Crystal-blue waters, sweeping mountain views, friendly locals, and deliciously affordable street food – this is only a fraction of what a holiday in Thailand can offer. This stunning, tropical location is home to a wealth of beach resorts, cultural experiences and sightseeing trips, but also climates, which is why it’s important to know the best time to travel to Thailand to make the most of your getaway.
Our expert guide breaks down Thailand’s three-season climate and the best time to visit each coast so you can plan the perfect adventure.
Thailand’s Three-Season Climate
Thailand’s climate is defined by three main seasons: wet, cool, and hot, and whichever you decide to travel during will shape the experience you have.
Wet/Rainy Season
Thailand’s wet season, or green season, is driven by the southwest monsoon and happens between May and October on the West Coast, where Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, sits, and between October and December on the East Coast, home to resort town Pattaya and a handful of islands.
Though it sounds like dreary weather, the temperature remains high, averaging between 27°C and 32°C, with the addition of regular, short, heavy bursts of rain.
For those willing to brave it, the downpour means fewer crowds, lower prices, and vibrant, lush greenery for the nature lovers. What more could you ask for!
Cool/Dry Season
Dry season is arguably the best time to travel to Thailand, offering sunny, less humid weather, ideal for those longed-for beach days and getting the best photos when sightseeing. On the East Coast, those visiting Koh Samui or Koh Tao will experience the dry season between January and August, and travellers island hopping around the West Coast, from November to April.
For those looking to swap out their fur-lined boots and jumpers for flip-flops and sunglasses, this is definitely the best time to travel for your winter sun getaway.
Hot Season
Thailand’s hot season, as the name suggests, is the hottest time of the year, with temperatures reaching as high as the mid-to-late 30s°C, alongside higher humidity. On both coasts, the hot season runs from March to May, though the East Coast also enjoys sunny weather in July and August. This season is prime time for sun-seekers looking to island hop between Khao Lak and Koh Lanta and lounge on the beach in Krabi Province.
Those lucky enough to travel during April will experience Thailand’s famous New Year festival. The Songkran festival takes place between April 13th and 15th, when the whole country takes part in a nationwide water fight, symbolising purification and washing away bad luck. So get your water guns ready, and be sure to have a waterproof bag for your devices.
Phuket vs. Koh Samui: Best Time to Visit Each Coast
Thailand is split into two distinct coasts, each influenced by different monsoon patterns. Knowing when each coast experiences its best weather is key to planning your ideal trip, especially if you plan on visiting multiple islands.
Andaman Coast
The Andaman Coast is Thailand’s breathtaking southwestern coastline, which borders the Andaman Sea. It’s home to popular destinations, such as Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta. Here you’ll find dramatic cliff views, turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and an overall paradisiacal environment.
The best time to visit is during the dry season, between December and April, as you’ll benefit from sunny skies, calm seas, and ideal conditions for beaches and water sports. It’s also when you’ll get the best visibility of the Andaman Sea. You could even visit during the off-peak shoulder seasons, October, November, and May, though the weather may be much more unpredictable.
Gulf of Thailand
The Gulf of Thailand, an extension of the South China Sea, is home to a handful of beautiful islands, most famously the Samui Archipelago (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao) – it’s the perfect location for island-hoppers wanting to experience a tropical haven.
The best time to visit this East Coast oasis is peak season between December and March for those wanting a busier, party island vibe, like The Full Moon Parties on Koh Phangan. For the adventure-lovers wanting to try water activities, travel between March and May or September and October. These are the best seasons for spotting whale sharks in Koh Tao, as the clear waters and high plankton attract a high number of them!
Secret Escapes’ Top Tips for Visiting Thailand
Planning the perfect trip to Thailand involves more than just knowing the best months to visit each coast. To truly enhance your experience, here are some essential tips covering everything from navigating seasonal environmental factors to securing the best deals and timing your cultural excursions.
Avoid Burning Season
Thailand’s burning season typically takes place in the north, like in Chiang Mai, between January and April. During this time, farmers burn leftover crop residue and forests to prepare land for new planting, a traditional yet polluting ritual, which leads to intense smoke, air pollution, and obscured views.
It’s better to visit Thailand’s ‘Rose of the North’ from May, as the rainy season clears the smoke, allowing tourists to make the most of this incredible historic city.
Haggling During Rainy Season
Travelling to Thailand during rainy season generally means fewer crowds and better prices on stays, flights, and even day tours – although when you book with Secret Escapes, you’re guaranteed the very best prices on your stay, no matter the time of year.
You may also find yourself negotiating prices at local markets and smaller shops with no fixed prices, which is expected as long as you remain reasonable and respectful. It’s meant to be a friendly back-and-forth; avoid being too pushy or aggressive. Offer 30-50% below the first price, especially in high-traffic tourist areas. Make the effort to use Thai Phrases, such as “Peng mak” for ‘too expensive’ or “Lot dai mai?” for ‘can you lower the price?’.
If all else fails, simply thank the vendor and walk away. In some cases, there’s a chance they’ll call you back with a better price.
Temple Hopping Without Crowds
To temple hop without crowds in Thailand, visit popular spots like Bangkok or Chiang Mai at off-peak times in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid large tour groups. You can also explore quieter, lesser-known temples in areas like Lampang and its ornate Wat Phrathat Doi Phra Chan, Chiang Rai, or even smaller temples within Bangkok’s Old City, like Wat Ratchanatdaram.
Honeymooning in Thailand
The best time to visit Thailand for a honeymoon depends on the experiences you want to have and the memories you want to make together. For a quieter, intimate getaway monsoon season offers better prices and lower crowds, especially on the East Coast. To take advantage of the best of Thailand’s festivities and nightlife, travel between March and May, and if you’re looking to get away from the winter cold, the Gulf is the perfect location for island hopping with your newlywed.
Explore Secret Escapes’ ‘Pinch Yourself Holidays’ in Thailand
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