Thailand is one of the best countries in the world to find a good party, and if your timing is right, you might get to experience a great festivity there too. As well as this, it is worth noting that the regions of Thailand differ when it comes to weather and climate, so knowing when to travel there is crucial to a great trip. For a more in-depth look at the weather and festivities of local regions, it is worth getting in contact with a local ‘Destination Expert,’ who can guide you in the right direction. Still, until then, we have you covered with an overview of what you need to know.
Thailand is a very diverse country, and chances are you will want to explore more than one region, either in the north, south, east, west or even all of them, so it is crucial to know what kind of weather to expect. Depending on your plans, the weather will impact your trip, either making it a memorable one or preventing you from doing what you planned to do, and the same goes for festivities and holidays. If you want to enjoy the authentic Thai culture, joining in some local celebrations is a great way to do this, so it is worth checking this beforehand to see if they tie in with your plan. To get the most out of your trip to the land of smiles, here is an overview of Thailand’s seasons and local holidays and the best time to travel there.
Seasons
In most parts of Thailand, there are three main seasons, the rainy season, the hot season, and the cool season, and depending on what you have planned, and of course what kind of weather you are comfortable with, it is essential to know a little about this before you set off.
The Rainy Season:
It is good to know that the rainy season in Thailand happens each year between June and October, so if you are traveling during your summer holidays from Europe or North America, it is essential to know that you can expect heavy downpours and some flooding. Although the temperatures are still quite high and the downpours can be relatively short, the lack of drainage on Thai streets means flooding can occur very quickly. In this case, if you are traveling during this time, it might be worth investing in some waterproof clothing, waterproof/non-slip shoes, a foldable umbrella and of course, make sure you have a rain cover for your backpack.
The Hot Season:
The hot season is exactly what it is – hot, and temperatures will average around 104F/40C daily between February and May; however, if you travel there in April, be prepared for the hottest month. If you are scheduled to be in Thailand around this time, make sure to bring plenty of high factor sunblock, drink plenty of water (bottled), and stick to the coastline where you can quickly cool off. It is always good to check beforehand if your accommodation has air-con or at least a few fans because you will not want to save on it.
The Cool Season:
The best time to visit Thailand is between November and April, when the weather is warm and dry but not as hot as the hot season. The climate varies throughout the country, so be sure to check the region you plan to go to beforehand. This is the best time to travel but is also the high season, so be prepared for crowds.
If you want to travel with fewer crowds, try planning your trip for the shoulder season, from April to June or September to October.
If you want to avoid crowds altogether, your best bet is to travel in the low season, which is July to October, which is, of course, the monsoon season, however, as the rains are so short. Nevertheless, the temperatures are still high; this can be a great option if prepared. If you travel during this time, it is worth noting that some businesses might be closed and transport schedules will be limited, so do some planning and research before making the trip.
Best time to travel
The best time to visit Thailand is between November and April, when the weather is warm and dry but not as hot as the hot season. The climate varies throughout the country, so be sure to check the region you plan to go to beforehand. This is the best time to travel but is also the high season, so be prepared for crowds.
If you want to travel with fewer crowds, try planning your trip for the shoulder season, from April to June or September to October.
If you want to avoid crowds altogether, your best bet is to travel in the low season, which is July to October, which is, of course, the monsoon season, however, as the rains are so short. Nevertheless, the temperatures are still high; this can be a great option if prepared. If you travel during this time, it is worth noting that some businesses might be closed and transport schedules will be limited, so do some planning and research before making the trip.
Local Holidays & Festivities
Thailand is infamous for its nightlife, various themed parties, and local festivities, so you cannot miss out if you find yourself visiting during one of these events. Some of the main festivals are:
Songkran Festival or Water Festival:
This water festival happens over three days in April, is possibly the most fun festival in the world and is a giant water fight. You will find people celebrating by spraying each other with water guns, hoses, bottles, and water balloons, mixed with drinking, dancing, and live music. If you happen to be in Thailand in mid-April, you cannot miss out on this event.
Chinese New Year:
If you find your trip falls in mid-February, you must go to Chinatown in Bangkok, the Yaowaraj area, where incredible festivities will take place within the narrow alleyways. Expect delicious Chinese food, iconic lanterns, dancers, fireworks, and so much more.
Yi Peng or The Lantern Festival:
For an authentic traditional Thai experience, rather than a festival, you cannot miss this beautiful event, which sees an array of lanterns released into the sky along the Peng River. It happens during the November Full Moon and is a fantastic sight to see.
Surin Elephant Festival:
In Thailand, you will notice that there are symbols, statues, and pictures of elephants just about everywhere because the nation strongly worships them. This cultural festival is a great way to discover the heritage of Thailand, and it is held in the northeastern part of the country, in the Surin region, in mid-November.
Boon Bang Fai or The Lantern Festival:
Full Moon Parties:
If there is one thing you will know about before traveling to Thailand, it is, of course, the infamous full moon parties which they are renowned for. These parties are, in fact, the largest beach parties in the world and are an absolute must-do, when in Thailand. The place to go is the island of Koh Phangan, and the best thing about this significant event is that it cannot be missed, considering it is held on the evening of the full moon every night of the year. So be prepared for large crowds, drinking from buckets, crazy vibes, and so much more.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival:
This is one of the main festivals in Thailand and is held in Phuket each October over nine days. Locals give up meat in the month leading up to this festival, and it is seen as a time of purification and a time for prayer to the Nine Emperor Gods. They then celebrate by getting involved in mutilation acts such as piercing their bodies with knives and swords and performing firewalks. Of course, there is a vast selection of vegetarian food here, which makes it an excellent festival for vegetarians to attend.
