Is January a good time to Visit the Land of Smiles? January events in Thailand include Children’s Day, ethnic festivals, and other fascinating activities. As for the weather, it is the coolest and driest month of the year. What more could you ask for?
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January Weather in Thailand
So how is the weather in Thailand in January? The weather in Thailand in January is cool .In fact. January is one of the coolest and driest months of the year in Thailand. Therefore, January is considered a good time to visit the Land of Smiles.
However, because January is a good time to visit Thailand, it also the peak tourist season. As a result, bargains on hotel rooms are harder to find.
January Weather in Bangkok
The weather in Bangkok in January is quite comfortable. For example, the average high in Bangkok is 32 degrees Celsius. And that works out to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
While that might sound hot if you live in a temperate climate, in Thailand, it is considered cool!
And the average low is a comfortable 21 degrees Celsius, or 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
In fact, the Thai capital enjoys a daily average of nine hours of sunshine in January. And there are only about two rainy days. An average of 10 millimeters of rain falls during the month.
As for the humidity, the average is 67%. And the sea temperature averages 28 degrees Celsius, or 83 degrees Fahrenheit.
January Weather in January in Other Places
Chiang Mai – because of the good weather, January is considered to be an ideal time to visit Chiang Mai.
Chiang Rai – expect moderately cool weather in Chiang Rai in January. But it does tend to be a bit humid.
Hua Hin – expect pleasant cool weather (by Thai standards) in January in Hua Hin. In fact, January is the coolest month of the year in the charming seaside resort.
Khao Yai – expect moderate heat with gentle breezes in Khao Yai in January.
Krabi – expect perfect weather, calm seas, and crowded beaches. This is the peak tourist season in Krabi.
Koh Samui – expect a little bit of rain in early January in Koh Samui. But the rain should taper off as January progresses.
Pattaya – expect pleasant weather with little chance of rain in Pattaya in January.
Phuket – expect perfect weather, calm seas, and crowded beaches. This is the peak tourist season
Thailand January Events
Check out this shortlist of events taking place in Thailand in January. However, keep in mind that dates sometimes change. And sometimes events are canceled at the last minute. This is especially true during the pandemic!
Therefore, you might want to check with tourism authorities before booking your hotel room. Better safe than sorry!
New Year Festival – 1 January 2023
Both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are official holidays in Thailand. Because New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, Monday 3 January will also be an official holiday.
While some events have been canceled, the fireworks displays over the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok will go ahead.
- Location: Nationwide.
Full Moon Party – 6 January 2023
Full Moon Party at Haad Rin Sunris Beach on Koh Phangan, an island near Koh Samui. Photo Credit: Per Meistrup.
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.
National Teachers Day – 16 January 2023
While events honouring teachers are often held at schools, there are few public celebrations.
National Children’s Day – 14 January 2023
Children’s Day is celebrated throughout Thailand with a host of events. Special activities are held in parks, shopping malls, museums, and other venues. Most of the activities are free.
Because of the pandemic, public events have been canceled for the second year in a row in 2022. However, there will be online activities.
- Location: Nationwide.
- 2024 – 13 January
- 2025 – 11 January
- 2026 – 10 January
- 2027 – 9 January
Bo Sang Umbrella Festival – 13 to 15 January 2023 
Hand-painted umbrella promoting the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival. Photo Credit: Grossbildjaeger.VC3XZS.
Once a year the sleepy village of Bo Sang in Northern Thailand comes alive during the Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankampang Handicrafts Festival.
In fact, the festival is a celebration of umbrellas and handicrafts. And these include fans and lanterns. To clarify, they are all hand-made by local craftsmen.
The festivities continue into the evening when the colourful umbrellas are gaily lit.
Other events include an opening ceremony, a parade, cultural shows, a traditional market, a beauty pageant, live music, dancing, exhibitions, and carnival games.
- Location: Bo Sang Umbrellas Village – eight kilometers southeast of Chiang Mai at the intersection of Routes 1006 and 1014, San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Lunar New Year – 22 January 2023
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.
Wai Sa Phaya Mengrai – 2023 Dates to be Announced
Ming Mueang Temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons.The Wai Sa Phaya Mengrai Festival honours Phokhun Mengrai Maharat, founder of Chiang Rai, which was formerly known as the Lanna Kingdom. And events include parades, beauty contests, and cultural performances. The festival is usually held between 26 January and 4 February each year.
Location: Chiang Rai Provincial Sport Stadium – Phokhun Soi 7, Rop Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai, Thailand.
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