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When to go · Thailand

Thailand in January

Great month. Cool and dry nearly everywhere: the easiest month; book islands and Chiang Mai early.

Key facts

Verdict
Great
Crowds
High
Thailand
Prices
High
Thailand

Verdict

GreatVoykit month rating for Thailand

Cool and dry nearly everywhere: the easiest month; book islands and Chiang Mai early.

Is another month better than January?

No other month rates higher than January for Thailand in this guide.

Weather in January

  • Bangkok and centre · Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburibest weather

    Cool season Nov–Feb is the easy window; April reaches 38 °C (100 °F); September and October bring street flooding in short bursts.

  • North · Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Paibest weather

    Cool nights Dec–Jan; the burning season (Feb–Apr) puts air quality among the worst in Asia — check AQI before booking.

  • Andaman coast · Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Khao Lakbest weather

    Southwest monsoon May–Oct: rough seas, red-flag beaches, and the Similan and Surin parks closed.

  • Gulf islands · Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Taofine

    Opposite rhythm: dry and calm Feb–Sep, wettest Oct–Dec when ferries can cancel.

  • Eastern Thailand: Eastern Gulf Coast · Pattaya, Rayong, Ko Samet, Ko Changbest weather

    The Gulf side takes most of its rain from May to October; November to February is the drier, cooler window and the peak for island beds.

  • Isaan: Khorat Plateau · All of Isaancool

    Dec–Jan days 25–30 °C (77–86 °F), nights down to about 10 °C (50 °F). Feb–Apr 30–35 °C (86–95 °F) and humid, with smoky air from cane burning. May–Aug very wet.

  • Ko Pha-ngan: Ko Pha-ngan · Gulf of Thailandbest weather

    Best months Dec–Mar (dry, clear water). Jul–Aug is a secondary warm season with less rain. May–Oct is monsoon with heavy rain and rough seas.

  • Ko Samui: Ko Samui · Gulf of Thailandfine

    Dry season Feb–Sep; rainy season Oct–Dec with heavy downpours. Best months: Jan–Feb (dry and slightly cooler).

  • Northern Thailand: Chiang Mai and the plains · valleys and lowland citiesbest weather

    Cool season Nov–Feb brings 15–20 °C (59–68 °F) nights; Mar–May is 35 °C (95 °F)+ and smoky; Jun–Oct is green with afternoon rain.

  • Northern Thailand: Hill country (Mae Hong Son, Doi Inthanon) · above about 1,000 mcold

    Cold-season nights on the ridges can drop near freezing; bring a layer even in the hot season.

  • Southern Thailand: Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Lanta, Lipe) · west-facing coastbest weather

    Dry roughly Nov–Apr; May–Oct brings rain and rougher seas, and some islands and dive sites shut.

  • Southern Thailand: Gulf coast (Samui, Phangan, Tao) · east-facing coast south of Chumphonfine

    Driest roughly Feb–Sep; heaviest rain and wind Oct–Dec.

  • Bangkok32 °C (90 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Amnat Charoen30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 2 rain days
  • Amphawa31 °C (88 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 5 rain days
  • Ang Thong32 °C (90 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Ao Luek33 °C (91 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 4 rain days
  • Ao Nai Wok29 °C (84 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 10 rain days
  • Ao Nang32 °C (90 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 4 rain days
  • Aranyaprathet32 °C (90 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 1 rain days
  • Ban Kai30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 6 rain days
  • Ban Krut30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Ban Phe31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Ban Rak Thai22 °C (72 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 5 rain days
  • Ban Tai32 °C (90 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 6 rain days
  • Bang Pa‑In31 °C (88 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 2 rain days
  • Bang Rak30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 11 rain days
  • Bang Saen30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Bang Thao32 °C (90 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 6 rain days
  • Betong27 °C (81 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 12 rain days
  • Bophut30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 6 rain days
  • Bottle Beach30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 11 rain days
  • Buriram30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days
  • Cape Panwa31 °C (88 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 5 rain days
  • Cha-am31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Chachoengsao31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 1 rain days
  • Chai Nat31 °C (88 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 2 rain days
  • Chaiya32 °C (90 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days
  • Chaiyaphum30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days
  • Chalok Lam30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 2 rain days
  • Chalong Bay31 °C (88 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 2 rain days
  • Chaweng29 °C (84 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 9 rain days
  • Chiang Dao29 °C (84 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 1 rain days
  • Chiang Khan22 °C (72 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 5 rain days
  • Chiang Khong29 °C (84 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 2 rain days
  • Chiang Rai29 °C (84 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 2 rain days
  • Chiang Saen29 °C (84 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 2 rain days
  • Choeng Mon29 °C (84 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 9 rain days
  • Chonburi31 °C (88 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 2 rain days
  • Chong Mek30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days
  • Chumphon30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days
  • Damnoen Saduak32 °C (90 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 2 rain days
  • Dan Chang32 °C (90 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 1 rain days
  • Doi Tung28 °C (82 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 2 rain days
  • Fang28 °C (82 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 2 rain days
  • Haad Chao Phao29 °C (84 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 8 rain days
  • Haad Rin30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 6 rain days
  • Haad Salad30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 14 rain days
  • Haad Son30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 10 rain days
  • Haad Yao30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 2 rain days
  • Had Yao32 °C (90 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 4 rain days
  • Hang Chat31 °C (88 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 1 rain days
  • Hat Lek31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days
  • Hat Yai31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days
  • Hua Hin30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Jom Jang30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 1 rain days
  • Jomtien31 °C (88 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 1 rain days
  • Kalasin32 °C (90 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 2 rain days
  • Kamala31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 5 rain days
  • Kamphaeng Phet32 °C (90 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 1 rain days
  • Kanchanaburi33 °C (91 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 1 rain days
  • Karon32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 4 rain days
  • Kata32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 4 rain days
  • Khanom31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Khok Kloi28 °C (82 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days
  • Khon Kaen31 °C (88 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 1 rain days
  • Khun Yuam29 °C (84 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 1 rain days
  • Ko Bulon Leh31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 5 rain days
  • Ko Kret32 °C (90 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 1 rain days
  • Ko Kut30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Ko Lipe32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 3 rain days
  • Ko Mak31 °C (88 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 3 rain days
  • Ko Muk30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 6 rain days
  • Ko Nang Yuan30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 2 rain days
  • Ko Samet31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Ko Sichang31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Ko Sire32 °C (90 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 4 rain days
  • Ko Tao30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 6 rain days
  • Krabi Town32 °C (90 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 4 rain days
  • Laem Chabang31 °C (88 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 2 rain days
  • Laem Sing31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 2 rain days
  • Laem Yai30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 8 rain days
  • Lamai29 °C (84 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 6 rain days
  • Lampang31 °C (88 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 1 rain days
  • Lamphun28 °C (82 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 2 rain days
  • Lang Suan31 °C (88 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 3 rain days
  • Loei30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 2 rain days
  • Lom Sak32 °C (90 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Lopburi32 °C (90 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 1 rain days
  • Mae Hong Son30 °C (86 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 1 rain days
  • Mae La Noi30 °C (86 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 1 rain days
  • Mae Nam30 °C (86 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 2 rain days
  • Mae Rim31 °C (88 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 1 rain days
  • Mae Sai29 °C (84 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 2 rain days
  • Mae Salong24 °C (75 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 2 rain days
  • Mae Sariang28 °C (82 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 2 rain days
  • Mae Sot32 °C (90 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 1 rain days
  • Maha Sarakham31 °C (88 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 2 rain days
  • Mai Khao31 °C (88 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 2 rain days
  • Mukdahan30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days
  • Nai Han31 °C (88 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 2 rain days
  • Nai Thon and Nai Yang32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 2 rain days
  • Nakhon Nayok31 °C (88 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 5 rain days
  • Nakhon Pathom32 °C (90 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 3 rain days
  • Nakhon Phanom30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 2 rain days
  • Nakhon Ratchasima31 °C (88 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 1 rain days
  • Nakhon Sawan32 °C (90 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 1 rain days
  • Nakhon Si Thammarat30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days
  • Nan30 °C (86 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 1 rain days
  • Nang Rong31 °C (88 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days
  • Narathiwat31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 8 rain days
  • Nathon30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 10 rain days
  • Nong Bua Lamphu30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 2 rain days
  • Nong Khai30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 1 rain days
  • Nonthaburi32 °C (90 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days
  • Padang Besar30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days
  • Pai29 °C (84 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 1 rain days
  • Pak Bara31 °C (88 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 6 rain days
  • Pak Chong30 °C (86 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 2 rain days
  • Pangmapha29 °C (84 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 1 rain days
  • Pathum Thani31 °C (88 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 2 rain days
  • Patong32 °C (90 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 4 rain days
  • Pattani30 °C (86 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 6 rain days
  • Phatthalung30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days
  • Phayao29 °C (84 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 1 rain days
  • Phetchabun30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days
  • Phetchaburi32 °C (90 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days
  • Phichit30 °C (86 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 5 rain days
  • Phimai31 °C (88 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 2 rain days
  • Phitsanulok32 °C (90 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 1 rain days
  • Phon Phisai30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 2 rain days
  • Phrae30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 2 rain days
  • Phuket Town33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 4 rain days
  • Prachinburi31 °C (88 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 1 rain days
  • Prachuap Khiri Khan30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 3 rain days
  • Rai Leh32 °C (90 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 4 rain days
  • Rangsit31 °C (88 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 5 rain days
  • Ranong32 °C (90 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 4 rain days
  • Ratchaburi32 °C (90 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Rawai31 °C (88 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 2 rain days
  • Roi Et30 °C (86 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 1 rain days
  • Sadao31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 6 rain days
  • Sakon Nakhon30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 1 rain days
  • Samoeng22 °C (72 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 5 rain days
  • Samut Prakan31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 3 rain days
  • Samut Sakhon31 °C (88 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 2 rain days
  • Samut Songkhram32 °C (90 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days
  • Sangkhla Buri32 °C (90 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 1 rain days
  • Saraburi32 °C (90 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 1 rain days
  • Sathing Phra30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 1 rain days
  • Satun32 °C (90 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 4 rain days
  • Si Racha32 °C (90 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 2 rain days
  • Si Satchanalai23 °C (73 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 5 rain days
  • Sing Buri32 °C (90 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 5 rain days
  • Sisaket31 °C (88 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 2 rain days
  • Songkhla31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 2 rain days
  • Sri Thanu30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 10 rain days
  • Sukhothai32 °C (90 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 1 rain days
  • Sungai Kolok30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Suphanburi32 °C (90 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 1 rain days
  • Surat Thani30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days
  • Surin, Southern Thailand32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 4 rain days
  • Surin31 °C (88 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 1 rain days
  • Tak Bai30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Tak32 °C (90 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 4 rain days
  • Takua Pa32 °C (90 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days
  • Thaton29 °C (84 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 1 rain days
  • Thong Nai Pan30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 3 rain days
  • Thong Sala30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 6 rain days
  • Thonglang Bay30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 8 rain days
  • Ton Sai32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 5 rain days
  • Trat30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Ubon Ratchathani32 °C (90 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 1 rain days
  • Udon Thani30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 1 rain days
  • Umphang32 °C (90 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 1 rain days
  • Uthai Thani33 °C (91 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Uttaradit30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days
  • Yala30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days
  • Yasothon30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days
  • Chiang Mai30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 2 rain days
  • Phuket32 °C (90 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 8 rain days
  • Pattaya32 °C (90 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days

Festivals and holidays

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

  • New Year

    31 Dec – 1 Jan

    Beach and island beds sell out; Bangkok roads and trains packed on 30 Dec and 2 Jan.

  • New Year's Day and Children's Day check

    1 January; Children's Day on the second Saturday · Bangkok

    Offices close on 1 January; on Children's Day some government sites and army bases open to kids.

  • Chinese New Year check

    Around 6 February in 2027 · Bangkok

    Yaowarat Road closes to traffic for lion dances and food stalls; many Chinatown shops shut for 3–5 days afterwards.

Crowds and prices

Crowds · Thailand
High
Prices · Thailand
High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Thailand, side by side.

  • Verdict

    Jan: Great

    Feb: Great

  • Crowds

    Jan: High

    Feb: High

  • Prices

    Jan: High

    Feb: High

  • Festivals listed

    Jan: 3

    Feb: 2

January: Cool and dry nearly everywhere: the easiest month; book islands and Chiang Mai early.

February: Dry and warming; the north starts to haze late in the month — go south.

Thailand: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

Nothing unusual for the weather this month.

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Where to go in January

Rated best or good this month

  • Bangkok and centre

    Best weather of the year (Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi)

  • North

    Best weather of the year (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai)

  • Andaman coast

    Best weather of the year (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Khao Lak)

  • Bangkok

    Cool (for Bangkok) and dry; high season; smog on still days (check AQI).

  • Amnat Charoen

    Best months: Nov–Feb

  • Amphawa

    Best months: Nov–Feb (dry, cooler)

  • Ang Thong

    Best months: Nov–Feb

  • Ao Luek

    Best months: Nov–Apr

  • Ao Nang

    Best months: Nov–Apr

  • Aranyaprathet

    Best months: Nov–Feb

  • Ban Krut

    Best months: Nov–Apr

  • Ban Phe

    Best months: Nov–Feb (dry, cooler)