation options available to you.
On the other hand, if you’re planning on visiting the Gulf of Thailand islands like Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Ko Pha-Nga, know that they’re the rainiest and windiest between October and December.
Best Time to Go to Thailand for the Lowest Prices
Thailand is a relatively affordable destination throughout the year. However, if you’re travelling on a budget, consider going during the low, monsoon season as that’s when the prices are lowest. From July to September, you’re likely to find discounts on flights, accommodations, and tours.
Another benefit of travelling during the low season is that it’s also known as the “green season.” That’s when the rain fills the rivers and waterfalls, and turns the entire countryside green.
However, going during the low season means having to put up with higher temperatures and downpours. Even though September is the least crowded month, it’s also the wettest one. July brings in more summer tourists, while you’re likely to encounter cloudy skies and regular heavy rainfall during August.
Best Time to Go to Thailand to Check Out Festivals
Thailand is home to countless different festivals, celebrating nature, its animals, and much more. Two of the most beloved festivals are the Lantern Festivals, Ti Peng and Loy Krathong.
Both take place in late November and observe different traditions. For Yi Peng, participants release thousands of rice paper lanterns into the sky, and for Loy Krathong, Thais create baskets from banana leaves, fill them with flowers and burning candles, and release them into lakes, rivers, and canals.
Another popular festival is the Chinese New Year, which takes place in January or February. It turns Bangkok’s Chinatown into a sea of visitors, worshippers, drummers, and dragons.
In mid-April, the Thai New Year is ushered in during Songkran or the Water Splashing Festival. During Songkran, Thailand turns into one big water fight, and there are parades, parties, and performances across the country.
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Best Time to Go to Thailand to Go Scuba Diving
Thailand is home to stunning marine parks and world-famous underwater sites. It attracts divers from all over the world and the country’s east coast is largely dive-friendly throughout the year.
However, if you’re looking for clear waters, calm seas, and high visibility – you should consider a trip between November and April. That’s when the Andaman Sea, and the Similan and Surin Islands, became the best diving destinations. It’s also important to know that the Similan and Surin marine parks are closed off from the middle of May to the middle of October.
Best Time to Go to Thailand for a Shopping Spree
If you’re looking to do a spot of shopping while on your Thailand vacation, you really can’t go wrong. Even during monsoon season, the Chatuchak Weekend Market stays open, with the majority of stalls covered.
There are also countless night markets where travellers can find artwork, designer bags, souvenirs, and so much more. Another prominent market is Chiang Mai. Every weekend, the Wua Lai Road closes and plays host to wood carvers, artists, musicians, silversmiths, and visitors.
To Sum Up
As you can see, the best time to go to Thailand will depend on what you want to see, what you want to do, and how much you want to pay. To enjoy the best weather, clear waters, scuba, snorkelling, and more – consider going during the dry season.
From November to March, there are plenty of festivals and opportunities to go island hopping and exploring. However, if you’re travelling with a smaller budget and don’t mind some rainfall, consider June to October.
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