If you are planning a trip to the Southeast Asian country of Thailand in winter, you might wonder “Does it snow in Thailand?” Though Thailand is known for its tropical climate, sunny sandy beaches, and warm weather all year round, it is a massive country with plenty of microclimates and various elevations.
With the recent climate change and Thailand’s weather patterns, is it possible to snow in Thailand?
Below we’ll talk about if there is snow in Thailand, how is Thailand in winter, temperatures, and other essential information that you’ll need to plan the perfect winter getaway to Thailand!
Does It Snow In Thailand?
No, it does not snow in Thailand. Because of Thailand’s tropical climate and its geographical location near the equator, Thailand is very unlikely to see snow. Even in the winter, the temperature rarely drops below freezing, making it difficult to form snow.
The humid and warmer temperature make snowy weather impossible, especially if you are in Southern Thailand. If you are planning a trip to Thailand in the winter months, know that you’ll most likely not see snow.
However, the northern parts of Thailand are generally much cooler in winter because of its high elevation. The temperatures can drop to single digits Celcius (<50 F), and even close to freezing at night.
If you are planning to visit those mountainous areas in the northern parts of Thailand (such as Pai, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai), make sure you pack something warm.
When Is Winter In Thailand?
Winter in Thailand is typically from late November to February, and the temperature in most places starts dropping around October.
Though typically speaking, because Thailand is a humid and tropical country, there is no “winter season” in Thailand.
Matter of fact, Thailand doesn’t have the four seasons you would typically expect. There are only three seasons in Thailand: the hot season (March to June), the rainy season (July to October), and the cool season (November to February).
Has It Ever Snowed In Thailand?
In the history of Thailand, there was only one officially recorded case of snow. In the winter of 1955, the mountainous province of Chiang Rai experienced the country’s first and only snowfall. On that day, heavy rain turned into snowy hail, which left a thin blanket of white snow on the ground for 14 hours.
There is quite a bit of debate as to whether that is legit snow by definition, or more like hail. But according to the photos, there was a blanket of white snow on the ground. The lowest recorded temperature of Chiang Rai is also 2 C, which is definitely cold enough to produce some snow.
Could it snow again in Thailand? Most definitely. With the recent climate changes and unpredictable weather patterns, it is totally possible to see snow in Thailand once again, especially in the northern regions with higher elevations.
What Are The Best Places To Visit In Thailand In Winter?
Generally speaking, the best places to visit in Thailand in winter are the places that are too hot in the summer. In the summer, the temperatures can go above 35 C or 95 F. Along with the high humidity, it can be too hot to go sightseeing in Thailand in the summer.
That is why winter is one of the best places to visit Thailand, but only certain destinations that remain warm. Here are the best places to visit in winter in Thailand:
Southern Thailand
Southern Thailand generally experiences less temperature fluctuation in winter thanks to its higher humidity and proximity to various bodies of water.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island. Lying in the Gulf of Thailand, this island is full of lush landscapes dotted with waterfalls and pristine white sand beaches. The cooler temperature in winter means you can explore the nature of Koh Samui without getting too hot.
Koh Pha Ngan
Located a short ferry ride from Koh Samui is Koh Pha Ngan, another one of Thailand’s most popular islands. This island also features gorgeous green landscapes with waterfalls, nice beaches, and amazing turquoise waters for swimming.
However, Koh Pha Ngan is most famous for the legendary full-moon party that occurs on Haad Rin Beach every full moon. In the winter, the temperature is perfect for dancing and partying all night long!
There are also plenty of stunning beaches in Koh Pha Ngan for swimming in the warm waters or relaxing on the soft sand!
Phuket
Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand and sits on the gorgeous Andaman Sea. With its picturesque beaches, limestone cliffs, and lush rainforests, Phuket is a great place to experience the beauty of nature in winter.
Popular attractions in Phuket include island hopping, partying hard on Bangla Road in Patong Beach, and generally enjoying its world-class beaches. The beaches in Phuket are some of the best we’ve seen in Thailand. If you are a beach-lover, make sure to add Phuket to your Thailand itinerary.
Top Tip: For beaches in Phuket, don’t miss Kata Beach, Karon Beach, and the secluded Freedom Beach.
Phuket is also a great place to visit in Thailand with families, as there are plenty of kids-friendly attractions (such as elephant sanctuaries and FantaSea), even in the winter!
Krabi
Located a few hours drive from Phuket is Krabi, a province sitting on Thailand’s west coast. This area is known for its sheer limestone cliffs and numerous offshore islands that make for the perfect day trip.
Ao Nang is a popular place for people to stay, as it gives travelers access to some of the region’s most iconic attractions, such as Phi Phi Islands, Railay Beach, Tiger Cave Temple, and more. The cooler weather in the winter is perfect for exploring those places.
Bangkok
The capital of Thailand, Bangkok, is one of the best places to visit in Thailand in winter. During this season, the temperature is much more tolerable for exploring the city on foot. Daily high temperatures are around 32 C or 90°F, and rarely fall below 28 C or 83 F.
Whether you are exploring the Grand Palace, checking out the Weekend Chatuchak Market, or partying on Khao San Road, you are going to love the cooler temperatures. Like most of southern Thailand, the temperature hardly fluctuates in Bangkok, even in the winter.
If this is your first time in Thailand, don’t forget to add Bangkok to your itinerary!
Chiang Mai
The Northern province of Chiang Mai is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand and sits amongst dramatic mountain scenery. The city itself is home to 117 Buddhist temples, all with significance to the Thai locals. As a result, the city is being nominated for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chiang Mai is also a great place to tick off one of Thailand’s bucket list – visiting an elephant sanctuary.
In the daytime, the weather is dry and cool, perfect for exploring the outdoors and the city’s many temples. However, visitors should pack a light jacket for nighttime, as the temperature can drop considerably.
If you are visiting Doi Inthanon National Park, home to the highest peak in Thailand (at 2,565 meters above sea level), then you’ll want to pack something really warm. It is very windy up there and it is also where the coldest temperature ever recorded.
How Cold Is Winter In Thailand?
Generally speaking, winter in Thailand is not cold thanks to its predominantly tropical climate. However, it is worth noting that Thailand encompasses a variety of microclimates and geographical terrains. The temperature and weather pattern can fluctuate quite a bit depending on where you are in the country.
For example, in the popular backpacker town of Pai in northern Thailand, there were days in December when the temperature dropped to single digits Celcius (<50 F). But in Bangkok, the temperature hardly drops below 20 C (68 F).
The coldest recorded temperature in Thailand was -1.4 C (30 F) in Sakon Nakhon, a mountainous province in the northeastern part of the country. It happened in 1974 so it has been a while since Thailand got this cold!
Here are the average temperatures you can expect in a Thai winter form popular destinations in the country:
| Location | Average Low Temperature | Average High Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | 23 C / 73 F | 32 C / 90 F |
| Phuket | 24.5 C / 76 F | 33 C / 91 F |
| Chiang Mai | 15 C / 59 F | 30 C / 86 F |
| Pai | 12 C / 54 F | 27 C / 80 F |
| Koh Samui | 23 C / 73 F | 28 C / 82 F |
| Krabi | 21.5 C / 71 F | 32 C / 90 F |
| Chiang Rai | 14 C / 57 F | 29 C / 84 F |
Note that the table above is the average winter temperature. This means the average temperature was taken from November, December, January and February. It is also worth noting that the air temperature might vary with the reported temperature because of the humidity, wind chill, cloud cover and other factors.
Thailand In November
November is officially the beginning of winter in Thailand. This is the time of the year when you can experience a steady decline in temperature, especially in the regions of higher elevation. Many travelers find that the temperature is more suitable for exploring the outdoors, so expect more people in the National Parks and Islands.
November is also the start of the peak tourist season, and travelers should plan accordingly when visiting during this time of the year, especially if they are traveling around Thanksgiving.
Thailand in December
December is one of the most busiest months in Thailand. Thanks to the holiday seasons, the streets of Thailand are packed with tourists, out to enjoy the warm temperatures that they normally wouldn’t get back home.
Temperature in December is usually much cooler compared to November, especially up in the mountains. You’ll need to pack warm layers if you plan on visiting the northern regions of Thailand.
Thailand In January
January is the heart of the cool season in Thailand. This is when you’ll see some of the lowest temepratures in the entire year. Though the temperatures are lower, they remain relatively warm if you are in the South.
People still swim in the sea and seek refuge from the heat, especially in the middle of the day. Though the days are some of the shortest in the entire year, travelers can expect dry weather with little cloud cover. It is one of the best times to visit Thailand, especially since the December holiday crowd has gone.
Thailand in February
Late February usually marks the end of winter in Thailand. Starting late February, the temperature starts to rise, and by April, the temperatures have soared to some of the highest in the year.
This is the last opportnity for tourists to enjoy mild temperatures and dry clear skies.
Is Winter In Thailand A Good Time To Visit?
Winter is one of the best times to visit Thailand. Because the summers in Thailand are debilitatingly hot, visitors actually don’t get to do a lot of sightseeing during the warmer months. But in winter, the temperatures are cooler, so walking around the city in the middle of the day is pleasant. Plus, the sea temperature is still warm enough for a relaxing swim!
Matter of fact, November to February is considered the peak tourist season in Thailand. Along with the cooler temperatures, you’ll hardly see any precipitation, meaning your Thailand itinerary is unlikely to get interrupted.
Our recommendation is to stay away from the northern parts of Thailand if you are looking for something warm! And if you are visiting the southern parts, make sure you book your accommodations and activities in advance!
What To Wear In Thailand In Winter?
Since Thailand is still relatively quite warm in the winter, you won’t need to wear any bulky clothing. In the daytime, you can get around with just a T-shirt and some shorts. But at night, you might want a light jacket or a cardigan to keep you warm in the chillier evenings.
If you are visiting northern Thailand where the winter is a bit cooler, you’ll most likely need long pants and layers. During the day, you might still be able to get by with a T-shirt and some shorts, but you’ll definitely want something warm at night.
The locals in Thailand typically dress quite modestly. Make sure you bring a few sets of clothes that cover your knees and shoulders so you can enter the temples! There is a dress code for them!
Snow In Thailand FAQs
Does It Get Cold In Thailand?
Thailand can get quite cold in the winter, especially in the mountains in the northern provinces of the country. You can expect temperatures somewhere between 0 C (32 F) to 10 C (50 F) in the coldest regions of Thailand in the winter. However, the temperature fluctuates very little in the southern part and stays tropical in the winter.
Does It Snow In Bangkok?
No, it does not snow in Bangkok in the winter, and it is very unlikely that it ever will. Its proximity to the equator means the climate in Bangkok is very tropical. Even in the winter, the average low temperatures rarely go below 20 C (68 F).
Does It Snow In Chiang Mai?
No, it does not snow in Chiang Mai in the winter, and it most likely will never snow. Even though Chiang Mai gets relatively cold compared to the rest of Thailand, the lowest temperature does not come close to freezing. In the city, you can expect the temperature to go lower than 10 C (50 F), but the mountains region of the province can see single-digit Celcius temperatures.
Can You Go Skiing In Thailand?
You can go skiing in Thailand, but it won’t be in a natural environment up in the mountains. There are many places in the Kingdom with artificial snow where you can go skiing.
What Is The Snow Mountain In Thailand?
The Snow Mountain in Thailand is a mountain in the district of Chonburi. The mountain gets its name from the white bedrock hill that appears like snow on top of a mountain. It is not a mountain that actually receives snow in the winter.
Is Winter In Thailand Rainy?
Winter in Thaialnd is usually marked with clear skies with little precipitation. This is the time of the year when Thailand receives very little rain and travelers can expect clear blue skies.
So, Does It Snow In Thailand?
If you have read the entire article, you’ll know that snowfall in Thailand is highly improbable due to its tropical climate and geographical location in Southeast Asia.
However, the country does experience various weather patterns and regional variations that can lead to diverse microclimates throughout the nation. Understanding these patterns and being prepared for the local weather during your visit will help ensure an enjoyable and comfortable travel experience in this beautiful country.