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For most travellers the best time to visit Thailand is November to March, when the whole country enjoys warm, dry, sunny days. But with two very different coastlines, Thailand has good beach weather almost year-round, so the ideal month really depends on where you are headed.
Thailand runs on a cool season (November to February), a hot season (March to May) and a rainy season (roughly June to October).
The cool season is the sweet spot: comfortable temperatures, low humidity and blue skies over Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the temples. The hot season sizzles, particularly inland, while the rains bring lush landscapes and short, heavy downpours rather than constant grey.
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This is the key to timing a Thai beach holiday, because the coasts have opposite rhythms.
If your dates are fixed, simply choose the coast that is in season and you will still get postcard weather.
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For the Andaman islands, December to March delivers calm, clear water ideal for snorkelling and diving. The famous Similan Islands typically open from mid-October to mid-May before closing to let the reefs recover.
Over on the Gulf side, the full-moon months of July and August are lively and largely dry, making Samui and its neighbours a smart shout when the west coast is wet.
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Two celebrations are worth building a trip around. Songkran, the Thai New Year in mid-April, turns the streets into the world's biggest water fight, a gloriously soggy way to beat the heat.
In November, Loy Krathong and Yi Peng see thousands of candlelit floats and glowing lanterns released across the rivers and skies, most magically in Chiang Mai.
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For a first trip combining temples, cities and beaches, aim for December to February. You will get the country's finest weather across the board, ideal for exploring Bangkok, the northern hills and the Andaman coast in one go.
Our small-group Thailand adventures are timed to make the most of these windows, so you can relax knowing the season is on your side.
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