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The beginning of the year is an ideal month for a trip to Thailand. January is a peak season and one of the best months of the year to visit Thailand. In January, the high-pressure area from China covering upper Thailand is weak, causing the weather conditions are great cool throughout the country.

The central and northern Thailand is dry and cooler than usual. Both the east and west coasts of Thailand are seeing a lot of sunshine with little chance of rain. The weather conditions couldn't be better for a vacation in Thailand. Temperatures are the most pleasant of the year and during the day they are just below 30°C. 

For rainfall, there is scanty rainfall in the upper Thailand except for unusual rainfalls during late month due to the passage of the westerly trough over the northern and northeast regions. In southern part, the easterly wind prevails over the southern part causing light to moderate rain mainly along the east coast during the middle and the end of the month.

Summary of Thailand weather in January

Average temperature: 28°C

Average daytime temperature: 33°C

Average temperature at night: 20°C

Number of sunny hours: 9

Precipitation in mm: 43 mm

Number of rainy days in the month: 11

Water temperature: 28°C

Details about the weather in January

Bangkok and Central Thailand

The capital of the country and central region is not so hot, temperatures are relatively cold and the weather is virtually rainless. Daytime air temperature rises to 29°C. The evening can still be a little chilly, about 25°C.

Eastern Thailand

Temperatures in Eastern Thailand are similar to those in Bangkok and Central Thailand. The probability of precipitation is slightly higher, short showers may appear. January is the best time to visit eastern islands like Koh Chang or Koh Kood. Off the coast of Pattaya, the sea warms up to 26°C.

Northern Thailand

In the northern provinces of Thailand, the beginning of the year is very warm from 24-27°C. At night, the air temperature might even drop by only 4-5°C so a light jacket, sweater or sweatshirt can be suitable. In the mountainous areas, in rare cases, the temperature drops to 0°C. The usual temperature intervals in the mountains are at around 10°C so if you are going on a mountain trek, be sure to pack a jacket and a blanket for you not to feel cold at night. January is essentially rain-free in northern Thailand.

Northeast Thailand - Isan

Northeast Thailand has very similar weather in January as Central Thailand. Only evening and night temperatures are slightly lower and can drop to around 15°C. Expect little or no rain.

Southern Thailand - East Coast

The closer to the south, the hotter the climate. In the part of the Gulf of Thailand and the south-east coast expect daily temperatures around 25 - 27°C. You can swim not only in the pools, but also in the sea. It is windy in January, it rains about 5-6 days a month, and the probability of a storm is more than 50%. There will certainly be several days with rainfall, but certainly not all days, especially in the provinces of Surat Thani (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) and Nakhon Si Thammarat. The northern part, around Chumphon, has slightly less precipitation.

Southern Thailand - West Coast

January weather is considered the most favorable for recreation on the islands on the coast of the Andaman Sea. In the province of Phuket, Krabi, Trang and the island of Lanta, January is the best month to visit. The air warms up to 32°C during the day and the sea temperature reaches 28°C. It is one of the months with the least precipitation of the year. But don't be surprised if there will be a few days with short showers.

Tips for planning a vacation in Thailand in January

If you are planning a vacation in Thailand in January, you need to prepare well in advance, especially during New Year since due to the weather in January in Thailand is wonderful, best hotels are fully booked.

Fairs and Festivals in January

In addition to the favorable weather, there are many attractive events and festivals for tourists to join. An important holiday celebrated in Thailand in the last week of January is the Chinese New Year. The most unforgettable events take place on the island of Phuket. However, in the Chinatowns of other cities, colorful and cheerful parades are organized.

One of the most colorful and charming is the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival in Chiang Mai, which has a beauty pageant and hundreds of silk umbrellas decorating the streets.

National Children's Day on the second Saturday of the month is also an interesting occasion if you are travelling with kids. There are lots of family-friendly activities on offer and the prices for visits to attractions for children are also decreasing.

The Full Moon Party is a tourist festival which takes place on the beach of Haad Rin on Koh Phangan every month of the year, on the day of the full moon. During seasonal peaks, the Full Moon Party can bring together nearly 20,000 tourists.

Overall weather conditions in Thailand in January

Bangkok weather in January is ✦ - perfect

Chiang Mai weather in January is ✦ - perfect

Krabi weather in January is ✦ - perfect

Koh Samui weather in January is ✦ - very good

Phuket weather in January is ✦ - perfect

Pattaya weather in January is ✦ - perfect

Kanchanaburi weather in January is ✦ - very good

Hua Hin weather in January is ✦ - perfect

Koh Chang weather in January is ✦ - perfect

Isan weather in January is ✦ - perfect

 

Chance of rain in Thailand in January

Chance of rain in Bangkok in January is:

✦ - chance of getting wet is close to minimum

Chance of rain in Chiang Mai in January is:

✦ - chance of getting wet is close to minimum

Chance of rain in Krabi in January is:

✦ - chance of getting wet is close to minimum

Chance of rain in Koh Samui in January is:

✦ - a bit of rain every few days might be expected

Chance of rain in Phuket in January is:

✦ - chance of getting wet is close to minimum

Chance of rain in Pattaya in January is:

✦ - chance of getting wet is close to minimum

Chance of rain in Kanchanaburi in January is:

✦ - chance of getting wet is close to minimum

Chance of rain in Hua Hin in January is:

✦ - chance of getting wet is close to minimum

Chance of rain in Koh Chang in January is:

✦ - chance of getting wet is close to minimum

Chance of rain in Isan in January is:

✦ - chance of getting wet is close to minimum

 

Can't find the place you want to visit? Keep in mind that the weather conditions in these locations tend to be similar in January:

Thailand weather in January doesn't look good enough for you? Choose another month (February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December) or check when is the best time to travel to Thailand.

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