Best time to visit Northern Thailand & Laos

The best time to visit Northern Thailand & Laos is December to February, judged across 9 places; July to August are its low season.

in seasongoodnot its bestlow season

Updated September 2026 · Southeast Asia · 9 places, each judged for what it is · climate normals from ERA5 reanalysis

Northern Thailand & Laos month by month

MonthSeasonWhyBest places
Januaryin seasondry season · before the heat · 28°C highsChiang Rai, Luang Prabang, Chiang Mai
Februaryin seasondry season · the humidity has gone · 31°C highsChiang Rai, Nong Khiaw, Luang Prabang
Marchnot its bestsmoke season · best Dec–FebChiang Rai, Pakse, Luang Prabang
Aprilnot its bestsmoke season · 9 wet days · best Dec–FebPakse, Chiang Rai, Luang Prabang
Maynot its bestmonsoon · 34°C highs · best Dec–FebPakse, Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw
Junenot its bestmonsoon · 32°C highs · best Dec–FebChiang Mai, Luang Prabang, Pai
Julylow seasonmonsoon · 31°C highs · best Dec–FebChiang Mai, Pai, Nong Khiaw
Augustlow seasonmonsoon · 31°C highs · best Dec–FebPai, Chiang Mai, Nong Khiaw
Septembernot its bestmonsoon · 32°C highs · best Dec–FebNong Khiaw, Pai, Luang Namtha
Octobernot its bestmonsoon · 31°C highs · best Dec–FebNong Khiaw, Pai, Luang Prabang
Novembergooddry season · before the heat · 30°C highsNong Khiaw, Luang Prabang, Pai
Decemberin seasondry season · before the heat · 28°C highsLuang Prabang, Nong Khiaw, Chiang Rai

In season: one of the region's three best months, and good in its own right. Low season: one of its three worst, and well below its best. The reasons compare each month with the region's own year and name the seasons on the ground — monsoon, autumn colour, hurricanes — where most of its places share them.

All 9 places in Northern Thailand & Laos

Northern Thailand & Laos — FAQ

When is the best time to visit Northern Thailand & Laos?
December to February. In January: dry season · before the heat · 28°C highs.
When is the low season in Northern Thailand & Laos?
July to August. In July: monsoon · 31°C highs · best Dec–Feb.
Which months are in season in Northern Thailand & Laos?
December to February — the months among its best that are also good in their own right.