Best Time to Visit Thailand

Best Time to Visit Thailand for Ideal Weather

The best time to visit Thailand is during the month of November to early April. During this time, the country has pleasant weather with temperatures hovering between 29°C to 34°C. The weather is neither scorching hot nor unbearably cold with no signs of rain. The season gets the right amount of sunshine to explore various local heritage sites and to spend a lazy day at the beach.

However, the climate of Thailand varies from one region to another. While the east coast of Thailand has amazing weather for most parts of the year, you can get soaked in heavy rains during the month of November. On the other hand, the best time to visit the west coast of Thailand is in the winter months of November to February.

Best Time to Visit Thailand for Diving and Water Sports

Thailand is famous for its underwater coral reefs and marine national parks. Not only tourists but divers from across the globe travel to Thailand to explore its stunning coral reefs. While you can go scuba diving on Thailand’s east coast in the Gulf of Thailand from May to September, the west coast on the Andaman Sea is ideal for scuba diving between November to April as the visibility is better.

Besides, the country also offers other water sports activities for tourists, such as snorkelling, surfing, kayaking, jet-skiing, paddle boarding, etc. You can enjoy these water sports during the same time as scuba diving. You can visit the marine parks of Similan Islands and Surin Islands around the same time as well since it will be closed from mid-May to mid-October.

Where to Dive in Thailand?

The vastness of Thailand’s marine world coupled with warm water makes it a perfect site to go scuba diving. Thailand has over 349 recognized diving sites. In fact, Similan Islands is one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world and the best in Thailand. Take a look at the best places in Thailand to go for scuba diving:

• Similan Islands
• Phi Phi Island
• Koh Lanta
• Phuket
• Krabi
• Khao Lak
• Koh Tao
• Surin Islands

Best Time to Go to Thailand for Bioluminescence

Thailand has several bioluminescent beaches where the colour of the water glows neon at night. The bioluminescent planktons turn the water sparkly during the night of the new moon. The months from November to May is the best time to visit Thailand to see the bioluminescence.

Some of the best bioluminescent beaches in Thailand are Ton Sai beach in Krabi, Maya Bay in Bangkok, Railay Beach, Ao Nang Beach and the beaches of Phi Phi Islands.

Most Affordable Time to Visit Thailand

The off-season from July to September is the most affordable time to visit Thailand. These months are the wettest time of the year in Thailand, which is why most tourists don’t prefer to visit the country. As a result, the flight, hotel and tour prices are at the lowest. Besides, the thin crowd of tourists at this time is an added advantage.

Worst Time to Visit Thailand

Although Thailand is marvellous throughout the year, the months of May to September is considered the worst time to visit the country. The weather becomes unbearably hot during May and June. The sun will be so harsh that it will be difficult for you to step out of your hotel rooms during the daytime. If you cannot handle hot weather, visiting Thailand during these months is not a good idea.

While the heat subsides from July onwards, the monsoon arrives. Thailand experiences heavy rainfall until September, with light showers in October, making the air humid and stuffy. The downpour is so much that the streets get flooded and the country isn’t so exotic anymore.

Moreover, several islands are shut down and the boat services are limited due to choppy waters. So, if you aren’t a fan of the monsoon season, it is best to avoid visiting Thailand between July to September.