Best time to visit Thailand

Thailand

Thailand has the ability to offer a complete holiday package with its outstanding beaches, spicy cuisine and welcoming people. Also, the weather in Thailand is not bad with the majority of the country enjoying a tropical climate with a dry and wet season.

When is the best time to visit Thailand?
Even though the climate varies throughout the country, there is still every opportunity to experience the Thailand travel at any time of the year. However, the peak travel time is typically between November and February when the weather is cool and dry.

In the north of the country, the dry season runs from November to May, while the heavy rainfall is witnessed between June and October, and the temperature cools for the months of October, November, December and January. In the south of Thailand the weather can change with the coastline. The western coast has the wettest months from April to October, while the eastern coast has heavy spells of rain from September to December. The rest of the year is hot, sunny and dry.

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Let's take a look at the best time to visit Thailand by region:

North & Central Thailand
The dry season in northern Thailand lasts from November to May with virtually no rainfall at this time of year. At the end of the cool winter months, the temperature will start to rise which peaks in the months of March, April and May where the highs can get to 40°C+, which is more common in the central regions. Tourist on the Thailand tour packages can expect to see the sky-high temperatures continue after the rainy season arrives, but this will lead to an increase in the humidity levels which makes sightseeing and general travel less comfortable.

The monsoon from the south-west typically arrives in May, June, or July. At the start of the rainy season, the rainfall is mostly short, sharp downpours that last up to two hours before clearing up and leaving behind clear skies. However, once the peak of the rainy season arrives in August and September the rain is more constant and heavier. Also, the temperature at the start of the rainy season – up to August – is generally high with an average daily temperature of 28-34° C. Once the winter months arrive (October/November) the temperature can see a dramatic fall.

Once November arrives, the hot, sticky and rainfall starts to see a significant decline, with the more pleasant dry weather that is perfect for the sightseeing on the Thailand tours returning for the following six months. However, the temperature range can vary with the north relatively cool between October and January with an average of 17° to 26° C. Also, the nights can get a little chilly at this time of year.

Popular travel destinations in north & central Thailand include: Issan, Chiang Kham,Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi, and Bangkok

best time to visit thailand

Gulf of Thailand
The climate on Thailand's east coast is split between three seasons. Travellers on the Thailand tours from December to February can expect to see pleasant weather with virtually no rain and refreshing winds blowing in. Also, the winds along the coast help to create the dynamic sea conditions which create the perfect environment for the water sports activities.

The temperature in this part of Thailand starts to rise from March with the peak of the heat seen in April or May. The local average temperature is 29° to 35° C.

Rainfall in the region isn't likely to arrive until about June, but when it does, it is initially short downpours that last an hour or two, and leave behind bright sunshine and blue skies. By the time August and September arrive, the monsoon season is in full swing with high humidity and heavy rainfall. Even at this time of year, the temperate is high and peaks at 30º C or more.

Also, the part of the Gulf of Thailand visited will see a variation in the weather patterns. For instance, Cha Am and Hua Hin are likely to experience a slight difference in rainfall, with the heaviest spells taking place in September and October.

Popular travel destinations in the Gulf of Thailand include: Cha Am, Hua Hin, Khanom, Koh Phan Ngan, Koh Samui and Koh Tao.

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Andaman Sea
The best time to visit the west coast is between November and March. At this time of year the average temperature is 26° to 32° C, and high humidity is kept at bay thanks to a cooling wind.

However, when the cooling winds start to depart from March the temperature soon starts to climb to a daily average of 30° to 36° C. Also, from March to May the climate will see a noticeable rise in the humidity levels.

By the time May arrives, the monsoon season and heavy rains will be arriving. This heavy rain is likely to last until late-October with the peak of the rainfall taking place between the middle of September and the middle of October. But, for travellers that avoid the peak months, the rainfall during the wet season is more a case of heavy, short downpours that take place in the afternoons.

An amazing place to visit is the Khao Sok National Park, which sees a lot of rainfall from May to October. Travellers to this part of southern Thailand should expect to see plenty of rainfall year-round because it is one of the wettest places in the country. However, the regular rainfall means the average temperature is kept at a quite comfortable range - 25° to 26° C – and the rainforest is constantly lush and green. Plus, this also helps to increase the ability to spot the local wildlife.

Popular travel destination in the Andaman Sea includes: Khao Lak, Khao Sok National Park, Koh Chang, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi and Phuket.