Best Time to Visit Laos

Surrounded by China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar, Laos is a landlocked country in South East Asia. Covering 237,955sq km, the geographic area of Laos is mostly mountainous with steep terrain and elevations are typical over 500m with tapered river valleys. This geography plays an important role in shaping Laos climate which is variation in different parts of country at different times of the year.

So, before planning your Laos holiday, one of the most concerns is about the best time to visit Laos. Finding the most suitable time of the year to explore this country will make your Laos trip more enjoyable and memorable. This post will provide more details about when you can visit Laos at its best. Let’s check it out!

Climate of Laos

Impacted by a typical tropical monsoon climate, Laos has 2 distinct seasons of year: dry season and wet season. Generally, monsoons occur at the same time across the country, although that time may considerably change from one year to the next.

Dry season lasts from November to April by northeast monsoon while wet season is from May to October by the winds of the southwest monsoon. However, the temperature will vary in each season, such as March – April (dry months leading to wet season) and May – June (early wet season) are the hottest time of the year.

Tat Kuang Si in rainy season

In rainy season, an average rainfall can reach 1,300 to 2,300 mm (50 to 90 in) with heaviest period in August and September, especially in the South where the highest amounts of 4,100 mm (160 in) is recorded on the Bolovens Plateau, Champasak Province. However, the rainfall is sometimes only half or less of norm that can affect rice cultivation. Luckily, these droughts are normally by region, so production in other parts of the country is unaffected. The temperature of wet season is around 27 °C (80 °F) on average.

Kuang Si Waterfall in dry season

During dry season, the average temperatures are between 16 and 21 °C (60 and 70 °F) in the cool months from December through February, and up to more than 32 °C (90 °F) in March and April – just before the wet season starts. January is the coolest month while the hottest month comes to April when celebrates Lao New Year and water festival.

Temperatures in Laos vary by the altitude with an average drop of 1.7 °C for every 1000 feet (or 300 meters). In the upland plateux and in the mountains, temperatures are considered lower than that on the plains around Vientiane. The lowest point is Mekong River 70m and the highest point is Phou Bia 2,817m.

It can say that the effects of global climate change make Laos highly vulnerable and nearly all provinces in Laos are at high risks from this climate change.

Best time to visit Laos

Although there are 2 distinct weather seasons in Laos, you can actually visit this country all year round with the advantages of each season. However, November to February is considered as the best time of your travel in Laos when the weather is the most pleasant, especially for trekking. If you plan to visit far north of Laos, the weather gets pretty cold in the evenings so the suitable clothes are highly recommended.

Dry season is the most suitable time for trekking when the weather is pleasant with less rain.

In case you cannot make your travel plan in the best visited time, don’t worry as the other months of year are still possible to visit. During May to October when the rains return to the country, the short and sharp can less or more impact on your exploration but the country’s life comes back with waterfalls beginning to flow again and the lush scenery attracting a variety of wildlife.

Whatever your preferred time for Laos trip is, this country is still worthy to visit because of its rich history, culture and many stunning landscapes waiting for your experience. Although no beach, you can spend your time in Laos less or more than a week, even longer depending on your travel interest. Attractions of Laos and its peaceful and blissed vibe may call every traveler’s desire to return after the first visit.

Travel Advisory

• Carefully check the weather of your traveling month to get well-preparation in clothing and personal items for your smooth trip;
• March or April is on hottest period of the year and in the burning of the fields so the air can be as smoky as it is humid;
• Best-visited time of dry season also falls in high season. Especially in Christmas/New Year Eve or Lao New Year in mid-April when the travel expenses are expected to increase. Therefore, we highly suggest you to make the travel service reservations at earliest stage as possible to avoid full occupancy or lower service quality;
• Low season is also in wet season but you can get better deals with less crowded.

In conclusion, whenever you have any travel plan to Laos, just contact us and our Laos Travel team will give you the best advice relating to the weather conditions and be happy to assist and tailor the most suitable itinerary to match your needs. Stress-free journey and fun experience are waiting for you ahead.