The Best & Worst Times to Visit Thailand in 2023

Thailand is an incredible destination for your next vacation. Thailand has jaw-dropping UNESCO World Heritage sites, pristine beaches, and delicious cuisine, making the long flight worth your vacation time any time of the year.

But if you want to plan your epic vacation to Thailand during the best time, we’ve got everything you need to plan the perfect trip below.

Every year, tourists visit Thailand to explore Buddhist temples, royal palaces, and white sand beaches. Thailand borders Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia and still boasts sandy shores along the scenic Gulf of Thailand. 

Want to plan your incredible vacation during the best time to visit Thailand? Keep reading for travel tips and advice about the best, cheapest, and worst times to visit Thailand. 

Why You Should Visit Thailand in 2023

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Thailand is a country with something for every type of traveler. So head to the capital city of Bangkok and explore the museums, shopping centers, and historic sites before making your way to another incredible destination. 

If you’re seeking adventure, rock climbing at Railay Beach, ziplining in Chiang Mai, and diving with whale sharks at Chumphon Pinnacle are for you.

If that’s not your pace, head to the beautiful Thai beaches like Koh Samui Island, Pa Tong, or Sunset Beach in Koh Lipe. The crystal clear waters and white sand beaches in southern Thailand are some of the country’s best-kept secrets.

So have a massage, shop at some of the amazing and unique stores, and take your time tasting Thailand’s best meals around these oceanfront towns.

History enthusiasts will delight in the UNESCO World Heritage and archeological sites scattered throughout the country. Explore the rock formations at the Phu Phrabat Historical Park and take some enviable photos.

Or, be awed by the 4,000-year-old ancient artifacts at Ban Chiang. Thailand is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the culture, cuisine, and remarkable landmarks in every corner of the country.  

Overall Best Time to Visit Thailand

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Overall, the best time to visit Thailand is between November and March or early April. This is Thailand’s dry season when you have higher chances of great weather and hot, but not sweltering, temperatures. 

Thailand is a year-round travel destination close to the equator. It is a large country, with the southern part of Thailand having different weather than areas in the northern and central parts of the country. 

Thailand has three major seasons, the dry season, hot season, and rainy season.

The best time to visit Thailand is during the dry season to avoid the extreme heat and rain. The downside? The four-to-five-month window of the dry season sees the biggest crowds and the highest hotel rates. 

Dry Season 

The dry season in southern Thailand is between January, February, and March. As a general rule, expect higher chances of rain on your trip when visiting the southern parts of Thailand.

However, during the months of January and February, Phuket sees an average of four and two days of rainfall, respectively. March in Phuket gets six days of average rain. April marks the end of the dry season, bringing 11 days of average monthly rainfall. 

Bangkok has a longer dry season than the south. Enjoy hot weather with virtually no days of rain during the months of December, January, February, and March in Bangkok. 

Between November and March, temperatures in Bangkok reach highs between 90 and 94 degrees Fahrenheit and lows between 71 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

Within this same month range, temperatures in Phuket, Thailand, reach highs between 89 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit. Hotel rates typically rise between November and March to accommodate travelers avoiding the snowy winters of the northern hemisphere. 

Cheapest Time to Visit Thailand

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The best time to visit Thailand to get the best value for your money is during the rainy season between May and June. Thailand is an inexpensive country to visit once you’ve arrived.

The major cost of your trip is likely to be airfare. The cheapest time to fly to Thailand is in February, with even better rates for flights to Bangkok rather than directly to Phuket. However, February is when hotel rates are at their peak.

Rainy Season 

The rainy season in Northern and Central Thailand is between May and October, with the heaviest rains being from August to September. In southern Thailand, the rainy season spans from April to November.

Phuket gets an astounding 20 days of average rainfall throughout the month of September. Hotel rates are at their lowest during May and June.

Rates are lower during this time of the year because the average monthly rainfall in Bangkok is 14 days per month, and temperatures reach highs of 94 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of 79 degrees Fahrenheit. 

In the south, expect even more rain than in Bangkok in May and June. Phuket gets an average of 17 days of rainfall per month during this time, meaning your trip is very likely to see some overcast skies and rainy days.

Temperatures in Phuket reach highs of 91 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re not put off by some rain, then May and June, or any month of the rainy season, is the best time to visit Thailand to take advantage of the cheap rates. 

Least Busy Time to Visit Thailand

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The best time to visit Thailand to avoid crowds is between March and April. This is the best time to explore popular temples and top attractions in Thailand and get photos with fewer people in the background. 

Shoulder Season

Thailand’s travel season is in March and April. The dry season and holidays of December to March bring in crowds aplenty. By March, the crowds at top sites have dispersed, but the heavy rains of the monsoon season are not at full force.

Keep in mind that during these months, you’ll face some sweltering heat during your adventure. In March and April, Bangkok’s temperatures reach highs of 96 degrees Fahrenheit.

The average monthly rainfall is two days in March and six days in April. If you travel to Thailand in March or April, you’ll have fewer crowds at top attractions while still having a good chance of getting great weather during your tours.

Head south of Thailand in March and April, and you’ll find fewer crowds and hot temperatures of 93 degrees Fahrenheit.

March in Phuket, Thailand, sees an average of six days of rainfall while April sees 11. Remember that Thailand has a population of over 70 million people, so major cities and top attractions will still be bustling any time of the year. 

Worst Time to Visit Thailand 

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The worst time to visit Thailand is when the rainy season and hottest months overlap. In Bangkok, this is in May when temperatures reach highs of 94 degrees Fahrenheit and the average rainfall is 14 days of the month.

In southern Thailand, April sees the higher than average temperatures of 93 degrees Fahrenheit and 11 days of average rainfall. The high humidity, chances of rain, and temperatures all make traveling more uncomfortable than at other times of the year.

Bear in mind that the temperatures throughout the entire country are stable throughout the year. For example, in Bangkok, lows never drop below 71 degrees Fahrenheit and 76 degrees Fahrenheit in Phuket. 

Busy Season

The busy travel season in Thailand is between December and March. Therefore, the best time to visit Thailand for some is also the worst time to visit for others. There’s a reason people love to travel around Thailand between December and March.

During this time, the weather is perfect for enviable photos and comfortable beach or pool-side relaxation.

Many travelers take advantage of the slightly lower temperatures and clear skies of the dry season, but this means crowds at top attractions, higher hotel rates, and less availability. Thailand in December sees holiday travel surges.

Flight prices and hotel rates in December are sky-high around this time. Book in advance because your preferences for top-rated hotels may sell out between late December and early January. 

Things to Consider

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As with all places, there are key points to remember when planning your amazing vacation to Thailand. 

Language Barriers

If you don’t speak Thai, the national language of Thailand, then you’re likely to encounter some language barriers during your trip since only about one-quarter of Thai citizens speak English fluently. 

Download translation apps before your trip to help you interact with locals and read street signs or menus.

Google Translate has a feature where you take a picture, and the app will translate any writing in the photo into your language. Duolingo is an easy and fun way to make learning key vocabulary words into a game during your long international flight. 

Common Thai Phrases

To get you started, here are five important words to know before you go: 

• Hello – Sawadee khrup/ka
• Goodbye – Lah gorn
• Bathroom – Hông náam
• You’re welcome – Yin dee
• Thank You – Kawp koon

Dress Code 

Thailand has a slightly strict dress code that tourists should be aware of before their trip. As a general rule, keep your clothing modest. Pack clothes that keep your shoulders covered, and avoid bringing short shorts.

Regardless of gender, religious sites may turn you away if you wear clothes that expose your shoulders, knees, or ankles. The year-round hot temperatures mean that you should pack light clothing like cotton or linen so that you can stay covered and keep cool. 

Table Manners

In Thailand, the main utensil used when eating is the spoon, not your fork like you’re probably used to. It is customary to push the food with your fork onto the spoon and eat it. Your fork should never pierce your food, as this is seen as offensive. 

While you’ll likely want to express how delicious your food is, it’s considered rude in Thailand to make noises while you eat. Throughout your vacation in Thailand, be sure to never talk or laugh with your mouth full of food, as this is impolite. 

Don’t Worry About Visas 

Most tourists, including American and Canadian citizens, can visit Thailand for less than 30 days without needing a visa. If you plan to travel for longer than a month, be sure to check which visa requirements you need before your trip. 

Safety 

Thailand is rated as one of the safest Southeast Asian travel destinations. However, all travel destinations require precautions from tourists to keep their trip going without a hitch. 

To ensure you feel peace of mind while on your Thai vacation, keep your valuables safely stored away in your hotel and avoid flaunting expensive items in public places. Be aware of your surroundings and travel with a buddy when out after dark. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Find the answers to your top questions about visiting Thailand below.

What are the top things to do in Thailand?

Thailand is a playground of ancient palaces, incredible food, and epic beaches. Some of the top things to do in Thailand include visits to places like: 

• The Grand Palace 
• Khao San Road 
• Wat Phra Chetuphon
• Elephant Rescue Park
• The Sanctuary Of Truth
• Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara

So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Thailand?

Thailand is a year-round destination with amazing things to see and do regardless of the year-round heat and temporary rainy season.

Even the sight and sound of the rain as it splashes against ancient pagodas or stone temples is something you’ll remember forever. If you want the best weather but don’t mind crowds, visit Thailand between November and March or early April.

But, if you prefer fewer people at the expense of perfect weather, the best time to visit Thailand is during March and April.