Visiting Thailand in October
Climate and weather guide
The rains are finally starting to ease by the end of this month, with temperatures and humidity also dropping by late October. While you’ll still have unsettled weather, you’ll start to get drier days before the busier months of peak season – although it’s hard to predict exactly when these will arrive.
Beaches
The northeast monsoon is bringing wet weather to the Gulf of Thailand, and the islands off the east coast, including Ko Samui. But at the same time, the water is starting to calm on the west coast, and the islands there experience fewer wet days, so if you’re planning a beach break, it’s time to consider destinations such as Ko Phi Phi, Krabi, Ko Hai, Ko Lanta and Ko Yao Yai again.
Nature
Conditions can still be difficult if you’re planning any trekking or hiking, after the months of rain. However the jungles, rainforests and hill country are all lushly green this month, so you can enjoy some of the scenery at its vibrant best if you’re ready to chance the showers. Spotting wildlife isn’t always as easy this month, but you can still see elephants across the country: Kui Buri National Park near Hua Hin is one of the best to try until the dry weather returns. If you do head to eastern Thailand to Khao Yai, it can be unexpectedly cold at night, especially if you head into the mountains.
Bangkok is still distinctly wet this month, and with rainfall dropping dramatically in just a few weeks, it would be better to postpone a holiday in Thailand’s capital.
Festivals: The nine-day Vegetarian festival takes place during October, celebrating the belief that abstaining from meat during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar will bring good health, marked in Phuket in particular.
The Lotus Throwing Festival, or Rob Bau, takes place in Samut Prakan on the Buddhist holiday of Awk Phansa, marking the end of the traditional three-month retreat for monks during the rainy season. A boat carrying a Buddha image is taken down the canal, with thousands of lotus flowers thrown as an act of making merit.
Best for: Exploring without the crowds, some west coast sunshine
A few of our favourite Thailand holidays
