Best time to go to Laos for a perfect weather and where to go?
Julie Parment and Tony Samson last update: 27/05/2024When is the best time to go to Laos?
Due to heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, the best time to visit Laos is undoubtedly during the dry season: from October to April. During this period, temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is less frequent, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the beauty of this incredible country, for example by going on day hikes or multi-day treks.
In November and December, the peak tourist season is in full swing. Although prices remain stable, it is advisable to book your accommodations in advance to have a wider range of options. Although Laos is still relatively untouched by mass tourism, this period sees the highest number of visitors.
From January to March, the number of tourists decreases. When is the best time to visit Laos for only advantages? If you dream of pleasant weather while being able to visit tourist sites in peace, the ideal time to plan a trip is in April or October. So just before or just after the peak tourist season, avoiding the rainy season.
But if you appreciate authenticity, visiting Laos during the low season, which coincides with the rainy season between May and September, could be exciting. Due to low demand, flight prices are highest during this period, but it could be worth it if you have an adventurous spirit! Just make sure to prepare well to face the weather. In addition to a light and easily washable wardrobe, remember to pack a waterproof poncho in your suitcase, very useful in case of heavy downpours.
Where and when to go based on the weather?
Central of Laos
Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Thakhek...
North of Laos
Luang Prabang, Nong Kiau, Luang Namtha...
South of Laos
Pakse, Savannakhet, Khong island (Don Khong)...
To get all the information about the climate and weather in Laos for a specific month, click on the corresponding link below:
Laos in january Laos in february Laos in march Laos in april Laos in may Laos in june Laos in july Laos in august Laos in september Laos in october Laos in november Laos in december
Best time to travel to Laos by cities
Climate and Weather in Laos
Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia. It shares borders with Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China.
The climate in Laos has two variations:
- A tropical savanna climate with dry winters, which is predominant in the country and can be found in places like Vientiane, the capital, Houei Sai in the central part, and throughout southern Laos.
- A humid subtropical climate with dry winters and hot summers. This more temperate climate is present in the northern mountains, around Luang Prabang or Phonsavan.
Temperatures are rather constant throughout the year, but are nevertheless higher in the south than in the north. It is generally hotter in Pakse than in Luang Prabang. Temperatures are also milder in the mountains than in the rest of the country. What marks the seasons and weather in Laos are the rainfall and humidity levels. Thus, the country has two distinct periods:
The dry season in Laos
The dry season runs from October to April and the climate in Laos is then more pleasant. Temperatures are warm and rainfall is low, with humidity levels being very reasonable. There is virtually no rain from December to February. Arriving in Vientiane, the capital, will be a total climate change if you are coming from Europe, where winter is in full swing!
This season will have some variations depending on where you are:
- In the north, around Luang Prabang, it lasts until May, with March being an ideal month to visit the region as it has the least precipitation. However, be aware of cool nights in the mountains. Due to temperature variations depending on altitude, the contrast with the daytime is very significant, and you can expect minimum temperatures to drop below 10°C.
- In the central region, midday heat is more intense than elsewhere. Expect maximum temperatures approaching 40°C! However, this is where it rains the most during the dry season, which is perfect for cooling down the atmosphere.
- In the south, the dry season is shorter, from November to April, but it is well defined with perfect months to explore the area between November and February. March and April are already quite rainy, like a prelude to the upcoming rainy season.
The rainy season in Laos
From May to September, the weather in Laos is hot and humid, it is the rainy season that hits the country, brought by monsoon winds. Temperatures are lower than usual, but rainfall is very significant, and the air, laden with humidity, becomes stifling.
The months of July and August are generally the most affected by torrential rains. In some regions, especially in southern Laos, there is little respite, and rain-free days are extremely rare during this period.
In the north, showers are less frequent and less intense. Therefore, traveling during the monsoon season is still possible. In Vientiane, for example, it rarely rains during the day, with the first showers arriving in the evening and continuing for much of the night. This allows for enjoyable walks without too many weather-related constraints.
Temperatures and rainfall in Laos
On these 2 graphs, we present the evolution of temperatures of Laos and month-by-month rainfall for the cities of Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Khong island (Don Khong) and Luang Namtha.
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Laos
Find out when Laos has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Laos
The months with low numbers of tourists are: May, June, July, August, September and October. The number of visitors to Laos is high in: January, February, March, April, November and December.
- Very low season in Laos: June and September.
- Low season in Laos: May, July, August and October.
- High season in Laos: February, March and April.
- Peak season in Laos: January, November and December.
Figure: Visitor index for Laos month by month
Average price for flights to Laos
A return flight between Sydney and Vientiane is generally cheaper if you go in march ($ 583 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 357 more for your airline ticket to Vientiane if you go in december.
Where to go in Laos?
This table allows you to see the maximum temperature for each city and our opinion on the weather month by month (see colour legend below the table).
| Cities | jan. | feb. | mar. | apr. | may | jun. | jul. | aug. | sep. | oct. | nov. | dec. |
| Vientiane | 30°C | 35°C | 37°C | 38°C | 36°C | 33°C | 32°C | 32°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 30°C |
| Luang Prabang | 28°C | 32°C | 35°C | 36°C | 35°C | 33°C | 31°C | 31°C | 33°C | 32°C | 31°C | 28°C |
| Vang Vieng | 27°C | 32°C | 34°C | 35°C | 34°C | 32°C | 31°C | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 30°C | 27°C |
| Khong island (Don Khong) | 32°C | 36°C | 38°C | 37°C | 35°C | 32°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C |
| Luang Namtha | 22°C | 26°C | 30°C | 31°C | 30°C | 27°C | 26°C | 26°C | 27°C | 26°C | 25°C | 22°C |
| Nong Kiau | 25°C | 29°C | 32°C | 33°C | 32°C | 30°C | 29°C | 29°C | 30°C | 29°C | 28°C | 25°C |
| Pakse | 30°C | 34°C | 36°C | 36°C | 35°C | 32°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 29°C |
| Savannakhet | 30°C | 33°C | 36°C | 36°C | 35°C | 33°C | 31°C | 31°C | 32°C | 31°C | 31°C | 29°C |
| Thakhek | 30°C | 34°C | 36°C | 37°C | 35°C | 33°C | 31°C | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 32°C | 30°C |
| Houei Sai | 28°C | 32°C | 36°C | 37°C | 36°C | 32°C | 30°C | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 28°C |
| Phonsavan | 24°C | 27°C | 30°C | 30°C | 29°C | 27°C | 26°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 26°C | 23°C |
Legend:
perfect weather
good weather
tolerable weather
bad weather
very bad weather
About Laos
What can I do in Laos?
Beaches / swimming
Nature and countryside
Culture and heritage
Sports
Family travel
Crafts / shopping
Gastronomy
Nightlife
Is this weather information for Laos reliable?
Climate data for Laos has been gathered every day since January 2009. The analysis of these meteorological data for Laos allows us to determine the average for each month in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Khong island (Don Khong), Luang Namtha, Nong Kiau, Pakse, Savannakhet, and 3 other cities.
So yes: this data is reliable except in cases of temporary climate disruption in the region.