Best Time to Visit Thailand in May
Weather, crowds, costs, and events for visiting Thailand in May
Best Time to Visit Thailand in May
The best times to visit Thailand are January to December for hot but dry, and June to August for the cheapest flights and hotels of the year. Both combine favourable conditions with better value than peak alone, and Thailand at its most rewarding.
AT A GLANCE
February
Peak: Peak dry season. Crowds run High — book 3–4 months ahead.
January to December
Hot but dry. Crowd level is High; peak pricing.
June to August
Cheapest flights and hotels of the year. Crowd level is Low; book 2–4 weeks ahead.
Which season is best for Thailand?
May falls in spring — here's what to expect.
Spring
Spring — Beach Weather
March · April · May
Hot season
Spring is when travellers book Thailand for beach weather. Beach Weather timing runs Bangkok (early March); Phuket (mid March); Pattaya (late March). Expect 30–31°C averages with 4–10 rain days/month and high crowds — but hotel rates hit $180–$250/night and high crowds fill the main sights Mid-season sits near 30°C with 4 rain days in March.
Beach Weather [Mar], Hot window [Apr], Long Evenings [May]
Mar 30°C, Apr 31°C, May 31°C — mostly clearer skies (4–10 rain days)
First-timers, photographers, couples, soft hikers
March pushes rates to $180–$250/night with high crowds at headline sights. May brings 10 rain days — outdoor days get cut short without a flexible plan.
Travelling to Thailand in Spring?
Book Thailand's beach weather for March at least 3–4 months out, then spend 2 nights in Bangkok in May where mid rates and medium crowds trade a short hop for calmer spring days.
Summer
Summer — Monsoon Breaks
June · July · August
Rainy season
Summer is when travellers book Thailand for monsoon breaks. Monsoon Breaks timing runs Bangkok (early June); Phuket (mid June); Pattaya (late June). Expect 29–30°C averages with 14–15 rain days/month and low crowds — and yet 14–15 rain days/month can wipe out outdoor plans Mid-season sits near 30°C with 14 rain days in June.
Rainy window [Jun], Wet window [Jul], Wet window [Aug]
Jun 30°C, Jul 29°C, Aug 29°C — frequent rain (14–15 days)
Festival-goers, families, beach seekers, nightlife fans
June pushes rates to $60–$90/night with low crowds at headline sights. July brings 15 rain days — outdoor days get cut short without a flexible plan.
Travelling to Thailand in Summer?
Book Thailand's monsoon breaks for June at least 2–4 weeks out, then spend 2 nights in Bangkok in June where budget rates and low crowds trade a short hop for calmer summer days.
Autumn
Autumn — Clear Trails
September · October · November
Pleasant season
Autumn is when travellers book Thailand for clear trails. Clear Trails timing runs Bangkok (early October); Phuket (mid October); Pattaya (late October). Expect 27–29°C averages with 5–12 rain days/month and high crowds — but hotel rates hit $130–$180/night and high crowds fill the main sights Mid-season sits near 28°C with 8 rain days in October.
Shoulder Deals [Sep], Pleasant window [Oct], Dry Skies [Nov]
Sep 29°C, Oct 28°C, Nov 27°C — mixed skies (5–12 rain days)
Photographers, hikers, food travellers, couples
October pushes rates to $130–$180/night with high crowds at headline sights. September brings 12 rain days — outdoor days get cut short without a flexible plan.
Travelling to Thailand in Autumn?
Book Thailand's clear trails for October at least 2–3 months out, then spend 2 nights in Bangkok in September where mid rates and medium crowds trade a short hop for calmer autumn days.
Winter
Winter — Peak Sightseeing
December · January · February
Peak season
Winter is when travellers book Thailand for peak sightseeing. Peak Sightseeing timing runs Bangkok (early February); Phuket (mid February); Pattaya (late February). Expect 28–29°C averages with 2–3 rain days/month and high crowds — but hotel rates hit $180–$250/night and high crowds fill the main sights Mid-season sits near 29°C with 2 rain days in February.
Holiday Lights [Dec], Dry Skies [Jan], Peak Sightseeing [Feb]
Dec 28°C, Jan 28°C, Feb 29°C — mostly clearer skies (2–3 rain days)
Skiers, budget travellers, museum lovers, festive shoppers
February pushes rates to $180–$250/night with high crowds at headline sights. December brings 3 rain days — outdoor days get cut short without a flexible plan.
Travelling to Thailand in Winter?
Book Thailand's peak sightseeing for February at least 3–4 months out, then spend 2 nights in Bangkok in December where high rates and high crowds trade a short hop for calmer winter days.
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Which month is best for Thailand?
| Month | Avg Temp | Rain Days | Crowds | Cost | Overall | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C | 2 | High | $$$ High | ★★★ Great | Dry-season travel |
| February | 29°C | 2 | High | $$$$ Peak | ★★★ Great | Peak sightseeing |
| March | 30°C | 4 | High | $$$$ Peak | ★★★ Great | Warm outdoor days |
| April | 31°C | 6 | High | $$$ High | ★★ Okay | Warm outdoor days |
| May | 31°C | 10 | Medium | $$ Mid | ★★ Okay | Warm evening outings |
| June | 30°C | 14 | Low | $ Budget | ★ Avoid | Indoor culture days |
| July | 29°C | 15 | Low | $ Budget | ★ Avoid | Indoor culture days |
| August | 29°C | 14 | Low | $ Budget | ★ Avoid | Indoor culture days |
| September | 29°C | 12 | Medium | $$ Mid | ★★ Okay | Shoulder-season value |
| October | 28°C | 8 | High | $$$ High | ★★★ Great | Comfortable sightseeing |
| November | 27°C | 5 | High | $$$ High | ★★★ Great | Dry-season travel |
| December | 28°C | 3 | High | $$$ High | ★★★ Great | Festive city lights |
Temperatures shown as Thailand monthly averages.
Thailand Events and Festivals by Month
Events worth timing your trip around — and how they affect crowds and prices.
Dry season, ideal weather in Thailand
Dry season, ideal weather in Thailand is one of the few Thailand windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in Thailand. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — Thailand January. The practical window lasts about 20 days, while local conditions sit near 28°C with 2 rain days and high crowds.
What to expect
- Expect high footfall around Thailand during January, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 28°C and 2 rain days shape outdoor plans in Thailand across January.
- Skipping the first weekend of January in Thailand often cuts queues without changing the season’s core weather.
- Transport seats and hotels for Thailand (January) sell out 3–4 months ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 3–4 months before JAN dates; peak high demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check Thailand national tourism board seasonal pages before you lock flights or hotels — Verify current-year advisories before booking. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- Keep long-haul moves outside the busiest January weekends; day-trip from a quieter base instead.
Peak demand in Thailand
Peak demand in Thailand is one of the few Thailand windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in Thailand. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — Thailand February. The practical window lasts about 20 days, while local conditions sit near 29°C with 2 rain days and high crowds.
What to expect
- Expect high footfall around Thailand during February, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 29°C and 2 rain days shape outdoor plans in Thailand across February.
- Skipping the first weekend of February in Thailand often cuts queues without changing the season’s core weather.
- Transport seats and hotels for Thailand (February) sell out 3–4 months ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 3–4 months before FEB dates; peak high demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check Thailand national tourism board seasonal pages before you lock flights or hotels — Verify current-year advisories before booking. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- Keep long-haul moves outside the busiest February weekends; day-trip from a quieter base instead.
Heat and humidity in Thailand
Heat and humidity in Thailand is one of the few Thailand windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in Thailand. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — Thailand March. The practical window lasts about 20 days, while local conditions sit near 30°C with 4 rain days and high crowds.
What to expect
- Expect high footfall around Thailand during March, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 30°C and 4 rain days shape outdoor plans in Thailand across March.
- Skipping the first weekend of March in Thailand often cuts queues without changing the season’s core weather.
- Transport seats and hotels for Thailand (March) sell out 3–4 months ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 3–4 months before MAR dates; peak high demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check Thailand national tourism board seasonal pages before you lock flights or hotels — Verify current-year advisories before booking. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- Keep long-haul moves outside the busiest March weekends; day-trip from a quieter base instead.
Songkran (Thai New Year water festival)
Songkran (Songkran) is one of the few Thailand windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in Thailand. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — Bangkok 9–15 Apr extended zones; Chiang Mai 13–15 Apr cultural peak; Pattaya Wan Lai extensions into mid-Apr. The practical window lasts about 7 days, while local conditions sit near 31°C with 6 rain days and high crowds.
What to expect
- Expect high footfall around Bangkok during 9–15 Apr extended zones, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 31°C and 6 rain days shape outdoor plans in Chiang Mai across 13–15 Apr cultural peak.
- Temple mornings before 09:00 stay ceremonial — the street water fights are a separate, later rhythm.
- Transport seats and hotels for Pattaya (Wan Lai extensions into mid-Apr) sell out 2–3 months ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 2–3 months before APR dates; peak very high demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check TAT Newsroom Songkran 2026 advisories before you lock flights or hotels — Official TAT confirmations and city event windows. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- If avoiding water zones, sleep outside Silom/Old City cores and enter after the main splash streets wind down.
Andaman southwest monsoon
Andaman southwest monsoon is one of the few Thailand windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in Thailand. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — Phuket May–Oct peak swell risk; Krabi May–Oct boat cancellations; Koh Samui often drier Jun–Sep (Gulf cycle). The practical window lasts about 150 days, while local conditions sit near 29°C with 15 rain days and low crowds.
What to expect
- Expect low footfall around Phuket during May–Oct peak swell risk, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 29°C and 15 rain days shape outdoor plans in Krabi across May–Oct boat cancellations.
- Switching to Koh Samui in August can flip a washed-out Andaman week into usable beach days.
- Transport seats and hotels for Koh Samui (often drier Jun–Sep (Gulf cycle)) sell out 2–4 weeks ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 2–4 weeks before MAY–OCT dates; peak low demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check Thai Meteorological Department / regional monsoon guides before you lock flights or hotels — Seasonal monsoon timing; daily marine forecasts vary. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- When Phuket/Krabi go wet, pivot to Gulf islands (Samui/Phangan) instead of forcing Andaman boat days.
Low-season rates in Thailand
Low-season rates in Thailand is one of the few Thailand windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in Thailand. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — Thailand June. The practical window lasts about 20 days, while local conditions sit near 30°C with 14 rain days and low crowds.
What to expect
- Expect low footfall around Thailand during June, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 30°C and 14 rain days shape outdoor plans in Thailand across June.
- Skipping the first weekend of June in Thailand often cuts queues without changing the season’s core weather.
- Transport seats and hotels for Thailand (June) sell out 4–6 weeks ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 4–6 weeks before JUN dates; peak low demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check Thailand national tourism board seasonal pages before you lock flights or hotels — Verify current-year advisories before booking. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- Keep long-haul moves outside the busiest June weekends; day-trip from a quieter base instead.
Gulf coast wet season
Gulf coast wet season is one of the few Thailand windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in Thailand. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — Koh Samui Nov often wettest; Koh Phangan Oct–early Dec rain; Phuket usually improving by Nov. The practical window lasts about 60 days, while local conditions sit near 27°C with 5 rain days and high crowds.
What to expect
- Expect high footfall around Koh Samui during Nov often wettest, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 27°C and 5 rain days shape outdoor plans in Koh Phangan across Oct–early Dec rain.
- November Andaman beaches can be the safer bet while Samui takes its heaviest month.
- Transport seats and hotels for Phuket (usually improving by Nov) sell out 4–6 weeks ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 4–6 weeks before OCT–DEC dates; peak medium demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check Thaiger monsoon regional breakdown before you lock flights or hotels — Clear Andaman vs Gulf split; verify marine forecasts weekly. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- Oct–Nov: favour Andaman (Phuket/Krabi) over Gulf islands if you need reliable boat days.
Cool dry season (peak tourism)
Cool dry season (peak tourism) is one of the few Thailand windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in Thailand. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — Bangkok Nov–Feb pleasant days; Chiang Mai Nov–Feb cool nights; Phuket Nov–Feb calmer Andaman seas. The practical window lasts about 90 days, while local conditions sit near 29°C with 2 rain days and high crowds.
What to expect
- Expect high footfall around Bangkok during Nov–Feb pleasant days, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 29°C and 2 rain days shape outdoor plans in Chiang Mai across Nov–Feb cool nights.
- Late November often beats late December for the same beaches at lower festive markups.
- Transport seats and hotels for Phuket (Nov–Feb calmer Andaman seas) sell out 3–4 months ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 3–4 months before NOV–FEB dates; peak high demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) before you lock flights or hotels — National tourism board seasonal guidance. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- Do Andaman beaches (Phuket/Krabi) Nov–Feb; save Gulf islands for the opposite wet cycle.
When is Thailand Cheapest to Visit?
Timing your trip right can save 25 to 40 percent on flights and hotels. Green months are cheapest, red months are most expensive.
Cheapest window
June–August. Save about 25–40% versus $$$$ Peak February; hotels track the same flight discounts in this $ Budget window, so flight and stay costs move together.
Book early regardless
February and March sell out entirely when crowds hit High and pricing hits $$$$ Peak — book accommodation 3–4 months ahead regardless of budget, not only flights.
Best value sweet spot
January, October, November, and December: great weather on this page (~28°C, 2 rain days) at $$$ High pricing; High crowds still keep it from matching February’s sell-out rush.
Cheapest months to visit Thailand
June–August is the cheapest stretch to visit Thailand. $ Budget months on this page typically cut flights about 25–35% versus $$$$ Peak, with hotel rates moving in step rather than lagging. Averages sit near 30°C with roughly 14 rain days, so packing stays simple if you accept cooler or wetter days. The exception: festival or holiday spikes inside an otherwise cheap month can briefly push stays toward $$ Mid even when the band still reads $ Budget.
Most expensive months to visit Thailand
February and March are the most expensive months to visit Thailand. $$$$ Peak and $$$ High rows align with High or Very High crowds and the 3–4 months booking lead already shown for sell-outs. Expect the 25–40% saving story to reverse here — you pay the premium the chart paints in red. Weather can still look strong (29°C, 2 rain days in February), which is why demand sticks. The exception: a shoulder week just outside the core peak label sometimes dips to $$$ High instead of full $$$$ Peak if.
Best value months to visit Thailand
January, October, November, and December offer the best value months to visit Thailand. Great-rated weather pairs with $$$ High instead of $$$$ Peak, so you keep comfort without the full 25–40% penalty of peak pricing. January averages about 28°C with 2 rain days and High crowds — busy enough for open attractions, not yet February-style sell-outs. The exception: once a “value” month overlaps a major holiday cluster, lead times jump back toward 3–4 months even if the cost word has not flipped to $$$$ Peak.
Best Time to Visit Thailand For…
June–August. Flights are typically 25–35% cheaper than peak season — base in Thailand and keep trips flexible inside that budget window.
June–August. Crowd level stays Low with about 30°C averages — base in Thailand for quieter streets and easier bookings.
January and February and December. Expect around 28°C with a great rating — base in Thailand for the most comfortable sightseeing days.
January and February or December. January and February maximises iconic weather in Thailand but draws higher crowds and peak pricing; December trades that rush for calmer streets and still-strong ratings.
February and November. Base in Phuket or Krabi for reliable dry-season seas and island day trips.
January and December. Use Bangkok as your hub for Grand Palace mornings and cooler dry-season walking.
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Best Time to Visit Each City in Thailand
Timing varies across Thailand's main cities. Here is when each is at its best.
Thailand
Chiang Mai
Northern dry season begins in November
Best time to visit
Thailand
Phuket
Peak beach dry season in February
Best time to visitThailand
Bangkok
Dry-season temple weather in January
Best time to visitThailand
Krabi
Rains ease for beaches in October
Best time to visit
Thailand
Pattaya
Dry festive coastal days in December
Best time to visitThailand Travel Essentials
- Currency & cards
- Thai baht (THB). Cards work in cities and resorts; carry cash for markets, street food, and smaller towns.
- Connectivity
- Airport or city SIM / eSIM is straightforward. Free Wi‑Fi is common in hotels, cafés, and many malls.
- Domestic transport
- Bangkok uses BTS, MRT, and taxis or ride-hailing. Between cities, domestic flights, trains, and coaches cover the main routes.
- Etiquette & logistics
- Dress modestly at temples (covered shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering sacred buildings.
- Visa / entry
- Confirm entry rules on Thailand’s official e-Visa site before you book. Official source
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Thailand Travel Timing — FAQ
Everything you need to know about timing your Thailand trip
Plan Thailand as a multi-city trip rather than a single stop: base yourself in one hub first, then add a second region once the main sights feel covered. Match nights to the January–December weather window on this page so you are not rushing between trains.
Everything You Need to Plan Your Thailand Trip
Jump to any guide, itinerary, or planning resource for Thailand.
How we work this out
Temperature and rainfall figures are 30-year meteorological averages. Crowd levels come from national tourism arrival data. Price bands reflect mid-range accommodation and economy flights from major long-haul cities, sampled quarterly.
Last updated 18 July 2026 · Written by the Holicay travel team