Thailand in May: Weather, Tips & Festivals
Coming just after the end of the peak tourist season, a trip to Thailand in May offers visitors several advantages. Although this month marks the beginning of the rainy season in the country, most of the area remains dry, which means that it is still possible to cover a majority of the country’s top attractions. Flight and accommodation prices also drop during this month, as May is outside of the main travel period, creating a combination of good sightseeing weather and excellent affordability in destinations ranging from Tarutao National Park in the south to Chiang Mai in the north.
- Nina Galpin
- From Scotland
Thailand Weather in May
When it comes to a good time to visit Thailand, May remains a hidden gem. That is because the weather in Thailand during this month is, for the most part, similar to that of the peak-season month before. Daily temperatures average somewhere between 32 to 35°C, with very little rain to dampen the spirits of travelers. In fact, the weather is at its best at the beginning of the month, and the beaches along the east coast of the country hold onto dry days for the longest.
For a month-by-month rundown, read our article on the best time to visit Thailand.
Weather in Thailand in May - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 34 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 31 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 21 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 21 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 90 | 92 | 94 | 95 | 94 | 92 | 92 | 92 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 88 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 70 | 74 | 77 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 77 | 77 | 76 | 70 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 10 | 10 | 50 | 110 | 180 | 180 | 180 | 170 | 220 | 190 | 40 | 10 |
| Apr | May | Jun | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 35 | 34 | 33 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 26 | 26 | 26 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 95 | 94 | 92 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 79 | 79 | 79 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 110 | 180 | 180 |
Why Visit Thailand in May
Although many travelers head for Thailand in May due to the affordability of its hotels and other activities, there is more to the country during this time of year than just cheap accommodation. Below are a few reasons why you must book your tickets for the country during this time of year.
- Better rates: Traveling to Thailand in May means accommodation and activities can be had for significantly discounted rates compared to other times of the year.
- Ideal weather: The rainy season starts in May with sporadic downpours. Plan your trip for the first week of the month and it is highly unlikely that you will encounter serious downpours.
- Quieter beaches: As the peak season winds down in April, you can enjoy a more relaxed beach tour environment, without the stress of having to search out free sun loungers or parasols, during your trip to Thailand in May.
- Festivals: May heralds several important cultural events, from Bangkok’s Royal Ploughing Ceremony to the Rocket Festival of northeastern Thailand. The latter celebrates the arrival of rain because of its importance to the region’s rice farmers.
Where to go and what to do
Beachgoers are better off swapping Phuket on the Andaman Sea for the sands of the Gulf of Thailand. Hua Hin, on the mainland, along with Koh Samui and the other islands off the coast receives a lot of sunshine. Additionally, you might also be able to spot whale sharks off the gulf during your trip to the region in May.
It can get sticky while touring Bangkok at this time of year, but the capital is worth visiting for its cultural highlights, which include several important Buddhist temples like Wat Pho and Wat Traimit. For a different experience, make sure that you add a tour of Chiang Mai in the north of the country to your itinerary. A former capital, it has incredible architecture and hidden mountain trails waiting to be discovered. Explore Chiang Rai, located nearly three hours to the north of Chiang Mai, is home to both the White Temple and the Blue Temple and is an entry point for those planning to explore the surrounding hill-tribe region.
Thailand could be an incredible travel destination during May if you plan your trip properly. Feel free to contact one of our travel experts in-country if you are interested in a customized itinerary. They can create a customized trip to Thailand just for you.
Alternatively, you can also take a look at our tours of Thailand in May for more ideas and insights.
