Thailand Weather in October

October is a great month for central and northern Thailand: temperatures are agreeable, the sun shines regularly and it rains a lot less than it did in the previous months. That’s the good news. The bad news? The south of Thailand is cloudy and it rains a lot. The best alternative: Koh Chang and the eastern Gulf of Thailand!

Bangkok and the surrounding area

October is when the rainy season starts to make way for the cool season. Temperatures improve (less warm), it’s sunny more often and there’s only the occasional heavy, tropical downpour. The scenery is absolutely stunning during these months.

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

No more sunny days in the southeastern part of the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Tao, in particular, will see some fairly rough weather. Expect rainfall every day on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan as well, though not in the same quantity. It won’t be until January that the weather in this region will start to improve.

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

Just as in Bangkok, the intense rain of the previous months has come to an end. It’s a great time to explore Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai and Mae Hong Son, as you’ll be there before most of the tourists arrive. The rice fields are at their most beautiful this month as well. Seize the opportunity and get to know the area!

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

October in Krabi and Phuket, in the Andaman Sea, is mostly very wet, but you might get lucky and stumble upon a few sunny days. Luckily, the weather will improve a lot in the coming months.

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

Finally, the nice weather has reached Koh Chang and Koh Kood! Enjoy the sunshine as the tourist season slowly starts getting underway. Go on a jungle hike, visit undiscovered waterfalls or enjoy the many beautiful beaches of Koh Chang and Koh Kood. Though it might still rain every now and again, it’s a good time to go on snorkeling and diving trips.

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

The rainy season is coming to an end on Koh Lipe, though there are still a few weeks of rain to go. October and September are Koh Lipe’s wettest months. On the plus side, the rain is warm and it’s still possible to go for a refreshing swim in the sea. From November onwards the weather on Koh Lipe and the Trang islands will start to improve and become sunnier.

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, a former prison island, and camping site.

Isan region

Although heavy showers still occur, the rainy season in Thailand’s northeast is effectively over. Temperatures are more comfortable (less warm and humid) and the sun appears more. The natural surroundings are green and lively, making this a great month for exploring the area!

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