The best time to relax in Thailand
The land of smiles is one of the most attractive holiday destinations. Clean beaches with snow-white sand, impressive waterfalls, small picturesque coves, numerous Buddhist temples, inviting jungles. Thailand is suitable for traveling all year round. Tourists are attracted by diving, massage and SPA treatments, Asian cuisine. And all this at quite pleasant prices. Seasonality here is rather a convention, because this is a country of eternal summer. The temperature ranges from +27…+30 °C all year round. However, there are hot, rainy and cool periods. Let’s tell you what time is considered the most favorable for recreation, and what to expect from a trip in high and low season.
December
All winter months are suitable for a trip to Thailand. But hotel prices are rising 2-3 times. It is from December that the high season starts here. The weather is almost ideal for a trip — low humidity and comfortable water and air temperatures.
The dry season begins in December. This means that precipitation is decreasing and sunny days are becoming more frequent. The air temperature varies from 25 to 32 °C, which makes this month a pleasant month for relaxing on the beach and various activities.
Note that in some parts of Thailand, such as the northern provinces, it may be cooler, especially at night. For example, in the city of Chiang Rai, the temperature can drop to 15 degrees Celsius. Therefore, if you plan to visit these regions, it is recommended to bring a light jacket or sweater.
December is also the peak season for tourism in Thailand, especially during Christmas and New Year. Popular resorts such as Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui can be quite busy and crowded with tourists. However, if you prefer a more relaxing holiday, you can choose lesser-known places or provinces.
January
The weather is summer and dry. Average air temperature: +32 degrees Celsius. For a beach holiday, it is recommended to choose morning and evening hours. It gets cooler by nightfall. The temperature decreases by 7-9 °C. The water in the sea is suitable for swimming. Its average temperature is +27 °C. Rains are rare and most often only at night. The hottest weather lasts on the islands, but it is here that the precipitation is more abundant.
The dry monsoon wind prevails, and calm often pleases on the coast. The sky is mostly cloudless. There is no sweltering heat, which is ideal for relaxing on a snow-white beach, excursions around the country and profitable shopping. It’s also the perfect time to feast on ripe papaya, watermelons, mangoes, coconuts, guava, bananas, passion fruit, tamarind, pink apples and pineapples. Also, in many stores, New Year sales begin in the middle of the month.
It is recommended to book vacation tours in January in advance, no later than November, because the influx of tourists is too large
February
For locals, the last month of winter is cool, and for tourists it is considered the most comfortable. The weather resembles summer in continental countries: warm, dry and sunny. Humidity is low, there is almost no rain.
In Pattaya, the temperature does not drop below +26 °C, during the day the maximum is +32 °C. The water warms up to +29 °C. People come here mainly not for a beach holiday, but to see the sights and have fun in local establishments. During the day, tourists storm excursions, and in the evening and at night they go to bars.
In Koh Samui, when compared with other parts of the kingdom, the climate is just beginning to level out in February, so a sharp change in the weather with a downpour is more likely. Phuket is especially attractive for beachgoers and surfers during this period. The waves are moderate, the water is clear, visible for tens of meters. The water temperature is ideal for swimming: +28 °C. Many water routes are open, so you can go to the picturesque Phang Nga archipelago, where the film from the Bond series was shot, as well as the best-selling films “Avatar”, “Transformers” and “The Beach”.
March
This month is the transition to the low season. March allows you to experience all the features of the tropical climate. Average daytime temperature: +32 °C. Heavy rains are starting to fall, but they still do not cause such discomfort as in summer. In Bangkok and Pattaya, compared to other regions, rains are still less frequent and mostly at night. The sweltering heat begins in Phuket. Sunbathing and swimming are recommended in the morning and evening. But in Krabi there is no such stuffiness. The average temperature of the Andaman Sea is +29 °C. Many islands protect its shore from large waves. In March, diving enthusiasts can go to Koh Samui. Mostly dry weather persists.
Such popular sightseeing spots in the north of the kingdom as Mahongseong, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai are not recommended to visit in March. The smog and heat season begins here. The air is heavily polluted due to farmers burning fields all over the north. During the day, the temperature rises to +40 °C.
April
This is the last month of the dry season. April is considered the hottest month of spring. The rainy season has not started yet, there are no hurricanes and strong waves. It is comfortable to swim and sunbathe. Average air temperature: +33 °C and +35 °C. It is difficult to tolerate the heat during the day, including due to high humidity.
In the middle of April, Songkran falls — the traditional Thai New Year, which is officially celebrated for three days — from April 13 to April 15. Festivals, colorful performances and contests are held in all regions of the kingdom.
May
The weather is getting moody and unpredictable. The scorching sun can abruptly change to torrential rain. The monsoon season begins, which brings heavy rainfall. The average air temperature during the day is +33 °C, at night +26 °C, the water warms up to +28 °C. The showers are mostly short-lived: they start quickly and end just as quickly. And yet the amount of precipitation varies depending on the region. There is less rain in the lower bays of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. In the low season, the islands of the Andaman Sea and the eastern part of the Persian Gulf cross over.
In May, Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi and Pattaya remain the most popular travel destinations. Floods are frequent in Bangkok. Resorts on small islands such as Koh Boulong Lae and Koh Wai are completely closed, as storms begin at sea.
It should be noted that May is the most favorable time to see the rice terraces in the northeast of the kingdom
June
The first month of summer belongs to the low season. Heavy rains and strong gusts of wind prevail. The average air temperature is +33 °C, water temperature is +30 °C. However, a comfortable stay is possible in Pattaya. Precipitation is short-lived here, and due to less strong winds, the heat is easier to bear. Mild and short-lived showers are also characterized by the weather on the islands of Phangan, Koh Samui, Koh Chang and neighboring Tao and Surat Thani, since they are less subject to the influence of the monsoon. A trip to Phuket, Krabi and Phi Phi should be treated with caution. There is heavy rainfall, strong winds and waves as tall as a man. The heat is extremely difficult to bear. The disadvantages of the weather, as far as possible, compensate for the affordable prices for flights and accommodation.
July
It is considered the most rainy month. But beach holidays and sightseeing programs remain available on the Pacific coast, where Pattaya, Hua Hin, Koh Samui are located. The weather most often pleases with the sun, the temperature of the air and water on average stays at +30 ° C. It usually rains at night.
Prolonged and cold rains dominate the waters of the Indian Ocean — Phuket, Koh Lanta, Krabi.
August
Cloudy weather covers almost the entire kingdom. Humidity reaches its maximum level. Flights to Phuket, Koh Lanta (Krabi) are canceled due to heavy rainfall and hurricanes. For those who are going to Thailand in August, it is preferable to choose Pattaya and Koh Samui. The water and air temperature is + 32 °C. The rains are short-lived, so they can give a pleasant coolness and not cause significant inconvenience.
If you are unlucky with the weather during your vacation, then this is an excuse to visit the spas to enjoy a healing Thai massage at a very attractive price. August is also suitable for fishing, despite the raging sea. Off the coast of Phuket, fishermen go out to sea on boats to catch tuna and barracuda. On clear days, you can visit numerous national parks to see elephants, tigers, porcupines, gibbons and black bears.
September
The rainy season is still going on, but it is gradually fading away. This time is notable for the fact that the local wildlife comes to life and becomes especially picturesque. You can admire the lush green vegetation and the full power of the waterfalls. Beaches in Thailand at this time attract mainly fans of professional surfing.
Precipitation is still unevenly distributed throughout the kingdom.
Compared to August in Bangkok, their number has almost doubled. Koh Samui, Phangan or Koh Tao are also more favorable for a beach holiday. Here, the duration of rains is about 15-20 minutes, and the water in the bay is quite calm. Although the clouds are high, there are often sunny days. They also continue to go to Pattaya, but mainly for kiting in Jomtien and hanging out on Volkin Street.
October
Experienced travelers love this month for the lack of a large influx of tourists and also very affordable prices for accommodation and excursions. Due to the effects of the southwest monsoon, windy, humid and cloudy weather persists. The first half of October is not suitable for a beach holiday, especially in the southwestern regions, where heavy rains and sharp gusts of wind prevail. The islands where national parks such as Similance and Koh Tarutao are located remain closed until November.
Regardless of the weather, in October you can witness numerous holidays and festivals. For example, on the 13th, the departure of King Bhumibol, who died in 2016, is celebrated here. Locals wear a yellow badge of honor and actively participate in cleaning roads, beaches and other community work. Van Piyamaharaj Day is celebrated on October 23rd. Thais lay flowers at the memorials of the monarch and at the equestrian statue on the royal square. An international film festival is taking place in Bangkok in the middle of the month.
November
The rainy season is coming to an end. Sunny weather is set. However, in early November, high humidity and stuffiness are still felt. The average temperature during the day is +30 °C, at night +23 °C.
The middle of the month is considered an ideal time for both beach and sightseeing holidays. You can go to Bangkok to see the Royal Palace and get acquainted with the Wat Pho temple complex. Ayutthaya is known for the Buddha’s head in the branches of a tree and the fact that the filming of the film “Mortal Kombat” took place there. We also recommend visiting the National Marine Park and Butterfly Garden on Koh Samui.
On the November full moon, there is a holiday of light and water — Loikrathong. This is one of the most beautiful Buddhist festivals. Banana leaves are used to make boats (krathongs), decorate them with flowers, lighted candles and scented sticks to launch them into all reservoirs.
Thailand can be visited all year round, depending on what kind of vacation you prefer. When it is warm and dry in some regions, there are tropical downpours in others. The best time is considered to be the period from November to April. To make your vacation a success, plan it in advance. And to live in Thailand, we offer affordable rentals. The cost depends on the area, infrastructure and type of housing. Find out more by contacting our manager.
