Best Time To Visit Thailand?

With Thailand opening to superyachts, now is a good time for foreign-flagged yachts to consider cruising or chartering. Thailand’s high season from November to February, is when the weather is generally at its best throughout the country.

In northern Thailand dry season is between November & May; June to October is characterised by heavy rainfall and temperatures are cooler between October & January. The south can be split into two: the wettest months on the west coast are between April & October; whilst the east coast experiences heavy rainfall from September to December. During the rest of the year, dry and sunny weather is the order of the day.

Known throughout the world for its stunning island cruising, welcoming people, spicy cuisine and outstanding beaches, Thailand offers the complete holiday package. The weather's not bad either, with much of the country experiencing a typically tropical climate consisting of two seasons: dry and wet.

You can visit Thailand throughout the year, however more rural parts become less accessible at the peak of the rainy season and brings higher seas which has its baring on those idyllic beach days.

Andaman Sea

Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta, Koh Kood, Koh Chang, Khao Sok National Park

Thailand’s west coast has three defined seasons. From November to March, many consider conditions to be at their best with a cooling wind keeping the sky-high summer temperatures at bay and making the daytime more comfortable (avg daily temp: 26°C -32°C). Thanks to the breeze, the humidity levels are lower than later in the year.

From March through to May the temperatures rise (avg daily temp: 30°C-36°C) as the cooling winds depart and the humidity rises.

Come late May, monsoonal weather will usually have arrived, which is expected to last through to October. Peak rainfall levels are usually experienced between mid-September and mid-October. Outside of these months, the rain will often come in a short, heavy downpour, usually in the afternoon.

Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand follows the same weather patterns as the Andaman Sea coastline, experiencing most rainfall between May and October, although being one of the wettest areas of the country, rain showers can be expected year-round. Wet season is actually a good time of year to visit the National Park as average temperatures are a comfortable 25-26°C, the rainforest is green and lush, and there is more chance of spotting wildlife.   

Gulf of Thailand

Koh Samui, Koh Phan Ngan, Koh Tao, Khanom

Thailand’s east coast has three defined seasons. From December to February you can expect good weather, with little if any rain, and refreshing winds helping to keep temperatures more moderate. Because of the winds, the sea can be a little ‘dynamic’ creating ideal conditions for water sports enthusiasts.

From March, temperatures will start to rise (avg daily temp: 29°C - 35°C), usually reaching peak levels in April and May. Whilst initially rainfall remains unlikely, by June a little rain becomes is expected, usually in the form of an hour-long afternoon downpour, clearing the way for more blue skies and bright sunshine. In late-August/September the monsoon is expected, bringing with it plenty of rainfall and a rise in humidity. Temperatures are still in the 30ºC's however and you can expect sunny spells interspersed with rainy periods. Rainfall usually peaks between October and November.