Season by season
Cool & dry season
December to February is the driest and coolest period, with misty mornings on the lake and comfortable trekking. This is high season: raft houses and the better lodges fill up, and Rafflesia flowers begin to open.
Hot season
March and April are hot and still mostly dry. The lake level drops, exposing drowned tree stumps, and animals come to the shore to drink. Showers return by late April.
Rainy season & sea conditions
From May to November rain is frequent and often heavy, peaking around September and October. Rivers run high, waterfalls are spectacular and the forest hums with life. Some caves and longer trails close, and leeches are everywhere.
Month by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°C | 24°C | 35 mm | Very busy |
| February | 33°C | 24°C | 25 mm | Busy |
| March | 33°C | 25°C | 70 mm | Busy |
| April | 33°C | 25°C | 150 mm | Busy |
| May | 32°C | 25°C | 290 mm | Quiet |
| June | 32°C | 25°C | 260 mm | Quiet |
| July | 31°C | 25°C | 260 mm | Quiet |
| August | 31°C | 25°C | 290 mm | Quiet |
| September | 31°C | 24°C | 380 mm | Quiet |
| October | 31°C | 24°C | 320 mm | Busy |
| November | 31°C | 24°C | 180 mm | Busy |
| December | 31°C | 24°C | 70 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
- December–March: Rafflesia season, when guides lead hikes to flowers in bloom.
- April: Songkran, Thai New Year, around 13–15 April.
- June–October: Peak rains; Nam Talu cave and some trails are closed.
- November: Loy Krathong, with small floats released on rivers and the lake.
Our advice
Come between December and April for the best odds of dry weather, and book raft houses well ahead for January and February. If your trip falls in the wet months, plan the lake night anyway — rain on the water is part of the experience — and keep trekking plans flexible. See also when to go to Thailand.
