Visit Laos between November and April during the dry season, when warm, dry weather makes the country most accessible. River travel is ideal from November to January, as high water levels on the Mekong River allow easier navigation.
Best Time to Visit Laos: The Climate Guide
To make the most of your holiday, visit Laos between November and May to avoid the rainy season. During this peak season, temperatures remain pleasant, though it gets colder as you head into the mountains and toward the northern regions close to the border with China.
July and August bring wet weather and high humidity, but also showcase lush, green scenery. Laos’s shoulder season transitions into the sweltering heat of April and May, which make for an uncomfortable visit. September and October are similarly challenging due to heavy rainfall.
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Laos Monthly Climate Guide
From the dry season, to the monsoon and wet season, Laos could be managed to visit anytime of the year depending on your plan and length of stay, here is the breakdown:
November to January: Best Time to visit
Luang Prabang is one of the most popular destinations in Laos. The best time to visit is between November and January, when the weather is pleasant. If you prefer to avoid the crowds and don’t mind afternoon showers, consider traveling between April and July or in September and October. Wake up early to witness the monks participating in the alms-giving ceremony at sunrise, then end your day with a visit to Mount Phousi to enjoy the sunset. We can also arrange a bike or boat trip to the Pak Ou Caves.
April: Boun Pi Mai
April’s New Year’s celebrations turn the entire country into a massive water fight – great fun! The festivities last several days and feature parades, traditional costumes, dancing, and water throwing or pouring. In Luang Prabang, you can watch religious ceremonies where people wash Buddha images with scented water.
July to October: Best time to see Tad Fane Waterfall
No matter when you visit Laos, the Bolaven Plateau will be stunning. However, to see Tad Fane Waterfall in all its best, your best bet is to brave the heavy rains from July to October. Surrounded by rainforest, the waterfall plunges about 100 meters. While trekking through the national park, you might spot wild species like tigers, elephants, leopards, and monkeys.
July to August: Best to avoid
Best time to avoid Laos would be between the months of July and August, as the heat and humidity make travel uncomfortable. April and May are also extremely hot, while September and October bring heavy rains. Many tend to travel between these months as the prices of hotels might be lower.
Best time to visit Laos by regions
If you plan to focus on the mountainous northern provinces, the hot season (from March to May) and early rainy season (around June) is not bad either, as temperatures are moderate at higher elevations. Southern Laos, on the other hand, is best avoided from March to May, when day-time temperatures break into the 40s and nights aren’t much cooler.
The rainy season in Laos is not as bad as you might think. While it will rain – very heavily – the downpours are often fairly brief and can be bracketed by long periods of sunshine. The rains also clear dust from the skies and land, making everything clearer and brighter.
Of course, there are downsides; unsealed roads can become quagmires and extensive travel in remote areas like Salavan, Phongsali and Sainyabuli might be impossible. River travel in Laos can be a good alternative during these months. If you intend to travel extensively by river, November is the best; flooding has usually subsided yet river levels are still high enough for maximum navigability. Between January and June, low water can make navigating some rivers difficult.
December to February and August are the peak tourist times in Laos. January, in particular, is very busy and booking ahead is advisable.
