When is the best time to visit Laos?

Visiting Laos in February

It remains dry throughout the country, with temperatures only rising a little and the north still getting quite cold during the early part of the month. River levels should still be good; however, damming by the Chinese has impacted water levels in recent years.

Events & Festivals

• Boun Ma Kha Bu Saar/Full Moon Festival (February): This festival celebrates a speech given by Buddha. You can observe chanting and parades of worshippers bearing candles at local temples.
• Wat Phou Festival: Taking part in processions, recitals, boat races and dances, Buddhists attend this three-day festival from across the province of Champasak.

Visiting Laos in March

The dry season continues, with temperatures rising throughout the country to over 30°C in places; although cooler conditions can still be found in the highlands. Travel in the central and southern regions can be a little uncomfortable, and a top tip would be to combine southern Laos with the Bolaven Plateau, where the higher altitude gives respite from the hot climate. River levels will be getting low at this time of year, making river travel in the north difficult and somewhat unpleasant due to the haze created by the slash and burn season, which is in full swing.

Events & Festivals

• Boun Koun Khao (March): An agricultural festival celebrated in rural villages and local temples at harvest time — a great opportunity to observe rural customs and traditions.
• Boun Pha Vet (late March): Held over three days and three nights, this is a religious festival celebrating the penultimate incarnation of Buddha, with the story recited in temples across the country.

Visiting Laos in April

This is the last month of the dry season, although there is a slim chance of rain toward the end of the month. River levels will be at an annual low, meaning river travel may be difficult in some parts of the country. Temperatures will be at their highest throughout the country, reaching 36°C in the south, so travel may be uncomfortable. Slash and burn will also continue to impact the surroundings and smoke and haze will normally be seen in the major towns and countryside.

Events & Festivals

• Boun Pi Mai/Lao New Year (April): A great time to visit as celebrations are held country-wide for several days. Be prepared to get wet as people are doused with scented water in the street as a cleansing ritual!

Visiting Laos in May

There is a chance of dry weather during the first half of the month; however, rain is expected and will almost certainly arrive by the latter stages. River levels will again remain low and the recent damming has made this worse. Slash and burn may continue in some parts of the country until the rains arrive. Hot and humid throughout.

Events & Festivals

• Boun Bang Fai/Rocket Festival (May or June): A festival to mark the sixth month of the lunar calendar, used as a call for rain and a celebration of fertility. Home-made fireworks are launched by locals and entered into competitions.
• Boun Visakhaboucha (May/the sixth full moon of the lunar calendar): Candlelight processions can be observed at temples as the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha is commemorated.

Visiting Laos in June

Rain will start to fall throughout most of the country; with the north seeing the least. The rain tends to be short-lived and plenty of sunshine can still be expected away from the south of the country. Temperatures hover around the low 30°Cs.

Events & Festivals

• Boun Bang Fai/Rocket Festival (May or June): A festival to mark the sixth month of the lunar calendar, used as a call for rain and a celebration of fertility. Home-made fireworks are launched by locals and entered into competitions.

Visiting Laos in July

The wet season is now in full swing and temperatures continue to average around 30°C. It is not uncommon for temperatures to drop a little; with cooler temperatures found in the south (specifically the Bolaven Plateau). As it becomes wetter, lush green foliage begins to swathe the landscape in central Laos, while in the south, cascading waterfalls can be admired once more.

Visiting Laos in August

Rainfall reaches its peak in August as showers become longer and more intense, and little of the country will remain dry. River levels begin to fill up in time for the dry season approaching, and Laos' beautiful landscapes return. During this time, travel to remote areas can be somewhat difficult. Temperatures drop to the low 20°Cs throughout the country.

Visiting Laos in September

Rainfall continues to peak all over the country, and travel to remote areas can still be troublesome. However, toward the end of the month the sun will start to make an appearance, and combined with the waterfalls and leafy landscape helps to make this one of the most attractive times to visit for those seeking stunning natural scenery.

Events & Festivals

• Boun Khao Padabdin/Rice and Boat Racing Festival: To commemorate the dead, locals make food offerings to monks and deceased relatives. Hand-made boats are then raced on the Mekong River in homage to water divinities and the Nagas. You can experience this festival in Luang Prabang.

Visiting Laos in October

The drier weather returns, but some rain may still make an appearance. On the whole, temperatures are cooler at this time of year but not uncomfortable, hovering around the mid to high 20°Cs. This is an excellent time to visit as you will beat the crowds yet still enjoy fair weather and the fresh green landscapes created by the wet season.

Events & Festivals

• Boun Ok Phansa/Boat Racing Festival (ten days leading up to October's full moon): Celebrated at the end of the rainy season, elaborate boats are raced along the Mekong River and various festivities take place on the riverbank in honour of the Naga king. Enjoy this festival in Vientiane.
• Naga Rocket Festival — Bolikhamxay Province (October): Held on the last night of the Lao Buddhist Lent, small multi-coloured fireballs can be seen on the water where the Nam Ngum and Mekong River meet in Bolikhamxay.

Visiting Laos in November

Dry conditions are seen throughout the country, and this is the peak season for river travel, with river levels at their highest. Temperatures will be comfortable at around the mid to high 20°Cs, and flora and fauna are in abundance.

Events & Festivals

• That Luang Festival and Trade Fair in Vientiane (November): A three-day religious festival where tens of thousands of monks and pilgrims gather at the That Luang or Grand Stupa, which is an important symbol of Laos, bearing wax candles.

Visiting Laos in December

December offers a similar outlook to November, with dry, warm weather and ideal river cruising conditions. Toward the end of the month temperatures can drop in the northern parts of the country.