So you’re thinking about jetting off to the Land of Smiles, eh? Well, you’re in for a treat – Thailand is truly a gem with its bustling cities, idyllic islands, and mouth-watering cuisine. But hold up… before you start packing those bags, let me share some insider info with you.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand multiple times, and boy, have I learned a thing or two about when to go – and more importantly, when NOT to go. Yep, you heard right, there’s a worst time to visit Thailand, and trust me, you want to avoid it.
So pull up a chair, my friend. It’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty details of Thai weather patterns and how they can make or break your trip. Get ready to take some notes – this is going to be a game-changer for your Thai adventure planning!
When Is The Worst Time To Visit Thailand?
The worst time to visit Thailand is during the monsoon season, which typically runs from July to October. During this time, the country experiences heavy rainfall and frequent thunderstorms.
Another terrible time to visit Thailand is during the hot season, which lasts from March to June. Temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius, making it unbearable for some tourists.
Some might also consider the peak season (November to February) a bad time to visit. While the weather is pleasant during this time, it also means that the country is crowded with tourists and prices for accommodations and activities are at their highest.
Monsoon Season (Worst Weather and Rainiest)
The monsoon season in Thailand runs from July to October, with September being the wettest month. During this time, the country experiences high levels of humidity and frequent heavy rainfall.
This can make it challenging for tourists to explore outdoor attractions such as national parks, temples and beaches. The heavy rains also create muddy and slippery conditions, making it difficult to engage in activities like hiking or water sports.
In addition, the monsoon season also brings with it a higher risk of flooding, especially in low-lying areas. This can disrupt travel plans and cause inconvenience for tourists.
I visited Thailand many times during the rainy season, and I thought that all would be lost. But even during the wet season, there are breaks in the clouds, and the sun shines through.
Hot Season (Worst For Heat And Humidity)
The hot season in Thailand lasts from March to June, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius. The high levels of heat and humidity can make it challenging to enjoy outdoor activities, and even just walking around the cities can be exhausting.
During this time, many tourists opt to stay indoors or visit air-conditioned attractions, such as shopping malls. This is usually okay if you visit places like Bangkok or Chiang Mai.
But if you are planning to visit the islands to places like Phuket and Koh Samui, then the high temperatures can make it difficult to fully appreciate its natural beauty.
Peak Season (Worst For Prices)
The peak season in Thailand runs from November to February, which coincides with the country’s dry season. This is when the weather is most pleasant, and tourists can expect sunny days with cool breezes.
However, this also means that prices for accommodations and activities are significantly higher compared to other times of the year. Popular tourist spots can be overcrowded, making it challenging to fully enjoy the experience.
Flight tickets and transportation costs may also be more expensive during this time. Many consider this a bad time to visit, but from my experience, since Thailand is so affordable already, it makes little difference to me.
How To Make Your Travel Experience Better During The Low Season In Thailand?
If you are visiting during the hot season or the monsoon season in Thailand, then you are visiting during the low season. While this may not be the most ideal time to visit, there are still ways to make your travel experience better.
If you are visiting during the hot season, try to plan your activities and sightseeing for the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are slightly cooler.
If you are visiting during the monsoon season, it is best to have a flexible itinerary. Check the weather forecast and plan your activities accordingly. Also, places in the eastern part of Thailand (such as Koh Chang) experience lower rainfall compared to other regions during this time.
If you are visiting during the peak season, it is advisable to book accommodations and activities in advance to avoid higher prices and availability issues. You can also consider visiting lesser-known destinations or off-the-beaten-path attractions to avoid the crowds.
Worst Months To Visit Thailand
April
April marks the start of Thailand’s hot season, which brings scorching temperatures (up to 40 degrees Celcius) and high humidity. The heat can be intense, especially in inland areas like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, making outdoor activities uncomfortable for many travelers.
April is when Thailand celebrates its traditional New Year, known as Songkran, which involves nationwide water fights.
I personally love this event because it is so much fun and the water fights help cool you down, but it also means crowded streets, traffic congestion, and limited services as many locals take time off to celebrate.
May
May in Thailand can be hot and humid, but it also marks the transition from the hot season to the onset of the rainy season. Temperatures can vary across the country, but generally, it’s still relatively hot, especially in central areas like Bangkok and inland regions.
Daytime temperatures can often range from the high 20s to mid-30s degrees Celsius (80s to mid-90s Fahrenheit).
The humidity levels are also quite high during this time, which can make the heat feel more intense.
August
August is one of the wettest months in Thailand, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms occurring frequently. This can disrupt outdoor activities, and some national parks may even close due to unsafe conditions.
It is one of the months that is rainy in almost the entire country, and there is not much tourists can do to avoid it. Mosquitoes are also at an all-time high, which can make traveling uncomfortable for travelers.
September
September marks the peak of the rainy season in many parts of Thailand. Heavy and consistent rainfall can lead to flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and regions prone to inundation. This is especially true in places on the west coast of Thailand, such as Phuket and Krabi.
The rise in rainfall always raises the level of humidity. And when combined with the year-round warm temperatures of Thailand, it can be quite challenging for travelers that aren’t used to tropical climates.
Consider visiting places in Northern Thailand during this time of the year, as the rainy season is starting to pass.
I would also personally recommend visiting some of the national parks in Thailand during this time. In places such as Khao Sok National Park, the rain makes the landscape a lot more green and lush, and the rain makes the wildlife a lot more active.
December
December is the peak season in Thailand, with many tourists flocking to the country during this time for their winter getaways and holidays. While temperatures are cooler and more comfortable compared to other months, the influx of tourists can make popular destinations overcrowded.
Additionally, prices for accommodations and activities also tend to be higher during this month due to demand.
Worst Time to Visit Thailand by City
Every destination in Thailand has a slightly different weather pattern than another. Even though the wet season and the hot season are generally the worst times to visit, it might not be the exact case for every city.
Bangkok
The worst time to visit Bangkok is during the hot season, from March to June. The high temperatures and humidity can be unbearable for many travelers, and it is also when air pollution levels are at their highest.
Wet season isn’t too horrible in Bangkok since the city has a plethora of indoor attractions for travelers to enjoy.
Phuket
The worst time to visit Phuket is during monsoon season, from May to November. Heavy rainfall and rough seas can disrupt beach activities, and many island tours and water sports may be unavailable.
Phuket during the hot season isn’t terrible, as travelers can just lounge by the pool or the beach in the day time and enjoy Phuket’s incredible nightlife later in the day.
📚 Read More: When Is The Best Time To Visit Phuket?
Chiang Mai
The worst time to visit Chiang Mai is during the burning season in late February to early April. This is when farmers burn their fields to prepare for the next crop, causing extremely high temperatures and pollution levels.
Not only can this be harmful for travelers with respiratory issues, but it also takes away from the beauty of Chiang Mai’s surroundings and can make outdoor activities unpleasant.
📚 Read More: When Is The Best Time To Visit Chiang Mai?
Krabi
Similar to Phuket, the worst time to visit Krabi is during the monsoon season, from May to October. Heavy rainfall and rough seas can make some popular beach areas inaccessible, and many island tours may be canceled.
Krabi during the hot season isn’t terrible, but it can get quite crowded with tourists flocking to the beaches, so travelers may want to consider visiting during the shoulder season for a more comfortable experience.
Koh Samui
Similar to the islands in the south of Thailand, the worst time to visit Koh Samui, Thailand, is typically during the rainy season which usually falls around October and November.
The rainy season in Koh Samui is characterized by frequent and heavy rains, which might disrupt outdoor activities and travel plans.
The island doesn’t have the best infrastructure, and flooding is not uncommon.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Thailand?
The best time to visit Thailand depends on your preferences and the activities you plan to do.
Overall, the best time to visit Thailand is during the cool season from November to February when the temperatures are milder and humidity levels are lower. However, keep in mind that this is also peak tourist season, so prices may be higher and popular destinations can get quite crowded.
If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-October. These months offer lower hotel rates, fewer tourists, and still decent weather.
If you want to experience Thailand’s vibrant festivals like Songkran or Loy Krathong, which are quintessential Thailand bucket list experiences that I highly recommend, plan your trip around April or November respectively.
Worst Time To Go To Thailand FAQs
Is it Safe to Travel to Thailand During the Monsoon Season?
While it is generally safe, travelers should take extra precautions and be aware of any weather-related warnings or advisories in the area they are visiting.
Which Month to Avoid Thailand?
The worst time to visit Thailand varies depending on the region you are visiting. Generally, the hot season (March-June) and rainy season (May-November) should be avoided. However, certain cities may have different peak seasons or months to avoid.
What is the Busiest Month in Thailand?
The busiest month in Thailand is December and January. This coincides with the peak tourist season, which runs from November to April. During these months, the island sees an influx of visitors from all around the world, looking to escape the cold weather and enjoy a warm tropical holiday.
When Is The Most Expensive Time to Visit Thailand?
The most expensive time to visit Thailand is during the peak tourist season, from November to April. Accommodation prices and activity costs tend to be higher during this time due to increased demand.
Final Thoughts: Worst Time To Visit Thailand
If you have read this far down the article, then you’ll know that the monsoon season and the hot season are generally considered the worst times to visit Thailand. The peak season can also be a bad time, especially if you are a budget traveler.
It is also important to keep in mind that Thailand is a very big country, so while certain areas may not be ideal to visit during a specific time, there are still plenty of other destinations and activities that can make your trip worthwhile!