The best time of year to visit Thailand is during the winter.
Craving some wet sand on your skin under a beautiful sunset, or wanting to lie down on a hammock in Thailand, but the confusing temperature tables of Thailand haunt you?
Understanding the temperature of a tropical place like Thailand and planning the trip accordingly is daunting. That’s why people hover on the web, searching for “When is the best time to Visit Thailand?”
Well, if the unpredictable temperature is what’s keeping you away from the surreal beaches and sunbathing of Thailand, then I’ve got your back!!
Read here to get an ice-clear understanding of Thailand’s best time to visit, must-see places, travel tips, and more. So without any further ado, let’s get started!!!
Table of Contents:
What is the Best Time to Visit Thailand?
Thailand mainly has 3 seasons: the wet season (May-October), the cool season (November to February), and the hot season (March-May). But the timing and duration of these seasons differ according to which of the three parts of Thailand you are in:
- North-Central Thailand
- Southwestern Thailand
- Gulf of Thailand
Due to the three different climate zones of Thailand that coexist at the same time of the year, decoding the temperature and weather of Thailand has become quite a task. That’s why many people end up wondering what the best time to visit Thailand.
So to clear the air about the confusing geography of the Land of Buddhas, below, I’ve discussed the temperature of all three zones in great detail.
Climate of North-Central Thailand
Considering the extreme rain in the wet season (July to October) and the heat splashes of summer (March to June), I suggest that the best time to visit North-Central Thailand is winter, which is from November to February. During this time, the temperature ranges between 21 °C and 33 °C (69.8 °F and 91.4 °F), providing you with a good environment for enjoying your trip to the fullest.
Typically, the average temperature during peak summers ranges between 26 °C and 37 °C (78.8 °F and 98.6 °F); however, during winters, it might dip below 10 °C. It does not snow in Thailand; however, there might be sporadic precipitation that can be observed.
If you’re looking to explore the North-Central part of Thailand, which is mainly Chiang Mai, Chiang Thai, Sukhothai, Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and more, this is the right way to look.
Top Attractions
Is looking at ancient craftsmanship on infrastructure something that fascinates you? Explore these few Buddhist temples to calm the globe-trotter within you:
- The Remnants of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya: Both these places are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, known for holding prominent temples and remains, as they were the first and second capitals of the Siam kingdom, respectively.
- The Beauty of Bangkok: You can visit renowned monasteries like Wat Arun and Wat Pho-Chetuphon. Furthermore, you can also ferry along the Thonburi Klongs on a long-tailed boat and try a variety of Thai gourmet and street food.
- Awe-striking Chiang Mai: You can cruise through the various beautiful monasteries depicting impeccable designs and go bamboo rafting or even learn Thai cooking methods here.
Now that you have a detailed idea of the temperature variations of central and northern Thailand, let’s look towards the southwest coast.
Weather and Climate in Thailand’s Southwest Coast Area
The coast running along the side of the Bay of Bengal is referred to as the Southwest Coast of Thailand. Beaches here are mainly famous for the Andaman Sea explorations.
Due to the winds brought along from the Bay of Bengal, the temperature here remains moderate; however, it is clearly divided into two spells: Dry and Wet.
The wet spell is the period lasting from May to November. The high tides during this time and abundant precipitation make it less ideal for fun. Meanwhile, the dry spell lasts from December to April and is the best time to visit Thailand’s sand turf!
Best of Southwest Coast
If you’re a beach person, the smell of sea breeze mixed with the sand will mesmerize you to an extent that you’ll want to dunk your head in the sand like an Ostrich. When going to the southwest coast, here are a few places you can’t miss:
- The Relaxing Railay Beach: The rustling sound of the wind hitting against the limestone cliffs of the Railay beach will distract you from all ill thoughts. Enjoy sea kayaking in the Andaman Sea and wrestle with the winds while Quad biking!
- The Rawness of Koh Yao Noi: This beach is straight out of Moana! The light reflecting off the white sand will give you an ethereal glow while you prance your way into the rice fields and Mangrove forests.
- The Rizz of Phuket: Phuket’s nightlife is broadcast about often, but when you are there, you must look at the kaleidoscopic beauty of Phuket hidden underwater! From shopping to diving, there’s nothing that Phuket has spared.
The beauty of the Southwest is the kind that dampens the eye, but hey, if your friends ask, you can just blame it on the salty breeze or the humidity.
Well, this was all about Southwest. But, you know what else is amazing? The gulf area of Thailand! Read all about it in the subsequent section.
Gulf of Thailand at Its Peak
Typically, the coast surrounding the water shaped like a Chicken’s head is called the Gulf of Thailand. This area concerns the third climate type of Thailand and witnesses intense wind speed and frequent typhoons paired with fierce rainfall. These windy conditions reach their zenith between the months of Oct-Dec.
The wind intensity drops and entirely plummets around the months of April-August. Which makes for the best time of year to visit Thailand’s gulf area.
A Highlight of Thailand’s Gulf Area
The gulf offers a distinct set of marine life and flora underwater to admire in awe. Some places that promise the best view here are,
- The Blues and Neons of Koh Tao: Hailed as a place for scuba diving, you can frolic with the Rays, the Sharks and the distinctive neon Corals that set it apart from other diving spots.
- Exuberance of Khao Sok National Park: This place offers a treasure hunt, with hidden caves and Lakes that you can explore. The gushing waterfalls that will make you reconnect with nature.
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: This market is truly one of a kind, where your vendor can come floating towards you in a bamboo boat. You don’t need to stand in a corner and feel left out, because you can grab one too!
Now you’re set with the knowledge to decide the best time to visit Thailand depending on the kind of experience you’re looking for. Let’s count that as a win! And move further.
You have now established a good understanding of what to expect no matter which time of the year you visit Thailand, but do you have an idea of what to pack for the trip?
What to Pack—Documents, Clothes, and Other Essentials
Thailand is a fairly cultured country; hence, as a good tourist, you must be mindful of the local practices and act respectfully towards their sentiments.
Showing a lot of skin is considered a little indecent and hence should be avoided while going to temples. Although at the beach you may dress as you see fit, since the locals are used to seeing tourists in bikinis at the beach.
One of the other things to be aware of, other than dressing, is the concern with the documents. Here’s a list of all the essential documents you might need to present:
- A Passport: It should have more than 6 months of validity from the intended date of arrival in Thailand.
- Boarding Pass: You must carry your flight boarding pass with you, since it has to be presented at passport control.
- Proof of Funds: You may be asked for account statements to prove you have enough funds for your travels.
- Proof of Accommodation: You will be asked to show proof of hotel bookings to the immigration officer.
- Return/Onward Ticket: If you’re applying for a visa on arrival, you will need to present a return ticket as well.
Before even starting to plan your trip, you must check the visa requirements and confirm whether a visa for Thailand is required for your country.
Moments of Thailand: Held in Pictures
Glance at these few pictures that will give you a sneak peek at your Thailand visit:
In a Nutshell
The months between November and February are the best time to visit Thailand’s Northern, Central as and southwestern coasts. However, the frequent typhoons and excessive rainfall make it less than ideal for exploring the Gulf area.
If you want to explore the Gulf, the best time to travel there is between April and August. Keeping your safety in mind, you must travel to the coast when you visit in the summer months. A lot of tourists come here for the various music festivals hosted during that time.
So, even if you’re here in the summer and are looking for things to enjoy other than just the Gulf area, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied.
Bon voyage!
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
Which type of climate is experienced by Thailand?
Thailand experiences a tropical type of climate in general.
What is the temperature of Thailand during summer?
The highest temperature in Thailand in summer can go up to 37 °C.
What is the best month to visit Thailand?
The best time to visit Thailand would be November-January, especially the northern and central parts. However, for exploring the gulf, July is the best month.
Source
Thailand Climate by ThailandWeb
