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If you are looking to get away from the post-Christmas blues, flying on a trip to Thailand in January is a great option. The country’s weather is perfectly primed for delving into its fascinating culture and heritage during this time of year. Go on a sightseeing tour of Bangkok and soak up the sun on the beaches of Koh Samui. Travel to the north of the country to trek in humid jungles without having to endure huge rainstorms. Phuket and areas along the Andaman Sea are also ideal destinations to cover during your visit to Thailand in January!

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Thailand Weather in January

Beautiful tourist woman near traditional longtail boat in Phra Nang Beach
Phra Nang Beach is the place to be if you want to discover pristine beaches in Thailand

January is perhaps one of the best times of year to visit Thailand. Temperatures during this month range from the lows of around 15°C in the north around Chiang Mai to the highs of 29°C. But the weather is even more tempting in Bangkok, with the lows of 21°C. The highs in the city settle at around 32°C. This means that those trekking in the tribal villages of the north will not struggle with the heat and it is still cool enough to explore the capital’s highlights before setting sail through warm tropical waters to some of the most enchanting islands on the planet for a getaway like no other.

For a seasonal overview, read our article on the best time to visit Thailand.

Weather in Thailand in January - Rainfall and Temperatures

DecJanFeb
Avg Daily (°C)313233
Avg Nightly (°C)212123
Avg Daily (°F)889092
Avg Nightly (°F)707074
Avg Rainfall (mm)101010

Why Visit Thailand in January

Thailand possess different islands considered paradises in their own right.
Ferry across the waters to visit the amazing islands of Thailand
Koh Samui trip and panoramic view of beach on a rainy day, Thailand
Not all beaches need a sunny day. The beaches of Koh Samui have their unique beauty that awakens during a rainy day

Visit Thailand in January and you will discover the country at its finest. Not only is the climate during this month perfect for vacations, but there are a whole host of other attractions too. Below are just a few!

  • Travel far and wide: From the hill-tribe region in the north of the country to sunny shores in the south, January is one of just a handful of months when no part of Thailand is off-limits, giving you the freedom to roam where you like.
  • Double celebrations: If you love your night out, then the New Year's Eve celebrations on December 31 in Phuket are difficult to beat. There is also a chance that you will catch Chinese New Year festivities at the end of the month in Bangkok’s Chinatown.
  • Little rain: The weather roundups for Thailand are usually littered with references to tropical downpours, but not in January when hardly any rain falls in the country.
  • Great trekking conditions: If you are keen to stretch your legs, a trip to Thailand in January can help. Routes across the north of the country are accessible, linking up small villages that are distinct from the rest of the country.

Where to go and what to do

Koh Rong is famous for beach parties in Cambodia
Experience exclusive beach parties on the beaches of Koh Rong

Start as you mean to go on by spending a couple of days in Thailand’s sometimes-frantic capital, Bangkok. Besides an extraordinary crop of places to stay, the city offers a window into the country’s culture. Check out the Wat Pho Temple, home to a reclining Buddha statue that is over 45 meters long, before admiring the complex of buildings where Thailand’s kings lived right up until 1925. Then head north to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. In addition to great trekking, you can learn more about the cultures and traditions of some of Thailand’s minority people, such as the Lanna, and take in their incredible architecture during your stay in the region. Chiang Mai also has a night bazaar that should not be missed.

Head south for your pick of beaches. Along with a beach stay, you can also enjoy activities like snorkeling and scuba diving in Thailand in January. While Phuket is the most popular destination, there are other islands across the Gulf of Thailand that are famous for their beaches and laid-back vibes.

January is, without doubt, a great time to visit Thailand, whether your interests lie in uncovering hundreds of years of history, dedicating yourself to beaches and water sports, or exploring remote tribal regions. Not sure where to start planning that perfect January trip? Contact our local travel experts to get the ball rolling for your tailormade trip to Thailand.

But if that does not suit you, we have also got a brilliant selection of Thailand tours in January too!

Other related articles:
Thailand in December
Thailand in February
Winter in Thailand

Published by David Lee, updated on May 9, 2023

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