When to visit Thailand

Best time to visit Thailand

As one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, Thailand can be visited year-round and truly offers something for everyone.

The recognised best time to visit Thailand is from November through to March. The monsoon season has passed, leaving the landscape lush and green. There is little rain to interrupt cultural sightseeing, outdoor adventure, or long days on the beach. The downside is that there will be more tourists here than any other time of the year, so accommodation rates may be higher, and you might have to battle the crowds at key sites such as Bangkok’s Grand Palace or Chiang Mai’s Doi Inthanon.

The peak of high season falls over late December and early January. As much of the northern hemisphere suffers from the cold and dark of winter, these weeks – with the extended Christmas school holidays – offer an enticing escape to welcoming tropical climes. Thailand’s biggest beach resorts – Phuket, Krabi, Hua Hin – are at their busiest and you’ll need to book early to secure first choice accommodation.

Thailand’s shoulder seasons fall over April, May and June (when the weather is mostly hot but dry) or September and October (when it’s fresh but changeable). April and May can be great months for visiting coastal areas, while September and October are ideal for visiting the north and the gulf coast. The shoulder seasons see fewer visitors, bringing more opportunities to discover a slice of tranquillity.