By Kylian Dev
North
MixedChiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai
Rains ease, landscapes are at their greenest and the air is clear: a lovely time for Chiang Mai and Pai later in the month.
Thailand in October
Thailand in October: the monsoon's last act
October is a turning point: the rains fade in the north and Bangkok, the Andaman coast gets ready for its high season, and the Gulf islands start their own rainy spell. Plan by region and you will find good weather and low prices.
- Rainy month
- Low season
- No ideal destination
Rainy month
Our verdict for October
October is mixed but improving. The first half is often still rainy in Bangkok and on the Andaman coast, while the second half brings more dry days. The north turns green and fresh as the rains ease. The Gulf islands go the other way, with rain usually increasing through the month. Late October is the sweet spot.
Bangkok & centre
RainyBangkok, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin
Still wet early in the month, with river flooding possible in some years; drier towards the end.
Andaman coast
RainyPhuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Lanta
Transition: rain and swell decrease through the month. National marine parks usually reopen around mid-October.
Gulf islands
MixedKoh Samui, Phangan, Tao
The rainy season begins on Samui, Phangan and Tao, with more showers and choppier seas as the month goes on.
Region by region
Weather in Thailand in October, by region
The bar shows how many of our destinations in each region are in their ideal season. The strip shows the whole year, with this month outlined.
North
Mixed
0 of 6 destinations ideal
Central & Bangkok
Rainy
0 of 5 destinations ideal
Gulf of Thailand
Rainy
0 of 3 destinations ideal
Andaman Sea
Rainy
0 of 9 destinations ideal
East (Koh Chang)
Rainy
0 of 5 destinations ideal
Method: each destination has a list of ideal months in our data; a region is rated from the share of its destinations in their ideal window. It is a planning guide based on typical seasons, not a forecast.
Where to go
Best places to visit in Thailand in October
October is a gap month: few destinations are in their ideal window, but several are very close to it.
Doable, off peak (6)
Outside their ideal window but usually fine to visit: expect some showers, heat or rougher seas.
Rainy season (22)
BangkokAyutthayaKanchanaburi & ErawanHua HinKoh ChangKoh TaoKoh PhanganKoh SamuiKhao SokPhuketKrabi & RailayKoh Phi PhiKoh LantaKoh LipeKoh KoodKoh MakKoh SametPattayaKhao YaiKhao LakKoh Yao NoiTrang Islands
In their rainy season according to our data. Still possible if you are flexible, but plan indoor options and check boat schedules.
Typical conditions
What the weather is like in October
Temperatures stay around 30°C with high humidity. Rain gradually retreats from the north and the centre, and becomes more intermittent on the Andaman coast, while the Gulf starts its wet season. It is a month where checking the forecast a few days ahead pays off.
What to pack in October
- A rain jacket that also blocks wind on boats
- Layers for the north, where nights start to cool
- Insect repellent for the green, damp landscapes
- White clothes if you plan to join Phuket's Vegetarian Festival
Crowds & prices
Crowds and prices in October
Low season
Still low season for most of the month, with good hotel deals. Demand picks up towards the end of October as the high season approaches on the Andaman coast.
Tourist season through the year
JFMAMJJASOND
Taller bar = busier and usually pricier. Based on typical tourist seasons, not live prices.
Festivals
Festivals in Thailand in October
Lunar festivals shift from year to year: check the exact date before you book.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival
Nine days in late September or October (lunar)
Nine days of vegan food, firecrackers and spectacular (sometimes gruesome) street processions in Phuket Town.
Phuket Town (Chinese shrines), also Bangkok's Chinatown
Loy Krathong
Full moon of the 12th lunar month, usually November
Candlelit floats set on rivers and lakes under the November full moon.
Sukhothai, Bangkok (Chao Phraya), Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai
Yi Peng (Chiang Mai lantern festival)
Same days as Loy Krathong, usually November
Chiang Mai's lantern festival, held alongside Loy Krathong.
Chiang Mai and northern Thailand
Full Moon Party
Every month, on or around the full moon
The monthly all-night beach party at Haad Rin, Koh Phangan.
Haad Rin beach, Koh Phangan
FAQ
Thailand in October: your questions
Is October a good time to go to Thailand?
It is a transitional month. The north and Bangkok get drier as the month goes on, the Andaman coast improves, while the Gulf islands start their rainy season. Late October is best.
Is it rainy in Koh Samui in October?
October marks the start of the rainy season on Koh Samui and the Gulf islands, with rain usually increasing towards November. It is not the ideal time for a pure beach holiday there. See Koh Samui weather by month.
When does high season start in Phuket?
Usually around November, as the monsoon ends. Late October often brings more sunny days, and marine parks such as the Similan and Surin islands reopen on 15 October. See Phuket weather by month.
Keep planning