Does It Snow in Thailand? Winter Weather + Best Time To Visit
Are you wondering if it snows in Thailand? If you’re visiting the country soon, you might find yourself searching, ‘does it snow in Thailand?’
Well, we have all the answers for you. We’ve traveled through the various parts of the country and researched Thailand’s temperatures and weather patterns.
In this article, I will give you a rundown of Thailand’s weather patterns, what it’s like in higher elevations, and the best time to visit.
The southeast Asian country is a top travel destination with ideal temperatures, and the winter is a popular time to visit. Below I will fill you in on top facts about Thailand in the winter, including if it snows and where the coldest weather is.
Let’s dive in to discover if it snows in Thailand and more about visiting the scenic country in the winter!
Does it Snow in Thailand?
No, it does not snow in Thailand. The southeast Asian country is close to the equator, where snow never falls due to high temperatures.
The humid and tropical climate makes snowy weather impossible, so you can visit Thailand anytime and enjoy your trip without worrying about winter weather.
Thailand’s climate is temperate and doesn’t change much year-round. The winter season is subtle, even at higher elevations, and you won’t need a jacket even if you visit in the winter.
Northern Thailand does have some cooler months, but snowy winters won’t happen in the nation’s humid conditions.
Winter In Thailand
The winter months in Thailand don’t have cold weather, but temperatures do decrease a bit.
The tropical country’s cool season runs from November to February, and you can expect winter temperatures at around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Visit Thailand in winter, and enjoy low humidity and some cloudy afternoons.
The coldest place in Thailand is Sakon Nakhon, a province in the northeast part of the country. The coldest months of the year sit at around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which is still quite warm and ideal for a winter getaway trip.
Weather conditions in the coldest place feature low precipitation in the winter, so you won’t have to worry about rainy days either.
Best Places To Visit During Winter In Thailand
Read on to discover the best places to visit during Thailand’s cold season. We’ve considered weather, tourism, and things to do in the areas.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has slightly better weather conditions than the rest of Thailand during winter. The relative humidity is lower, and average highs are in the 80s.
The best months to visit Chiang Mai are from November to February before the rainy season kicks in and the peak tourist season hits.
Take advantage of colder temperatures and visit an outdoor elephant sanctuary or go rafting in the river.
If the weather is warm one day, go inside the 600-year-old temple ruins of Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara. Also, try a bike tour in the countryside or drive an hour to the Doi Inthanon national park.
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is the northernmost province of Thailand, near the Myanmar and Laos borders.
It’s ideal in the winter as temperatures are moderate, and you can check out bustling night markets and rural Buddhist shrines.
The town is small and ideal for people who want a quiet getaway. Hiking and temple tours are the best things to do in the area, and the cloudy afternoons make the usual heat more bearable.
This northern area can sometimes get as low as 56 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, so choose Chiang Rai for a colder vacation.
Pai
Pai is in the peak dry season during the winter, and you’ll experience little cloud cover and lower humidity.
The little village with beautiful scenery is a riverside town in a valley, and the spot is a quieter alternative to a bustling city like Bangkok.
The lowest temperatures are in January, in the upper 50s Fahrenheit. Daily highs reach the 80s, but the low humidity means the winter isn’t as intense as the summer.
There aren’t heavy rains, and you’ll never hear reports of snow. Visit and tour the restaurants with Yunnan cuisine or see the waterfalls.
Phuket
Phuket Sakon Nakhon is ideal in the winter, with lower temperatures and a low amount of rainfall.
Cloudy skies are a rare occurrence, and you can engage in various activities, from swimming at Kata beach to hanging out with elephants at the sanctuary park.
The weather is hot and humid in the winter, but you won’t see high winds.
The first time you visit, you might be surprised at the high temperatures, but they are typical for southern Thailand.
November through early April is a good time to visit the island city when the water temperature is pleasant, but it hasn’t hit the sunniest months.
Average lows are around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and tourists can have fun swimming or lounging on the sandy beaches.
Bangkok
Bangkok is one of the most iconic tourist destinations in the northern hemisphere, and it’s beautiful in the winter. Cooler temperatures mean you can visit the temples and outdoor markets without getting overheated.
Winter is also an ideal time of year for beach visits, as the coldest temperatures are only in the 60s.
The wettest month is September, with an average rainfall of 20 days per month. Avoid the rain and come later in November or December for clear skies.
Also, avoid the summer months, when the humidity is oppressive.
Phi Phi Islands
Thailand isn’t the hottest country, but it can feel like it in the south! First-time travelers may enjoy cooling off in the Phi Phi Islands in winter. It’s a great option to beat the hot temperatures and swim in the ocean.
Weather data shows temperatures are moderate at around 75 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
Expect a hot air temperature, but it is better than in the hottest months. The islands don’t have high mountain tops, but there are some limestone cliffs where you can feel a breeze.
Check the weather stations before you go and see if you can catch the islands on a cooler weekend.
What To Wear During Winter Season In Thailand
If you’re from a colder climate, the winter temperatures in Thailand might surprise you. Come prepared for hot temperatures in the 70s and above when visiting Thailand in the winter.
You’ll wear lightweight clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen when visiting the sunny country.
Fortunately, you can pack light when traveling to Thailand. You won’t need a coat, even in the winter, and you can also leave behind your rain gear.
Wherever you go in Thailand, the winter season is warm and dry, and travelers will feel comfortable in light pants and a t-shirt.
Thailand is a modest country, so avoid wearing revealing clothing. You can still stay cool by wearing loose-fitting clothes, hats, and open-toed shoes. When visiting temples, make sure your shoulders and knees are covered.
Remember to bring easily removable shoes if you want to visit Buddhist temples, as they will ask you to take off your shoes.
Also, it is illegal to drive a car without wearing a shirt.
Does Thailand Have All 4 Seasons?
Thailand does not have four seasons. The temperatures are steady year-round, and there isn’t a significant variation in the months to make them four seasons.
There aren’t four seasons because the country is close to the equator, classifying the climate as tropical.
Many tropical countries like Thailand have three seasons instead of four.
For planning your trip, you can view Thailand as having three seasons, including the hot season, the wet season, and the cool season.
The hot season is from March to May, and the wet season runs from May to October. November to February is the cool season, and these dry months are the best time to visit the nation.
Where Is the Best Weather In Thailand?
The best weather in Thailand is in northern Thailand.
Chiang Mai is the largest city in the north, and the moderate temperatures in the area make it our pick for the best place to visit in Thailand for good weather.
Visit Chiang Mai during the cool season, from November to February, and enjoy the best temperatures. Humidity is at its low peak in these months, and temperatures range from 59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
There’s also a decent amount of cloud cover during the winter, making Chiang Mai a bit more pleasant than hot southern locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read on to discover the top questions about winter in Thailand. We’ll go over tips about the cold weather and when it’s the best time to visit.
Does Thailand ever get cold?
No, Thailand doesn’t get cold. It’s one of the hottest nations in southern Asia, with high temperatures, sunny days, and high humidity.
Average temperatures are similar year-round, while precipitation varies.
Be aware that northern Thailand is a bit colder than southern Thailand. However, you won’t see temperatures below freezing in either part of the country.
What is the coldest month in Thailand?
January is the coldest month in Thailand. Temperatures stay at around 75 degrees Fahrenheit in southern cities like Phuket.
And the climate can reach temperatures as low as 69 in Chaing Mai, a northern town not far from Laos. Bangkok and Phuket may experience a slight wind chill as well.
Where does it snow in Thailand?
It does not snow in Thailand. The coldest months sit at around 30 degrees above freezing, and the climate isn’t currently conducive to snow.
Has it ever snowed in Thailand?
Yes, it has snowed in Thailand. However, it has only snowed once in the country’s entire history, and it was not a lot of snow.
On January 7th, 1955, light snow fell on Chiang Rai. The snow melted within 14 hours, and it has never snowed since.
Today, temperatures are higher than past coldest records, and Thailand doesn’t see snow. But Chiang Rai is still famous as the only snow town in the country.
Final Thoughts
It doesn’t snow in Thailand, but the country still has cooler temperatures in the winter months. It’s a tropical location great for a warm vacation, especially if you want to escape cold temperatures in the winter.
There are some amazing locations in Thailand you should see at least once in your lifetime. For example, Ayutthaya is a beautiful place to visit year-round if you are interested in ancient temples.
Thailand hasn’t seen intense weather temperatures in past years, and you’ll likely have a trip with pleasant weather.
You might have to watch out for monsoons in the summer, but the winter is an ideal time to visit, with moderate temperatures and no snow.
I hope we’ve answered all your questions about Thailand’s weather and ‘does it snow in Thailand.’
If you visit the tropical country, prepare for a sunny winter vacation with moderate temperatures and no snow. Start planning your trip to Thailand today!
