February · Thailand weather
Thailand in February: Weather, What to Expect & Where to Go
Updated
February keeps the cool-dry pattern of January almost everywhere, but the first agricultural burns begin in the mountains. Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, and the Andaman coast are at their best; Chiang Mai is fine but starting to slip on AQI.
Best region
Andaman
Phuket, Krabi, and the surrounding islands hit their dry-season peak — calm seas and steady sun.
Avoid
North
Burning-season haze starts to thicken across Chiang Mai, Pai, and Mae Hong Son.
AQI watch (north)
Air quality in Chiang Mai begins to deteriorate from mid-February as farmers burn crop stubble. Check AQI before booking long stays.
February weather, region by region
Average temperatures and rainfall across Thailand's five climate regions in February. Tap the climate map on the homepage for an interactive month-by-month view.
| Region | Avg temp | Rainfall | Visit rating |
|---|---|---|---|
North Chiang Mai | 24°C | 15mm | AQI watch |
Northeast Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) | 26°C | 15mm | Great |
Central Bangkok | 28°C | 20mm | Great |
Andaman Phuket | 29°C | 30mm | Great |
Gulf Koh Samui | 28°C | 35mm | Great |
City spotlights
One city per region — what February actually feels like on the ground, and what to do or skip.
North
Chiang Mai
By the numbers
Chiang Mai averages 24°C — daytime highs around 30°C, nights of 17–19°C. Around 15mm of rain across 1–2 wet days. AQI begins deteriorating from mid-month as agricultural burning starts.
Comfortable on temperature, but mountains start disappearing into haze by month-end. The first weekend's Flower Festival is the last clean-air window of the year.
Still comfortable on temperature, but haze can dent visibility from the mountains. Short visits early in the month are fine; long stays carry AQI risk.
Year-round climate
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
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Aug
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Nov
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Northeast
Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)
By the numbers
The Korat plateau averages 26°C with highs around 32°C and cool nights of 18°C. About 15mm of rain across 1–2 days. Wildlife in Khao Yai is at its peak as animals gather at remaining water sources.
Dry, mild, and quiet. Khao Yai's gibbons, hornbills, and the occasional elephant are easier to spot now than at any other time of year.
Still dry and mild. Khao Yai's waterfalls are reduced to a trickle but the wildlife spotting (gibbons, hornbills, the occasional elephant) is at its best now.
Year-round climate
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
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Central
Bangkok
By the numbers
Bangkok averages 28°C — afternoon highs around 33°C, nights around 24°C. Rainfall is minimal (around 20mm across 2 days) and humidity stays low at 60%.
Arguably the single best month for Bangkok. Markets, walking tours, and outdoor dining all comfortable from dawn to midnight.
Probably the best all-round month for Bangkok — low humidity, warm but not punishing. Time for outdoor markets, Lumpini runs, and rooftops.
Year-round climate
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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Andaman
Phuket
By the numbers
Phuket averages 29°C with consistent sun. Around 30mm of rain across 3 wet days. Sea temperatures around 28°C and Similan diving visibility hits its annual best at 30m+.
Peak Andaman season. The Similan and Surin islands are at their most spectacular for diving — visibility regularly tops 30m.
Peak-season conditions. Long-tail trips to the Phi Phi Islands and Similan diving are at their best — book ahead.
Year-round climate
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
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Gulf
Koh Samui
By the numbers
Koh Samui averages 28°C with around 35mm of rain across 4–5 wet days. The northeast monsoon is winding down; seas are noticeably calmer than January.
Finally reliable for beach time. A solid Plan B if Phuket and Krabi are fully booked.
Drying out fast and finally reliable for beach time. A solid alternative if the Andaman side is fully booked.
Year-round climate
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Events & festivals in February
Chinese New Year
Bangkok's Chinatown (Yaowarat) is the place to be — expect lion dances, fireworks, and packed streets for several nights.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
First weekend of February. Parades of floral floats through the old city — beautiful, but the best year-end weather window for Chiang Mai is closing.
Where to actually go
Ten days in February
- 3days
Bangkok
Probably the best month for the city — low humidity, walkable, all markets in full swing.
Flight · 1h 25mBook on 12Go - 4days
Krabi
Andaman at peak. Railay, Phi Phi, Hong Islands all on calm seas.
Ferry · 2h 30m via minivan + ferryBook on 12Go - 3days
Koh Lanta
Quieter than Phi Phi, longer beaches, easy ferry ride from Krabi.
Skip a long Chiang Mai stay this month. Two nights early in February is fine; a full week and you risk hitting peak burning-season haze.
Sea conditions in February
Thailand has two coastlines on opposite monsoon calendars. Here's what each looks like this month for swimming, diving, and boat trips.
Andaman coast — Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi
At its annual best. Similan and Surin diving sites open with 30m+ visibility, sea temperature 28°C, glass-flat mornings.
Gulf coast — Samui, Phangan, Tao
Improving fast. Lingering swells fade through the month; by late February Koh Tao dive boats run reliably again.
How crowded is Thailand in February?
Peak season continues. Hotel prices haven't dropped from January but the Songkran rush is still two months away. Book Phuket and Krabi 2–3 months out; Chiang Mai is fine 3–4 weeks ahead.
What to pack for Thailand in February
- Light layers — T-shirts plus one thin long-sleeve
- A fleece for Chiang Mai mornings if you're going early in the month
- Modest temple-visit outfit (shoulders and knees covered)
- N95 mask if you're sensitive to smoke and heading north
- SPF 30+ sunscreen for the Andaman side
If you're visiting the north, check the AQI forecast before you go. Air quality is fine in the first week of February but can deteriorate quickly.
Thailand in February — common questions
Is February a good time to visit Thailand?
Yes — February is arguably the single best weather month of the year for Bangkok and the Andaman coast. The only real caveat is northern haze, which builds through the month and peaks in March. Beach weather on Phuket, Krabi, and the Similan Islands is at its absolute peak.
Is it rainy season in Thailand in February?
No. February sits in the heart of the cool-dry season. Bangkok averages around 20mm of rain across 2 days for the whole month, and Phuket around 30mm. The only region with meaningful rain is the Gulf coast (Koh Samui), and even there it's winding down fast.
How hot is Bangkok in February?
Bangkok averages 28°C in February, with afternoon highs of 33°C and overnight lows around 24°C. Humidity sits around 60%, which keeps the heat feeling manageable. It's noticeably warmer than January but still well below the April peak.
Is February a good time for Phuket?
Yes — February is peak season for Phuket and the wider Andaman coast. Diving visibility around the Similan Islands tops 30m, long-tail boats run every day, and sea temperatures hold at 28°C. Expect peak-season pricing and packed beaches.
Should I avoid Chiang Mai in February?
Not entirely, but timing matters. The first week is still excellent — clean air, cool mornings, and the Chiang Mai Flower Festival on the first weekend is one of the prettiest events of the year. From mid-February onwards, agricultural burning begins and air quality deteriorates. Plan a short visit early in the month, not a long stay.
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Thailand in January
Cool mornings in Chiang Mai, beach weather on the Andaman side
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Thailand in March
Andaman beaches, Gulf islands warming up
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