Thailand is our speciality, and the most common question we hear is "When should we go?" The honest answer is that there is a good part of Thailand to visit in almost every month. The trick is knowing which coast to choose.
November to February: cool season
This is the best time for most of the country. Bangkok is less humid, Chiang Mai has cool mornings and clear skies, and the Andaman coast of Phuket, Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands has calm, clear seas. It is also peak season, so book early for December and January. In Chiang Mai, the Yi Peng lantern festival usually falls in November.
March to May: hot season
Temperatures climb, with April the hottest month. Songkran, Thai New Year in mid-April, turns the country into a giant water fight. Beaches are still good, especially early in the season. In the north, March and April can be hazy from agricultural burning.
June to October: the rainy season
Rain usually comes in heavy afternoon showers rather than all day. The Andaman coast gets rougher seas, and some boat trips to Phi Phi or the Similan Islands may not run. But this is the best time for the Gulf of Thailand: Koh Samui is often at its best in July and August. Bangkok and Pattaya are fine for sightseeing throughout, and prices are lower everywhere.
The Gulf exception
Koh Samui and nearby islands get their main rain from about October to December, when the Andaman side is drying out. So:
- December to April: choose Phuket, Krabi or Phi Phi.
- June to September: choose Koh Samui.
Our own departures
Our group batches and the honeymoon special leave Chennai in November, timed for good weather and, for couples, the Yi Peng lanterns. See Thailand Honeymoon Special: Lantern of Love and Thailand Ultimate Boys Escape.
Quick answer
November to February is best overall. For a monsoon-season beach break, choose Koh Samui. For festivals, plan around Yi Peng (November) or Songkran (April).
When to go
When to go
When to go
When to go