As with many far-flung tropical destinations, the “best time to visit Thailand” is an entirely subjective question. Thailand’s islands vary in climate to the more forested north, and there are deals to be had at certain times of the year, even in the best hotels in Thailand, as most travellers aim to avoid any chance of catching the rainy season.
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
The best time to visit Thailand is from December to March—though, as with any tropical destination, a short and ridiculously torrential burst of rain is unpredictably possible, even on the sunniest of days.
When is the worst month to visit Thailand?
Assuming you’re not keen on getting caught in the occasional shower, the months to avoid are July and August; Thailand is one of the most popular winter sun destinations for good reason. On the flip side, March to May is the time to avoid if you’re not keen on sweltering temperatures, as this is when it’s hottest, especially on the gorgeous holidays.
However, these months do see the cheapest prices (because of the rainy season; more below), so you’ll likely find some of the best deals in popular tourist spots. For instance, these are the best times to look out for deals on the best hotels in Phuket and Krabi.
When is Thailand’s rainy season?
Thailand’s rainy season runs from May to October, when monsoons blow in from all directions. The rain is heavy but sporadic in the first few months, while it’s more persistent in the final months of the rainy season. If you want to take advantage of cheaper airfare and don’t mind the rain, this might be your best bet for when to travel to Thailand.
When is Thailand’s shoulder season?
Thailand’s shoulder season lasts from April to June and then again from September to October. Temperatures will peak country-wide around April, but this also means you don’t have to compete for a prime spot on the best beaches in Thailand, and hotel rates will be lower. However, business and ferry services on the smaller islands (especially on the Andaman Sea side) will shut down as the low season approaches. The period from September to October sees more rain but fewer crowds.
What is the cheapest time to visit Thailand?
Unsurprisingly, the cheapest time to visit Thailand coincides with the rainy season. If you’re willing to deal with unpredictable weather, then you could bag a few hotel deals visiting Thailand during this time. We recommend going during the shoulder season. Rooms in luxurious hotels and average flight prices drop drastically compared to the peak season around Christmas and New Year; use the flexible flight settings on Skyscanner and Kayak to find the best deals.
When is the best time to visit the islands?
East coast islands
The best Thai islands in the Gulf of Thailand—Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao—tend to get less rain than the rest of the country (even in the rainy season) and are at their best from the end of January until mid-March. January is the freshest month—great for after the Christmas and New Year’s Eve party festivities. February is the driest month, one of the sunniest, when the heat is still bearable; March is sunny and dry, too. The European and American summer break crowds hit the Gulf islands (Koh Samui, Koh Pha-Ngan and Koh Tao) during July and August, so heading here in September usually hits the sweet spot for both crowds and weather. The average temperature never drops below 77ºF in Koh Samui and most of the other popular islands; so even if there is the occasional rain shower, it will always be pretty balmy.
West coast islands
Over on Thailand’s west coast and the Andaman Sea—where you’ll find the Thai islands of Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi—the optimum time for a beach holiday is slightly earlier, in December and January, when fresher weather, maximum sunshine, and minimum rainfall combine to create the best climate for a beach vacation.
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