If you have been looking for the best time to visit Laos, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ve outlined four of the best times of year to visit the country. Whether you’re a nature lover or a history buff, there is a perfect time to travel to Laos.
Best Time to Go to Laos
LAOS TOURS & ACTIVITIES
When is the Best Time to Visit Laos? – Month by Month Guide
Visiting Laos in January
Visiting Laos in January is a great time to see this Southeast Asian country. You’ll be able to see the majestic Mekong River, the hill tribes, and French colonial architecture. Laos is also known for its Buddhist monasteries. While you’re in the capital of Vientiane, you can visit the That Luang monument, the Patuxai war memorial, and the Talat Sao morning market.
Although there’s a chance that the temperature will drop in January, it’s not as cold as you might expect. Daytime temperatures in the capital of Vientiane can reach up to 29 degrees Celsius. Even in January, nighttime temperatures can get a little cold, so dress appropriately.
Winter in Laos is pleasant, but don’t expect too much rain. The dry season lasts from November to April, with temperatures in the mid-twenties. The morning and evening chill has mostly gone, although, in the far north, it’s still cool. The rivers are still in good condition, but boat travel may be more difficult once they dry up. During the dry season, farmers burn off last season’s stubble, and the smoke haze can make you sick.
Visiting Laos in February
Visiting Laos in February is an ideal time to experience the country’s spectacular springtime scenery and welcoming people. This Southeast Asian country, traversed by the Mekong River, has a unique landscape dotted with Buddhist monasteries and French colonial architecture. Highlights of Vientiane, the capital, include the That Luang monument, the Patuxai war memorial, and the Talat Sao morning market.
The cool dry season is Laos’s coolest season. In the north, temperatures can drop below freezing at night. For this reason, travelers to this region should bring warm clothing. It is also the best time to travel by road in Laos, making it ideal for motorbike tours.
February is the best time to travel to Laos because the weather is cool and dry. The temperatures are mild throughout Laos, but they do vary from region to region. Temperatures in the far north, where the mountains provide a cool morning and evening climate, are colder. In the southern part of the country, however, temperatures rise to around 30degC. This makes February an ideal time to go hiking or trekking in northern Laos, though you should bring warm clothing for the evening and nighttime.
Visiting Laos in March
Visiting Laos in March is a great way to experience the dry season. The temperatures in March are not too hot, but they can reach 30degC in the southern part of the country. To avoid this, plan your trip for early in the month and head to the hills to cool down. However, this low season also brings lower prices for transportation and accommodations. Here are a few tips to enjoy your trip to Laos in March.
Visiting Laos in March offers comfortable temperatures and an opportunity to take advantage of Lao New Year celebrations. This three-day festival is filled with religious ceremonies, water-pouring contests, traditional music, dance shows, and other festivities. You may also get to see a water fight. Water is considered to be good luck and can cool you down in hot weather. The country also holds an agricultural festival called Boun Koun Khao during this time.
Visiting Laos in March is also a good time to visit the country’s many Buddhist temples. The capital city of Luang Namtha, for instance, is home to 33 Buddhist temples. If you’re looking for a more relaxing pace, try Nam Ha, a small town in the north of the country. Both Nam Ha and Luang Namtha are excellent ecological tourism destinations that offer a variety of activities. You can also travel from one part of the country to the other with train or flight.
Visiting Laos in April
The Mekong River traverses this Southeast Asian country. It is well-known for its mountainous terrain, hill tribe settlements, and Buddhist monasteries. While there, be sure to stop in the capital city of Vientiane, where you can visit the That Luang monument and Patuxai war memorial. Then, don’t miss the Talat Sao (morning market).
In March and April, the climate in Laos begins to heat up. Temperatures may reach 40 degrees Celsius. Fortunately, the weather will become more comfortable as the rainy season approaches. Also, river levels will be at their lowest levels, making river travel difficult in some regions of the country. During this time, Laos celebrates Boun Pi Mai, the Lao New Year, and Boun Bang Fai, the country’s famous rocket festival. While the weather in April is hot and humid, it will start to cool down by the end of May.
While temperatures may be hot in the southern regions, you’ll find cool conditions in the highlands. The Bolaven Plateau is a great place to spend some time if you’re looking for a respite from the hot climate. In addition to the hot climate, you’ll also have the opportunity to experience Laos’ agricultural festival, Boun Koun Khao.
Visiting Laos in May
Visiting Laos in May is a perfect time to enjoy the country’s twilight season, when the country is still warm and the weather is pleasant. The Mekong River runs through the country, which is known for its mountainous terrain, hill tribe settlements, and Buddhist monasteries. The capital city, Vientiane, is home to the That Luang monument, Patuxai war memorial, and Talat Sao (morning market).
Visiting Laos in May is the best time to experience the country’s May Day celebration, during which Laotians celebrate a week-long public holiday. Laotians celebrate the day with parades, games, music, and copious amounts of lao-lao, a fiery rice alcohol. The atmosphere is vibrant, and entire villages are turned into week-long parties.
If you’re planning to visit Laos in May, you’ll want to avoid the rainy season, which can make travel difficult to certain areas. Luckily, the weather is still pleasant for most Laotians, and a visit in this month can be an excellent time to visit Laos. It’s also the perfect time to visit the Phu Hin Bua National Protected Area, where you’ll find lush landscapes and wildlife that is found nowhere else in Southeast Asia. Other popular destinations include Tha Kheek and Dong Phu Vieng.
Visiting Laos in June
The Mekong River runs through Laos, which is a beautiful Southeast Asian country. It is also known for its hill tribe settlements, Buddhist monasteries, and French colonial architecture. Vientiane, the capital, is known for its That Luang monument and Patuxai war memorial. The city is also known for its Talat Sao (morning market).
During the month of June, there are several festivals and celebrations that you can attend. The Boun That Luang festival is celebrated at the That Luang temple, which is the country’s most important religious monument. It dates back to 1566 and is considered sacred because it contains a relic of Buddha. During the procession, people from all over Laos gather to accumulate merit at the temple. The event includes music and drama performances.
Visiting Laos in June may mean rainy weather. However, you can still enjoy some nice weather during this season. However, make sure to pack warm clothes. During the cool dry season, temperatures are coldest in northern Laos. It can even get freezing overnight. For this reason, you should bring extra warm clothes to the country. The cool dry season is also the safest and fastest time for travel by road in Laos. You can enjoy motorbike tours during this time.
Visiting Laos in July
Visiting Laos in July offers travelers a chance to experience the country’s warm, humid climate, and beautiful mountain landscapes. This Southeast Asian country is traversed by the Mekong River and is known for its mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, hill tribe settlements, and Buddhist monasteries. The capital, Vientiane, is home to the That Luang monument, Patuxai war memorial, and Talat Sao (morning market).
While visiting Laos in July may not offer the same warm weather as other months, the weather is much more pleasant. River activities are plentiful, and temperatures are more comfortable, making sightseeing easier. You can even experience a boat racing festival in Vientiane. November is also an excellent time to visit the country, as temperatures remain moderate. The rivers remain full from recent rains, which makes it a great time to enjoy river cruising and other water activities.
If you are visiting Laos in July, you’ll want to avoid the country’s rainy season, which starts on the full moon of the eighth month and continues until the eleventh. This time of year brings cooler conditions, and river levels drop considerably. In addition, the haze from slash and burn season can make river travel difficult.
Visiting Laos in August
Laos is a Southeast Asian country, traversed by the Mekong River. This picturesque country is home to mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, hill tribe settlements, and Buddhist monasteries. The capital city, Vientiane, has a number of attractions, including the That Luang monument and the Patuxai war memorial. It is also home to the Talat Sao, or the morning market.
Visiting Laos in August can be tricky due to heavy rains, and you may be required to avoid some tourist attractions if you are planning a road trip. During this time, dirt roads are sometimes impassible, making it difficult to reach remote areas. The climate in the southern region is warm year-round, while the climate in high-altitude areas is cooler. The wet monsoon season, from May to October, brings lush vegetation to the country. However, the humidity levels during this time are high.
You should plan to spend around 303,780 LAK per day in a backpacker hostel. This will cover basic hostel accommodations, street food, and a few drinks. You should also be prepared to spend at least some money on transportation, as you will probably have to climb mountains to reach some destinations.
Visiting Laos in September
Visiting Laos in September allows you to catch the best weather and see the most spectacular sights. The Mekong River flows through the country, and you’ll be able to see mountainous landscapes, French colonial architecture, hill tribe settlements, and Buddhist monasteries. The country’s capital, Vientiane, is home to the That Luang monument and the Patuxai war memorial. You can also visit the Talat Sao (morning market) and other cultural attractions in this Southeast Asian country.
In September, the Laotian weather is warm and comfortable. September is the peak time for waterfalls, which make the country’s landscape even more beautiful. Even though roads become muddy during the wet season, you’ll have no problem taking part in river activities in the cool air.
The weather is still pleasant in September, but it’s not as pleasant as it was in August. You’ll have a similar chance of rain as in August, but intense downpours will become less frequent as the dry season approaches. The days will be shorter, and sunshine will gradually replace the overcast sky.
Visiting Laos in October
Visiting Laos in October is a great time to visit Laos as the weather is still warm and the country is less crowded than in the summer. This Southeast Asian country, traversed by the Mekong River, is home to numerous cultural attractions, including French colonial architecture, hill tribe settlements, and Buddhist monasteries. The capital, Vientiane, is a must-see, with its That Luang monument, Patuxai War Memorial, and Talat Sao morning market.
The weather is cool and pleasant in October, with temperatures in the low to mid-fifteens C. This is the best time to enjoy the outdoor activities Laos has to offer. You can also take advantage of shoulder season bargains by visiting during this time of year. You’ll also find a number of lively festivals and celebrations during October, including Lai Heau Fai, a popular lantern festival.
Rainfall in Laos peaks in August, and mudslides can impede travel. Despite the mudslides, the fall weather is still an ideal time to visit Laos. It is a great time for hiking and waterfall viewing, and the Mekong River is at its most beautiful during this time.
Visiting Laos in November
Visiting Laos in November is a great time to see the country’s stunning fall foliage. This Southeast Asian country is crossed by the Mekong River and is known for its mountainous landscape. It is home to a number of French colonial architecture and hill tribe settlements, as well as numerous Buddhist monasteries. Its capital, Vientiane, is home to the That Luang monument and the Patuxai war memorial. You can also check out the famous Talat Sao (morning market).
The climate is moderate in November and January. While you will encounter hot and humid weather in the south, temperatures are generally cool and pleasant in the north. Average temperatures in these months range from around sixty degrees Fahrenheit to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. April and May can be very hot. For this reason, it is advisable to pack light clothing.
Laos is closed to tourists from May to October during its monsoon season. However, this period offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities, such as hiking and exploring caves. The rainy season is also relatively brief, lasting only a few hours. While this period is difficult to travel in rural areas, it is generally a good time to visit the country.
Visiting Laos in December
If you’re planning a trip to Laos, you may be wondering where to go in December. This Southeast Asian country is straddled by the Mekong River and is known for its hill tribe settlements, French colonial architecture, and Buddhist monasteries. Vientiane, the capital city, is home to the That Luang monument, the Patuxai war memorial, and the Talat Sao morning market.
In general, the best time to visit Laos is in the cool, dry season. It’s important to avoid the hottest months because you’ll find it difficult to explore the country without becoming too hot. You may also find that the roads are impassable during these months, so you’ll want to plan your trip in advance.
During December, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the New Year festivities, such as Songkran (Lao New Year). The festival celebrates the start of the monsoon season and the end of the dry season. It’s a celebration that involves a huge water fight, with children and grandmothers getting involved.
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