Thailand may be visited at any time of year, but the recommended period is the dry season between November and March, when all of the islands and coasts remain dependably dry and sunny. Temperatures at night in the mountain regions of the north, however, can drop to around 0°C in December and January, which can come as a shock after the humidity and heat at sea level.

Thailand’s heaviest monsoon begins in May and affects the Andaman Coast most strongly, lasting until October, which rules out rain-free holidays in Krabi, Phuket or Khao Lak at that time. Over on the east coast, however, the weather is frequently clear, making it high season for travel – convenient for families tied to school holidays in July and August.