July · Thailand weather
Thailand in July: Weather, What to Expect & Where to Go
Updated
July is similar to June — wet on the Andaman side, dry-ish elsewhere — but with a stronger cultural overlay. Khao Phansa marks the start of Buddhist Lent, and the candle festivals in Isaan are some of the most photogenic events on the calendar.
Best region
Gulf
Still on the dry calendar. Reliable sun on Samui, Phangan, and Tao.
Avoid
Andaman
Mid-monsoon. Long stretches of rain and rough seas.
Good for
Isaan candle festivals, Gulf beaches, Chiang Mai
July weather, region by region
Average temperatures and rainfall across Thailand's five climate regions in July. Tap the climate map on the homepage for an interactive month-by-month view.
| Region | Avg temp | Rainfall | Visit rating |
|---|---|---|---|
North Chiang Mai | 27°C | 160mm | Great |
Northeast Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) | 28°C | 210mm | Good |
Central Bangkok | 29°C | 160mm | Great |
Andaman Phuket | 28°C | 320mm | Good |
Gulf Koh Samui | 29°C | 120mm | Great |
City spotlights
One city per region — what July actually feels like on the ground, and what to do or skip.
North
Chiang Mai
By the numbers
Chiang Mai averages 27°C — highs around 30°C, nights around 22°C. Around 160mm of rain across 14 days, typically heavy afternoon storms. Mornings stay bright.
Wet and green. Afternoon storms most days, but the air is clean and mountains are visible between showers.
Wet and green. Afternoon storms most days, but mornings are usually bright and the air is clear.
Year-round climate
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
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Northeast
Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)
By the numbers
Korat averages 28°C with around 210mm of rain across 17 days. Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) brings candle festivals, especially around Ubon Ratchathani.
Steady wet-season rhythm. Ubon's candle festival is one of the most photogenic events on the Thai calendar.
Steady wet-season rhythm: dry mornings, afternoon storms. If you can stretch your trip to Ubon Ratchathani further east, the candle festival around Khao Phansa is unmissable.
Year-round climate
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
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Central
Bangkok
By the numbers
Bangkok averages 29°C with around 160mm of rain across 14–15 days. Storms hit mostly in late afternoon; mornings are typically dry. Humidity stays at 80%.
Sticky and rainy, but manageable if you accept the rhythm of dry mornings and wet afternoons.
Sticky and rainy. Manageable if you accept the rhythm of dry mornings and wet afternoons.
Year-round climate
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Andaman
Phuket
By the numbers
Phuket averages 28°C with around 320mm of rain across 22 days. Sea visibility 5–10m. Most dive operators closed. Beaches see rip currents.
Mid-monsoon. Long stretches of rain and rough seas — even the cheap rates can't make this a beach holiday.
Mid-monsoon. Most dive operators have shut down by now; beaches see rip currents.
Year-round climate
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Gulf
Koh Samui
By the numbers
Koh Samui averages 29°C with around 120mm of rain across 10 days. Sea temperature 30°C, calm seas, exceptional diving visibility.
Reliable Gulf-side sun. Best beach option in Thailand this month.
Reliable sun on the Gulf islands. The best beach option in Thailand this month.
Year-round climate
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Events & festivals in July
Asalha Puja
Buddhist holiday marking the Buddha's first sermon. Temples are busy with candle processions — beautiful and very local.
Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent begins)
Start of the three-month rains retreat for monks. Look out for candle festivals across Isaan — Ubon Ratchathani's is the most famous.
Where to actually go
Ten days in July
- 3days
Bangkok
Mornings only for outdoor sightseeing. Afternoons in malls, markets, and rooftops.
Flight · 1h 10mBook on 12Go - 2days
Ubon Ratchathani
Khao Phansa candle festival — one of Thailand's most photogenic events.
Flight · ~3h via BangkokBook on 12Go - 5days
Koh Samui
Peak Gulf beach weather. The country's most reliable July sunshine.
Skip the Andaman coast. Phuket and Krabi are at their wettest — save them for November onwards.
Sea conditions in July
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
Mid-monsoon. Most dive operators shut down by now; beaches see rip currents. Long-tail boats run only when weather allows.
Gulf coast — Samui, Phangan, Tao
At peak. Sea temperature 30°C, Koh Tao diving visibility 25–30m, ferries on schedule.
How crowded is Thailand in July?
Quietest month of the year nationwide, except on the Gulf islands. Hotel rates everywhere except Samui are at their annual lows. No need to book more than a week ahead unless you're targeting the Ubon candle festival.
What to pack for Thailand in July
- Compact rain jacket or poncho
- Quick-dry clothes only
- Waterproof shoes or sandals
- Strong insect repellent (mosquitoes and leeches if hiking)
- A dry bag for electronics
If you're heading to Isaan for the candle festivals around Khao Phansa, pack white or light-coloured modest clothing — many temple ceremonies have an unspoken dress code, and you'll feel out of place in beachwear.
Thailand in July — common questions
Is July a good time to visit Thailand?
Yes, with the right plan. Pick the Gulf islands for beaches, Isaan for culture (Khao Phansa candle festivals), or the north for green-season landscapes. Skip the Andaman coast — it's at its wettest. Prices are at shoulder-season lows everywhere except Samui.
Is July rainy season in Thailand?
Yes — July is mid-monsoon on the Andaman side and in Bangkok, with around 160mm of rain in the capital and 320mm in Phuket. The north sees regular afternoon storms but bright mornings. The Gulf coast stays dry — it's the only reliable beach destination in July.
What's Khao Phansa?
Khao Phansa marks the start of Buddhist Lent — a three-month rains retreat during which monks stay within their temples. The night before, Asalha Puja, is one of the most important Buddhist holidays of the year. Across Isaan, especially in Ubon Ratchathani, communities celebrate with elaborate carved-candle processions through the streets.
How hot is Bangkok in July?
Bangkok averages 29°C with afternoon highs of 33°C and overnight lows of 26°C. The afternoon storms keep absolute temperatures slightly cooler than May or June, but humidity holds at 80%. Mornings are typically dry; storms hit in late afternoon.
Is July a good time for Koh Samui?
Yes — July sits in the middle of Koh Samui's dry season. Expect reliable sun, sea temperatures of 30°C, and exceptional diving visibility (25–30m) on Koh Tao. Sea conditions are calm enough for day trips to Angthong Marine Park to run every day.
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