Best time to visit Thailand from the UK

If you’re looking for a vibrant, sun-filled holiday spot with friendly locals, Thailand could be the perfect choice. While it’s possible to enjoy the country year-round, the weather can affect some of your plans.

Curious about the best time to visit Thailand from the UK? Read our guide for all the information on weather, flight prices and top activities in Thailand, so you can plan the perfect trip.

We’ll also mention the Wise card, a cost-effective option for spending in Thailand. It allows you to spend in 150+ countries, with low, transparent fees* and the mid-market exchange rate.

When is the best time to visit Thailand from UK

The best time to visit Thailand depends on what you want to do and how much you’re looking to spend. The most pleasant weather usually falls between November and February, but this also tends to be the busiest and most expensive time to travel.

Thailand offers plenty to enjoy all year round, not just beaches during the dry months. It’s helpful to understand the wet and dry seasons so you can plan ahead, but you can still enjoy a memorable trip even when the weather turns rainy.

We’ll break down the seasons and help you decide the best time to visit Thailand, along with ideas for what you can do throughout the year.

Dry season: November to February

If you want to avoid rainy weather, the best time to visit Thailand is from November to February. These are considered the cooler winter months, but temperatures remain pleasant and are perfect for city-hopping or relaxing on the beach. Keep in mind that this is also the most expensive time to visit, so it may not be ideal if you are traveling on a budget.

In November, popular coastal destinations like Khao Lak, Phuket and Krabi are great to visit. However, it is best to avoid the Lower Gulf and islands such as Koh Samui, which tend to get heavy rainfall during this time.

The warm weather continues through December, but larger crowds are expected around Christmas. If you are planning a holiday break in Thailand, make sure to book flights and accommodation well in advance.

January and February are perfect for travellers who prefer to wait until the Christmas crowds have thinned. During these months, you can enjoy the beaches, experience festivals like the Flower Festival in Chiang Mai, or celebrate the Lunar New Year in Bangkok.

Hot season: March to May

During these months, temperatures are at their highest in most parts of the country. If you want to experience some of Thailand’s most famous festivals, the Thai New Year or Songkran festival in April is not to be missed.

March is also an ideal month for beach holidays. The weather is perfect, there are fewer tourists and tropical fruits are in peak season, making it a great time to try local foods.

Songkran in April is a lively celebration with street parties and water fights. If you want to experience Thailand at its most vibrant, plan to visit in mid-April. Keep in mind that this is the hottest month of the year, so it is not the best time for vigorous outdoor activities.

May marks the shoulder season just before the heavy rains. You can still expect plenty of sunshine and flight and accommodation costs usually drop, which will allow you to enjoy resorts on the Andaman Sea for a fraction of the usual price.

Wet season: June to October

The rainy season in Thailand starts around June, but the heaviest rainfalls are usually expected in September. If this is your only time off, you can still find good deals and nice weather in some parts of the country.

If you’re visiting in June, July or August, you can enjoy pleasant weather in the eastern side of Thailand. June is still great for trekking, while the islands in the Gulf of Thailand like Koh Samui are a good choice in July and August.

August is the rainiest month of the year and it’s recommended that you avoid the northern part of the country at this time. This is a good time for indoor activities or destinations like Hua Hin, if you’d still like to hit the beach.

September can bring heavy rain and sometimes even flooding, but if you’re willing to gamble, it will be very affordable. Make sure you check rain predictions so you can avoid any weather extremes.

The humidity decreases in October, but so do the temperatures. This is a great time to visit some popular festivals, like the nine-day Vegetarian Festival in Phuket. It’s held in honor of the Nine Emperor Gods of Taoism and it’s a great way to experience the local culture and delicious plant-based food.

What to do in Thailand

The Land of Smiles is an exciting and friendly place, with bustling cities and breathtaking landscapes around every corner. Here are some of the top experiences to consider adding to your Thailand itinerary.

Visit the markets

Thailand’s vibrant markets are a great way to experience local culture, try authentic food and pick up unique souvenirs. Whether you explore the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok or one of the famous floating markets, this will be an unforgettable experience.

You can find everything from antiques and clothes to spices and street food. Make sure you set aside enough time for this and that you have enough cash.

Get a traditional Thai massage

Thailand is renowned for its traditional massages, which combine stretching, acupressure and yoga-inspired poses. You can enjoy them at specialised spas, where they’re often paired with aromatherapy or herbal compresses, or at local shops.

A massage can be a great start to your trip or a way to recharge after long days of sightseeing.

Visit the festivals

Festivals like Yi Peng, Loy Krathong or Songkran offer a unique window into Thai culture. These celebrations showcase the country’s traditions and joyful spirit, making each festival a memorable experience.

Try authentic Thai food

Although Thai food is popular around the world, nothing compares to tasting dishes made with fresh local ingredients in Thailand itself. Whether you go to high-end restaurants or street food stalls, trying authentic Thai food is an essential part of your visit.

Planning a trip to Thailand from the UK

Whether you’re planning to sunbathe and swim, roam the cities or admire Thai temples, getting there is the first important step to plan. Let’s cover some practical things about arriving in Thailand.

Thailand visa requirements

With a British passport, you can enter Thailand as a tourist for up to 60 days without a visa. For longer stays or other purposes of travel, you’ll need to apply for an appropriate visa.¹

While you don’t need a tourist visa, you’ll need to complete the Thai digital arrival card before landing. You can do this up to 3 days before you arrive in Thailand.

Flights to Thailand from the UK

You can arrive in Thailand by plane from cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh. On average, the flight time is around 12 hours and the most popular airline is Thai Airways. Other available carriers include Air Canada, EVA Air and Norse Atlantic Airways.²

At the moment, the cheapest month for flying to Thailand from the UK is January, when you can find a ticket for around £330. In other parts of the year, such as July and August, tickets prices start at about £500.² Ticket prices can vary based on how far in advance you book, your departure airport and current fuel surcharges, so we recommend checking before you decide to book.

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Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 27-Nov-2025