Visiting Thailand in February
Climate and weather guide
The temperatures are starting to rise as the dry season comes to an end, so it’s getting hotter even in the north of Thailand. But the last of the rain is passing on Thailand’s east coast, so the islands in the Gulf of Thailand are back on the cards again, plus it’s slightly quieter than January too – possibly the best time to visit Thailand if you want to explore every corner.
North Thailand
If you’re hoping to go trekking and hiking in northern Thailand, it’s the last month to enjoy dry weather without scorching temperatures until November and before the air pollution from the burning season gets too bad around Chang Mai. Travel to the hills for a stay in a Karen village, try bamboo rafting and trekking, or venture into the rice paddies and valleys of Pai, near the border with Myanmar. In Chiang Rai, explore temples and tea hills, or you can find ancient Khmer temples at Phanom Rung before cycling through Isaan in Thailand’s east.
Central Thailand
There’s plenty of history to be found in Central Thailand, including the temples and palaces of Bangkok, but also the former royal city of Ayutthaya and the ancient city of Sukhothai. For more recent history, learn about the infamous death railway at Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai, as well as visiting the waterfalls of Erawan National Park.
There are more waterfalls to be found at Khao Yai National Park, along with some of Thailand’s wild elephants. If you’re torn between seeing wildlife and lazing by the beach, it’s one of the best months to do both – the dry season is when to go to have the best chance of seeing elephants. In the east, combine Khao Yai with a stay at Ko Kood, Ko Mak, Ko Chang, or Ko Samet, where there’s very little rain and temperatures hovering around 28C.
At Hua Hin, not far from Bangkok, you can explore the national park before heading to the sand, while further south, stop off at Khao Sok National Park before hitting the beach. You’re simply spoiled for choice on both the west and east coast, with some great snorkelling this month, so it’s tempting to hop to several islands. The Gulf of Thailand has some of the best-known spots, including Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and turtle island Ko Tao, but you can also see dolphins at Khanom, and try your hand at being a castaway on Robinson Island. On the west coast, the dramatic limestone formations off Krabi and beautiful Ko Phi Phi are almost as well-known, but you can also venture off the beaten track to Ko Yao Yai, or discover the beaches of Ko Lanta or Ko Hai.
Festivals: The Chiang Mai Flower Festival takes place on the first weekend of February, with a parade and displays of chrysanthemums, as well as of the Damask Rose, which is only found in the city.
Chinese New Year often takes place this month (date varies, usually late January/early February), with dragon parades and dancing in Bangkok’s Chinatown.
Best for: Exploring the whole country, beaches, wildlife spotting, trekking and hiking
A few of our favourite Thailand holidays
