The best time to visit Thailand

The more mountainous areas of northern Thailand experience the greatest range in temperatures, dropping significantly at nighttime during the cool season from November to February. Although you'll need to pack warmer evening clothing, don’t let this put you off as the days are lovely and mild and the countryside is lush and in bloom.

During the hot season from March to May, this region is often much warmer than the central plains, with the northeast in particular having to deal with dust clouds and humidity.

In contrast, temperatures are more consistent in southern Thailand. However, there are differences between the eastern and western coasts. The rainy season hits the west, or Andaman coast, harder than elsewhere in Thailand. Therefore, it's best to visit during the drier months from November to April, when there's also great snorkelling and diving.

The east, or Thailand’s Gulf coast, lies outside of the country’s general weather pattern. This part of the southern peninsula and its islands instead feel the effects of the northeast monsoon, which sees rainfall from October to January, with the highest amount in November.

Bangkok is generally hot and humid throughout the year and can be considered a year-round destination. However, the cool season from November to February is thought to be the best time to visit, with cooler temperatures allowing for easy exploration of the city on foot.

March to May are the hottest months in Bangkok and see sudden bouts of rainfall. This is also the time when the Thai New Year is celebrated so Bangkok has a great festival atmosphere. May to October is then regarded as the low season, with lower prices available for accommodation and excursions. Although there is frequent rainfall, visitors can still enjoy indoor activities such as shopping and visiting Bangkok’s famous temples.

November to February is the best time to visit Chiang Mai, with cooler temperatures being perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities such as trekking. This is also peak season, with January seeing the highest influx of tourists.

The hot season from March to May sees very high temperatures in Chiang Mai, and you’ll most likely want to spend your afternoons relaxing by the pool. Temperatures cool again for the rainy season from June to October, however alongside the showers you can expect humidity levels to rise.

Likewise to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is best visited during the cool season from November to February, when you can expect clear skies and cool, refreshing temperatures perfect for outdoor activities.

Nevertheless, Chiang Rai is considered a year-round destination. Just be aware that the hottest temperatures are experienced in the month of May, during the hot season, and August and September see the most showers during Thailand’s rainy season.

Khao Sok is open year-round, however it is Thailand’s wettest region as it receives rainfall from both the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand monsoons. Visitors should therefore be prepared for rainfall at any time of year, which is to be expected seeing as much of the park is covered in tropical rainforest.

Despite this, less rain is observed during the drier months of December to April. March and April are the park’s hottest months and also see the greatest humidity. May is then the best month for bird watching as this is when mating season starts. May to July and October to November see the greatest rainfall, however as these periods are outside of school holiday seasons availability is much easier to come by.

Koh Samui is best visited during the cool season from December to February. Although temperatures are slightly lower, you can expect clear skies and you won’t have to face the sweltering midday heat of the hot season from March to May.

The wettest months are from September to November, however rainfall tends to only occur in small downpours, leaving the rest of the day fairly dry and sunny. Although this is not considered the best time to visit Koh Samui, many holiday makers still travel during this time to take advantage of the lower prices for flights and hotels.