To pick up the best time to visit Laos, you should know some basic information about the weather that is differently distributed in each region of this charming country. Generally, you can visit Laos at any time during the year because each month will have its unique beauty for the tourists to discover. This useful information package will help you be always ready for the sudden showers or the scorching sun in your Lao tour.
Weather in Laos by Month
There are two separate seasons in Laos: dry and wet. The rainy season lasts from May to October when there are a lot of rains, making the roads dirty and slippery. After the rain, Laos appears with a fresher countenance that brings the tourists a lively atmosphere and relieves the weariness during the trip. Besides, you are suggested to carry umbrellas or raincoats in case of heavy showers.
In March and April, the weather is really hot. The temperature may reach 35℃ (95℉) and the air is muggy. However, there are a lot of tourists still choosing these months to explore this beautiful country because it is the time there are two biggest festivals in Laos: Boun Khoun Khao (Rice Festival) and Boun Pimai (Lao New Year). If you want to travel to Laos during this time, remember to apply a thick layer of the sun cream.
January and February are the dry months when you can enjoy the extremely comfortable weather. The temperature is quite cold but it gets warm in the south than the north. However, these two months are still supposed to be the best time to visit Laos.
If you set up the plan for a boat trip in Laos, November and December are the most suitable months. That is the time when the river levels are at their peak so that you can take a boat to discover the Lao rustic villages and learn about the unique daily life of the local people.
Best Time to Visit Different Regions in Laos
Vientiane
The capital of Laos is seen by the typical wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit is from November to March when the weather is drier and cooler, with a great temperature of around 17°C, it only runs to 30°C until March. Rainfall is rarely at this time, so this is the high tourist season here. Coming to Vientiane at this time, you will have a chance to be immersed in the tranquil atmosphere of the well-known temples in Laos. Besides, there is nothing better than the favorable weather which supports your trip to other iconic sites such as Patuxai, Pha That Luang, Buddha Park, etc.
April and May are hotter with the heat is sometimes 34°C. Torrential afternoon rains happen regularly between May and September.
Luang Prabang
The temperature in Luang Prabang is quite similar to Vientiane, with cooler evenings. The heaviest rains may occur daily from June till August which can reach 300 mm each month. November through to March is the best time to explore Luang Prabang with the average temperatures around 27°C, although some people love to go in the rainy season when fewer travelers come here and the idyllic countryside is picturesque with colors and earthy scents after downpours. In addition to wandering along the antique streets, dropping in the bustling local markets, and visiting the solemn pagodas, the rainy season is the best time to visit Kuang Si Waterfall in Luang Prabang when the waterfall is full of cool and clean water.
Vang Vieng
The wet season from May till September is the best time to visit the lush green mountains of Vang Vieng twinkling after afternoon downpours.
With the advantage of the ideal terrain – the back against the mountain, the front facing overlooking the river, Vang Vieng Town is known as a peaceful countryside on the bank of the Nam Song River. This small town is hidden in not only the wilderness but also the happy vitality, bringing the tourists fresh air when setting the first steps here. The wilderness of Vang Vieng has been blossoming in the blue of the trees and the river flowing smoothly around the limestone ranges. Moreover, Vang Vieng is famous for the poetic scenery and rich in adventurous activities, where you can go caving, rock-climbing, waterfall-slipping, swimming or kayaking.
At this time, Nam Song River fills up and flows four times faster. Moreover, due to heavy rains, the pathways and rocks can be slippery, so be cautious when participating in active activities.
The southern of Laos
In the south of Laos, from June to September receives torrential rains which may interfere from your journey by sleek roads; however, this is the best time to travel around southern Laos on a boat, especially exploring the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia – Khone. In the waterfall cluster, there are smaller waterfalls with cool and clear water, in which you can freely bath and swim. One of the most interesting activities in southern Laos at this time is kayaking to encounter Irrawaddy – the endangered fresh river dolphin that only exists in Laos, India, and Malaysia nowadays.
From November to March, the weather is drier and cooler, it is also the best time to discover the sites on land, while March till May is supposed as the hottest season when the heat is on the peak, generally reaches 34°C. This time is suitable for visiting Wat Phou – one of the two world cultural heritages in Laos. There are many ancient civilizational relics with sandstone castles, pagodas, and temples worshiping Theravada Buddhism. It is an ideal destination for people who are interested in history and culture.
On the whole, throughout Laos, from November to April, rainfall is the lowest level of the year and the sky is clear to capture some stunning nature pictures. Besides, big national and regional festivals take place during the period, so you may catch up with something interesting.
Tell us the place you want to drop in Laos and we will show you when the best time to visit Laos is! All of the things you need to do are to package your suitcase and go!
