Updated 18 October 2026 · Best Versions team · اقرأ بالعربية
The quick rule
- Thailand's Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi): best from November to April; rain and waves from May to October.
- The Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui): best from January to August; heaviest rain October to December.
- Bangkok: most pleasant from November to February, very hot from March to May, short showers from June to October.
- Chiang Mai: best from November to February. In March and April smoke from crop burning can be heavy.
- Langkawi and Penang: best from December to April, wetter from September to November.
- Kuala Lumpur: fine all year, with afternoon showers.
- Malaysia's east-coast islands (Perhentian and Redang): March to October only; most resorts close in the monsoon from November to February.
- Bali: dry season from April to October, busiest in July and August, rainy from November to March.
Month by month
| Month | Best destinations | Avoid or watch out |
|---|---|---|
| January and February | Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Langkawi, Penang | Bali is rainy, Malaysia's east coast is closed |
| March and April | Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Langkawi, Penang, Bali from April | Intense heat in Bangkok, possible smoke in Chiang Mai |
| May and June | Koh Samui, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Perhentian and Redang | Start of the rainy season in Phuket and Krabi |
| July and August | Bali, Koh Samui, Kuala Lumpur and the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia's east coast | Crowds and higher prices in Bali, rough sea in Phuket |
| September and October | Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok for the city and shopping | Rain in Langkawi, Penang and Phuket |
| November and December | Phuket and Krabi (improving from mid-November), Bangkok, Chiang Mai | Rain in Koh Samui; Bali is rainy |
Gulf summer holidays (June to August)
Your best choices: Bali at its finest, Koh Samui instead of Phuket, and Malaysia between Kuala Lumpur, the cool highlands and an east-coast island. Phuket is possible if you care more about hotels and activities than the sea, but swimming on open beaches can be dangerous because of the currents.
Winter and mid-year school holidays
From December to February Thailand's Andaman coast is at its peak, Langkawi is calm and lovely, and Chiang Mai is pleasantly cool. Book early for December, as prices rise around New Year.
Planning the budget too? Read how much a Thailand trip costs.
Weather changes from year to year; these are general patterns, not guarantees. Check the forecast a week before you travel.
Book for your trip to South-East Asia:
Hotels: Agoda
Flights: Search flights · Activities: Klook · Tiqets
eSIM data: Airalo · Saily · Airport transfers: Welcome Pickups · Kiwitaxi
Partner links: booking, payment and cancellations are handled by the partner directly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Thailand?
For the beaches of Phuket and Krabi: December to March. For the cities: November to February. In summer, choose Koh Samui.
Is Bali good in summer?
Yes; July and August have some of its best weather, but they are also the busiest and most expensive months, so book early.
Can I travel to Phuket in the rainy season?
Yes; rain usually comes in short showers and prices are lower, but the sea is rough, some island trips are cancelled and swimming on open beaches can be dangerous.
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Start planning my trip Ask an expert for a quotePrices and timings in this article are estimates and change with the season. Check the visa rules for your nationality with official sources before you travel.