Thailand Weather in March

March sees the arrival of the Thai summer (the hot season); expect the mercury to rise above 35 degrees Celsius in the afternoon. The heat in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai might feel oppressive and stifling. The warmest part of the day is best spent in the shade, in air-conditioned spaces or in the sea. Oh, and make sure you apply enough sunscreen!

Bangkok and the surrounding area

The difference in temperature compared to last month is especially noticeable in Bangkok. Expect temperatures during the day to rise above 30 degrees Celsius. Look for a place in the shade during the afternoon and make sure you book a room with air conditioning, as nights are also very warm. It very rarely rains in March.

Ayutthaya – Soak up the culture and visit historical temples.
Bangkok – Thailand’s capital blends old temples with ultra modern skyscrapers.
Kanchanaburi – Town brimming with nature and history.
Khao Yai National Park – The oldest nature reserve with wild elephants.
Koh Samet – White sandy beaches, only three hours from Bangkok.

Koh Samui and the southeastern Gulf of Thailand

The entire country will see the mercury rise, including the southeastern Gulf of Thailand. Expect cloudless, sunny days with the occasional breeze. Book a hotel with a swimming pool or close to the beach, so that a dip in water to cool down will never be too far away. This month sees the end of this region’s high season as it gradually gets less busy.

Koh Phangan – Serene island that hosts large beach parties.
Koh Samui – Popular island with long beaches and luxury accommodation.
Koh Tao – Thailand’s number 1 island for snorkeling and diving.

Chiang Mai and the North of Thailand

Temperatures in the north of Thailand will start to get very high. Not only is it very hot, it’s also very dry, with Chiang Mai and its surroundings areas getting covered by thick layer of smog. Farmers during this time of year, as a means of preparing their soil, set alight their land, which doesn’t exactly improve circumstances. It’s best to avoid the north of Thailand during this period. Read more in Chiang Mai’s dirty little secret.

Chiang Mai – A great city surrounded by nature and rich in culture.
Chiang Rai – Gorgeous natural surroundings and best known for the white temple.
Mae Hong Son – Mountain tribes and rice fields near the Burmese border.
Pai – Hippie-at-heart mountain village nestled in Thailand’s most beautiful valley.

Phuket and Krabi

Looking for shade in the afternoon is also advisable if you’re spending March in Thailand’s southwest. Expect one intense rain shower a week – which, we promise you, will feel like a welcome diversion. Besides that, expect sunshine, lots and lots of sunshine!

Khao Sok National Park – Wake up in a straw cabin on a clear blue lake.
Koh Jum – Small-scale tourism near Koh Phi Phi.
Koh Lanta – Laid-back atmosphere and nice beaches.
Koh Phayam – Gorgeous but underdeveloped island.
Koh Phi Phi – Thailand’s number 1 tropical party island.
Koh Yao Yai – Big island with long and empty beaches.
Krabi (Ao Nang) – The perfect place to start your island-hopping adventure.
Phuket – Thailand’s largest island, best known for its beaches.

Koh Chang and the Eastern Gulf of Thailand

The first serious rain of the year falls in the Eastern Gulf of Thailand. Though predominantly dry, it rains an average of two days per week here. If you take that into account, then Koh Chang is an ideal March destination. An absolute must!

Koh Chang – Pleasant island with beautiful beaches and a laid-back atmosphere.
Koh Kood – A gorgeous, and partially unspoiled, island.
Koh Mak – Small-scale tourism, laid-back atmosphere.
Koh Wai – Snorkeling island between Koh Chang and Koh Kood.

Koh Lipe and the Trang islands

If you’re traveling to the south of Thailand, expect a lot of sunshine. Sunshine and heat to be precise, March being one of the island’s hottest months. Evening temperatures rarely fall below 23 degrees Celsius. Thankfully, there’s always that fresh sea breeze.

Koh Lipe – Tropical island, home to Thailand’s most beautiful beaches.
Koh Mook – Small-scale tourism and a spectacular cave.
Koh Ngai – Long golden beaches and no roads.
Koh Tarutao – National park, former prison island, and camping site.

Isan region

Thailand’s northeast also gets very hot, with afternoon temperatures way above 30 degrees Celsius. Until 10:00 AM conditions are bearable, but the hours that follow are best spent in the shade. There is a chance of small showers, but the month of March is mainly dry and hot.

Pha Taem National Park – Ancient murals along the Mekong River.
Phimai – Thailand’s most beautiful Angkor Wat temples.
Ubon Ratchathani – Large city in Isan region with many sights.
Udon Thani – Large city near the Lao border, but famous mainly for its Red Lotus Sea.

Monthly weather overview