Thailand in May 2025: Off-Peak Season Travel Guide

Thailand in May is worth visiting as it provides the opportunity to explore the country beyond its beaches. During this time, the rain gradually falls more frequently while the heat remains. May is also suitable for low-budget travelers as it's the off-peak season. You can expect hotels and attractions to have fewer crowds and lower prices. Below is detailed information for your Thailand tour in May.

Thailand Weather in May

During your travel in May, you will encounter the beginning of the rainy season as the shower falls from time to time, with average temperature typically ranging from 28-35 degrees. Overall, even though showers may occasionally occur, your travel plans in May are unlikely to be impacted.

Thailand Weather Map in May

Central Thailand

During visits to central Thailand, including Bangkok and Ayutthaya, visitors may experience high levels of humidity. Additionally, rainfall tends to increase towards the end of the month.

Southern Thailand

In southern Thailand, where the southeast monsoon brings occasional showers, the weather is still pleasant during the daytime. If you're considering travel in May to Phuket or Krabi, it's worth noting that they typically receive more rainfall than Koh Samui. With some planning, you can still enjoy the destinations they have to offer.

Northern Thailand

The northern part of the island not only takes a break from the heat but also has lower humidity. And you are welcome to enjoy outdoor activities as much as you want in places like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

Where to Go In May

The weather in May can be a bit unpredictable. To make your trip as enjoyable as possible, here is a list of some great cities worth visiting in May.

Bangkok

Visiting Bangkok in May can be a different experience from the peak season. The humidity season presents a wonderful opportunity to discover cozy indoor destinations and indulge in activities unlimited for the weather. Local pubs, Thai massages, and shopping malls are ideal options. There are plenty of exciting places to explore, including the stunning Grand Palace, the serene Lumpini Park, and captivating Bangkok's ocean world. With so many options, Bangkok is guaranteed to provide a memorable experience.

Grand Palace in Bangkok

Chiang Mai

Surrounded by misty mountains and hill tribes, Chiang Mai is one of the perfect destinations for those looking for an escape from the hot and humid climates when traveling in May. It is an ideal time to immerse yourself in Thailand's rich cultural atmosphere, as is evident throughout the city. Along with stunning landscapes and majestic architecture like Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara and Wat Chiang Man, you can also try Thai spas and cooking classes to gain a deeper understanding of Thailand's cultural charm.

Ayutthaya

As the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom, Ayutthaya is truly the ideal destination to appreciate the historical side of Thailand. Strolling around the impressive ruins and religious sites with the pleasant weather of May, you'll understand why it's chosen to be a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is no doubt a vacation paradise to travel in May. Unlike other parts of Thailand that may experience some rainfall, it boasts sunny and clear skies, making it a perfect destination for any traveler. Whether you are a budget traveler or a luxury seeker, you can find your dream trip to Koh Samui.

The View of Koh Samui

Hua Hin

As the oldest beach resort in Thailand, Hua Hin has been favored by Thai royal families and locals for decades. It showcases a more peaceful vacation spot compared to other bustling places, making it an ideal choice for those looking to escape the chaos of city life. With fewer crowds and more affordable prices, Hua Hin is a destination worth considering when traveling in May.

What to Do & See in May

What to do and see when traveling in May in Thailand really depends on the weather and your location. But as the weather doesn't change much, we can still make the best of it with a little planning.

Explore Historical Sites at a Relaxed Pace

Thailand's fascinating history is making its historical sites irresistible for visitors. Among all the unique sites around the country, Ayutthaya is at the top of the recommendation list.

The city is surrounded by magnificent historical sites, and most of them can be found in Ayutthaya Historical Park. One of the most impressive temples is Wat Mahathat, renowned for its symbolic sight of a Buddha's head entwined in tree roots. The Ancient Palace is another showstopper with the Queen Sirikit Museum and Khon performance. As you make your way from one site to another, take your time to admire Ayutthaya's landscapes, floating markets, and cuisine. When travel in May, Ayutthaya is going to leave you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

A Buddha’s Head Entwined in Tree Roots in Wat Mahathat

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi 7 DAYS Explore This Tour

Daydreaming at Beaches

As a top beach destination, Thailand's beaches vary in characteristics, some are tranquil and well-preserved, while others are lively and commercialized. As a traditional beach resort in Thailand, Hua Hin is a peaceful beach that is perfect for family visits.

Located in the southeastern part of Thailand, Hua Hin is blessed with little rainfall and allows you to enjoy a plethora of beach activities. From jet skiing, waterboarding, and iconic horseback riding, you're never run out of things to do. Not to mention restaurants along the beach present you with authentic Thai food. Hua Hin has everything you need for a dream beach vacation and will provide you with a world apart from the fast-paced city to travel in May.

Discover the Natural Charm of Mountains

Looking for a refreshing escape from the heat of Thailand when travel in May? Head north to visit the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon National Park, as it offers a respite from the heat with a plethora of activities to indulge in. Take a hike on the Kew Mae Pan trail to see the thunderous waterfalls and intricate stone formations and smell the sweet scent of the flower garden in the background of waterfalls in Baan Khun Klang village. If time permits, scale up to the King and Queen pagodas and bask in the breathtaking sunrise as the sea of clouds envelops the beautiful landscapes below.

The View of Doi Inthanon National Park

Soothing Yourself in Thai Massages

A trip to Thailand is not complete without experiencing authentic Thai Massage. Under the influence of Indian medicine, Thai massage involves the use of yoga poses without any oils or lotions. During your travel in May, a Thai massage can help you unwind and recharge from the fatigue of traveling. No matter if you choose the local massage shops alongside the street or a high-end spa, you are in for a real treat.

Events & Festivals

Visakha Bucha

If you see yellow flags hanging outside houses, then you know Visakha Bucha Day is on the way. On May 22nd, 2024, Buddhists around Thailand commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Lord Buddha. For tourists, the best places to catch a glimpse of Visakha Bucha are temples around Thailand, such as Wat Phra Kaew Temple in Bangkok and Doi Suthep Temple in Chiang Mai. The celebration starts with merit-making in the daytime. In the candlelit procession, devotees and monks carry the candles and walk thrice around the main chapel, making the air full of fragrance.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is a symbol of the beginning of the rice-growing season. During your travel in May, you can experience the festival in two separate rituals. First, it's the Cultivating Ceremony performed by the king or the appointed monarch to bless agriculture. The following one is the Ploughing ceremony held at the Sanam Luang ceremonial ground. The lead of the ceremony is sacred oxen carrying seeds and scattering them over the furrows. Whoever collects the seeds will be blessed for the next year. Oxens are also required to choose the main crops for the next year, which is an exciting moment of the ceremony.

Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival

In a tradition dating back centuries, Thai people beg for raindrops by launching homemade rockets into the sky. The festival is celebrated throughout Thailand, but if you want to experience the strongest traditional vibe, head to Yasothon in the Isan Region.

The locals kick off the festival by bringing their rockets to visit the shrines in respect of the gods. The next day is marked by dance performances and street parades. However, the most important day of the festival is the last day when a rocket launching competition takes place. The sight of rockets of different colors and shapes soaring into the sky is truly a breathtaking experience that you shouldn't miss when traveling in May.

Crowds & Costs

One of the great things about travel in May in Thailand is that you can see a decrease in crowds and prices compared to the high season. With popular destinations remaining crowded, you can find there are fewer crowds in attractions and flights at lower prices. Sometimes, you may even find hotels offering a completely different price rate at this time of year. If you're looking for an economical trip to Thailand, May is the ideal time for you.

However, it's worth noting that in the northern regions and northeastern regions, there might be an increase in local crowds due to the Thai holiday period in Thailand.

Thailand Travel Tips in May

Dress Code for Visakha Bucha Day

In Buddhism, the color white is considered a symbol of purity. On main Buddhist holidays, many devotees wear white while visiting temples. This is also true on Visakha Bucha Day. If you plan to travel to Thailand in May, it's recommended that you choose a white outfit to blend in with the local vibe. However, it's important to keep in mind that your clothes should cover your arms and legs as a sign of respect to Buddhism.

Prepare Yourself for the Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival

If you're planning on staying at the festival for an extended period, we recommend you bring the necessary items for a day trip, such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sunlight. If someone is sensitive to loud noises, it's suggested to bring earplugs. There'll be small vendors selling snacks and beverages, so there's no need to worry about going hungry.

Guess the Crop at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony

During the Ploughing Ceremony, the sacred oxen are presented with various types of crops such as rice, corn, and beans. Whatever oxen choose to eat is going to be the main crop for the next year. Everyone eagerly awaits the results of this momentous occasion, and guessing the chosen crop adds to the excitement and sense of participation. This experience is sure to make your travel in May more memorable.

Turn Your Dreamy Thailand Trip into Reality

While travel in May to Thailand is full of enjoyment, a trip to other attractive destinations will be amazing as well. If you are dreaming of a vacation but don't know where to start? Our travel expert will help you with your dream trip.