Thailand in February – a good time to visit the Land of Smiles? In fact, February in Thailand is relatively cool and dry. And there is lots of sunshine and little rainfall. Plus, it is the coolest month of the year. Not only that, there are some interesting activities in Thailand in February. And that includes the Elephant Boat Races and and River Festival in Bangkok.
Why Visiting Thailand in February Makes Sense
As one of the driest and coolest months of the year, February in Thailand can be an excellent month to visit the Land of Smiles.
There are flower festivals in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, In addition, some interesting local festivals take place in other parts of the country, And many of of them are far off the well-beaten tourism track.
Most importantly, the Elephant Boat Races take place in Bangkok in February. And they are among the most exciting events of the year for tourists, expats, and Thais alike.
Thailand February Weather
So how is the weather of Thailand in February? In fact, the weather in Thailand in February is at the end of Thailand’s so-called “cool season”.
To clarify, the average daily high in Bangkok is 33 Celsius, or 91 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 23 degrees Celsius, or 77 degrees Fahrenheit. While that might sound hot, if you live in a temperate climate. By Thai standards, that is considered cool.
There are similar temperatures throughout the country. However, some spots are a few degrees higher. Another other places are a few degrees lower.
For example, Ayutthaya and Krabi, have an average high of 93 degrees Fahrenheit in February. And Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and Udon Thani have an average high of 88 degrees Fahrenheit.
Finally, February iin Thailand is also the dry season. And there is an average of only two rainy days and about 10 millimeters of rain.
What to See and Do in Thailand in February
Here’s a short-list of some of the Thai celebrations, festivals, and holidays that take place in Thailand in February.
Please note: some of the dates have not yet been fixed. And some of them may have been cancelled. Therefore, they have been listed last. And dates will be updated as soon as possible.
In This Post
Chiang Mai Flower Festival – 2 to 4 February 2024
Suan Buak Hat Park in Chiang Mai is transformed into an open-air exhibition centre with floral displays, agricultural exhibitions, and contests. In addition, plants can be purchased.
A highlight of the festival is a parade of floral floats that make their way through city streets accompanied by celebrants marching in traditional Thai costumes.
National Muay Thai Day – 6 February 2024
Also known as Nai Khanomtom Day, National Muay Thai Day is a celebration of Thailand’s national sport, muay Thai, a.k.a. Thai boxing or kickboxing.
Events are held throughout the kingdom, including many championship competitions at both the amateur and professional level.
Lunar New Year – 10 February 2024
While Lunar New Year is not an official national holiday in Thailand, it is widely celebrated throughout the Thailand owing to the country’s close ties to China. Also known as Chinese New Year, the Lunar New Year is, in fact, an official holiday in four Thai provinces: Narathiwat, Pattani, Satun, and Yala. Click here for a complete guide: Lunar New Year in Thailand.
Full Moon Party – 25 February 2024
The Full Moon Party is held on the beach of Haad Rin every month on the night of the full moon.
DJs play a variety of musical styles including trance, dubstep, reggae, and techno. Jugglers, fire-eaters, and fireworks add drama to the all-night event.
Haad Rin is crescent shaped beach located on the island of Ko Pha Ngan. It can be reached by boat from Koh Samui, an island off the coast of Southern Thailand.
Koh Samui is 293 miles (471 kilometres) south of Bangkok. Because the drive takes nearly 10 hours, air travel is recommended,. The flight takes just over one hour.
Elephant Boat Races – 2024 Dates Pending
The annual Bangkok Riverside Fest will be held along the banks of the Chao Praya River in Bangkok, Thailand, in February.
Traditional Thai dancers, Buddhist monks, Hindu Brahmins, and brass bands will kick off the event.
Elephant boat teams will compete alongside the Thai Navy Seals, paddling elephant-themed dragon boats on the Chao Phraya River.
After the sun sets, there will be mini concerts. live music, DJs spinning the discs, and fireworks.
Photos of 2020 Elephant Boat Races
Team Anantara at the Elephant Boat Race 2020, day one. Photo Credit: Anantara Hotels.
Photos of 2019 Elephant Boat Races
The first-ever King’s Cup Elephant Boat Race and River Festival got underway on 29 March 2019 on the shores of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand.
The opening ceremony began with a spiritual blessing, which was followed by Thai dancing and traditional drumming.
Twelve teams took to the waves to compete for the coveted King’s Cup. Included were the Royal Thai Navy Seals and both domestic and international teams.
The bows of the boats were fashioned after elephant heads. And the sterns were fashioned after Thai fish tails.
Baan Tawai Village Woodcarving Fair – 2023 Date Pending
The fair is a focal point for wood artisans from across Chiang Mai. It also features cultural performances, a woodcarving competition, a cooking contest, the sale of handcrafted items including silverware, lacquerware, hand-woven textiles, and basketry.
At Baan Tawai Woodcarving Village – 90 Moo 2 Baan-Tawa, Khun Khong, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. The village is about 16 kilometres from the municipality of Chiang Mai.
Ban Chiang World Heritage Festival – 2023 Date Pending
The archaeological site of Ban Chiang in Udon Thani Province, and the area that surrounds it, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992.
In celebration, Udon Thani province organizes the Ban Chiang World Heritage Festival each year with an eye to highlighting the rich history of this nearly forgotten culture.
Events include a trade fair, a ceremony of paying homage to a sacred deity, a cultural parade, and light and sound performances .
At the Ban Chiang Archaeological Site and National Museum, Nong Han District, Udon Thani Province, Thailand. .
King Narai Reign Fair – 2023 Date Pending
The era of King Narai the Great is re-enacted during the nine-day King Narai Reign Fair, which celebrates King Narai the Great (1580–1655).
Highlights include a regal ceremony and a spectacular procession of floats, horses, and elephants.
There is a changing of the guards performance, a light-and-sound presentation, various cultural displays, and dance performances. In addition, there is a “retro” market featuring shops offering traditional food and beverages in exchange for ‘ancient’ Thai bullet money.
At King Narai’s Palace, Lopburi, Thailand.
Maga Puja Hae Pha Khuen That Festival – 2023 Date Pending
The Hae Pha Khuen That Festival aims to promote Buddhist tourism in Thailand.
There are exhibitions, a procession, the draping of a very long piece of holy cloth around the base of a stupa that contains sacred relics and other merit-making activities
The pagoda is considered to be the representative of Lord Buddha. Local devotees believe it possess a tremendous amount of righteousness of the holy relics it contains.
The festival is held twice a year during Makha Bucha Day (the 15th full-moon night of February) and Visakha Bucha Day (the 15th full-moon night of May).
Book hotel rooms in Nakhon Si Thammarat early as this festival is very popular.
At Royal Park Si Thammarat, Soi Wat Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nai Mueang, Muang Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand.
Phuket Food Festival – 2023 Date Pending
More than 100 food vendors will be serving up seafood, local favourites, and fusion dishes from 4 pm to 10 pm at Saphan Hin Park in Phuket Town, Phuket.
One of the biggest food events in Southern Thailand, the Phuket Food Festival also features music and live entertainment.
Saphan Hin Park, Phuket Town, Phuket, Thailand.
Krabi Naga Fest – 2023 Date Pending
An outdoor music festival, the Krabi Naga Music Fest will be held across three days on a beach in southern Thailand.
There will be performances by well-known pop-jazz musicians and singers. In addition, there will be cultural shows, street shows, and a local products fair.
Fresh seafood and other delicacies will be on sale from the kitchens of nearby four- and five-star hotels and resorts.
Khlong Muang Beach, Mueang District, Krabi, Thailand.
If You are visiting Thailand
Check out these tips on how to be police in the Land of Smiles.
Book Hotel Rooms in Thailand!
Check out the best Thai hotel deals at your favourite hotel booking website.
If you book a hotel room at one of the above booking websites, I will get a small commission to help cover the cost of publishing this blog – at NO extra charge to you!
This post on Thailand in February contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.
