The best time to visit Thailand depends on the season and the type of experience you want. From cool, comfortable months ideal for sightseeing to hot beach-perfect days and lush green rainy seasons, Thailand changes dramatically throughout the year. This guide breaks down the best time to visit Thailand by season, explaining what the weather is like, why each season suits different travellers and which areas are best to visit at that time.
Thailand has three main seasons:
- Cool Season (November to February)
- Hot Season (March to May)
- Rainy or Green Season (June to October)
Table of Contents
🌤️ Cool Season | November to February
Best overall time to visit
Why visit during this season
- Comfortable temperatures and lower humidity
- Little rain and clear skies
- Ideal conditions for sightseeing, beaches and outdoor activities
This is Thailand’s most popular travel period, especially over December and January.
Best areas to visit
- Bangkok & Central Thailand – Sightseeing is far more pleasant without extreme heat
- Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai) – Cooler evenings and great hiking conditions
- Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta) – Calm seas and excellent snorkelling
- Gulf Islands (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) – Warm water and beach-perfect days
Things to keep in mind
- Higher prices and limited availability around Christmas and New Year
- Book accommodation and transport early
🔥 Hot Season | March to May
Best for beaches and fewer crowds
Why visit during this season
- Long sunny days and very little rain
- Perfect sea conditions for swimming and snorkelling
- Fewer international tourists than peak season
Temperatures can be intense, especially inland, but coastal areas are far more manageable.
Best areas to visit
- Islands and coastal regions – Sea breezes make the heat more bearable
- Koh Tao & Koh Phangan – Excellent visibility for diving and snorkelling
- Krabi & Railay – Beach time, boat trips and sunset views
- Gulf of Thailand islands – Slightly less extreme heat than inland areas
Things to keep in mind
- Midday sightseeing can be exhausting
- Plan activities early morning or late afternoon
- Songkran (Thai New Year) in April brings crowds but is an unforgettable experience
🌿 Rainy or Green Season | June to October
Best for landscapes, value and slower travel
Why visit during this season
- Lush green scenery and dramatic skies
- Fewer tourists and better accommodation deals
- Rain usually falls in short bursts, not all day
This season is often misunderstood — it can be a great time to travel if you choose the right regions.
Best areas to visit
- Gulf Islands (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) – Drier than the west coast
- Northern Thailand – Green hills, waterfalls and fewer crowds
- Bangkok – Great food scene and indoor attractions regardless of weather
Areas to avoid at this time
- Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi) – Rough seas and limited boat access
Things to keep in mind
- Occasional flooding in some regions
- Boat schedules can change due to sea conditions
- Flexible plans work best during this season
🌴 So, When Is the Best Time to Visit Thailand?
- For first-time visitors: November to February
- For beach lovers: March to May or Gulf Islands during rainy season
- For budget travellers: June to October
- For fewer crowds and greenery: Late rainy season into early cool season
Thailand truly offers something in every season — it’s just about matching the time of year to the experience you want.
🔗 More Thailand Travel Guides
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🌍 Travel Planning Resources
These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.
- ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
- 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
- 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
- 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
- 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
- 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
- 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
- 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
- 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
- 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
- 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.
🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.
“The beauty of travel is discovering that every season has something to offer.”