When is the Best Time to Visit Laos?
Published on: October 30th, 2017
Last updated: July 27th, 2023
To make the most of your trip, the best time to visit Laos is between November and May, so that you can avoid the rainy season. Over this high season the temperatures are mostly pleasant, although the further into the mountains you go the colder it becomes.
July and August bring wet weather and high humidity, but are accompanied by gorgeously green scenery. That shoulder season gives way to the incredibly hot months of April and May. It’s not a comfortable time to visit, and neither are the very wet months of September and October.
When to Visit for...
Great City Sightseeing
One of the most popular places to visit in Laos is Luang Prabang. The ideal time to travel there is between November and January when the weather is pleasant. If you’d prefer to miss the crowds and don’t mind afternoon showers, thenthe April to July, or September and October are good options. Make sure you are up early enough to watch the monks participate in the alms giving ceremony at sunrise, and then end the day with a visit to Mount Phousi to make the most of the sunset. We can also arrange for you to travel by bike or boat to the Pak Ou Caves.
Boun Pi Mai Celebrations
The New Year’s celebrations in April see the whole country turn into a massive water fight - great fun! The festivities stretch over a few days and include parades, traditional costumes and dancing and throwing or pouring of water. In Luang Prabang you can witness religious ceremonies where images of Buddha are washed with scented water.
See Tad Fane Waterfall
Whatever time of year you visit, the Bolaven Plateau is bound to be stunning, but if you want to see Tad Fane Waterfall in all its majesty, then your best bet is to brave the excessively rainy season from July to October. Surrounded by rainforest, the waterfall is around 100m high. You may spot wild species like tigers, elephants, leopards and monkeys while trekking through the national park.
When to Avoid
July and August are best avoided as the heat and humidity makes travelling at this time of year very uncomfortable. April and May are also very hot, while September and October see heavy rains.
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