March in Thailand

March signifies the start of the hot season in Thailand and with temperatures on the rise, it’s the perfect time to chill out on a beach holiday. Although March is still a popular month to visit Thailand, tourist numbers are lower compared to the high season months from December to February. Consequently, prices for accommodation and internal flights also drop in March making a Thailand holiday even better value for money at this time of the year.

March weather

If you’re visiting Thailand in March you can expect to see settled weather wherever you go with lots of sunshine and high temperatures. Isolated rain showers can still occur in March, but they are brief and the amount of rainfall low. Be safe in the sun and always keep hydrated. Try to schedule sightseeing for the cooler mornings if possible, especially in Bangkok.

Location	Avg. Min. Temp. (C)	Avg. Max. Temp. (C)	Avg. Rainfall (mm)
Bangkok	24	34	31
Chiang Mai	17	34	15
Ko Samui	26	31	51
Krabi	25	34	36
Pattaya	25	32	52
Phuket	23	33	60

Where to go in March

As the weather table above shows, there are similar weather patterns in place on the Andaman Coast, Gulf Coast and East Coast. With an abundance of blue skies and calm conditions at sea, March is an ideal month to visit any of the Thai islands or mainland beach resorts.

On the Andaman Coast, Khao Lak, Krabi, Ranong and Phuket are all excellent choices for a beach holiday in March. Or head further south and go island hopping in the Tarutao National Marine Park or explore the delightful Trang Islands. Over on the other opposite Gulf Coast, the mainland beaches of Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Khanom are all good choices at this time of the year. And with benign conditions at sea, it’s also an excellent time to hop between the islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao and enjoy the cooling sea breezes. The excellent beach weather extends across to the East Coast with Ko Chang, Ko Samet, Rayong and Pattaya all attracting a mix of local and international tourists during March.

If you’re visiting the north or north-east of Thailand in March, the hot and dry weather can exacerbate the seasonal haze that can sometimes occur at this time of year. It isn’t always an issue, but it is something to be aware of during the dry season and especially during March.

March events and festivals

Elephants have played a significant role in Thai history and culture. The close relationship dates back centuries and is recognised with the annual National Thai Elephant Day on March 13. Buddhist ceremonies are held at some elephant sanctuaries to bless the elephants and their mahouts. At some locations the elephants are also treated to a sugar cane and fruit banquet.

Just as Thailand’s national animal is honoured during March, so too is the country’s national sport. March 17 is designated as National Muay Thai Day with special ceremonies held at Thai boxing stadiums and gyms across the country. The biggest event is the Martial Arts Festival and Wai Khru Ceremony held in Ayutthaya, home of the legendary warrior and boxer, Nai Khanom Tom.

The arrival of seasonal winds combined with the warm and dry weather make March an ideal month for the traditional Thai pastime of kite flying. In Bangkok, the open space in front of the Grand Palace known as Sanam Luang has traditionally been a popular gathering place for kite enthusiasts. Elsewhere in the country there are various local competitions held with the biggest organised event being the International Kite Festival in Hua Hin and Cha Am.

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