The best time to visit Thailand
The best time to visit Thailand for warm, sunny weather is November to February, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 81/100 with daytime highs around 29°C / 84°F. October and March are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun. Midsummer peaks in March at about 33°C / 91°F — hot for sightseeing, ideal for the coast. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) year-round, warmest in May at 33°C.
Thailand by month, averaged across 15 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 83 | 29° / 84°F | 63 mm | 29° | Excellent |
| February | 82 | 31° / 88°F | 21 mm | 30° | Excellent |
| March | 67 | 33° / 91°F | 71 mm | 31° | Very good |
| April | 59 | 33° / 91°F | 93 mm | 32° | Very good |
| May | 61 | 32° / 90°F | 191 mm | 33° | Very good |
| June | 66 | 30° / 86°F | 191 mm | 32° | Very good |
| July | 66 | 30° / 86°F | 211 mm | 31° | Very good |
| August | 66 | 30° / 86°F | 231 mm | 31° | Very good |
| September | 66 | 29° / 84°F | 256 mm | 30° | Very good |
| October | 69 | 29° / 84°F | 209 mm | 31° | Very good |
| November | 77 | 29° / 84°F | 165 mm | 30° | Excellent |
| December | 80 | 28° / 82°F | 109 mm | 30° | Excellent |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: November to February — Thailand's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 81/100, ~29°C / 84°F days). Shoulder season: October and March — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: March, ~33°C / 91°F. Wettest: September (256 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Ubon Ratchathani (2,759 h/yr), Khon Kaen (2,716 h/yr), Phitsanulok (2,716 h/yr). See where it's sunniest in Thailand month by month, the hottest places in Thailand, or every Thailand destination with a full climate card.