Thailand in May

Heat plus first rains; Andaman seas turn rough; the Gulf islands are the pick.

• Bangkok and centre · Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburihot

  Cool season Nov–Feb is the easy window; April reaches 38 °C; September and October bring street flooding in short bursts.

• North · Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Paihot

  Cool nights Dec–Jan; the burning season (Feb–Apr) puts air quality among the worst in Asia — check AQI before booking.

• Andaman coast · Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Khao Lakrainy

  Southwest monsoon May–Oct: rough seas, red-flag beaches, and the Similan and Surin parks closed.

• Gulf islands · Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Taobest weather

  Opposite rhythm: dry and calm Feb–Sep, wettest Oct–Dec when ferries can cancel.

• Bangkok34° / 27°, 15 rain days

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Visakha Bucha

  May–Jun full moon

  Alcohol ban for the day; candlelit processions at temples.

• Coronation Day and the Royal Ploughing Ceremony check

  4 May; ploughing ceremony on a date set by astrologers (check) · Bangkok

  Public holidays; the ceremony closes Sanam Luang and nearby roads.

Crowds · Thailand

Low

Prices · Thailand

Low

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

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Rated best or good this month

• Gulf islands

  Best weather of the year (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao)

Better another month

• Bangkok

  Hot and humid; first afternoon storms.