Thailand is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful destinations on Earth. A country of contrasts, travelers to The Land of Smiles can expect vibrant and bustling cities, mouth-watering food, breathtaking beaches, and fascinating cultural sights. If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Thailand to get the most out of your vacation, take a look at our handy guide.
When is the best time to visit Thailand for good weather?
Thailand is a pretty huge country, and as a result, different regions experience different weather conditions. There are three distinct seasons in Thailand; the hot season, the wet season, and the dry season. The most popular time to visit Thailand for great weather is the high season, between November and March. During this time, the weather is cool enough to explore, and the landscape is lush and green following the rainy season.
How and when to travel to Thailand on a budget
The low season in Thailand runs from July to October when crowds are minimal and prices hit rock bottom. If you choose to travel to Thailand during this time, be prepared to deal with some pretty wet weather. This is monsoon season, and the results can range from short, sharp downfalls to localized flooding. Some islands and attractions may also be closed, so make sure you plan ahead.
When is the best time to visit Phuket?
Phuket is a seriously beautiful vacation destination. If pristine white sands and swaying palm trees are your ideas of heaven, Phuket is the place for you. Visiting Phuket in the high season (from December to March) is your best bet if you crave warm sunny days for your beach vacation. However, that perfect weather draws a crowd, so prices and demand will be higher during this period. If crowds bother you, but you still want to experience Phuket at its best, you could try staying in the north of the island, away from the more popular regions in the south.
If you’re heading to the region for a beach break, check out our awesome selection of luxury villas in Phuket.
The best time to visit Thailand for island-hopping
Exploring Thailand’s breathtaking islands is at the top of many a must-do list, and with good reason. The otherworldly scenery of destinations such as James Bond Island and Phi Phi Island are famed for their beauty. The shoulder seasons, from April to June and September to October, are best for exploring Thailand’s coast.
When to visit Thailand for festivals
If you like a party, you’re going to the right place. There’s a festival almost every month in Thailand, with the biggest and most popular attracting visitors from across the globe.
In January or February, Chinese New Year takes place. This exhilarating festival welcomes in the new year in style, with mouthwatering street banquets, awesome parades, and fireworks being the main party pieces.
If you dream of taking part in a massive water fight lasting three whole days (who doesn’t?), then head to Thailand in April. Across the country, people take to the streets with buckets, hosepipes, and anything else they can find to give each other a good soaking for the Songkran Festival. All of this is accompanied by food, dancing, and drinking, making this raucous festival one of the most fun parties in the world.
If you’re in Thailand in November, you might be lucky enough to see one of the most magical festivals in the world. The Lantern Festival, known locally as Yi Peng, occurs on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month and sees hundreds of paper lanterns released into the night sky.
Speaking of full moons, it would be remiss not to mention one of the most (in)famous Thai parties. Every month on the full moon, thousands of people gather on the beaches of Koh Pha Ngan island for one of the most insane parties on the planet, the Full Moon Party.
Sightseeing in Thailand – when’s the best time to go?
Thailand isn’t short on amazing sites. From natural wonders to majestic temples, there’s something for everyone to be enthralled by. The shoulder seasons, from April to June and September to October, are best for sightseeing. You’ll have a bit of a mixed bag weather-wise, depending on where in Thailand you’re staying, but temperatures will be comfortable and crowds will be thinner, allowing you to really enjoy your vacation.
When to visit Thailand for watersports
Thailand’s coasts are a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. The beautiful blue waters attract surfers, divers, and snorkelers, drawn to the big waves, enchanting reefs, and awesome wildlife of the region. Surfers flock to beaches like Phuket before peak season when the swells really start to pick up. Between April and October is widely considered to be best for surf conditions in Thailand.
Snorkelers and divers will want to ensure that the region they’re visiting is in the dry season. This varies depending on which coast you’re on but will make a big difference to how often and where you can explore life beneath the waves.
