THAILAND
THAILAND BY MONTH
Discover Thailand Month by Month
Major events, festivals, weather, travel tips and what to expect in 2026 and 2027.
MONTH BY MONTH CALENDAR
Thailand Festival Calendar 2026 and 2027
Select a year, then scroll to your travel month. Official date: confirmed by a government body or the event organiser. Fixed annually: the same date every year. Expected date: follows the lunar calendar or the usual pattern and awaits official confirmation. Lunar calendar date: set by the lunar calendar rather than announced by an organiser. Date to be confirmed: no reliable date has been announced. Held: a past event with verified dates.
2026
2027
2026
Months before November 2026 have passed and are kept for reference.
January 2026
Weather: Cool and dry. Planning: New Year is a busy travel week, so book Bangkok hotels early.
- 1 January
New Year’s DaynationwideFixed annually
Public holiday.
February 2026
Weather: Cool and dry, the best weather of the year in most regions. Planning: Northern Thailand is at its busiest.
- 17 February
Chinese New YearBangkok Yaowarat and Chinese-Thai communitiesHeld
Not a national public holiday.
- 13 to 15 February
Chiang Mai Flower FestivalChiang MaiHeld
The 49th festival, held a week later than usual. The parade was on Saturday 14 February.
March 2026
Weather: Hot and dry. Planning: Evenings are better for sightseeing.
- 3 March
Makha Bucha DaynationwideOfficial date
Public holiday. Candlelit temple processions. Alcohol sales are banned.
April 2026
Weather: The hottest month in most of Thailand. Planning: Songkran is the biggest domestic travel peak, so book transport and rooms early.
- 6 April
Chakri Memorial DaynationwideFixed annually
Public holiday.
- 13 to 15 April
Songkran, Thai New YearnationwideFixed annually
Water festival. Dates are the same every year.
May 2026
Weather: Hot, with the rainy season starting. Planning: Showers are usually short and in the afternoon.
- 4 May
Coronation DaynationwideFixed annually
Public holiday.
- 8 to 10 May
Bun Bang Fai Rocket FestivalYasothon, IsanHeld
Homemade rockets fired to call the rains.
- 31 May
Visakha Bucha DaynationwideOfficial date
Public holiday observed on Monday 1 June. Alcohol sales are banned.
June 2026
Weather: Rainy season. Planning: Lower prices on most beaches. The Andaman coast gets the heaviest swell.
- 3 June
Queen Suthida’s BirthdaynationwideFixed annually
Public holiday.
- 20 to 22 June
Phi Ta Khon Ghost FestivalDan Sai, LoeiHeld
Dates are set each year by local spirit mediums.
July 2026
Weather: Rainy season. Planning: Ubon hotels fill for the candle festival.
- 28 to 30 July
Ubon Ratchathani Candle FestivalUbon Ratchathani, IsanHeld
Giant wax sculptures paraded at the start of Buddhist Lent.
- 28 July
King’s BirthdaynationwideFixed annually
Public holiday.
- 29 and 30 July
Asahna Bucha and Khao PhansanationwideOfficial date
Alcohol sales are banned on both days.
August 2026
Weather: Rainy season. Planning: Quiet travel month in most regions.
- 12 August
Queen Mother’s Birthday and Mother’s DaynationwideFixed annually
Public holiday.
September 2026
Weather: Rainy season, often the wettest month in Bangkok. Planning: No major nationwide festival is listed on this page for September.
October 2026
Weather: Rains easing, but heavy showers are still possible. Planning: Phuket Town hotels fill for the Vegetarian Festival.
- 10 to 18 October
Phuket Vegetarian FestivalPhuket TownHeld
The pole-raising ceremony was on the evening of 9 October. Dates confirmed by TAT.
- 23 October
Chulalongkorn DaynationwideFixed annually
Public holiday.
- 26 October
Ok Phansa, end of Buddhist LentnationwideHeld
Falls on the full moon of the 11th lunar month.
November 2026
Weather: Cooler and drier. The start of high season. Planning: Chiang Mai flights and rooms for 23 to 26 November sell out early. Some sites list Loy Krathong on 25 November, so check the local programme before fixing dates.
- Third weekend of November
Surin Elephant Round-UpSurin, IsanDate to be confirmed
Listings for 2026 disagree (15 to 16, 19 to 21 and 21 to 22 November). Check with the TAT Surin office before booking. Isan travel guide. Compare transport options on 12Go.
- 24 November
Loy Krathongnationwide, including Sukhothai and BangkokExpected date
Falls on the full moon night. Some listings give 25 November, so confirm the local programme.
- 24 to 25 November
Yi Peng Lantern FestivalChiang MaiExpected date
Sky lanterns. Chiang Mai events are listed from 23 to 25 November. Some mass releases are ticketed.
- Around 24 to 25 November
Chiang Rai lantern festivalChiang RaiExpected date
A quieter alternative to Chiang Mai. Confirm the local programme.
- 24 November
Full Moon PartyKoh PhanganExpected date
Monthly beach party. Listed on the Full Moon Party Council schedule, which says it uses dates confirmed by the Haad Rin Business Association. Not checked directly with the association.
- Late November to early December
River Kwai Bridge WeekKanchanaburiDate to be confirmed
The 2025 edition ran 27 November to 7 December. Kanchanaburi Province had not announced 2026 dates when this page was checked. Compare transport options on 12Go.
December 2026
Weather: Cool and dry. Peak season. Planning: Book beach and Bangkok hotels well ahead for festival weekends and New Year.
- 5 December
King Bhumibol Memorial Birthday and Father’s DaynationwideFixed annually
Public holiday. It falls on a Saturday in 2026, so the substitute day is Monday 7 December.
- 10 December
Constitution DaynationwideFixed annually
Public holiday.
- 11 to 13 December
Tomorrowland ThailandPattayaOfficial date
Tomorrowland travel guide and Pattaya hotels, or budget Pattaya hotels.
- 18 to 20 December
EDC ThailandPhuketOfficial date
EDC Thailand travel guide and Phuket hotels. Official tickets: EDC Thailand.
- 24 December
Full Moon PartyKoh PhanganExpected date
Christmas Eve edition. Listed on the Full Moon Party Council schedule, which says it uses dates confirmed by the Haad Rin Business Association. Not checked directly with the association.
- 25 December
Christmas lightsBangkokFixed annually
Displays at CentralWorld, IconSiam and Siam Paragon. Bangkok Christmas hotels.
- 31 December
New Year’s Eve countdownBangkokFixed annually
Hotels near IconSiam for river fireworks views.
2027
January 2027
Weather: Cool and dry. Planning: Book Chiang Mai early for the umbrella festival weekend.
- 1 January
New Year’s DaynationwideFixed annually
Public holiday.
- Mid January
Bo Sang Umbrella FestivalChiang MaiDate to be confirmed
Held on the third weekend of January. Listings give 15 to 17 or 16 to 18 January 2027, so confirm before booking.
- 22 January
Full Moon PartyKoh PhanganExpected date
Monthly beach party. Listed on the Full Moon Party Council schedule, which says it uses dates confirmed by the Haad Rin Business Association. Not checked directly with the association.
- 23 January
Buriram MarathonBuriramOfficial date
Night marathon at Chang International Circuit, confirmed by the organiser. Buriram Marathon travel guide.
February 2027
Weather: Cool and dry. Planning: Chiang Mai Old City hotels fill for the flower festival, so choose a room you can cancel until the dates are confirmed.
- 5 to 7 February
Chiang Mai Flower FestivalChiang MaiExpected date
The city usually confirms dates in January.
- 6 February
Chinese New YearBangkok Yaowarat and Chinese-Thai communitiesLunar calendar date
Chinese New Year Day, 6 February 2027, set by the Chinese lunar calendar. Yaowarat celebrations usually run over several days. Not a national public holiday.
- 21 February
Makha Bucha DaynationwideOfficial date
Public holiday with a day off on Monday 22 February. Alcohol sales are banned.
March 2027
Weather: Hot and dry. Planning: MotoGP weekend books out Buriram hotels.
- 5 to 7 March
MotoGP ThailandBuriramOfficial date
- March
Phuket Art FairPhuketDate to be confirmed
No organiser confirmation for 2027 was found. The first fair was held in November 2025. Check the Phuket Art Fair website before booking.
- 13 March
National Thai Elephant DaynationwideFixed annually
Events at elephant centres and sanctuaries.
- 17 March
National Muay Thai Daynationwide and AyutthayaFixed annually
Ceremonies and martial-arts events.
- March
Pattaya Music FestivalPattayaDate to be confirmed
Free beachfront stages in a typical year.
- March
International Kite FestivalCha-Am and Hua HinDate to be confirmed
Typical timing only.
April 2027
Weather: The hottest month in most of Thailand. Planning: Book flights, trains and rooms for Songkran as early as you can.
- 6 April
Chakri Memorial DaynationwideFixed annually
Public holiday.
- 13 to 15 April
Songkran, Thai New YearnationwideFixed annually
Tuesday to Thursday in 2027.
- April
S2O Songkran Music FestivalBangkokDate to be confirmed
Usually held inside the Songkran window.
May 2027
Weather: Hot, with the rainy season starting. Planning: Showers are usually short and in the afternoon.
- 4 May
Coronation DaynationwideFixed annually
Public holiday.
- 20 May
Visakha Bucha DaynationwideOfficial date
Public holiday. Alcohol sales are banned.
- Mid May
Bun Bang Fai Rocket FestivalYasothon, IsanDate to be confirmed
Typical timing only.
- May
Royal Ploughing CeremonyBangkok Sanam LuangDate to be confirmed
The date is set each year by royal astrologers.
June 2027
Weather: Rainy season. Planning: Lower prices on most beaches.
- 3 June
Queen Suthida’s BirthdaynationwideFixed annually
Public holiday.
- June or July
Phi Ta Khon Ghost FestivalDan Sai, LoeiDate to be confirmed
Dates are set each year by local spirit mediums.
July 2027
Weather: Rainy season. Planning: Ubon hotels fill for the candle festival, so book early once dates are announced.
- 18 and 19 July
Asahna Bucha and Khao PhansanationwideOfficial date
Asalha Bucha is Sunday 18 July, with Monday 19 July as the bank substitute day. Khao Phansa follows on 19 July and government offices close. Alcohol sales are banned.
- Around 18 to 19 July
Ubon Ratchathani Candle FestivalUbon Ratchathani, IsanDate to be confirmed
It follows Khao Phansa. The programme is usually confirmed in July.
- 28 July
King’s BirthdaynationwideFixed annually
Public holiday.
August 2027
Weather: Rainy season. Planning: Quiet travel month in most regions.
- 12 August
Queen Mother’s Birthday and Mother’s DaynationwideFixed annually
Public holiday.
September 2027
Weather: Rainy season. Planning: The Vegetarian Festival may begin at the end of September. See October.
October 2027
Weather: Rains easing. Planning: Do not book non-refundable rooms for the Vegetarian Festival until the date is announced.
- Late September or October
Phuket Vegetarian FestivalPhuket TownDate to be confirmed
It follows the ninth Chinese lunar month, so it moves each year. Do not assume last year’s dates.
- 23 October
Chulalongkorn DaynationwideFixed annually
Public holiday. It falls on a Saturday in 2027, so the substitute day is Monday 25 October.
- October
Ok Phansa, end of Buddhist LentnationwideDate to be confirmed
Typical timing only.
November 2027
Weather: Cooler and drier. The start of high season. Planning: Reserve Chiang Mai transport and rooms months ahead.
- 14 November
Loy KrathongnationwideExpected date
Full moon night. Official provincial programmes are announced closer to the date.
- 13 to 14 November
Yi Peng Lantern FestivalChiang MaiExpected date
Sky lanterns alongside Loy Krathong.
- Third weekend of November
Surin Elephant Round-UpSurin, IsanDate to be confirmed
Typical timing only.
December 2027
Weather: Cool and dry. Peak season. Planning: Book early for New Year in Bangkok.
- 5 December
King Bhumibol Memorial Birthday and Father’s DaynationwideFixed annually
Public holiday. It falls on a Sunday in 2027, so the substitute day is Monday 6 December.
- 10 December
Constitution DaynationwideFixed annually
Public holiday.
- 31 December
New Year’s Eve countdownBangkokFixed annually
Countdown events across the city.
Sources for confirmed dates. Last checked 30 October 2026.
- Tomorrowland Thailand, 11 to 13 December 2026: TAT announcement and the official festival site.
- MotoGP Thailand, 5 to 7 March 2027: MotoGP press release.
- EDC Thailand, 18 to 20 December 2026: official EDC Thailand site and coverage of the Insomniac announcement.
- Buriram Marathon, 23 January 2027: organiser press conference, reported by Thairath.
- 2027 public holidays and Buddhist holy days: Bank of Thailand 2027 holiday list, reported by The Nation.
- Visakha Bucha 2026: Thairath.
- Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2026: TAT, festival listing and Phuket feature.
- Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2026: Thai government events listing.
- Yasothon Bun Bang Fai 2026: government events listing. Phi Ta Khon 2026: government events listing. Ubon Candle Festival 2026: government events listing.
- River Kwai Bridge Week, 2025 dates: government events listing.
- Full Moon Party dates: Full Moon Party Council schedule, which says dates are confirmed by the Haad Rin Business Association. Not checked directly with the association.
FEATURED GUIDES
Thailand Events, Festivals and Travel Guides
Plan your trip around the biggest events and festivals. Find dates, travel tips and where to stay.
Songkran Festival 2027
Dates, locations and travel guide
→
Loy Krathong 2026
Best places to celebrate
→
Yi Peng Lantern Festival 2026
Dates, locations and travel tips
→
Chinese New Year 2027
Events and travel guide
→
EVENT TRAVEL GUIDES
Plan Around the Big Events
Tomorrowland Thailand
Pattaya, 11 to 13 December 2026
Read the guide →
EDC Thailand
Phuket, 18 to 20 December 2026
Read the guide →
MotoGP Thailand 2027
Buriram, 5 to 7 March 2027
Read the guide →
Buriram Marathon 2027
Travel guide for runners
Read the guide →
BOOK AROUND YOUR EVENT
Getting there, things to do and staying connected
The practical parts of an event trip. Some links here are affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Getting there
Search trains, buses and ferries across Thailand with 12Go before you book.
Things to do
Tours and experiences around the big festivals, in Bangkok and Phuket.
Stay connected
A Thai eSIM saves queueing for a SIM card at the airport. Our guide compares the options.
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FAQ
Thailand festivals: common questions
What are the biggest festivals in Thailand?
Songkran in April, Loy Krathong and Yi Peng in November, Chinese New Year in January or February, and the Phuket Vegetarian Festival in October are the best known traditional events. Tomorrowland Thailand in Pattaya and EDC Thailand in Phuket are the large music events in December 2026.
When is Songkran celebrated?
Songkran is on 13 to 15 April every year. In 2027 that is Tuesday to Thursday. Some cities and venues run water events for longer than the official three days.
When is Loy Krathong?
Loy Krathong falls on the full moon night of the 12th Thai lunar month. In 2026 that is 24 November, although some listings show 25 November, so check the local programme. In 2027 it is expected on 14 November. Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng lantern festival runs alongside it.
Which month is best for Thai festivals?
November to February is the cool and dry season and has the most comfortable weather, with Loy Krathong, Yi Peng, the Chiang Mai Flower Festival and Chinese New Year. April is the hottest month but is the time for Songkran.
Do Thailand festival dates change each year?
Some do. Songkran, Thai New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve are fixed. Loy Krathong, Yi Peng, Buddhist holy days, Chinese New Year and the Vegetarian Festival follow lunar calendars and move every year. Provincial festivals can also be re-scheduled, so check before you book.
Should travellers book hotels early for major festivals?
Yes for Songkran, Chiang Mai during Yi Peng, Tomorrowland, EDC and New Year in Bangkok. Rooms in the right area sell out first. Where the festival date is not yet confirmed, choose a room with free cancellation.
Planning your trip around a festival
Major festivals change hotel availability, domestic transport and local crowds. For Songkran, Yi Peng, Tomorrowland, EDC and New Year’s Eve, book accommodation early. Use the guides below to pick flights and an area to stay. See also the Thailand weather and flight booking calendar.
Photo credits (all images below are from Wikimedia Commons)
- “Fireworks over the Chao Phraya River” by PEAK99, source on Wikimedia Commons, licence CC BY 4.0. Resized and cropped for this page. No other changes.
- “Flower float at the Chiang Mai Flower Festival” by FredTC, source on Wikimedia Commons, licence CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized and cropped for this page. This adapted version is shared under the same licence, CC BY-SA 3.0.
- “Songkran water festival, Chiang Mai” by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, source on Wikimedia Commons, licence CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and cropped for this page. This adapted version is shared under the same licence, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- “Families playing with water at Songkran, Chiang Mai” by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, source on Wikimedia Commons, licence CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and cropped for this page. This adapted version is shared under the same licence, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- “Lanterns and candles at a Chiang Mai temple during Loy Krathong” by DEBA PRASAD ROY, source on Wikimedia Commons, licence CC0. Resized and cropped for this page. CC0 needs no attribution; credited as a courtesy.
- “Costumed dancers in the Loy Krathong parade, Chiang Mai” by DEBA PRASAD ROY, source on Wikimedia Commons, licence CC0. Resized and cropped for this page. CC0 needs no attribution; credited as a courtesy.
- “Crowd releasing sky lanterns at Yi Peng, Chiang Mai” by Nik Cyclist from Bangkok, Thailand, source on Wikimedia Commons, licence CC BY 2.0. Resized and cropped for this page. No other changes.
- “Pattaya beach and skyline in daylight” by Don Ramey Logan, source on Wikimedia Commons, licence CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized and cropped for this page. This adapted version is shared under the same licence, CC BY-SA 3.0.
- “MotoGP rider at the Chang International Circuit, Buriram” by Box Repsol, source on Wikimedia Commons, licence CC BY 2.0. Resized and cropped for this page. No other changes.
- “Prasat Phanom Rung temple, Buriram” by KOSIN SUKHUM, source on Wikimedia Commons, licence CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and cropped for this page. This adapted version is shared under the same licence, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- “Sunset at Bang Tao Beach, Phuket” by Axadem, source on Wikimedia Commons, licence CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and cropped for this page. This adapted version is shared under the same licence, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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