When to go to Thailand?

17 June 2011

Needless to say, beautiful weather and good prices are among the basic prerequisites for successful holidaymaking. Let’s consider then when it’s the best time in Thailand, so that our happy mood and the contents of our wallet aren’t washed away along with the rain …

Thailand | Expect the most beautiful weather between November and February (by atomdocs )

As you already know, three main seasons are distinguished in Thailand. The rainy season begins as May, turns into June and lasts into mid-October. One shouldn’t “demonise” it too much as it’s not the same everywhere.

While on the Andaman Coast it rains so heavily that most resorts are closed, it tends to rain infrequently elsewhere – more or less every second or third day, usually in the afternoon or at night. Most rainfall is recorded in August and September but even then it hardly ever rains all day. The rainy season is a good time to travel for people who want to avoid the crowds of tourists in the high season and the associated peak prices. It should also satisfy those who want enjoy such charms of the landscape as the ubiquitous vivid greenery, flooded rice fields and freshly blossoming trees.

Thailand | Expect the most rainfall from May till October (by zoutedrop )

The best time to travel to Thailand is definitely the warm and dry season, often called “cool” or even, by Thai standards, “cold”. In fact, this season, lasting from November till February, is characterised by the most beautiful weather and optimal temperatures ranging between 28 and 32ºC. But a warm sweater is worth bringing as, for example in the mountainous northern areas, the temperature can rapidly fall in the evening. Also, occasional rain is possible in November and December.

This is the best time for sightseeing, as it will be less exhausting in the bearable heat and the beautiful national parks and the resorts will be open (they are sometimes closed to visitors in the rainy season). This is also when the tourist season starts, so you should think in advance about hotel, air travel and even railway bookings. It is in this period that the air fares are the highest. You also pay more for flights at Christmas and New Year, as well as in July and August. If you book several months in advance you might find cheaper offers. Interestingly enough, if you plan to visit the south-western coast of Gulf of Thailand (e.g. Ko Samui), you should expect the heaviest rain between October and January, whereas you will enjoy the most sun there during May to October, which is the rainy season elsewhere in the country.