If you’re looking for the most affordable time to visit Thailand, you’re in luck! The cheapest time to go to Thailand usually falls during the rainy season.
While this might mean a bit of unpredictable weather, it also means big savings on flights, hotels, and activities. If you’re comfortable with occasional showers, you can enjoy Thailand’s beauty at a fraction of the peak season cost!
A great option is traveling during the shoulder season when prices are still low, but the weather is more manageable.
In this guide of Travel-Essentials, we’ll break down the best budget-friendly times to visit Thailand, discuss what kind of weather to expect, and highlight some exciting festivals to make your trip unforgettable!
The Cheapest Time to Go to Thailand; A Closer Look!
Low Season: Affordable and Less Crowded
Thailand’s low season stretches from May to October, overlapping with the monsoon period. But don’t worry, it’s not all-day rain!

You’ll often experience short but intense showers, usually in the late afternoon or evening, with sunny mornings still common.
Why Budget Travelers Love This Season?
- Huge Savings: Flights, hotels, and tours are up to 50% cheaper than during the peak holiday season!
- Fewer Tourists: Enjoy quieter beaches, temples, and attractions without the usual crowds
- Lush Greenery: Thanks to the rain, Thailand’s landscapes become incredibly vibrant and scenic
If you don’t mind occasional rain showers, this is not only the cheapest time to fly to Thailand but also a fantastic way to experience the country without the peak-season rush.
Shoulder Season; The Best of Both Worlds
Thailand’s shoulder season is a hidden treasure for travelers who want affordability without too much rain.
Late April marks the transition from the hot season, while November signals the end of the monsoon season. This means improving weather, fewer crowds, and budget-friendly prices!
Packing for the cheapest time to go to Thailand? Whether it’s monsoon season or beach weather, our comprehensive and categorized checklist of travel essentials ensures you bring everything you need; without overpacking! Make sure to check it!
Why Shoulder Season is Perfect for Travelers?
- Better Weather: By November, the skies clear up, and April sees a cooldown after the intense summer heat
- Affordable Rates: Flights and accommodation are still significantly cheaper compared to peak months
- Peaceful Experience: With fewer tourists around, you’ll have a more relaxed and immersive travel experience!
If you’re after a balance of good weather and budget-friendly deals, Thailand shoulder season is an excellent choice!
Thailand Weather During the Cheapest Times to Visit Thailand
Now that you know when to find the best Thailand travel deals, let’s take a closer look at the weather during these budget-friendly months. Understanding the climate will help you plan your trip and pack accordingly, Stay with Travel-Essentials!
Thailand Low Season Weather by Month
May: Great for Surfing & Fewer Crowds!
May is a transition month between the hot and wet seasons. While some areas may start seeing the southwest monsoon, the rain is usually in short bursts. The coastal regions remain pleasant, with onshore winds creating perfect waves for surfers!
June: Best for Swimming & Cultural Sightseeing
June offers warm temperatures and occasional heavy showers, mostly in the afternoons. The east coast is ideal for beach lovers, while Bangkok remains hot but manageable. It’s a great time to explore temples and historical sites before the summer crowds arrive.

July: Ideal for Surfing & Island Hopping
July is a popular month for visitors, especially for destinations like Ko Samui and Ko Tao. While some western regions may see more rain, the east coast remains a great option for those seeking beach adventures.
September: Best for East Coast Adventures & Fewer Tourists
September is Thailand’s wettest month, especially in Bangkok and central areas. However, it’s still a fantastic time to visit the East Coast for surfing and water activities. Plus, with fewer tourists, you’ll enjoy a peaceful trip!
October: Transition Month with Calmer Waters
The northeast monsoon arrives, bringing wetter conditions to the Gulf, but also reducing humidity. By the end of the month, conditions start to improve, making it a great time to visit before the high season rush.
Thailand’s Shoulder Season Weather by Month
April: Best for Swimming & Songkran Festival
April is one of the hottest months, but if you visit from April 13th to 15th, you’ll experience Songkran, Thailand’s legendary water festival, a fun way to stay cool! It’s a fantastic time for swimming, snorkeling, and island hopping!
November: Perfect for Water Activities & Beach Getaways
November marks the beginning of Thailand’s cool season, but don’t expect chilly temperatures! The rain starts to ease, making it an excellent time for snorkeling, boating, and exploring Thailand’s stunning west coast beaches.
Best Festivals in the Cheapest Months to Visit Thailand
Thailand is renowned for its breathtaking festivals, which attract visitors from all over the world. Even during the most budget-friendly travel months, the country offers vibrant celebrations that provide unforgettable experiences.
Here, we explore the best festivals taking place during Thailand’s low and shoulder seasons; events that you definitely shouldn’t miss!
Avoid packing regrets! From tropical must-haves to smart travel gear, we break down exactly what you need in our comprehensive checklist of travel essentials, for a stress-free Thailand adventure. Don’t miss that!
Best Festivals in Thailand Low Season
Thailand Festivals in May
Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival)
The Boon Bang Fai, or Rocket Festival, is an exciting annual event held in May in Yasothon Province, northeast Thailand. This festival marks the beginning of the rainy season and serves as a ritual to pray for abundant rainfall and a successful harvest.
During the festival, villagers launch homemade rockets, crafted from plastic, bamboo, or wood into the sky, with the highest-flying rocket earning a cash prize.
Before launch, these rockets are paraded through the town in a lively procession. If a rocket fails to take off, its owner faces a playful punishment, a dunk in the mud! The festival is accompanied by traditional music, dancing, and the enjoyment of local rice wine.
Thailand Festivals in June
Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival)
One of Thailand’s most unique and colorful festivals, Phi Ta Khon, or the Ghost Festival, takes place in Dan Sai, Loei Province.
Rooted in Thai folklore, this festival honors Prince Vessantara, a previous life of Buddha, who was thought to have died on a long journey but later returned. The celebrations mark his unexpected return and also serve as a prayer for a prosperous harvest.
Participants wear elaborate ghost masks with long noses, sharp teeth, and fierce eyes, joining a vibrant parade through the town. Visitors can even create their masks or purchase them from street vendors.
Alongside the parade, the festival features traditional dances, live music, and local games, creating a lively and immersive cultural experience.
Thailand Festivals in July
Pattaya Marathon
Each July, Pattaya hosts the Pattaya Marathon. This major sporting event includes a full 42 km marathon, a half-marathon (21 km), a quarter-marathon (10.5 km), and a 3.5 km fun run.
Thousands of runners from around the world participate, making this one of Thailand’s most anticipated athletic events. Due to the influx of visitors, booking accommodation in advance is highly recommended.
Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival
Held annually in Ubon Ratchathani, this festival showcases stunning wax sculptures and candle displays.
Rooted in the Buddhist tradition of lighting candles for peace and happiness, the event brings together sculptors from various countries who collaborate with Thai artists to craft magnificent wax creations.
These intricate sculptures are displayed throughout the city, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere for visitors.
Phaya Si Sattanakarat Worship Ceremony
Taking place in July, this annual ceremony honors the Naga Monument, Phaya Si Sattanakarat, located along the Mekong River.
The statue, depicting a seven-headed mythical serpent, is illuminated every evening, making the site particularly stunning at dusk. The surrounding area features 3D sidewalk art, parks, and scenic river views, making it an ideal spot for photography and cultural exploration.

Thailand Festivals in September
Phichit Long Boat Race
Each year, Phichit hosts a thrilling long boat race. Teams compete in traditional wooden boats in various categories based on crew size, with races featuring up to 55 paddlers per boat.
The festival is accompanied by cultural performances, live music, and a bustling market where visitors can sample local delicacies such as guavas, pomelos, and organic vegetables.
Um Phra Dam Nam Festival
This unique festival in Phetchabun, dating back over 400 years, revolves around the ceremonial bathing of a sacred Buddha statue in the Pah Sak River.
According to local legend, the statue was originally found in the river, and it is believed to return to cleanse itself each year.
Following the ritual, the river is considered sacred, and locals and visitors alike plunge into its waters for good fortune. The event concludes with a traditional boat race, adding to the festive spirit.
Tan Kuay Salak Festival
A cherished Lanna tradition in northern Thailand, the Tan Kuay Salak Festival is a Buddhist merit-making ceremony. Locals prepare offerings, including food and daily necessities, placing them in woven baskets known as Kuay Salak.
These offerings are then randomly drawn and given to monks, symbolizing shared merit between the living and the deceased. This ceremony fosters a sense of community and spiritual connection.
Don’t let Thailand’s weather surprise you! Whether you’re visiting in peak season or looking for the cheapest deals, this categorized packing list has you covered; Make sure to use it here!
Thailand Festivals in October
Wing Kwai (Buffalo Racing Festival)
Held in Chonburi, this festival celebrates the buffalo’s vital role in Thai agriculture. The highlight of the event is the exhilarating buffalo races, where riders race their buffaloes along a 100-meter track to the cheers of spectators.
The festival also includes a buffalo beauty contest, cultural performances, and a vibrant fair with food stalls and entertainment.
Chong Para Festival, Mae Hong Son
In northern Thailand’s Mae Hong Son Province, the Shan (Tai Yai) community celebrates the Chong Para Festival. This event marks the Lord Buddha’s return from heaven, with villagers constructing ornate wooden towers (chong) adorned with decorations.
These towers are carried in a nighttime procession to the local temple, where they are placed before a Buddha image (para). The festivities include communal feasting, dancing, and social gatherings.
Once you’ve scored a flight during the cheapest time to go to Thailand, the next step is navigating the country affordably. From trains to tuk-tuks, we’ve got the best budget-friendly transport tips here, Don’t miss that!
Rub Bua (Lotus Throwing Festival), Samut Prakan
This unique merit-making festival takes place in Samut Prakan, east of Bangkok, during the Awk Phansa full moon. Thousands of people gather along the banks of the Samrong Canal to throw lotus flowers into a passing boat carrying a revered Buddha image.
According to tradition, successfully landing a lotus in the boat brings good fortune. The event is a beautiful display of devotion, culture, and Thai spirituality.
Best Festivals in Thailand Shoulder Season
Thailand Festivals in April
Songkran (Water Festival)
Songkran, also known as the Water Festival, is Thailand’s most famous celebration, marking the Thai New Year. Taking place in April, it signifies the transition from the dry season to the rainy season and symbolizes fresh beginnings!
Today, it has evolved into one of the world’s largest and most exciting water festivals. Thai people clean their homes, visit temples, and offer prayers to welcome the new year.
The festival’s most iconic tradition is the water fight; locals and tourists take to the streets armed with water guns, buckets, and hoses to joyfully splash each other. This custom stems from the belief that water washes away bad luck and sins, ensuring a fresh start.
Popular Songkran celebration spots include:
- Chiang Mai: Home to one of the grandest Songkran celebrations, featuring street parties, parades, and traditional rituals
- Bangkok: The capital transforms into a massive water fight zone, especially around Khao San Road, where locals and tourists unite for endless fun
- Phuket: Patong Beach becomes the center of water battles, drawing visitors from all over the world
Siam Songkran Festival
For those who love both traditional celebrations and modern entertainment, the SIAM Songkran Music Festival in Bangkok offers an electrifying experience.
Featuring world-renowned DJs and diverse music genres like EDM, house, and pop, this festival blends the excitement of Songkran with a high-energy music event. Alongside the music, participants can enjoy various cultural activities celebrating Thailand’s rich heritage.
Skip the Tourist Traps! How to Get Around Thailand for Less?! Thailand’s transport system can be tricky, but we’ve got insider tips to help you avoid overpaying. In this guide of Travel-Essentials, learn how to travel smarter while keeping your costs low!
Thailand Festivals in November
Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival)
Loy Krathong, also known as the Lantern Festival, takes place on the evening of the 15th full moon in the Thai lunar calendar, usually in November.
This festival honors the Goddess of Water, Pra Mae Khongkha, and the Buddha, as people seek blessings for prosperity and good fortune.
The name Loy Krathong means floating banana trunk, referring to the small, beautifully decorated boats made from banana leaves and flowers, which are released into rivers as a symbol of letting go of past misfortunes.

Key Loy Krathong celebrations happen in:
- Chiang Mai: The city hosts the breathtaking Yi Peng Lantern Festival, where thousands of lanterns illuminate the sky while candle-lit krathongs drift along the Mae Ping River.
- Ayutthaya: The ancient capital features grand celebrations with dazzling light displays near historical temples.
- Sukhothai: The birthplace of Loy Krathong offers a historically rich celebration with stunning lantern displays at its UNESCO World Heritage site.
Yi Peng Lantern Festival
The Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai is a truly magical event. Rooted in Brahmanic traditions and the Lanna Kingdom’s heritage, this festival coincides with Loy Krathong, creating a mesmerizing scene as thousands of lanterns float into the night sky while krathongs shimmer on the water.
It marks the end of the monsoon season and the arrival of cooler weather, making it a must-experience event in Thailand.
Phimai Festival and Boat Race
Held in Phimai, this annual festival celebrates the region’s cultural heritage with traditional music, dance performances, and local art exhibitions.
The highlight is the exhilarating longboat race, where teams compete in vibrantly decorated boats along the river. This exciting event fosters community spirit and showcases the rich traditions of Thailand.
NaSatta Light Festival, Winter Illumination
The NaSatta Light Festival is Thailand’s most spectacular outdoor light display, transforming the country into a capital of light.
Organized by Nasatta Park in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and other major partners, this event draws millions of visitors, especially photographers and art lovers.
Key attractions include:
- Thai Spirit: A mesmerizing light display celebrating Thailand’s cultural heritage, featuring artistic installations inspired by folklore and mythology
- Magic Cave & Glow Forest: A fantastical blend of glowing caves and bioluminescent forests, reminiscent of scenes from Avatar. This dreamy setting offers an immersive and unforgettable experience
- The International Fireworks Festival in Pattaya: Every November, Pattaya hosts The International Fireworks Festival, one of Asia’s most renowned ocean city festivals. This event features breathtaking fireworks displays choreographed to music, lighting up the sky along the scenic Pattaya beachfront
Highlights include:
- Stunning performances from five international teams, each showcasing unique and vibrant fireworks displays
- Live music and entertainment, create an unforgettable experience for spectators
- Exclusive hotel and dining packages offering prime viewing spots
Recognized as one of Asia’s top three ocean festivals, the Pattaya Fireworks Festival has earned the prestigious Gold Award for Asia & Oceania, Major Festival Cities: Night Economy and Tourism.
Budget or Comfort?! Some rides are cheap, others are comfy; why not get the best of both? Whether you’re traveling long distances or hopping between islands, we break down the smartest ways to move around Thailand in our guide of “Best Transportation in Thailand”. Don’t miss that!
Cheapest Time to Go to Thailand; Your FAQs Anwered
Ready to find the best time to score a budget-friendly trip to Thailand? In this section, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about traveling to Thailand for less. Don’t skip this, your question might be here!
When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Thailand?
May is usually your best bet for budget-friendly flights.
Which US Cities Have Direct Flights to Thailand?
If you’re flying from the US, you can catch direct flights to Thailand (specifically Bangkok) from cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and possibly Dallas. Airlines like Thai Airways and American Airlines offer these routes.
Is Thailand Expensive for Travelers?
Thailand is great for travelers on all budgets! You can find everything from tasty street food and affordable accommodations to luxury resorts. That said, it can get pricey in popular tourist spots!
How Can I Travel Around Thailand on a Budget?
Skip the internal flights and tourist minivans! Instead, use public buses or hop on a second or third-class train carriage to get around.
What Makes Thailand So Special?
Thailand is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, from pristine beaches to stunning islands. Whether you’re into diving, partying, or relaxing on a romantic getaway, Thailand has it all!