October in Thailand

If you are planning a visit to Thailand in October you should be able to find some good deals when booking travel and accommodation. The tourist high season in Thailand doesn’t begin until November which means that October has the advantage of cheaper prices at hotels. Although it’s true that the weather can be variable in October, tourist attractions around the country are quieter than they are in the high season and the Thai countryside is particularly scenic at this time of the year.

October weather

For much of Thailand, October is the last of the rainy season months and visitors can expect to see a combination of sunshine and showers on their travels. On average, the second half of the month usually sees less rain, but wherever you travel temperatures will be warm.

Location	Avg. Min. Temp. (C)	Avg. Max. Temp. (C)	Avg. Rainfall (mm)
Bangkok	24	31	231
Chiang Mai	21	31	132
Ko Samui	25	31	266
Krabi	24	31	345
Pattaya	24	31	249
Phuket	24	30	351

Where to go in October

October is an excellent month to visit the north and north-east regions of Thailand with the prospect of pleasant temperatures and gorgeous countryside waiting to be enjoyed. It’s also a good month to explore Bangkok and nearby areas including Kanchanaburi.

If you’re planning a beach break in Thailand during October, the mainland usually sees more settled weather compared to the islands. For a good value seaside break, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Cha Am are all solid choices at this time of the year. On the Thai islands, weather conditions can be a mixed bag during October. Some boat services don’t start operating until mid-October and there is potential for choppy conditions at sea.

If you are visiting Ko Samui or the other Gulf Coast islands, there is usually more sunshine and less rain during the first half of October compared to the second half. Over on the Andaman Coast, the reverse is normally the case with more sunshine and less rain in the second half of the month. On the east coast, Ko Samet is less exposed than other islands and consequently sees more settled weather in October with lots of sunshine mixed in with some showers. Heading further east to the Ko Chang archipelago you can expect to see some heavy downpours, especially in the evening, but there will be extended periods of sunshine during the day too.

Wherever you are for a beach holiday in Thailand at this time of the year, do take notice of no swimming signs and warnings about riptides on some beaches.

October events and festivals

The Buddhist holiday of Awk Phansa usually falls in October and marks the end of the Phansa rains retreat period. Although it isn’t a public holiday, the occasion is marked with various local festivals around the country. The period after Awk Phansa is a popular time for Thai Buddhists to make merit by donating new robes to monks at the end of the rainy season. As part of that ceremony there is a parade with music and dancing and these events take place in villages and towns across Thailand during October. There are also more elaborate festivals such as the Chong Para Festival in Mae Hong Son. And look out too for the traditional long-boat races which are held in a number of provinces around the country during September and October.

As part of the Taoist Lent period, the Vegetarian Festival usually takes place in October. This is mainly celebrated by Thais of Chinese heritage with notable events held in Phuket and Bangkok. Other smaller Vegetarian Festivals are also held in locations including Chiang Mai, Krabi, Pattaya and Trang.

October 23 is a public holiday in Thailand to honour one of the most revered figures in Thai history, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). Portraits of King Chulalongkorn are believed to be a good luck charm for businesses and you may notice his image in shops and restaurants during your travels around Thailand. 

You may also enjoy