Best Time to Visit Laos

The best time to visit Laos is during the dry season, which begins in November and lasts until April. November to January is the most ideal time to go, given the most comfortable weather and perfect conditions for river cruises, kayaking, and other outdoor pursuits. However, these months are also the high season for tours in Laos, so be prepared for heavy crowds and higher prices.
 
A tropical country in Southeast Asia, Laos has two main seasons: wet (May to October) and dry (November to April). While the dry months make up the most popular tourist season, the wet season witnesses the country at its most lush and vibrant. Off-peak shoulder months like July and October are also good options due to fairly mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, emerald green landscapes, and fewer travelers.
 
On the other hand, April is a time of year to avoid due to the high temperatures, crowded hotels, and peak rates given the Lao New Year (Pi Mai) celebrations. If you’re planning to join the holiday revelry, make sure to book early. 

Heavy rains make traveling in August difficult, with dirt roads becoming virtually impassable in the wettest months of the year.
 
Keep in mind that there are also slight regional nuances to Laos weather, with southern regions being typically hotter any time of the year. High altitude areas found in the northern, central, and eastern regions have colder climates.  

Hottest Month: April
Rainiest Month: August
Peak Tourist Season: November to March
Best Time to Cruise Mekong River: November to January

  The wet monsoon season in Laos falls from May to October, a period also dubbed the “green season” when the rains bring the landscape to life after a long drought in previous months. Expect high humidity throughout the country.
 
The early weeks of the wet season are still sweltering, with rainfall coming in short spurts at night and early morning. Lush foliage emerges and majestic waterfalls once again flow freely by July. As the rainy season continues into August and September, the downpours get heavier and more frequent. Traveling to remote regions can be a challenge during this time as many roads are impassable. October is significantly drier and an excellent time to visit Laos before the tourist rush given its mild weather and flourishing landscapes.
 
During the wet season, the main festivals are the Lao Rocket Festival (May, June, and July), the Boun Ok Phansa’s Lai Heau Fai (Festival of Lights), and the Boat Racing Festival (October). The dry season in Laos spans from November to April, with the cooler temperatures of the rainy season gradually increasing every month until the hot season peaks in April. Average temperatures in Vientiane go from the low 70s°F in January to the mid-80s in April. Further south, temperatures can spike as high as 100°F.

If you’re looking to avoid the worst of the heat, November through February is the best time to visit southern Laos and experience milder temperatures. When the heat gets too high for comfort in the south, travelers can cool down in high-altitude destinations like the Bolaven Plateau.
 
Meanwhile, northern regions cool down and even approach freezing temperatures at higher altitudes. Watch out for slash and burn agriculture in and around Luang Prabang, which usually results in smoke-filled skies starting March until monsoon season begins in May.
 
Clear skies and sunshine make land exploration and active outdoor recreation like hiking, rock climbing, and cycling ideal throughout the dry season. River tours and cruises are best experienced between November and January when the water levels on the Mekong River are at their highest. Other water activities including whitewater rafting and kayaking tours in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Luang Namtha, are also recommended. 

While February may still be suitable for water-based adventures, water levels are usually too low for river travel when March and April roll around.
 
The dry season in Laos also includes many significant cultural events, including the That Luang Festival (November), Wat Phou Festival (January/February), and Lao New Year (April).

 
Learn more about the best time to visit Laos by contacting our Adventure Life travel experts.