Thailand weather in October
October is Thailand’s turning-point month: the southwest monsoon retreats, showers shorten, and daytime heat eases a notch. Early October can still feel very wet, but by the final week blue skies break through—especially on the Andaman coast. Expect average highs around 30–32 °C / mid-80s °F and rapidly falling humidity.
1 | Quick-Look Table
| Region | Avg High °C | Rainfall (mm) | Typical Conditions | Travel Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok & Central | 31 – 32 | ≈ 175 | Storms early month, drier by week 4 | Flood-prone sois recede; cooler evenings. |
| Chiang Mai & North | 28 – 30 | ≈ 130 | Cool mornings; lush scenery | Locals break out “winter” jackets at dawn. |
| Isan / Mekong | 29 – 31 | 120 – 160 | Lighter, less frequent rain | River levels still high; sunset cruises run. |
| Gulf Islands (Samui / Phangan) | 30 – 31 | 200 + | Frequent showers | Sea can be choppy; some dive boats cancel. |
| Koh Chang & East | 30 | 400 + | Very wet | Waterfalls thunder; beach days scarce. |
| Phuket / Krabi (Andaman) | 30 – 31 | 150 – 200 | Rain easing, seas calming | From mid-month many boat tours resume. |
2 | October Highlights
- Rain Trend – Heavy in week 1, tapering to short showers by week 4.
- Temperature – Central lows dip below 25 °C; northern highs stay around 28 °C.
- Sea State – Andaman swells fall below 1 m late month; Gulf grows rougher.
- Festivals – Phuket Vegetarian Festival (dates vary) fills streets with colour and firecrackers.
3 | Packing Essentials
- Compact umbrella or light rain jacket
- Quick-dry shoes / sandals with grip
- Light sweater for 20 °C dawns in Chiang Mai
- Motion-sickness tablets for choppy ferry crossings
4 | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q 1. Does it rain all day in Thailand during October?
No. Early October still sees heavy downpours, but they usually arrive in bursts of 30–60 minutes. By the last week many days are largely dry—especially on the Andaman side.
Q 2. What is the coolest place in Thailand in October?
Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pai feel almost spring-like, with average highs around 28 °C and misty 20 °C mornings. Locals jokingly wear “winter coats.”
Q 3. Are Thailand’s beaches worth visiting in October?
It depends on the coast. Phuket & Krabi improve steadily after mid-month; boat tours start again. In contrast, Koh Samui & Koh Chang stay wet and choppy—better saved for December.
Q 4. If I want mostly dry weather in October, where else in Indochina should I look?
Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang, Quy Nhon) enjoys its driest spell, while Luang Prabang, Laos has only light showers. Both options stay within Tonkin Voyage Travel’s Vietnam–Laos–Cambodia range.
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