The best time to visit Thailand depends on where you want to go in the country. The famous Land of Smiles has such a diverse array of landscapes—from the mountainous north where the cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai await, to the tropical islands like Krabi and Koh Samui in the south, with energetic and sprawling Bangkok in the middle of it all—that you could go at any point in the year and find a local that’s a fit for your travel needs and interests. To better plan the Thai trip that’s right for you, we spoke to two of Condé Nast Traveler‘s Top Travel Specialists who are experts in designing itineraries in Thailand: Matthew McLean of Audley Travel and Duncan Greenfield-Turk of Global Travel Moments.
No matter how you organize your first (or tenth) journey through Thailand, you’re sure to encounter a land of stunning scenes in both the cities and countrysides, as well as warm hospitality. “The country is so much more than just busy streets and beaches,” says Greenfield-Turk about Thailand. “The joy is in the land’s contrasts: a temple visit at dawn, a Michelin-starred meal at dusk, with a quiet kindness that carries through it all.” Here are our tips for the best time to visit Thailand, as well as where to go and how long to stay.
A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK. This article has been updated since its original publish date.
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
One of the best times to visit Thailand is during the dry seasons, which generally runs from November to April, says McLean of Audley Travel. That’s usually when there’s less rain and lower humidity, but given the tropical climate, you should always pack a travel umbrella when visiting Thailand. “The summer months are referred to as the ‘green season’ and can see short and sharp downpour showers,” he says, but the rain doesn’t necessarily have to derail your plans. (It’s always a good excuse to post up in a lobby bar at one of the best hotels in Bangkok.) Besides, if you head to the islands, you can chase the good weather: McLean suggests visiting the island of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand, which gets very little rain even in the summer.
If you want to avoid the crowds, Greenfield-Turk says the best time to go to Thailand is between late October and early December (to avoid the holiday rush), and again from May to early June. “That’s when you’ll find lush landscapes, a gentler pace, and that sense of stillness that lets you feel Thailand rather than just see it,” he says. “One of my clients recently travelled during May and spent a morning alone on a long-tail boat through Phang Nga Bay. The stillness, they said, was the best moment of their entire trip.”
What is the cheapest time to visit Thailand?
Unsurprisingly, the cheapest time to visit Thailand coincides with the rainy season. If you’re willing to deal with unpredictable weather, then you could bag a few hotel deals visiting Thailand during this time. “May and September are typically the lowest priced months to visit Thailand,” McLean says. “It can be hot in May, but it’s not fully in the rainy season. September is generally the rainiest month to visit.”
