Why You Should Visit Thailand in May [2026]

grand-palace-in-bangkok-thailand
Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo Credit: Wolfgang Holzem.

links-to-thailand-travel

LAST MONTHNEXT MONTH

hailand in May – is May in Thailand a good month to visit? That all depends! On the downside, May marks the beginning of the rainy season, which means sometimes heavy rain. On the plus side, May is considered the off‑season in Thailand. Therefore, hotels often offer discounts during this month — and the same goes for airlines. Adding to the mix, Bangkok hosts its annual Pride Parade on the last Sunday of May, heralding the beginning of Bangkok Pride Month.


Last Updated: 24 December 2025


Weather in Thailand in May

How is the weather in Thailand in May? If April is the hottest month of the year in Thailand, May is slightly cooler than April. But Thailand weather in May is also a  bit more humid.

The average high temperature in May is 34 degrees Centigrade, or 93 degrees Fahrenheit. The average low is 26 degrees Centigrade, or 79 degrees Fahrenheit.

Thailand’s rainy season begins in the middle of May. So don’t forget your umbrella!  There is an average of 17 rainy days in May, with about 180 millimeters of rainfall. Keep in mind that it usually rains in the late afternoon or evenings.

Therefore, you should try to do your sightseeing in the morning. Also, Koh Samui and the Pha Ngan Islands are usually drier in May than other parts of Thailand.

What to Do in Thailand in May

There are important holidays and festivals in the month of May. And for ride on the wild side, there is always the monthly Full Moon Party in Koh Pha Ngan! Scroll down for complete details!


Coronation Day – 5 May 2026

temple-of-the-emerald-buddha-bangkok-thailand
Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo Credit: Sodacan.

Coronation Day is a national holiday in Thailand. In fact, it commemorates the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, a.k.a. King Rama X, who has ruled Thailand since October 2016.

But he was not coronated until 2019. On this day, the King pays respects to previous monarchs of the Chakri Dynasty.

In addition, he meets foreign dignitaries and greets his people. Because Coronation Day falls on a Saturday in 2024, Monday the 6th is also a holiday.

Recommended: Coronation Anniversary Celebrated>>


Royal Ploughing Ceremony – 11 May 2026

thailand-in-may-royal-ploughing-ceremony
Rice growing ceremony. Photo Credit: Tris T7.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is an important event in Thailand. And it celebrates the beginning of the rice planting season. Presided over by the King of Thailand, it is thought to  help guarantee a good harvest. The ceremony is held in Sanam Luang, an open square in from of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Future Dates

  • 2027: Thursday, 20 May

  • 2028: Friday, 12 May

 


Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival – 8 to 10 May 2026

drummers-performing-at-yasothon-rocket-festival
Drummers performing at the Yasothon Rocket Festival. Photo Credit: Takeaway.

The Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival is one of Thailand’s most important fertility rites. and travelers taking part in the event have given it rave reviews.

Taking place at the beginning of the planting season, the rip-roaring festival features a series of parades, dancers, drummers, and the launching of giant phallus-shaped bamboo rockets into the sky!

The event concludes with participants frolicking in muddy ponds.

The city of Yasothon is the capital of Yasothon province. It is located in Northeastern Thailand.

Recommended: Top 10 Etiquette Tips for Travelers Visiting Thailand>>


Visakha Bucha – 28 May 2026

Buddhist-devotees-on-Visakha Bucha-Day.
Buddhist devotees at Wat Pa Pavanaram_on Visakha Bucha Day. Photo Credit: Ya Tonavanik.

One of the most significant Buddhist holidays in Thailand, Visakha Bucha Day commemorates the three defining moments in the life of the Lord Buddha.

They all occurred on the day of the full moon of the sixth lunar month, but not in the same year. First, Buddha was born on this day. Second, he reached enlightenment 35 years later on this day. Finally, he died and entered Nirvana on this day 45 years later.

Many devotees visit Buddhist temples on Visakha Bucha Day to make merit. There are also restrictions on alcohol sales, which means that some bars and clubs close for the day.


Future Dates

  • 2027: Tuesday, 18 May

  • 2028: Saturday, 6 May

  • 2029: Thursday, 24 May

  • 2030: Tuesday, 14 May


Samui Regatta – 2026  Dates Pending

thailand-in-july-yachting-off-koh-samui
Samui Regatta is one of biggest yachting events of the year in Southeast Asia. Photo Credit: Samui Regatta.

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 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.

Centara Grand Beach Resort, Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, Thailand


Full Moon Party – 31 May 2026

full-moon-party-at-koh-phangan-thailand
Full Moon Party at Haad Rin Sunris Beach on Koh Phangan, and 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.

It takes place twice in 2026, first on the 1st and again on the 31st.

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.

 


Bangkok Pride Parade – 31 May 2026

Bangkok Pride Month kicks off on 31 May with Thailand’s biggest LGBT parade in the Big Mango’s Silom district.

The parade starts at National Stadium (Supachalasai Stadium) and marches down Silom Road, before concluding at CentralWorld in downtown Bangkok.


If You Are visiting  Thailand

Check out these tips on how to be polite 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.


LAST MONTHNEXT MONTH

links-to-thai-travel

Leave a Reply

Discover more from Accidental Travel Writer

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading