Season by season
Cool & dry season
November to February is the most pleasant time: dry, sunny and relatively cool, with misty mornings on the river. Erawan’s pools are clear and blue. It is also the busiest period, particularly on weekends and around New Year.
Hot season
March to May is very hot, with afternoon temperatures often near or above 38°C. Erawan remains swimmable and refreshing, but smaller falls shrink and walking Hellfire Pass is best done at opening time.
Rainy season & sea conditions
From June to October the rains refill the rivers and falls. Showers are usually short and the forest is lush, though after heavy rain Erawan’s water can turn brown and the upper tiers may close. September and October are the wettest months.
Month by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°C | 22°C | 15 mm | Very busy |
| February | 33°C | 24°C | 20 mm | Busy |
| March | 34°C | 26°C | 40 mm | Busy |
| April | 35°C | 27°C | 90 mm | Busy |
| May | 34°C | 27°C | 220 mm | Quiet |
| June | 33°C | 26°C | 150 mm | Quiet |
| July | 33°C | 26°C | 160 mm | Quiet |
| August | 33°C | 26°C | 200 mm | Quiet |
| September | 33°C | 25°C | 330 mm | Quiet |
| October | 32°C | 25°C | 240 mm | Busy |
| November | 32°C | 24°C | 50 mm | Busy |
| December | 31°C | 22°C | 10 mm | Very busy |
Temperatures and rainfall are approximate long-term averages for the nearest weather station; individual years vary, and mountain areas are cooler than the figures shown.
Festivals & events
- April: Songkran, Thai New Year, celebrated around 13–15 April.
- April: Anzac Day (25 April) is marked with a dawn service at Hellfire Pass and a ceremony at the War Cemetery.
- November: Loy Krathong, with floats released on the rivers.
- November–December: River Kwai Bridge Week, with a sound-and-light show at the bridge and a fair.
Our advice
For waterfalls at their fullest with manageable weather, come in November or early December. For the clearest blue pools and coolest walking, choose December to February. Whenever you come, visit Erawan on a weekday and be at the gate when it opens. See also when to go to Thailand.
