In short
The best time to visit Thailand is generally November to February, when the air is dry and temperatures are milder nationwide. The Andaman coast stays pleasant until April, while the north can suffer from agricultural smoke haze in March-April.
- Best overall periodNovember to February
- Hot seasonMarch to May
- Rainy seasonJune to October, varies by region
- Suggested length6 to 8 nights per trip
Thailand does not have one climate, but several. Between Bangkok and the central plains, the northern mountains around Chiang Mai, and the islands of the Andaman Sea, the seasons do not quite line up. Before picking a date, it is worth looking at the region you have in mind rather than the country as a whole.
When to go to Bangkok and central Thailand?
Bangkok, Ayutthaya and the central plains follow a fairly classic pattern: a dry, cool season from November to February, a hot season from March to May when temperatures regularly climb past 35°C, then a rainy season from May to October made up of tropical showers that are usually brief and fall late in the day. To visit the temples of Bangkok and the former royal capital of Ayutthaya in good conditions, November to February remains the most comfortable window, even though the city can in practice be visited year-round thanks to its many covered, air-conditioned sites.
When to go to northern Thailand, around Chiang Mai?
Northern Thailand, around Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle, sees cooler winters than the rest of the country, with mornings that can feel crisp in December and January. November to February is generally considered the most pleasant window for exploring the old city's temples and the hill-tribe villages. One thing to watch for: in March and April the region is regularly affected by smoke from agricultural burning, which can reduce visibility and bother sensitive travellers. The Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle trip therefore suits a departure at the very end or very start of the year particularly well.
Month-by-month calendar (north and central Thailand)
- JanIdeal
- FebIdeal
- MarGood
- AprPossible
- MayPossible
- JunRainy
- JulRainy
- AugRainy
- SepRainy
- OctPossible
- NovIdeal
- DecIdeal
When to go to the Andaman coast, Koh Lanta and Koh Yao Noi?
On the west coast, facing the Andaman Sea, the dry season generally runs a little longer than elsewhere in the country, from November to April. The sea is then at its calmest, which is ideal for longtail boat trips to nearby islands and for snorkelling. From May to October, the monsoon makes boat trips less predictable and some excursions may be cancelled as a precaution. This is the setting for the Sukhothai and Koh Lanta trip, which pairs the ruins of the former Siamese capital with the calm of an island that has stayed away from mass tourism, or the one leading to Koh Yao Noi, a car-free island set in the middle of Phang Nga Bay.
Our experts' tip
For a first trip, we often recommend leaving between November and February: this is when the north, the centre and the Andaman coast are all in their best window at the same time, which makes it much easier to build an itinerary combining several regions.
Should you avoid the rainy season?
Not necessarily. Thailand's monsoon usually means intense but short downpours followed by long sunny spells, rather than continuous rain. It is also a period when the countryside is greener, the rice paddies are flooded, and rates are generally more attractive. It does call for a bit more flexibility in the schedule, though, especially for boat trips on the Andaman coast.
| Region | Best period | Rainy season | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok and central Thailand | November to February | May to October | Humid heat in April-May |
| North (Chiang Mai) | November to February | June to October | Agricultural smoke haze in March-April |
| Andaman coast | November to April | May to October | Rougher seas at the height of the monsoon |
Good to know
These are general trends observed year after year: tropical climates remain variable by nature, and we always fine-tune them with you once we know your exact travel dates, when building the itinerary.
Our trips to Thailand
Each of these trips can be tailor-made around your dates, your pace and what you want to see, whether that means a beach-focused stay or a more cultural route between temples and former capitals.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Thailand?
December and January are generally considered the most pleasant months nationwide, with dry air and mild temperatures in both Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Can you visit Thailand during the rainy season?
Yes, with some flexibility: showers are often brief and localised, and this period generally comes with more attractive rates and greener scenery.
Does the Andaman coast have a different climate from the rest of the country?
Yes, its dry season generally runs a little later, into April, which makes it a good option for extending a trip that started in the north or centre in February-March.
Your tailor-made trip to Thailand
Tell us about your dates and what you have in mind: our team generally comes back to you with a tailor-made proposal within 24 hours.