The best time to visit Thailand depends on a few factors, and we will cover them all!
Thailand is a super popular holiday destination across the globe. It is well known for its tropical beaches, royal palaces, ancient ruins, and of course as the home of the famous betta fish.
There so many things to love about Thailand and that’s why we have created this super guide for you.
You will get to know Thailand and best times of the year to travel there depending on your kind of holidays: beach holidays, activities based, weather and festivals.
We have also broken down Thailand’s seasons, cheapest times to visit and best time to avoid crowds.
What Thailand Has to Offer
Thailand is super famous for its numerous beautiful temples that display figures of Buddha. It is also famous for its amazing food! Specially if you love spicy food! Yum!
Shopping there is also pretty good, much cheaper than Australia! But nothing like US!
Thailand is a diverse destination because you can enjoy the best of both worlds, the hustle and bustle of the cities and also some quiet time when you’ve had enough.
There are amazing forests and villages in which you can explore and enjoy a good adventure.
Thailand can be affordable too, which makes it a great option if you’re on a tight budget.
So, with so much to see and do, next question is..when is the best time to go to Thailand?
Let’s dive straight in!
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Best Time to Visit Thailand
We have firstly broken down the best times to visit Thailand by the below:
Best Time to Visit Thailand For Good Weather
For good weather, the best time of year to visit Thailand is between late November month to early April. During these months, you can expect great sunshine and a little rain. The temperatures are also cool but still ideal for enjoying the tropical beaches.
Best Time to go Surfing
Feel like crashing through the waves of the pristine beaches in Thailand? The best time to enjoy surfing in Thailand is from May to November. This period is also not peak tourist season – which makes it ideal if you want to enjoy some quiet and no crowds.
Whether you’re a beginner or you’re advanced, you’ll still have the time of your life.
From May to November – the surfing costs are also cheaper.
The shores are also not dangerous to surf as they have sandy sea-beds and they are not rocky or have any reefs.
Best Time to go Hiking
Want to venture through Thailand and explore the beautiful and majestic mountains? Your hiking adventures won’t be limited to just the mountains, you can also explore your way through the tropical green forests.
Hiking can be enjoyed all year round in Thailand but the best time to go hiking is between the months of October and February because it is cooler during this period.
During these months, you’ll awaken to nice cool temperatures with beautiful sunrises!
Ensure that you carry sunscreen and mosquito repellent when you go hiking.
Best Time for Whale and Dolphin Watching
Whale and dolphin is an experience that is not to be missed and can be enjoyed by anyone! If this is what you’re in for, then the best time to visit Thailand would be in September and October.
During September and October, they are at their peak. You should also prepare yourself to witness unique species!
These species include the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, the Irrawaddy dolphin and the finless porpoise.
Outings are offered every Saturday and Sunday during this period by the Wild Encounter Thailand.
Best Time for Fishing
There are a number of awesome fishing spots in which you can spend hours on end fishing.
You can go fishing all by yourself, join a private park, or take a fishing tour.
Fishing can be enjoyed all year long. However, the best time for fishing is during the rainy season which is typically from July to October.
Best Time for Inter-Island Cruises
The best time to visit Thailand for inter-land cruises is from September to December. During your cruise, you will also spot whales and dolphins.
However, please note that during this period it is also more expensive.
Best Time to Visit Thailand Beaches
For swimming and sunbathing on the stunning beaches of Thailand, the best time to visit is from January to April.
Enjoy pleasantly warm weather while you’re basking on the beaches.
There are some tourists who prefer to visit Thailand beaches in the winter season. They can still enjoy their time but if you’re a fan of warm weather, then the best time to visit Thailand beaches is during the warmer months.
Best Time to Visit Thailand Phuket
Wondering when is the best time to visit Thailand Phuket and what to do in Phuket?
The best time to visit Phuket is from November to April when it is cool but still ideal for beach activities and water sports.
Let’s take a look at the best things to do in Phuket:
Phuket City Tour: Karon View Point, Big Buddha & Wat Chalong (Multi Languages)
During this tour, you can enjoy some natural beauty along with some other exciting attractions. This tour is also affordable and it is guided.
You will get to see the Big Buddha statue, sacred Wat Chalong temple and 5 beautiful beaches! So, don’t forget your camera and capture all the great sightings along the way!
On your tour, you will also learn a lot about Phuket and the Thai culture from a knowledgeable guide.
Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch by V. Marine Tour
Want to enjoy some water sports? This tour is perfect for you!
Enjoy venturing the Phi Phi Islands on a speedboat. Enjoy the white sands and the crystal waters.
When you need to relax and time off, spend some time sunbathing and when you want some action, you can swim and snorkel.
And that’s not all! Read on to see the best part and the highlights of the tour.
After a scenic boat ride, you will stop at Maya Bay, which was the filming location of Leonardo DiCaprio’s hit 2000 movie “The Beach.” Then to Pileh Lagoon.
You will also visit the Viking Cave. Here, you can snorkel and watch the seabirds. You can also enjoy a buffet lunch here.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the Bamboo Island. You can also sail Monkey Bay to observe macaques in their natural habitat.
John Gray’s Hong by Starlight with Sea Cave Kayaking
Enjoy a 10-hour long tour where you can discover and see hidden lagoons and sea caves of Phang Nga Bay. Your tour guide will paddle you through Koh Panak Cave.
You will also get to see other caves and lagoons around Hong Island. Tour your way through the beautiful crystal waters and learn all about Thai culture!
Lunch and dinner are also served on this tour along with some delicious fruit.
A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary (PES)
If you want to enjoy some time with the elephants, then this tour is perfect for you!
Come and enjoy a morning out with the elephants at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. The only elephant sanctuary in which they can roam about freely across 30 acres of lush land.
This sanctuary is home to rescued elephants and they are well taken care of.
This sanctuary borders the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park in North East Phuket.
Once you arrive, you will be greeted with some welcome snacks and you can enjoy Thai vegetarian dishes with 15 different choices!
Patong Beach
Patong Beach is said to be the true heart of Phuket.
Some love it, whilst others hate it. Patong Beach is big and it gets crowded – so probably not the ideal spot for introverts or those who want some quiet time.
You can spend the day sunbathing on Patong Beach or jet skiing. You can also get a beach massage or enjoy some parasailing.
There is no shortage of things to do in Patong Beach and it is perfect for singles, couples and even families.
Patong Beach also comes alive at night! You can enjoy rooftop bars, night clubs, beach clubs and more. The busiest and most popular street is Bangla Walking Street.
Stroll your way through this street at night to see what its all about and be prepared to have the time of your life!
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Best Time to Visit Bangkok
The best time to visit Bangkok, Thailand is between November and March. During these months the heat and humidity are at its lowest.
The monsoon season begins in May to October, during this period, it’s very rainy and it also a low tourist season and this is when you’ll be most likely to grab some good deals and bargains.
You also won’t have to deal with crowds during the monsoon season.
Best time to Avoid Crowds
Not a fan of crowds? Are you more of an introvert that prefers peace and quiet?
If this is you, then the best time to go to Thailand is in March or April right until October.
However, if you do end visit Thailand in November, there are few things you can do to avoid crowds. Generally, the busiest months are from November to February.
To avoid crowds during this period, you can look for more secluded beaches and islands that are not heavily advertised such as Koh Samui, Phuket, and Koh Phi Phi.
You can also visit temples that are not popular tourist destinations and you can visit historical parks like the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Best time to Avoid the Heat
If you want to avoid the heat and enjoy cooler temperatures, then the best time to go to Thailand would be between November and early April.
Not only is it cooler during this period, but it is also dry. It is also comfortable to travel and the northeast monsoon brings in refreshing winds which keeps you cool at all times.
During this period, tourism is at its peak. Thailand in December is when tourism is at its peak. The beaches are still sunny but they are neither too hot nor too cold to enjoy.
Worst Time to Visit Thailand
Whilst there isn’t really the worst time to visit Thailand, it all depends on what you like and the weather that you prefer.
So, for those who don’t like rain, then the worst time to visit Thailand would be from July to October. This is when the monsoon season is at its peak and it blows from all directions.
The streets also get flooded with rainwater – making it a little inconvenient when you want to tour around the cities. It can also get really chilly during this period.
If you don’t mind the rain, then you can still enjoy Thailand’s delicious noodle dishes and delightful massages!
The Cheapest Times to Visit Thailand
As mentioned earlier, Thailand is an affordable destination to visit but if you’d still like to save more money or you’re on a tight budget, then the cheapest times to visit Thailand would be during the low season.
The low season is between March and October but do bear in mind that during these months it’s the rainy season.
You will definitely score good deals on flights and accommodation during this time though!
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Thailand Major Festivals
Here’s a list of some of Thailands major festivals that you can add to your list of things to do when you visit Thailand:
Underwater Wedding Ceremony
Want to plan a wedding? Every year on Valentine’s Day, the 14th of February, couples can get married underwater.
Yes, believe it or not, you can have your wedding underwater!
This takes place in the Trang province of Southern Thailand.
Chinese New Year
This is one of the biggest celebrations in Thailand. The dates for the Chinese New Year varies from year to year but it typically falls between January and February.
On this day in Bangkok, you will enjoy a great big party on the streets! The people are usually dressed in red and are celebrating this day to the fullest.
Songkran Water Festival
This is another major festival throughout Thailand which lasts 3 days! It is a celebration of the Thai New Year.
It also celebrates the end of the dry season. During this celebration, the most popular place is Chiang Mai. However, wherever you are, you can still enjoy the festivities.
It’s a huge party where people have water fights in the streets. Get ready to grab a water pistol, get wet and have lots of fun!
This takes place from the 13th to the 15th of April.
Phi Ta Khon
This is a very strange festival and if you’re visiting Thailand when this festival, you’re in for a very unique experience!
Think of Halloween, except this festival is different. The children do not get dressed up, it is adult men who get dressed in scary costumes.
They do this to chase the ghosts away. This is called the “Ghost Festival” and it lasts 3 days. It is held in the town, Dan Sai which borders Laos.
During the celebrations, you’ll find fireworks, games, parades and people dancing and dressing up as spirits.
This takes in late June and July. The exact date is usually detected a few weeks prior to the festival and it is detected by a local shaman.
Thai Kite-Flying Festival
If you’ve never flown kite, then this festival is for you! This takes place in March.
People have been flying kites in Thailand for years.
You can buy one and join them or watch them compete with each other.
Loy Krathong
This is the floating lantern festival and it is a beautiful festival to witness!
It is also celebrated all over Thailand, especially Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, and Bangkok.
Krathongs which are lanterns is released into the water which is decorated with flowers and candles.
It is a celebration of the river goddess “Mae Nam”. This festival takes place in November.
Thailand Seasons
Thailand has 3 travel seasons, let’s take a look at them:
High Season:
The high season is between November and April. It is usually at its peak and busiest during Christmas, New Year and the Chinese New Year.
The high season is also the most expensive season. So, if you want to visit during this season, ensure that you make your bookings in advance.
Shoulder Season:
The shoulder season is in April and May and also in September and October.
It is also a great time to visit Thailand as the monsoon is either just beginning or ending.
The shoulder season is also less expensive during this season and less crowded.
It is also not the hottest season but you can still enjoy the beaches and water activities.
Low Season:
The low season is from May to September. During these months it is very hot but also very quiet.
It usually rains every day during the rainy season – which also makes it more difficult to enjoy water activities and the beaches.
On the bright side though, you won’t have to deal with crowds and you can also enjoy the cheaper prices. You also don’t need to make bookings in advance.
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