Want to Visit Thailand? Here is the best time travel guidance

Although the climate varies throughout Thailand, you can visit all year round. The best season to visit Thailand is from November till early April. This is when the heavens are no longer pouring and the sky clears up. The days are warm and perfect for an outing at the beach or for checking out the numerous heritage sites. April onwards the heat gets oppressive and June is the start of the rainy season again.

Thailand, the jewel of Southeast Asia, is also known as the Land of Smiles and you will notice its people greeting you warmly as though you are a long-lost friend returning home. The country is developed enough to offer you a luxurious holiday at some of its ultra-modern cities, like Bangkok and Chaing Mai. And yet it retains enough of its natural wildness to offer you holidays that go off the beaten path to give you a once-in-a-lifetime-experience.

Beaches, mountains, islands and everything in between, Thailand is an exotic, unending potpourri of unusual experiences that will leave you asking for more. Whether you are planning a holiday with your family, or have decided to head there with friends, Thailand offers you much to see and enjoy.

Peak Season (November-February)

While this might be winter in other parts of the world, it is the best climate to visit Thailand. The air is less humid and the sun doesn’t shine down so harshly that you are drenched in sweat within minutes. Evenings are pleasant with a cool breeze blowing in from the sea.

Shoulder Season (September-October)

The weather is getting better, but we’ve not hit peak tourist season yet. There will be sporadic rainfall but the days are starting to get drier. Temperature and humidity also start to fall. The beaches are not as crowded and if you are willing to brave the occasional downpour, this can be a good time to visit.

Low Season (April-May, July-September)

They say there isn’t a bad time to visit Thailand, but there is an inconvenient time; actually two. The months from April to May are the hottest in the country, and if you cannot handle extreme heat, a holiday here is best avoided. July onwards starts the monsoon, and the next three months are the wettest and the least appealing ones to head to Thailand. The streets get flooded, the air is humid and stuffy, and you cannot do anything except sit in your hotel room and gaze out at the water cascading down the building.

Thailand In Winter Season (November To February)

Temperature: Avg. of 32 degrees high to 18 degrees low

Weather: Hands down winter is the best time to visit Thailand. The monsoon has moved on and the temperature is moderate. The air is dryer and the days are sunny, making them perfect for sightseeing or just lazing at the beach. However, as is wont to happen with any tourist destination with improving weather, Thailand during winter season gets crowded. This doesn’t take away the charm of the place though – in Thailand, the more the merrier.

If you stick to the coast, then the weather is warm and pleasant. However, if you are heading up to the mountains or further inland, the nights can get cooler and you will need to carry a light shawl or sweater to keep the chill away.

Significant events: Winter in Thailand is a relatively quiet time. Yes, there is Christmas and New Year, but when it comes to the nation’s own festivals, there aren’t that many, except for the King’s birthday. December 5 is the birthday of the King of Thailand and it is a country-wide affair. The main celebrations are in Bangkok, where the streets come alive with pageantry, a candlelight vigil for the king’s long life and an appearance of the king himself, if his health is good. If you’re interested, you can stray back until January or February for the Chinese New Year. The date changes every year since it is based on a lunisolar calendar. Is it worth the wait? Absolutely. With parades, lion dances, stage shows and lots of fireworks, it is a one-of-its-kind experience.

Why you should visit now: Thailand offers you the best of its climate during the winter. The sun, the surf, the dry weather and the low humidity all combine to make it the best season to visit Thailand.

Know before you visit: Winter is peak tourist season in Thailand. Book your tickets and accommodation in advance to avoid getting disappointed.

Tips: Winter in Thailand is warm and dry, but as you go inland, it gets cold. Also, apply sunblock every time you step out.

Thailand In Wet Season (July To October)

Temperature: Avg. of 29 degrees high to 23 degrees low

Weather: When it rains in Thailand, it literally pours. The skies open up and release all the water that they have. And they do that for 4 months, almost nonstop. If you like the monsoon and enjoy traipsing around in the rain, this is a good time to visit. But if staying dry and comfortable is closer to your idea of a holiday, then take our advice and go somewhere else; unless, yes, there is an unless, you like to travel with fewer tourists and are on a tight budget. During the monsoon not too many people visit Thailand leaving the country open to you alone. Also, tickets and accommodation rates are much lower now than in peak tourist times.

Significant events: The wet season sees Thailand come together in celebration for two birthdays – one is that of the King Maha Vajiralongkorn, which is on July 28, and the other notable birthday is that of Queen Sirikit, on August 12, which is also marked as Thailand’s Mother’s Day. Both these days bring the country alive with cultural shows, a candlelight ceremony and sometimes even fireworks.

Why you should visit now: Weather of Thailand in wet season is ideal if you are traveling on a shoestring budget and are looking for great deals.

Know before you visit: Carry an umbrella and a raincoat with you every time you step out. Rainy shoes welcome too. Keep a book handy, just in case you can’t head out and are getting bored in your room. 

Tips: You cannot visit the beach in this season. The water is too choppy, although it can be beautiful to sit by the beach and watch the rain lash an engorged sea.

Thailand In Summer Season (March To July)

Temperature: Avg. of 34 degrees high to 30 degrees low

Weather: Summer might be considered a low season in Thailand but there are several students and backpackers who choose to travel during these months. The days are hot and the nights are muggy, with a little breeze thrown in in the evening. And since that keeps many tourists away, weather in dry season of Thailand is actually a perfect time to get great deals on accommodation and tour packages.

Significant events: Summer is when most of the festivals and public celebrations take place. The Songkran Festival in April is a riot with people splashing each other with water, much like Holi in India. Don’t forget to get your own water gun! Once you are done playing, you can sit back and enjoy the many cultural programs and beautiful processions that weave through the streets.

Gorge on delicious fruits preparations at the Fruit Day in Chantaburi held during May and June. Once you are satiated, you can relax and enjoy the gentle sounds of music at the Hua Hin Jazz Festival in June, which features local as well as international artists.

Why you should visit now: Tourist footfall is low and hotels are willing to offer you discounts and better deals than the peak season.

Know before you visit: You will have a lot of Thailand to yourself, as well as a lot of the Thailand sun. It gets really hot and humid in summer. Stay hydrated and wear loose clothes.

Tips: Slather on the sunblock every time you step out. The harsh sun can cause severe skin damage if you are not protected.

Thinking of a trip to Thailand? At Thomas Cook, we can help you in prepping and planning for your vacation. Choose from any of our special Thailand Tour Packages depending on your preference. We can also assist you with booking your tickets and hotel accommodation. You can trust our experts for your visa and currency needs as well.