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Best Time to Visit Thailand

When is the best time to visit Thailand?

Thailand broadly has three seasons: a cool, dry period (November–February), a hot, dry period (March–May) and the rainy season (June–October). The cool period is generally considered the best time to visit, as it is less humid, with pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine; however, it is also the busiest and most expensive time of year.

Do you prefer to travel when there are fewer tourists and prices are lower? If so, the rainy season isn’t such a bad idea: the showers are usually short and heavy, followed by sunshine, and much of the country, especially the south, remains well worth visiting. Chiang Mai and the north, on the other hand, have their own rhythm, with the smog of the ‘burning season’ (February–April) being the main thing to bear in mind.

Are you unsure about your specific travel dates? In our comprehensive travel guide, we take a closer look at what to expect, broken down by region and month.

Where in Thailand? Our regions

Four regions, fourteen years’ experience

Thailand is bigger and more diverse than most people realise. We’ve lived and worked in four different regions, and here we’ll briefly share what makes each region unique.

Bangkok (11 years): The bustling capital, and the place where we lived for the longest. Ultra-modern skyscrapers alongside ancient temples, the world’s best street food and an energy that never stops. Ideal for a first taste of Thailand, and easy to combine with a day trip to Ayutthaya, for example.

Chiang Mai (1 year): The cultural capital of the North. A more relaxed pace, a beautiful old town within the city walls, and the gateway to the mountains, elephant sanctuaries and Northern Thai cuisine.

Koh Samui (1 year): For those who dream of palm trees and white sandy beaches. One of Thailand’s most accessible islands, offering a good balance between relaxation and amenities.

Isaan, North-East Thailand (1 year): The least touristy part of the country, and perhaps the most authentic. Here you can experience the ‘real’ Thailand: local markets, traditional cuisine and a warmth and hospitality you won’t find anywhere else.

Not sure which region is right for your trip? Take a look at our comprehensive destination guides above.