Thailand weather & when to go: January

Northern Thailand is likely to be cool and dry, enjoying a refreshing breeze: perfect conditions for trekking in the Golden Triangle region and cycling around the Chiang Mai countryside (avg temp: 20-24°C). Evening temperatures in the far north can be a little chilly during February so it's worth packing a light jumper. Bangkok is also dry although warmer due in part to its lower altitude. Temperatures are expected to hover in the high 20’s°C throughout the month.

If you are planning to visit Khao Sok National Park, explore the rainforest and interact with the resident Asian elephants, January is one of the driest months of the year, however being the rainforest, showers can be experienced even during dry season. 

In the south, conditions on the beaches are similar from one coast to the other, however whilst on the west coast beaches rainfall this month is rare, the east coast beaches such as Koh Samui & Koh Pha Ngan may experience the odd short shower, especially at the beginning of the month as the wet season draws to an end. On both coasts you can enjoy a cooling breeze, helping to keep the temperatures more moderate than later in the year (avg temp: 26-29°C). Dry conditions and warm sea temperatures in January are also favourable for diving off the west coast around Phuket, Khao Lak & Krabi.