Best time to visit Thailand

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Thailand

Best time of year to visit Thailand

Generally, cool season from November to February is considered to be the best time to visit Thailand. This season is the busiest time of the year. Besides great weather in most parts of the country, you can enjoy events like Loi Krathong and Lopburi Monkey Banquet. Even though you'll have to plan your trip well in advance and tolerate tourist crowds, you will relish seasonal fruits while lolling on the heavenly beach.
March to May period with its lower rates is considered shoulder season, usually deadly hot, especially in the north-east with higher humidity levels. Fun seekers should definitely join water battles during the Songkran celebrations in mid-April.
Southwest monsoon affects northern territories and west coast of the Thai peninsula (Phuket and Krabi areas) from May to October, peaking in September. East coast of the Thai peninsula, facing the Gulf of Thailand (places like Koh Samui), experiences the northeast monsoon roughly between September and December. Just for the record, you still can enjoy your diving and kiteboarding during the low season. Besides, May to October is the best time to get good deals in Thailand.

16 THINGS TO DO IN THAILAND (APRIL 11 - APRIL 20)

Songkran Water Festival (Thai New Year)

Songkran Water Festival (Thai New Year)

April 13–April 15 • event

Thai New Year lasts for at least three days, depending on the region, and is one of the most joyful celebrations of the new year worldwide

Full Moon Party

Full Moon Party

every full moon nights • event

Perhaps the most known and anticipated party in the world takes place every full moon night and draws up to 30,000 people to the island of Koh Phangan

Elephant Sanctuaries

Elephant Sanctuaries

all year round • nature

An ethical and harmless way to interact with elephants

Floating Markets

Floating Markets

November–May • activity

Your Thai vacation can't be complete without shopping at traditional floating markets around Bangkok

Kiteboarding

Kiteboarding

April–October | November–March • activity

Phuket is Thailand's Mecca for kiteboarders with two major seasons

Beach Season

Beach Season

December–May • activity

Torquoise clear waters are inviting you for the best beach experience in Thailand

Bamboo Rafting During Dry Season

Bamboo Rafting During Dry Season

February–May • activity

A slow pace ride on a bamboo raft may be a nice way to explore stunning nature

Diving

Diving

October–June  • activity

Thailand offers spectacular diving any time throughout the year, but only a limited period is considered the best!

Poy Sang Long Festival or Festival of the Crystal Sons

Poy Sang Long Festival or Festival of the Crystal Sons

late March–mid-April • event

The festival in northern Thailand celebrates young boys entering the monasteries. Three days of festivities are all about traditions and colour

Boat Cruises

Boat Cruises

November–May • activity

A great way to explore the old town of Bangkok

Royal Winter Palace

Royal Winter Palace

April–December • activity

Bhubing Palace boasts one of the most beautiful gardens in Asia

Lychee or Litchi Season

Lychee or Litchi Season

April–May  • food

Transplanted from South China, lychee used to be a fruit of the emperors

Oysters Harvest in Phuket

Oysters Harvest in Phuket

November–April • food

If you fancy oysters, have a taste of them in Phuket province!

Mango Season

Mango Season

March–May • food

In Thai cuisine, mango is a major ingredient, both ripe and unripe. Therefore, aim for its season to get the best taste!

Sailing During Northeast Monsoon

Sailing During Northeast Monsoon

November–December | March–April • event

Weather conditions in Thailand are geographically diveded by two monsoons. Therefore, sailing is available year round, but in different regions

Jackfruit Season

Jackfruit Season

October–May • food

Try one of the largest fruits in the world

61 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Burapa Bike Week, Pattaya

Burapa Bike Week, Pattaya

unconfirmedFebruary 9–11, 2024 • event

Bringing bikers all across Thailand together with the whole world, Burapa Bike Week is one of the most anticipated events of the year

Pattaya International Fireworks Festival

Pattaya International Fireworks Festival

out of rangeNovember 24–25, 2023 • event

One of the major firework shows in the world, with different competitions between plenty of countries

Loi Krathong

Loi Krathong

out of rangeNovember 28, 2023 • event

A beautiful festival to make a wish that will come true

Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival

Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival

out of rangeMay 10-12, 2024 • event

The fertility rites and ceremonies play a major role in Thai culture. One of the most famous is the Rocket festival

Thailand Grand Sale

Thailand Grand Sale

out of rangemid-June to mid-August • activity

The Thai hunting season has officially begun!

Makha Bucha Day

Makha Bucha Day

out of rangeFebruary 24, 2024 • event

One of the holiest days for Buddhists, celebrates the day when 1250 disciples of Buddha gathered for his preaching. The holiday includes one of the most spectacular ceremonies in Buddhism

Bo Sang Umbrella Festival

Bo Sang Umbrella Festival

out of rangeJanuary 19 - January 21 • event

The festival of umbrellas in Bor Sang, not far from Chian Mai, is a highlight of the region and the beauty of the time

Chiang Mai Flower Festival

Chiang Mai Flower Festival

out of rangeFebruary 2-4, 2024 • event

The celebration of the end of the cool season with plenty of flowers is one of the most colorful events of the year

Kayaking on Koh Phangan

Kayaking on Koh Phangan

out of rangeMay–October • activity

Paradise island with serene beaches and mysterious caves should be explored from water

Big Mountain Music Festival

Big Mountain Music Festival

out of rangeDecember 9–10, 2023 • event

Every frequent festival-goer eventually realises many of these events are pretty the same—Thai music festival is a great alternative when you crave for something new

Candle Festival in Ubon Ratchathani

Candle Festival in Ubon Ratchathani

out of rangeJuly 19-21, 2024 • event

Plenty of religious events are associated with Buddhist Lent. The Candle Festival is one of them, but it is also one of the most spectacular festivals during the year

Watching Baby Gibbons

Watching Baby Gibbons

out of rangeOctober • nature

Gibbons were once major population in Thailand, but due to illegal hunting and capturing, the amounts of these cute guys have been falling rapidly

Phuket Vegetarian Festival

Phuket Vegetarian Festival

out of rangeOctober 13–22, 2023 • event

One of the most notorious festivals in Thailand that does not have that much common with vegetarianism

Chonburi Buffalo Racing

Chonburi Buffalo Racing

out of rangeOctober 28, 2023 • event

The event to apreciate the hard work of buffaloes is full of adrenaline and competitions

Rub Bua Festival

Rub Bua Festival

out of rangeOctober 4–11, 2022 • event

The beautiful ancient tradition of throwing lotus flowers from the banks of the river is one of the most heart-warming in Thailand

MAYA Music Festival

MAYA Music Festival

unconfirmedFebruary 2024 • event

No music festival in the world can boast a more stunning stage than a 26-meter high monkey head of MAYA

Trekking Mount Doi Inthanon

Trekking Mount Doi Inthanon

out of rangeNovember–February • activity

The route on Mount Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak, is one of the most beautiful routes in the world. It is located some 2 565 meters above the sea level

Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay

Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay

out of rangeDecember–March • activity

Discover a unique hidden world while visiting Phang Nga Bay

Wan Ok Phansa

Wan Ok Phansa

out of rangeOctober 17, 2024 • event

The festival that marks the end of the Buddhist lent is full of celebrations and interesting authentic activities

Erawan Falls

Erawan Falls

out of rangeJuly–October • nature

Regarded as most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand, their multiple levels will astonish your imagination

Hungry Ghost Festival

Hungry Ghost Festival

out of rangeAugust 30, 2023 • event

The generally Chinese festival Por Tor that is very important to the ethnic Chinese in Thai features plenty of activities and special food

Visakha Bucha Day

Visakha Bucha Day

out of rangeMay 5, 2023 • event

The day that marks three most important events in Buddha's life with beautiful ceremonies

Phi Phi Viewpoint

Phi Phi Viewpoint

out of rangeDecember–March • nature

Koh Phi Phi's famous viewpoint is a must destination, especially during the clear sunny days that make it a photographer's treasure

National Elephant Day

National Elephant Day

out of rangeMarch 13 • event

Elephants are unique animals: they are social, cute, and helpful. Therefore, it's natural that they have got a day totally dedicated to them

Rains Retreat or Vassa

Rains Retreat or Vassa

out of rangeAugust 2–October 28, 2023 • event

This is a period marked by Buddhist Lent, which lasts three months and makes the monks stay at a single monastery

Thai Cosmos Bloom

Thai Cosmos Bloom

out of rangeJune–February • nature

The beautiful flowers will melt your heart with their pinkish warm colour

Thod Kathin Robes Offering Ceremony

Thod Kathin Robes Offering Ceremony

out of rangeNovember 26, 2023 • event

The period lasting for a month when monks are offered various goods is also known as Thod Kathin or Kathina

King’s Cup Muay Thai

King’s Cup Muay Thai

out of rangeDecember 5 • event

The tournament of the national Thai sport dedicated to the King's of Thailand Birthday

Queen’s Cup Muay Thai

Queen’s Cup Muay Thai

out of rangeAugust 12 • event

National Thai sport which means "science of the two limbs" is fascinating all year, but during Queen's birthday the ordinary fights change into spectacular championships between the best ones

Wonderfruit Festival

Wonderfruit Festival

out of rangeDecember 10–14, 2023 • event

A colourful celebration of music, great food, and art

Singha Park International Balloon Fiesta

Singha Park International Balloon Fiesta

out of rangeFebruary 10–14, 2023 • event

A special way to celebrate St. Valentine's Day and make some incredible memories

Synchronous Fireflies

Synchronous Fireflies

out of rangeMay–October • nature

Mangrove forests and river banks come alive at night with thousands of flashing lights

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve

out of rangeDecember 31 • event

End the year with high spirits in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, or Chiang Mai

Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival

Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival

out of rangeNovember 24, 2024 • event

The town of Lopburi is known to be a monkey city due to its vast population of monkeys. Moreover, monkeys are so highly regarded here that once a year they receive a special banquet

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year

out of rangeFebruary 10, 2024 • event

LNY festivities are widely celebrated all over Thailand

Bamboo Rafting (Rainy Season)

Bamboo Rafting (Rainy Season)

out of rangeJuly–November • activity

If you enjoy some adrenaline rush, be sure to try out the bamboo rafting during the rainy season!

Tamarind Season

Tamarind Season

out of rangeNovember–February • food

Winter is harvest time for this delicious Thai fruit

Royal Ploughing Ceremony

Royal Ploughing Ceremony

out of rangeMay 6, 2024 • event

The ceremony marks the start of the rice growing season with sacred oxen that plough the field​ across the Royal Palace

Ducks on Rice Fields

Ducks on Rice Fields

out of rangeSeptember–January • nature

In Thailand, ducks are used to rid rice farms of unwanted pests in exchange for free food

Sapodilla Season

Sapodilla Season

out of rangeSeptember–December • food

Try fresh sapodilla fruits while visiting Thailand

Rose Apple Season

Rose Apple Season

out of rangeMay–June  • food

Looking nothing like an apple, the fruit smells like rose when a first bite is taken

River Kwai Bridge Week

River Kwai Bridge Week

out of rangeNovember 27–December 4, 2023 • event

To commemorate the sad events of World War II, the special ceremonies are organised on the River Kwai

Mangosteen Season

Mangosteen Season

out of rangeMay–July • food

Known as the queen of fruit, mangosteen or mangkhut has a delicate texture

Durian Season

Durian Season

out of rangeMay–June • food

Durian may not be the most loved fruit, but it is definitely the king of all fruit!

Dok Krachiao Bloom Season

Dok Krachiao Bloom Season

out of rangeJune–July • nature

Beautiful lush and pink flowers that bloom during rainy season will amaze your eyes

Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony

Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony

out of rangeFebruary 13-15, 2024 • event

It might sound a bit cheesy to get married underwater with a crowd of other couples, but it may also be a unique experience

Longan Season

Longan Season

out of rangeMay–July • food

The fruit that was once transported from China has flourished and become one of the most popular in Thailand

Sailing During Southwest Monsoon

Sailing During Southwest Monsoon

out of rangeMay–October • activity

Weather in Thailand mostly depends on the influences of monsoons in different regions. Therefore, while sailing is available all year round, the locations are different

Phuket Raceweek

Phuket Raceweek

unconfirmedJune 26–30, 2024 • event

The yacht racing event that is both huge and international while being cosy and friendly gathering

Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival

Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival

out of rangeOctober 2, 2023 • event

Lasting for a few days, the festival signifies the end of the Buddhist Lent. A lot of artists during this time create marvellous wax sculptures

Yongchak or Stink Bean Season

Yongchak or Stink Bean Season

out of rangeMay  • food

Also known as yongchak, the long twisted bean is smelly in a unique way due to its gas containment

King’s Cup Elephant Polo

King’s Cup Elephant Polo

overMarch 8–11, 2018 • event

Elephant polo may be not an ancient sport, but it surely is very exciting!

Mexican Sunflowers Bloom

Mexican Sunflowers Bloom

out of rangeNovember–December • nature

Travel from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son to get the amazing view of a golden sea of Mexican sunflowers

International Thai Martial Arts Games & Festival

International Thai Martial Arts Games & Festival

out of rangeMarch 12–17, 2023 • event

If you are interested in martial arts, especially Thai martial arts, that are traditional and spectacular, you just can't miss this out!

Red Turtle Sweet for Hungry Ghost

Red Turtle Sweet for Hungry Ghost

out of rangeAugust 30, 2023 • food

The festival of Hungry Ghost aims to feed all the hungry ancestors as a way to show them how strong they are respected. Typical gift and taste of the holiday is a red turtle cake

Samui Regatta

Samui Regatta

out of rangeMay 25-June 01, 2024 • event

The famous Yacht Regatta is hosted by Centara Grand Beach Resort and is famous for good sailing, spectacular environment and most awesome parties!

Custard Apple Season

Custard Apple Season

out of rangeJune–August • food

With hard skin that is easy to break with a squeeze and soft flesh inside, the fruit is a total summer delight

Jujube Season

Jujube Season

out of rangeOctober–February  • food

Pear-shaped and not too big in size, the fruit resembles a yellowish apple with hard skin

Thaibreak Festival

Thaibreak Festival

out of rangeMarch 21–24, 2024 • event

The Thaibreak Festival, an electronic music festival on the enchanting island of Koh Mak with a limited number of visitors

Pomelo Season

Pomelo Season

out of rangeAugust–October • food

Thai pomelo is very famous, especially among the ethnic Chinese

Rambutan Season

Rambutan Season

out of rangeMay–June • food

One of the most beautiful fruits, rambutan has fluffy skin and juicy flesh

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