When to go · Laos
Laos, month by month
The best months for Laos: Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec. Months to avoid: Sep.
Month by month
- JanuaryGreatDry, clear, cool mornings in the north; peak season in Luang Prabang.North: cool · Centre: best weather · South: best weatherCrowds: High · 2 festivals or holidays
- FebruaryGreatStill dry; the burning season can start late in the month — check air quality.North: best weather · Centre: best weather · South: best weatherCrowds: Medium · 2 festivals or holidays
- MarchMixedSmoke haze in the north; flights to Luang Prabang can be delayed; the south is hot but clear.North: smoke haze · Centre: hot · South: hotCrowds: Low
- AprilMixedHottest month and Pi Mai (13–16 Apr): water fights, closed shops and sold-out trains.North: smoke haze · Centre: hot · South: hotCrowds: High · 1 festival or holiday
- MayMixedFirst rains clear the smoke; Boun Bang Fai rocket festivals in villages.North: hot · Centre: hot · South: hotCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
- JuneMixedGreen season: waterfalls full, roads muddy; trains keep running.North: rainy · Centre: rainy · South: rainyCrowds: Low
- JulyMixedSteady rain; slow boats run well on high water, road legs take longer.North: rainy · Centre: rainy · South: rainyCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
- AugustMixedWettest month in many areas; landslides on mountain roads; western holiday crowds in Luang Prabang.North: rainy · Centre: rainy · South: rainyCrowds: Medium
- SeptemberAvoidFloods along the Mekong in some years; Kuang Si pools brown and fast.North: rainy · Centre: rainy · South: rainyCrowds: Low
- OctoberMixedRains end; Boun Ok Phansa boat races and floating lanterns (lunar, check).North: fine · Centre: fine · South: fineCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
- NovemberGreatDry and green; That Luang festival in Vientiane (lunar, check).North: best weather · Centre: best weather · South: best weatherCrowds: High · 1 festival or holiday
- DecemberGreatCool and clear; book Luang Prabang beds and train seats early.North: cool · Centre: best weather · South: best weatherCrowds: High · 1 festival or holiday
Weather by region
How each climate zone rates each month.
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NorthLuang Prabang, Nong Khiaw, Luang Namtha, Phonsavan | Cool | Best | Haze | Haze | Hot | Wet | Wet | Wet | Wet | OK | Best | Cool |
| CentreVientiane, Vang Vieng, Thakhek | Best | Best | Hot | Hot | Hot | Wet | Wet | Wet | Wet | OK | Best | Best |
| SouthPakse, Bolaven Plateau, 4,000 Islands | Best | Best | Hot | Hot | Hot | Wet | Wet | Wet | Wet | OK | Best | Best |