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Laos is a popular Southeast Asian destination for cultural enthusiasts, travelers, and hikers. It features a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons, November to April for the dry season and May to October for the wet season.
The best time to visit Laos is during the dry season. You should expect good weather and little rain throughout this period. This is also a great time for outdoor activities. Continue reading to learn more about the ideal time to have a laos tours, as well as important recommendations for both peak and off-season travel.
1. Weather in Laos
The weather and climate in Laos are divided into two factors, based on which you can plan a suitable Laos tour. Laos has two distinct seasons: the dry season from November to April and the rainy season from May to October; it is also divided into two regions, the North and the Central.
In the north, the average temperature in January is around 15 degrees Celsius, and in July it is 28 degrees Celsius. The temperature is 25 degrees Celsius in the south and 30 degrees Celsius in the center. If you’ve ever been to Vietnam, you’ll know In comparison, the climate in the south and central parts of Laos is very similar to that of central Vietnam. However, the climate in these two regions is slightly hotter than in Vietnam. The summer is hot and dry, while the rainy season is wetter.
However, there are many tourists who still choose these months to explore this beautiful country. Because this is the season for Laos’ two most important festivals, Boun Khoun Khao (the rice festival) and Boun Pimai (the Laos’ New Year). If you want to travel to Laos during this time, remember to apply a layer of sunscreen to protect your skin.
2. The peak season – from November through February
The dry season in Laos typically lasts from October to May of the following year. The dry season is also the chilly season, with lows around 15°C (59°F) and highs up to 30°C (86°F). Hardly no rain falls during the dry season. If you’re wondering when the best time to visit Laos is, look no further. The answer would then be the dry season. This is an excellent opportunity for you to take an interesting trip to Laos.
Visitors to Laos in the peak season will enjoy the beautiful scenery of the peaceful countryside, green trees, and a pleasant temperature ranging from 24 to 26 degrees Celsius. River cruising conditions are superb throughout this season, so now is an excellent time to explore the Mekong region’s rivers. The temperature will rise from November to February. However, it can get quite cold at night in some parts of Laos, particularly in the north and highlands.
The finest season always corresponds with the peak tourist season, and this is no different in Laos. To move about during the peak season, you should reserve your accommodations ahead of time, especially around the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Festivals
Boun That Luang: The most major Buddhist festival in Vientiane, held at Pha That Luang, the country’s emblem and holy landmark. On the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, monks and pilgrims assemble there for a three-day religious event, followed by a week of festivities.
3. Summer – March to April
Temperatures go over 30°C (86°F), the hottest of the year, with average rainfall remaining less than 100mm per month. River levels are at an all-time low, making most rivers difficult to travel.
Traveling during this season can be difficult, especially in the central and southern regions, where temperatures frequently reach 38°C (100°F). If you tour Laos around the middle of April, you’re likely to witness the Lao New Year; be prepared to get wet as water pours all over the streets.
Festivals
Laos’s New Year: This is Laos’ most extensively observed event, lasting three days from April 14 to 16. Religious ceremonies, pageants, traditional music, dance performances, and water-pouring are all part of the festivities. It’s exciting to participate in water battles because throwing water over someone represents washing away all their bad luck.
4. Rainy season – May through October
Rain pours across the nation and reaches a peak in August and September, with monthly rainfall ranging from 250mm to 300mm. The temperature ranges between 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). It’s hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms, showers, and blue sky the rest of the day.
The rainy season in Laos typically lasts from May to October. As a result, rain will fall more frequently, making the roads dirty and slick. Laos appears fresher after rain, giving tourists a vibrant atmosphere and reducing fatigue during the trip. In addition, you should bring an umbrella or raincoat in case of heavy rain.
If you want to go on a boat trip in Laos, November and December are the best months to do so. That is when the river level is at its highest, so you can take a boat trip to explore the rustic villages of Laos and learn about the locals’ unique daily lives.
Laos Travel Advice for the Rainy Season
Landslides can generate rutted roads in Laos since infrastructure is still being built, especially in isolated locations. As a result, terrible roads may cause your travel to be delayed. To prevent getting stuck in traffic, try to stay in major cities.
If you visit Vang Vieng for the gorgeous limestone karst scenery and adventure sports, you should exercise extreme caution since the walkways can be slippery and there is a risk of floods.
5. The off-season – from May until October
It’s a wonderful time to travel to Laos since there are fewer visitors, cheaper accommodations, and easy access to eateries. The emerald-green landscapes become studded with lush vegetation, blossoming flowers, and brilliant streams as it rains. Going deep into the forest to observe the powerfully falling waterfalls and gorgeous natural beauty is a must-do.
Festivals
Boun Ok Watsa: Today is the last day of the Buddhist lent when devotees pay their respects to the Buddha and offer appreciation to the river spirits. In the morning, offerings are given at temples, and beautiful floats decked with flowers and candles are sent adrift down waterways.
Boat Racing Festival: Honors the Naga King at the end of the rainy season. Rowers in elaborately carved boats begin to compete upstream on the Mekong River. Throughout the years, this mix of entertainment and memorials has become a tradition.
6. Visit Laos with Threeland Travel
Threeland Travel is dedicated to environmentally friendly travel. We work with local guides to provide our customers with an authentic and one-of-a-kind experience in the region of their choice. We understand how valuable your time is, which is why we are here to answer all of your questions and make your vacation dreams a reality.
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