Is July a good time to visit Thailand? July marks the beginning of the rainy season in Thailand. In other words, the weather is rainy, humid, and relatively cool. But flooding can be an issue. For adventure seekers, July is a good month to engage in river rafting. Finally, there are important Buddhist festivals in July. Other draws include a Latin fiesta, a regatta, the King’s birthday, and the monthly full moon party. Keep reading to get the full scoop!
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Weather in Thailand in July
How is the weather in Thailand in July? How hot is the weather in Thailand in July? How rainy is Thailand in July? Finally, how is the humidity in Thailand in July? It really varies from place to place.
Generally speaking, the temperature in Thailand in July drops slightly compared to June. But the amount of rainfall increases. And short daily showers start to get longer.
In fact, the beaches on the West Coast of Thailand have a higher chance of experiencing heavy downpours in July. However, the beaches on the East Coast of Thailand tend to be drier and sunnier in July.
Recommended Thai travel destinations in July: Hua Hin, Koh Samui, and Pattaya.
| Ave. High | Ave. Low | Ave. Rainfall | Rainy Days | Ave. Humidity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | 34 C / 93 F | 26 C / 79 F | 17 cm | 17 | 74% |
| Chiang Mai | 31 C / 89 F | 24 C / 76 F | 32 cm | 19 | 86% |
| Hua Hin | 33 C / 91 F | 26 C / 78 F | 11 cm | 15 | 77% |
| Koh Samui | 32 C / 90 F | 25 C / 77 F | 15 cm | 17 | 78% |
| Pattaya | 31 C / 89 | 26 C / 79 | 26 cm | 16 | 76% |
| Phuket | 32 C / 89 | 24 C / 76 F | 26 cm | 17 | 79% |
Drinking Restrictions
The sale and consumption of alcohol are legal in Thailand. However, there are a few restrictions. For example, it cannot be sold or consumed (in public at least) between 12 midnight and 11 am and between 2 pm and 5 pm.
So why the mid-day gap between 11 and 2? To allow you to enjoy a tipple with your lunch!
In addition, the consumption of alcohol is not allowed at religious sites, schools, parks, shopping malls (except in food and beverage outlets), hiking trails, gas stations, and train stations. Beaches are a grey area because they might be a part of a park. Look to see if there are any signs restricting its consumption.
Most importantly, the sale and consumption of alcohol are not allowed on either Buddhist holidays or election days. Since there are important Buddhist festivals in July, be forewarned that you will not be able to purchase alcohol on these days.
Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival – 11 to 17 July 2022
Candle festivals are held across Thailand at the beginning of the Buddhist Lent. During these festivals, large candles are created and offered at Buddhist temples.
The biggest and most elaborate candle festival is held at a Thung Sri Muang Park in Ubon Ratchathani province. Festivities include feasts, games, candle carving competitions, and a procession of giant candles through city streets. In addition, there are smaller processions at several other temples.
Taking place at the same time is the Festival of Floral Offerings at Wat Phra Phutthabat in the Phra Phutthabat district of Saraburi province.
Asalha Bucha – 13 July 2022
Asalha Bucha is a Buddhist festival falling on the full moon of the eight month of the lunar calendar. And it pays homage to the Buddha. And it commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon and the founding of the Buddha’s Sangha, a.k.a the four noble truths.
In fact, Asalha Bucha is a public holiday in Thailand. To clarify, schools and most businesses are closed.
- 2023 – 2 August
- 2024 – 21 July
- 2025 – 23 July
Buddhist Lent Day – 14 July 2022
The day after Asalha Bucha marks the beginning of the Buddhist Lent. And it coincides with the beginning of the rainy season in Southeast Asia. Therefore, it is when farmers plant their crops. In addition to Thailand, it is celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. And all of these countries have predominately Buddhist populations.
During Buddhist Lent, monks spend most of their time studying, meditating, and praying. In addition, other Buddhist devotees lead a more ascetic than usual life. For example, they give up meat, liquor, and cigarettes during this period. Moreover, Buddhist believers give alms, meditate, and visit temples. Often, they bring gifts of clothing, food, and other daily essentials on these visits.
So why do monks remain at temple during the Buddhist Lent? The practice began many centuries ago in order to avoid stepping on newly planted crops during the planting season.
However, modern monks have taken a more relaxed attitude toward the practice. And they can now be seen in the streets and alleys of Thai cities and towns during the Buddhist Lent. But long-distance travel is still avoided if possible.
2023 – 3 August
2024 – 22 July
2025 – 24 July
Bridge Public Holiday – 15 July 2022
Because Buddhist Lent Day falls on a Thursday, Friday is an official holiday. Since Wednesday is also a holiday, this gives Thais a rare five day weekend in 2022.
Full Moon Party – 15 July 2022
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.
Samui Latin Fiesta – 22 to 24 July 2022
You can groove to the rhythms of salsa, kizomba, and bachata at the Samui Latin Fiesta. Festivities will include beach parties, workshops, boot camps, shows, and jack & jill – whatever that means.
Note: You must purchase a full, party, or day pass to enter.
- Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel – 124-124/1-2 Moo 3 Tambon Bophut , Amphur Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand.
19th Samui Regatta – 26 to 30 July 2022
As one of Asia’s biggest sailing events, the Samui Regatta will be hosted by Banana Fan Sea Resort for the first time this year. The property is centrally located on Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui’s premier tourist destination.
Attracting yachtsmen from more than 20 countries across across the Asia Pacific, the regatta is known not only for its high-calibre racing. Tropical parties are a key element of the event.
The regatta is in its 19th year. It is organized by Regattas Asia along with the Samui Yacht Club Regatta, the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Municipality of Koh Samui, and the Sports Authority of Thailand.
King Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday – 28 July 2022
Commemorates the birth of King Vajiralongkorn in 1952. In fact, the King’s Birthday is a public holiday in Thailand. To clarify, schools and most businesses are closed.
- 2023 – 28 July
- 2024 – 29 July
- 2025 – 28 July
Bridge Public Holiday – 29 July 2022
Because the King’s Birthday falls on a Thursday in 2022, Friday is an official holiday, giving Thais a four-day weekend.
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