Best time to visit Laos
You can have a great holiday in Laos at any time of year, and we'd never just say that to encourage people to visit. Travel in each month has its own benefits and challenges – the best time to visit Laos depends on your preferences and what you want to experience.
Laos has just two seasons: wet (sometimes called "green") and dry. However, its mountainous terrain means you’ll experience a stark contrast in temperatures and weather conditions in different areas. In general, the northern, central and eastern regions of the country are higher and cooler, while the southern regions around the Mekong River valley are lower and hotter.
So, here's our guide on what to experience in Laos at every point of the year: from when nature is at its most lush, to when the mercury reaches its peak.
Mekong River Slow Boat in Muang Ngoi, Laos, Asia.
October to April: Dry season
First question: how hot do you want to be? December and January are Laos’ cooler months, with colder mornings and daytime temperatures typically around 17°C-20 °C in Luang Prabang. Temperatures climb from February, and by March and April it’s very hot: anywhere between 32°C -35°C in the day, depending on where you are. Laos New Year (Boun Pi Mai) falls in April, and its tradition of water throwing can bring some welcome relief from the heat, and an insight into one of the country’s biggest celebrations of the year.
The final two months of the dry period (March and April) are slash-and-burn season, when farmers burn any vegetation left over from the harvest. This can create very bad air quality and poor visibility in affected areas. The landscape is parched – meaning Laos isn’t really at its loveliest. We’re not saying don’t travel during this time (Boun Pi Mai is a great reason to visit Laos now!) but it’s worth bearing this in mind when booking.
If you’re planning a cruise on the Mekong we recommend travelling in November or December. This is when river levels are at their highest.
“I sailed on Pandaw through Laos in November and it was a great time to be there - hot and sunny, so the perfect weather to enjoy the stunning scenery floating past.”
Paul O'Brien, flights manager
Kasi, Laos
May to September: Green season
Monsoon rains begin to fall on Laos in May, peaking in July and August. Temperatures and humidity levels are high(around 27°C), particularly in May and June, but the rains make it seem cooler than the forecasts would suggest.
Many tourists avoid this time of year, and we think that’s a real shame. There’s a reason we call it the ‘green’ season: this time of year sees Laos is at its most naturally beautiful, with paddies full of rice, radiant jungles, and crashing waterfalls – and it rarely rains for more than a short burst at a time.
The downside is that already rugged, rural roads get slower and more dangerous, and trekking paths can be sticky and slippery – not recommended. It's therefore a great time of year to try out its high-speed rail line. The Bolaven Plateau and 4,000 Islands are, however, at their best. With the return of the rains, everything here is lush and vibrant: the plateau is green, waterfalls are flowing and the river is in full swing.
“Avoid the crowds of peak travel times and go in shoulder or green season. Picture this... you take a dip in the turquoise waters at Kuang Si Waterfalls and have the place all to yourself. This was my experience last time I visited Laos.”
Jon Fisher, Southeast Asia specialist
Ready to plan when to go?
From where you want to go, to what you want to do, and how much heat or rain you can take, speak to one of our Laos specialists to tailor your Laos trip to you.
