When is the Best Time to Travel to Laos?
The small, landlocked country of Laos is enchanting year-round, but the best time to travel is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. It’s an ideal time for exploring on foot in cities like Luang Prabang and Vientiane and for outdoor adventures in more remote, rural regions. November to February is milder, while March to April brings hotter weather, but you’ll be treated to plenty of blue skies all season.
Frequent rain and high humidity mark the wet season from May to October, particularly in the southern and mountainous regions. But if you’re sticking to more urban adventures, what the wet season lacks in sun it makes up for with lush, green landscapes and fewer tourists, which makes for a serene time to wander historic, culturally rich cities.
A word about weather: Bear in mind that this guide is founded on historical “norms” and trends based on our cumulative travel expertise. Weather patterns, average temperatures, rainfall, and the natural phenomena that react to seasonal changes are becoming less easy to predict as the climate warms.
Laos Climate & Weather Guide
Blanketed in mountains and forested hills, Laos is Southeast Asia’s only landlocked country. The mighty Mekong River rushes through Laos en route to Cambodia and Vietnam, providing a lifeline for Lao people, with many building their lives and homes along the shores of this waterway. Between the northern mountains and the Mekong in the south there are three plateaus, including the southern Bolaven Plateau, a green, fertile area home to coffee plantations that you can explore on a thrilling jeep safari.
Laos’ wet and dry seasons are ushered in on biannual monsoon winds. Winds from the Indian Ocean carry warm, heavy rains with them from May to October, and then from November to April, a hot and dry wind blows in from China in the north. The extended period of humid, tropical weather and year-round warmth creates a lush, fertile ecosystem that’s home to diverse plant and animal life. Luckily, with only two seasons, the weather is less varied, which makes planning travel to Laos simple.
When to Travel to Laos:
A Month-by-Month Guide
Laos Travel During the Dry Season (November to April)
To experience the full diversity of experiences in Laos, both in its urban centers such as Luang Prabang and Vientiane, and in nature, we recommend visiting during the dry season. For milder temperatures, stick to earlier in the year to be the most comfortable while you spend days discovering temples and historic enclaves. The heat peaks in Luang Prabang from March to May, with temperatures hitting the high 90s Fahrenheit. While it is warmer, if you visit in April, you’ll get to witness the lively Lao New Year, a festive celebration that takes place over three days. Expect colorful parades, live music, sand stupa building, and Su Kwan, the exchange of simple cotton bracelets for good luck.
The dry season is also the time to head to southern Laos, particularly around 4000 Islands and the Bolaven Plateau. Lower water levels during this time make it ideal for exploring the many waterfalls and islands of 4000 Islands, before the wet season’s heavy rains and flooding makes roads on the plateau difficult to navigate and sometimes totally inaccessible.
In November, the rainy season has just ended and the Mekong River boasts its highest water levels, making it an ideal time to set off on a sailing adventure down this storied waterway. Board the Gypsy, a serene private boat, and float between charming rural villages, enjoy delicious meals, and stargaze on the deck at night.
Laos Travel During the Wet Season (May to October)
During the wet season from May to October, you’ll experience brief, heavy downpours in Luang Prabang, often at night, with more prolonged rain in August and September. If you don’t mind the rain and are focusing your time in Laos on exploring its cultural and spiritual traditions more than its mountains and forests, visit from May to July and you might just have some of the cities’ atmospheric historic streets to yourself.
Planning Your Trip
If you’re looking to make the most of your time in Laos, arriving during the first part of the year is a safe bet weather-wise. Connect with an Extraordinary Journeys Southeast Asia expert to craft a bespoke Laos travel itinerary that takes all factors into consideration for an unforgettable trip.
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Plan your Trip
Still unsure when to plan your luxury Laos vacation? Our Southeast Asia experts are here to help.