The best time to visit Laos is between November and March. During this time the country experiences the least amount of rainfall without becoming too hot.
Laos has two distinct seasons – rainy and dry.
The dry season runs from November to April. November to February is cooler while March and April are blisteringly hot, with April being the hottest month.
The rainy season runs from May to October, though it may start a little early in a couple of Laos’ northern provinces. August is the wettest month.
For your reference, please see below for a summary of the weather conditions in Laos.
January – February
January and February are dry months, with a comfortable average temperature (around 25°C in Vientiane and Luang Prabang) and minimal chance of rainfall throughout the country. Pakse and the southern region are slightly warmer, while in the higher regions in the north and the east, the average temperature is 15°C.
Generally, these are two amazing months with favorable weather conditions to visit Laos
Events: Wat Phou Festival (dates vary); Hongsa Elephant Festival (dates vary)
March
March continues offering dry weather across the country, but the temperature starts to rise. The temperature in Vientiane and Luang Prabang is about 29°C, and to the south in Pakse and the 4000 Islands region, a warmer 32°C.
Trekking in Luang Namtha and Phongsali (the northern region of Laos) is a good idea, as this region enjoys cooler temperatures and the lowest humidity level.
Events: Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (22nd March)
April
The hottest month of the year in Laos, the temperature can hit 40°C, especially in Pakse and the 4000 islands region in the south of the country. Showers become more likely towards the end of the month as the wet season approaches. However, these rainfalls are infrequent and short, which will not affect travel at all.
Events: Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year) (14th-16th April)
May
Temperatures remain high, with an average of 28°C in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and 35°C in Pakse and 4000 Islands.
Infrequent and short rainfalls continue across the country, especially in the northern provinces around Phongsali. Sunshine and blue skies bounce back quickly, making May still a great month to discover Laos.
Events: Boun Bang Fai (The Rocket Festival) (May or June)
June
June marks the official beginning of the wet season throughout Laos. The quantity and severity of showers increase, especially in the higher regions; the riverside towns south of Vientiane experience the least rain. The average temperature drops to 25-27°C, with Pakse experiencing warmer temperatures than Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
Events: Boun Bang Fai (The Rocket Festival) (May or June)
July
July is one of the wettest months in Laos, however, showers are mostly short. In southern Laos and Pakse, rainfalls can be heavier and last longer, pushing the waterfalls in the 4000 Islands to their full potential. Rain also brings back the lush greenery in the countryside around Vang Vieng, but wet weather makes caving and rock-climbing difficult. In Phongsali and Muang Sing, the heavy rain can make travel difficult, as tracks may become impassable. The average temperature in Luang Prabang and Vientiane hovers around 25-27°C.
Events: Boun Khao Pansa (start of Buddhist Lent) (Jul to Sep / Oct)
August – September
These two months are the peak of the wet season in Laos, with a high humidity level, a significant increase in rainfall, and all-day downpours in some regions. Phongsali and Muang Sing are not a good choice for visiting in August and September, as heavy rains make traveling around close to impossible. Southern highlights such as the 4000 Islands remain accessible by boat, with the region’s waterfalls (unsurprisingly) at their best.
The average temperature in Luang Prabang and Vientiane hovers around 25-30°C.
Events: Bouk Ok Pansa (end of Buddhist Lent) (Sept or Oct)
October
The wet period tapers to an end, and favorable weather returns to Laos in October. The rain decreases significantly compared to the previous months, and sunshine returns. The temperature is extremely comfortable, with an average of 25°C in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and 26°C in Pakse and the southern regions. In Phongsali and the mountainous regions, the weather is cooler, especially at night.
October is a great time of year to travel to Laos. The countryside is lush and green, and dry sunny days are the norm. Visitor numbers remain low during October (especially in the first half of the month), which means fewer crowds at key tourist sites.
Events: Bouk Ok Pansa (end of Buddhist Lent) (Sept or Oct)
November
With the arrival of the dry season in November, sunshine and blue skies appear throughout the country. Vientiane and Luang Prabang experience a pleasant temperature of 23°C, and Pakse and the 4000 Islands experience 26°C.
This is an ideal month for experiencing the best of Laos, ideal for trekking, sightseeing, etc.
Events: That Luang Festival (dates vary)
December
Another perfect month with blue skies, dry conditions, sunshine and cool temperatures (average temperature between 19-22°C) across the country.
Events: Laos National Day (2nd Dec)
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