March · Thailand weather
Thailand in March: Weather, What to Expect & Where to Go
Updated
March is when Thailand's hot season kicks in — afternoons in Bangkok start to bite, the northeast bakes, and burning-season haze hits its worst in the mountains. The Andaman and Gulf coasts are the saving grace.
Best region
Andaman
Phuket and Krabi still benefit from the tail of the dry season — hot, but consistently sunny.
Avoid
North
AQI peaks in March across the north. Visibility, lungs, and mountain views all suffer.
AQI peak (north + northeast)
March is the worst air-quality month of the year across Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai, and parts of Isaan. Consider postponing northern travel until June.
March weather, region by region
Average temperatures and rainfall across Thailand's five climate regions in March. Tap the climate map on the homepage for an interactive month-by-month view.
| Region | Avg temp | Rainfall | Visit rating |
|---|---|---|---|
North Chiang Mai | 28°C | 35mm | AQI watch |
Northeast Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) | 29°C | 40mm | AQI watch |
Central Bangkok | 30°C | 45mm | Great |
Andaman Phuket | 29°C | 70mm | Great |
Gulf Koh Samui | 29°C | 60mm | Great |
City spotlights
One city per region — what March actually feels like on the ground, and what to do or skip.
North
Chiang Mai
By the numbers
Chiang Mai averages 28°C — highs around 34°C, nights still cool at 19–21°C. Around 35mm of rain across 3–4 days. AQI peaks this month, regularly hitting hazardous levels (PM2.5 above 200).
Mountains disappear into thick haze. Even short visits can be physically unpleasant for anyone with asthma or respiratory sensitivities.
Burning-season haze is at its worst. AQI regularly hits hazardous levels, mountains disappear from view, and even short visits can be unpleasant.
Year-round climate
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Northeast
Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)
By the numbers
Korat averages 29°C — highs of 35°C, nights around 21°C. Around 40mm of rain across 3–4 days. Agricultural burning haze affects parts of Isaan, though less severely than the north.
Hot, dry, and dusty. The Korat plateau bakes; Khao Yai stays a few degrees cooler than the plains and worth the day trip.
Hot, dry, and dusty, with agricultural burning haze on some weeks. Khao Yai stays a few degrees cooler than the plains — worth the day trip from Korat.
Year-round climate
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Central
Bangkok
By the numbers
Bangkok averages 30°C — afternoon highs hit 34–35°C, nights around 25°C. Around 45mm of rain across 4–5 days, mostly evening storms in the second half of the month.
Hot enough that midday sightseeing becomes a chore. Stick to early mornings, malls, and rooftops.
Hot in the afternoons (30°C+), but mornings and evenings are still manageable. Skip outdoor markets at midday — stick to malls, food halls, and rooftops.
Year-round climate
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Andaman
Phuket
By the numbers
Phuket averages 29°C with bright days and rising humidity. Around 70mm of rain across 5–6 days, mostly brief evening showers. Sea temperature 29°C.
Last great month before the monsoon. Seas are still calm, prices ease in the second half.
Last great month before the southwest monsoon. Sea is calm, days are bright, prices are still high but coming down by month-end.
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 — highs around 32°C, nights 25°C. About 60mm of rain across 5 days. Seas continue to calm through the month.
Now in its sweet spot. Samui, Phangan, and Tao are all reliable for sun.
Now in its sweet spot. Dry, hot, and bright — Samui, Phangan, and Tao are all reliable for sun.
Year-round climate
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Events & festivals in March
Pattaya Music Festival
Free outdoor music on Pattaya beach, usually mid-March. A weekend-long excuse to head to the eastern seaboard.
Where to actually go
Ten days in March
- 2days
Bangkok
Hot but manageable. Early mornings and rooftops only.
Flight · 1h 25mBook on 12Go - 4days
Phuket
Last reliable Andaman month before the monsoon arrives.
Ferry · 2hBook on 12Go - 4days
Koh Phi Phi
Calm seas, peak visibility for snorkeling, prices starting to ease.
Skip Chiang Mai entirely this month. AQI regularly hits hazardous levels; mountain views disappear; nobody wins. Push the northern leg of your trip to June or later.
Sea conditions in March
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
Still calm and clear, with dive operators running. Visibility around 20–25m. Last reliable window before the southwest monsoon arrives.
Gulf coast — Samui, Phangan, Tao
Coming into its prime. Seas are flat, Koh Tao diving is excellent, ferry crossings smooth.
How crowded is Thailand in March?
High season is winding down but still busy on the islands. Phuket and Krabi remain expensive; Chiang Mai drops sharply as AQI scares people off. Book beach accommodation 4–6 weeks out.
What to pack for Thailand in March
- Light, breathable clothing — linen and cotton only
- An N95 or KF94 mask if you're heading anywhere near the north
- A small portable fan or cooling towel for daytime sightseeing
- SPF 50+ sunscreen — the sun is genuinely punishing now
- Reef-safe sunscreen for the Andaman and Gulf
March is the start of the hot season. Heat exhaustion is a real risk if you push through midday sightseeing — plan indoor afternoons or risk burning out early in the trip.
Thailand in March — common questions
Is March a good time to visit Thailand?
It depends entirely on where you go. The Andaman and Gulf islands are still excellent — possibly your last chance at peak Andaman weather before the monsoon. But Chiang Mai and the wider north are at their worst due to burning-season haze, and Bangkok's heat starts to become punishing in the afternoons.
Is it rainy season in Thailand in March?
No, though the first afternoon storms begin to appear in Bangkok and Isaan toward the end of the month. The Andaman and Gulf coasts remain in their dry season. The wider monsoon doesn't arrive until May.
How bad is the air quality in Chiang Mai in March?
Genuinely bad. March is the peak of Thailand's burning season — PM2.5 levels in Chiang Mai, Pai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son regularly exceed 200, with hazy skies and limited visibility for the entire month. Sensitive travellers should postpone northern travel until June.
How hot is Bangkok in March?
Bangkok averages 30°C in March, with afternoon highs of 34–35°C and overnight lows of 25°C. It's noticeably hotter than February — midday outdoor activities become uncomfortable. Plan early mornings, indoor afternoons, and evening dining.
Is March a good time for Phuket?
Yes — March is the last reliable month before the southwest monsoon arrives in late April. Sea conditions are still calm, dive operators are running, and prices begin to ease in the second half of the month. Book early if you want guaranteed Similan Islands diving.
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Songkran nationwide, Gulf islands at their best
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