When to Visit Ubon Ratchathani
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
What to Pack
Year-Round Essentials
Hot Season (Mar-May)
Rainy Season (Jun-Oct)
Cool Season (Nov-Feb)
Transition Periods
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
This is peak pleasant-weather season in Ubon, with warm days and genuinely comfortable evenings. The humidity sits around 70%, which is manageable when temperatures aren't extreme. You'll find this is one of the busiest times for both Thai domestic tourists and the handful of international visitors who make it out to Isan.
February
The tail end of the cool season, though temperatures are starting their upward march. Mornings can still be quite pleasant, but by afternoon you're reminded you're in tropical Thailand. Rainfall remains minimal, making it a solid choice for outdoor exploration before the heat really kicks in.
March
The hot season announces itself with authority in March. Temperatures climb noticeably, and the 70% humidity starts feeling more oppressive as the heat builds. That said, it's still dry, so if you can handle the heat, you'll have fewer crowds and the landscape is still relatively green from earlier rains.
April
This is typically the hottest month in Ubon, and it can be genuinely challenging if you're not accustomed to intense heat. The combination of high temperatures and that persistent 70% humidity makes midday activities something you'll want to minimize. Locals tend to slow down considerably, and you'd be wise to follow their lead.
May
The pre-monsoon transition month brings occasional relief in the form of thunderstorms, though it's still quite hot. You might get sudden downpours in the late afternoon, which actually provide a welcome break from the heat. The landscape starts greening up in anticipation of the proper rainy season.
June
The southwest monsoon settles in, bringing regular rainfall that tends to come in bursts rather than all-day affairs. Temperatures moderate slightly from the April-May peak, and the 70% humidity feels different now—sticky rather than stifling. The countryside becomes lush and green, which has its own appeal if you don't mind getting wet occasionally.
July
Peak rainy season, though interestingly, this is when Ubon hosts its famous Candle Festival (usually around Asalha Puja and Khao Phansa in late July). You'll likely encounter rain, but the elaborate wax sculptures and processions are worth braving the weather for. The rain typically comes in predictable afternoon or evening patterns, leaving mornings often clear.
August
The monsoon continues with consistent rainfall, keeping temperatures relatively moderate and the landscape intensely green. It's actually not a terrible time to visit if you're flexible about your plans and don't mind working around the rain. The humidity at 70% feels fairly constant, neither better nor worse than other months.
September
Still firmly in monsoon season, with September often bringing some of the heaviest rainfall of the year. That said, it's not typically all-day rain—you'll get breaks. The Mun River runs high, and the waterfalls in nearby national parks are at their most impressive, though accessing them might require some determination.
October
The monsoon starts winding down, though you'll still see regular rainfall, particularly in early October. By month's end, the weather begins its transition toward the cool season. The landscape is at peak lushness, and the air starts feeling slightly less heavy as rainfall decreases.
November
The cool season arrives, bringing what locals consider genuinely pleasant weather. Mornings can be surprisingly comfortable, and even midday heat is manageable. Rainfall drops off significantly, and the countryside remains green from the monsoon months. This marks the beginning of the main tourist season, such as it is in Ubon.
December
Peak cool season, with the most comfortable temperatures of the year. Evenings can actually feel cool enough for a light layer, which might seem absurd but feels wonderful after the hot months. Clear skies and minimal rainfall make this ideal for exploring Ubon's rock paintings at Pha Taem or the rapids at Kaeng Tana.