Best time to visit Thailand in 2024: when to go? -

Thailand is a popular travel destination that offers something for everyone – from breathtaking beaches and tropical islands to stunning temples and vibrant cities. With its warm climate and variety of attractions, deciding when to visit this amazing country can be tricky. Here’s a guide on the best time to visit Thailand in 2024.

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When is the Best Month to Fly to Thailand?

The best time to visit Thailand is generally considered to be between November and March. This is Thailand’s dry season when rains are less frequent, temperatures are a bit cooler, and humidity is lower.

Some of the best months to visit are:

November – One of the most popular months. The rainy season is ending so the weather is improving. Temperatures are still high at around 86°F. Deeply significant holidays like Loy Krathong festival.
December – Cooler and comfortable temperatures averaging 82°F. Great beach weather on both coasts. Busy around Christmas and New Year’s.
January – Similar to December. Cool and dry season. Great for beach destinations like Phuket. Chinese New Year celebrations toward the end of the month.
February – Hot and dry. Temperatures begin rising to 86°F. High season remains in full swing. Fun festivals like Makha Bucha Day.
March – Hottest month of the dry season with temps up to 95°F. Songkran water festival takes place bringing big crowds.

The peak tourism season runs November through March when the weather is ideal, and you’ll find busy crowds and higher prices. For cheaper deals and fewer people, visit during the hotter months of April and May.

Cheapest Months in Thailand

If you’re looking for the cheapest time to visit Thailand, aim for the hot summer months of April, May, or September.

April – Marks the beginning of the hot season with temperatures around 90°F. Humidity rises too. Songkran celebrations extend into April. Smaller crowds and lower rates.
May – One of the hottest months with highs around 95°F. Lower costs compared to the high season months. Great for nature lovers.
September – Still hot and humid but the rains have subsided. Good deals on hotels and flights. Ideal for a budget-friendly trip.

Keep in mind the weather will be sweltering during these cheap months. Temperatures can reach 100°F and humidity is high. If you can stand the heat, you’ll be rewarded with smaller crowds and big travel savings.

When is the Rainy Season in Thailand?

Thailand’s rainy season generally runs from June through October. The southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall especially along the south’s east coast and islands like Samui and Phuket.

The worst of the rains typically happen in September and October. However “rainy season” doesn’t mean non-stop downpours. You’ll still get nice beach days mixed with storms. Having some wet weather gear and travel insurance can allow you to take advantage of low season deals.

Here’s an overview of rainy season by area:

Phuket – Wettest from September to October.
Bangkok – Heaviest rainfall from August to October.
Chiang Mai – Rain picks up in May and continues through October.
Koh Samui – Most rain late September through early December.

If planning a trip during rainy season, build flexibility into your itinerary in case storms disrupt travel plans. Focus on indoor activities or plan excursions for mornings before the rains typically start. With the right precautions, you can still enjoy Thailand even during wet season.

Seasons in Popular Regions in Thailand

Thailand’s climate varies a bit by region. Here’s an overview of the seasons in top destinations:

Seasons in Phuket

Dry Season – Mid December to Mid April. Ideal beach weather.
Hot Season – Mid April to Mid June. Very hot and humid, occasional storms.
Wet Season – Mid June to Mid December. Heavy rainfall likely from September-November.

Seasons in Pattaya

Cool Season – November to February. Nice beach weather.
Hot Season – March to May. Sweltering temperatures.
Wet Season – June to October. Torrential rains likely September-October.

Seasons in Koh Samui

Dry Season – January to August. Hot and sunny. Temperatures around 86°F.
Rainy Season – September to December.Heavy rain and winds.

The climate varies across Thailand so check forecasts for your specific destinations. The north and northeast regions see cooler winters while the south remains hot year-round.

Weather in Thailand by Month

To help plan your ideal trip timing, here’s an overview of Thailand’s weather and temperature averages by month:

Winter in Thailand (December, January, February)

December – Average high of 89°F. Cooler and dry. Great beach weather. Gets busy around Christmas/New Year’s.
January – Temperatures reach 86°F. Low humidity. One of the driest months. Ideal for exploring temples.
February – Average high around 90°F. Hot and dry. Low chance of rain. Can get smoggy in Bangkok.

Winters are mild and dry in Thailand making it peak tourism season. The south remains hot while northern areas can be downright cold at night. Pack light clothes along with a sweater for North Thailand.

Spring in Thailand (March, April, May)

March: Hottest month of the cool season at 95°F. Humidity rises leading into summer. Lively Songkran New Year celebrations.
April: Temperatures averaging 92°F. Bangkok’s smoggiest month. Increasing humidity and rain. Great nature spotting.
May: Continued heat around 95°F. Occasional rain and storms. Low season discounts. Mangosteen fruit season.

Spring brings scorching heat across Thailand. It’s the beginning of low season with cheaper prices and fewer tourists. Make sure to hydrated and use sun protection.

Summer in Thailand (June, July, August)

June – Monsoon season begins. Temperatures still around 95°F. Often rainy afternoons. Slippery trails.
July – Hot and humid year-round. Frequent heavy rains and storms. Quieter crowds and lower hotel rates.
August – Average highs of 93°F but feels hotter due to humidity. Heaviest rainfall of the year in Bangkok.

Summer is rainy season in Thailand which brings high heat, humidity and downpours. With proper precautions, you can grab discounted hotel rates before peak season returns.

Fall in Thailand (September, October, November)

September – Temperatures cooling to 89°F. Humidity remains high. Worst of the rain tapers off by mid-month.
October – Continued heat around 88°F. Wettest month along the Andaman Coast but rain decreasing elsewhere.
November – High temperatures dip to 86°F in Bangkok. Chartreuse skies as farmers burn sugar fields. Magical Loy Krathong festival.

Fall brings a mix of rain and sun. September can still see storms while November marks the start of dry season. With swaying palms and fewer tourists, it’s a special time to visit.

Fruit Season in Thailand

One of the best parts of visiting Thailand is tasting all the delicious tropical fruit. Here are some of the top fruits and when they are in season:

Durian – June to August
Mangoes – March to June
Mangosteen – April to September
Rambutan – June to August
Lychee – April to June
Longan – July to September

Plan your trip around your favorite fruits! For example visit during mango or durian season for the best flavor. Thailand’s warm climate means fruit is bountiful year-round but targeting peak season ensures the best quality.

Best Time to Visit Thailand for Great Weather

For ideal weather conditions, the best time to visit most parts of Thailand is from November to February. These cooler and drier months offer:

Average temperatures around 86°F.
Low humidity so feels less humid.
Low chance of rain.
Sunny, blue skies.
Pleasing breeze, especially at the beaches.

This high tourist season offers hot but not sweltering weather perfect for temple visits, jungle excursions, or lazing on the beach. The peak month is January when humidity is lowest and rainfall is rare.

Northern Thailand is cooler in December/January with pleasant 60s weather. For a beach getaway, December to February means minimal rain and cooler ocean temperatures.

Most Expensive Time to Visit Thailand

The most expensive time to visit Thailand is during the peak tourism months of November through March. Some factors making it pricier:

High demand raises hotel rates, tour costs, and flight prices.
Christmas/New Year’s boosts demand and prices further.
Chinese New Year (January/February) also drives up rates.
Songkran (mid April) increases costs in mid-late spring.

If your schedule is flexible, visit during shoulder seasons like May or September to save. However, for ideal weather and experiencing festive events, late fall to early spring is worth the higher rates for many travelers.

Here are average hotel costs in Bangkok for high vs low season:

High season: $150 USD/night
Low season: $70 USD/night

Busiest Time to Visit Thailand

The busiest times in Thailand when you’ll encounter big crowds:

November to March – Peak tourist season with ideal weather. Gets crowded at major sights.
Mid April – During Songkran new year, especially in Chiang Mai.
July to August – European summer break brings more visitors.
December – Christmas and New Year’s boosts crowds everywhere.

In particular, try to avoid Bangkok in December if you dislike heavy crowds as the traffic, tours, and attractions will be packed. Overall, November through February everywhere sees the most tourists, fromPhuket to Koh Samui and Chiang Mai.

Hitting Thailand during the hotter months means fewer people vying for spots at temples, on tours, and on Thailand’s gorgeous beaches.

Months to Avoid in Thailand

The worst times to visit Thailand are typically September and October during the height of rainy season.

Heavy rainfall and storms likely, especially on the southwest coast and islands.
Flooding in September and October can disrupt travel plans.
Rough seas and strong winds for boat travel.
Attractions and beaches less enjoyable in the rain.

However, those willing to risk a few storms can enjoy discounted hotel rates before high season returns in November. With travel insurance and some indoor activities planned, heavy rain doesn’t have to ruin a September or October trip to Thailand.

Rainiest Time to Visit

The rainiest times to visit Thailand are September and October as the southwestern monsoon brings heavy precipitation.

The southwest coast gets pummeled with an average of 9 to 12 inches of rainfall each month. Bangkok and central regions see increased storm activity as well. Northern Thailand also has frequent downpours.

If planning a trip during rainy season:

Have backup indoor activities lined up in case of storms
Plan excursions for the morning before heavy rains often start
Consider waterproof shoes/jackets and a water-resistant day bag
Check forecasts regularly and be prepared to adjust plans
Purchase travel insurance in case rain disrupts travel

During September and October, flooding is also possible so check news for any impacted areas. With preparation, you can still enjoy Thailand even during the wettest times of year.

Worst time to Visit Thailand by City

To avoid Thailand’s worst weather, here are the months to avoid for popular destinations:

Worst time to visit Phuket

September and October – Peak of the rainy season.

Worst time to visit Bangkok

September and October – Heaviest rainfall of the year.
April – Smoggiest month.

Worst time to visit Chiang Mai

March to May – Very hot pre-monsoon period.
September to October – Heavy rainfall.

Worst time to visit Krabi

September to early December – Wettest period.

Worst time to visit Koh Samui

October to December – Torrential rain.

Northern Thailand sees heavy rain from May to October while the south gets pounded September through December. Wherever you visit, research the forecast to pick dates with minimal storms or flooding.

Benefits of the Low Season in Thailand

While the hot and rainy months might seem undesirable, visiting Thailand in low season has some nice perks:

Cheaper flight and hotel deals. Prices can be half off peak rates.
Less crowded at temples, attractions, beaches and restaurants.
More availability for accommodations.
Easier to book popular tours and activities.
Experiencing seasonal events like mango or durian feastivals.
Observing the lush green landscape post-monsoon.

The weather will be steamy but the low season offers a more relaxed experience and kinder prices. With rainy season precautions, you can enjoy lush Thailand without the tourists.

Tips for Visiting Thailand During Hot and Rainy Season

If planning a trip during Thailand’s low season of summer or the rainy months, these tips will help you make the most of it:

Stay hydrated – Carry water and drinks to counter the heat and humidity.
Use sun protection – Hat, sunscreen and umbrella are essential during hot months.
Plan flexible activities – Have indoor or bad weather options ready in case of rain.
Check forecasts – Monitor weather to plan outdoor time effectively.
Visit attractions early – Beat daytime heat and hit popular sites before rain often starts after lunch.
Consider insurance – Purchase a “Cancel for any reason” policy in case weather impacts plans.
Head to drier regions – Koh Samui or Phuket have less rain than Bangkok or Chiang Mai.
Embrace the mellow pace – Low season means fewer crowds at temples and markets.

With preparation for heat or rain, you can enjoy pleasant Thailand trips even during low season. The summer heat and storms won’t ruin your travels with the right game plan.

Thailand Weather by Month

Month	Average High Temp	Rainfall	Humidity	Notes
January	89°F	Low	Low	Pleasantly dry. Great beach weather.
February	91°F	Low	Low	Still dry, can be smoggy in Bangkok.
March	95°F	Increasing	Moderate	Hottest month, humidity rising.
April	92°F	Moderate	Moderate	More humidity, occasional storms.
May	93°F	Moderate	High	Very humid, more frequent rainfall.
June	95°F	Heavy	High	Monsoon begins, expect heavy rain.
July	93°F	Heavy	High	Continued heat, humidity and rain.
August	93°F	Torrential	High	Torrential rain in Bangkok.
September	89°F	Peak	High	Widespread flooding possible.
October	88°F	Heavy	High	Still very wet, especially south and coast.
November	86°F	Tapering off	Moderate	Rain decreasing, cooler temps.
December	84°F	Low	Low	Excellent beach weather, can be crowded.

FAQs: Worst Month to Visit Thailand

When is the worst time of year to visit Thailand?

The worst time is typically September and October which are the peak months of rainy season. This brings very heavy rainfall, potential flooding, strong winds for islands, and more mosquitoes.

When is the worst time to visit Chiang Mai?

March to May is challenging in Chiang Mai as it’s extremely hot before the rainy season starts. September-October also brings very heavy rainfall.

Should I avoid Thailand in October?

October still sees heavy rain, especially in southern Thailand and islands like Phuket or Koh Samui. However, the rains often lessen in the afternoons so you can still enjoy outdoor time. With an umbrella and flexible plans, you can manage October travel.

What month is typhoon season in Thailand?

Thailand does not have a typhoon season. Typhoons form in the Pacific and rarely make landfall in Thailand. The country does have a monsoon season which brings heavy rain from June to October rather than typhoons.

How bad is monsoon season in Phuket?

Phuket gets pounded with rain from September to early December during monsoon season. Over 12 inches of rain falls per month making flooding likely. Resorts often close and boat travel is limited so Phuket struggles during the rainy months.

Is it worth going to Thailand in September?

September is one of the wettest months in Thailand. However, with weather precautions and flexibility, you can still have a great trip as crowds are light and prices drop between high seasons. Monitor forecasts and the weather shouldn’t deter you from visiting in September.

Final Thoughts: Worst Time to Travel to Thailand

While Thailand offers warm temps and sights year-round, September and October are often considered the worst time to visit due to very heavy rainfall. The summer months can also be unpleasantly hot. For ideal weather, low humidity, and celebrations like Songkran, aim for November through February.

However, the low season has benefits too like smaller crowds and lower prices. By packing for heat or rain, the weather doesn’t have to ruin a summer or monsoon trip to Thailand. With the right mindset, you can find the “best” time to visit this magical country.

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