The small, landlocked country of Laos is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is between October and April, when the weather is warm and dry. During this period, temperatures are agreeable, with slightly cooler evenings making it comfortable for touring. River travel is particularly enjoyable from November to January, as high water levels facilitate easy passage along the Mekong River. This time is also ideal for visiting the Bolaven Plateau.

Laos’ diverse geography significantly influences its climate, with cooler temperatures found in the highlands of the northern, eastern, and central regions. December and January are the coldest months, especially in hilly areas, so it’s advisable to pack warmer clothes for nighttime. As the season progresses into April and May, temperatures rise and humidity increases, making this the least recommended time for visits unless absolutely necessary.

From late May to October, Laos enters the ‘green season.’ While the rains return, they are typically brief, causing little disruption to exploration. During this vibrant season, waterfalls begin to flow, and the lush scenery attracts a variety of wildlife, bringing the country to life.

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October is ideal for visiting Laos, with dry weather, shoulder season deals, and excellent river travel conditions. December and January offer cooler temperatures, perfect for trekking adventures.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Laos

January sits comfortably in the middle of Laos’ dry season, making it one of the best months to visit this beautiful country. Average temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) in the north to 25°C (77°F) in the south. The weather conditions are highly favorable, offering travelers a perfect mix of sunshine and comfortable temperatures across different regions.

In the northern mountainous areas, including Luang Nam Tha, Houay Xai, Phong Sa Ly, Pakbeng, and Oudomxay, you can expect dry and pleasantly cool days with average temperatures around 24°C (75°F). Nights can be chilly, so it’s best to pack accordingly. Slightly south, in Luang Prabang and Houaphan, temperatures rise to an average of 26°C (79°F).

Central Laos, which includes Vang Vieng, Vientiane, and Xiang Khoang (Plain of Jars), enjoys moderate weather with temperatures hovering around 27°C (81°F). The southern regions, including Savannakhet, Champasak, Pakse, and the 4000 Islands, experience slightly warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from 29°C to 30°C (84°F to 86°F).

Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Laos

February continues to bring dry conditions across Laos, with only a slight increase in temperatures. The northern regions can still be quite chilly during the early part of the month. While river levels typically remain good, recent damming by the Chinese has affected water flow.

  • Events & Festivals

Boun Ma Kha Bu Saar/Full Moon Festival (February): This festival honors a significant speech by Buddha. Visitors will witness vibrant chanting and parades of worshippers carrying candles to local temples.

Wat Phou Festival: This lively three-day celebration draws Buddhists from throughout Champasak province and includes processions, recitals, boat races, and traditional dances.

Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Laos

March marks the continuation of the dry season, with temperatures rising across the country, reaching over 86°F in some areas. Cooler conditions can still be found in the highlands. Travel in the central and southern regions may become uncomfortable, so a great tip is to combine a visit to southern Laos with the Bolaven Plateau, where the higher elevation provides relief from the heat. However, river levels start to decline during this time, making travel by water in the north challenging and less enjoyable due to haze from the active slash-and-burn farming season.

  • Events & Festivals

Boun Koun Khao (March): This agricultural festival takes place in rural villages and local temples during harvest time, offering a wonderful opportunity to witness traditional customs and celebrations.

Boun Pha Vet (late March): Celebrated over three days and nights, this religious festival honors the penultimate incarnation of Buddha, with stories recited in temples across the country.

Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Laos

April marks the final month of the dry season, though there’s a slight chance of rain toward the end of the month. River levels will be at their annual low, which may make river travel challenging in certain areas. Temperatures will peak during this time, reaching as high as 97°F in the south, resulting in potentially uncomfortable travel conditions. The ongoing slash-and-burn practices will also contribute to smoke and haze, making it a common sight in both urban areas and the countryside.

  • Events & Festivals

Boun Pi Mai/Lao New Year (April): This is an exciting time to visit, as celebrations take place nationwide for several days. Be ready to get wet, as it’s customary for people to splash each other with scented water in the streets as part of a cleansing ritual!

Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Laos

The first half of May may see some dry weather, but rain is anticipated and will likely arrive by the end of the month. River levels will remain low, further exacerbated by recent damming. Slash-and-burn practices may continue in some areas until the rains begin. Expect hot and humid conditions throughout the month.

  • Events & Festivals

Boun Bang Fai/Rocket Festival (May or June): Celebrated to mark the sixth month of the lunar calendar, this festival calls for rain and celebrates fertility. Locals launch homemade fireworks and compete in various events.

Boun Visakhaboucha (May/the sixth full moon of the lunar calendar): This festival features candlelight processions at temples to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha.

Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Laos

Rain begins to fall across much of Laos, with the northern regions experiencing the least precipitation. The showers are typically brief, and plenty of sunshine can be expected in areas away from the south. Temperatures generally hover around the high 80°F range.

  • Events & Festivals

Boun Bang Fai/Rocket Festival (May or June): This vibrant festival marks the sixth month of the lunar calendar and serves as a call for rain while celebrating fertility. Locals launch homemade fireworks and participate in friendly competitions.

Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Laos

The wet season is now in full effect, with average temperatures around 86°F. While temperatures can occasionally drop, cooler conditions can be found in the south, particularly on the Bolaven Plateau. As rainfall increases, the landscape in central Laos transforms into a lush, green paradise, and in the south, cascading waterfalls can be enjoyed once again.

Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Laos

August marks the peak of the wet season, with rainfall becoming longer and more intense, leaving little of the country dry. River levels begin to rise, preparing for the upcoming dry season and revitalizing Laos’ stunning landscapes. However, travel to remote areas can be somewhat challenging during this time. Temperatures generally drop to the 70°F range throughout the country.

Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Laos

Rainfall remains high across the country, making travel to remote areas still somewhat difficult. However, by the end of the month, the sun begins to break through, and the combination of waterfalls and lush landscapes makes this an appealing time to visit for those in search of breathtaking natural scenery.

  • Events & Festivals

Boun Khao Padabdin/Rice and Boat Racing Festival: This festival honors the deceased, with locals making food offerings to monks and their late relatives. Handmade boats are raced on the Mekong River in tribute to water deities and the Nagas. You can experience this vibrant festival in Luang Prabang.

Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Laos

Drier weather returns in October, though some rain may still occur. Overall, temperatures are cooler but comfortable, ranging from the high 70°F to low 80°F. This is an ideal time to visit, as you can avoid the crowds while still enjoying pleasant weather and the vibrant green landscapes that emerge from the wet season.

  • Events & Festivals

Boun Ok Phansa/Boat Racing Festival (Ten days leading up to October’s full moon): This festival marks the end of the rainy season, featuring elaborate boat races along the Mekong River, with various festivities held on the riverbanks in honor of the Naga king. This lively celebration can be enjoyed in Vientiane.

Naga Rocket Festival — Bolikhamxay Province (October): Celebrated on the last night of the Lao Buddhist Lent, this festival showcases small multi-colored fireballs appearing on the water where the Nam Ngum and Mekong Rivers converge in Bolikhamxay.

Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Laos

November brings dry conditions across Laos, marking the peak season for river travel, as river levels reach their highest. Temperatures are comfortable, ranging from the high 70°F to low 80°F, and the abundance of flora and fauna enhances the natural beauty of the landscape.

  • Events & Festivals

That Luang Festival and Trade Fair in Vientiane: This three-day religious festival attracts tens of thousands of monks and pilgrims who gather at the That Luang, or Grand Stupa—an important symbol of Laos. Participants carry wax candles as part of the celebrations.

Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Laos

December offers a similar outlook to November, with dry, warm weather and ideal river cruising conditions. Average temperatures generally range from the mid-60s°F in the north to the low 80s°F in the south. Toward the end of the month, temperatures can drop in the northern parts of the country, so it’s wise to pack a light jacket for cooler nights. Outdoor activities thrive during this time, allowing travelers to enjoy trekking and explore the lush landscapes transformed by the recent rains. With fewer tourists, December is perfect for immersing yourself in Laos’ rich culture and hospitality.

Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Laos

Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Laos

If you're looking to plan a luxurious getaway to Laos, we offer an extensive selection of accommodations. Our experts can suggest the ideal places to stay, ensuring your trip is truly unforgettable.
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Laos is still largely untouched by tourism, giving visitors many fun options. Watch monks perform daily rituals, go on a night safari, learn to cook Laotian dishes, or enjoy a river cruise on the Mekong.
09 minutes read

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22 March 2024 ★★★★★

Vietnam is just epic in every sense! Stephen at My Way Travel built us a bespoke tour to our requested place's from HoChiMin to Phan Thiet, DaLat, NaTrang, HoiAn, Halong Bay ending in Hanoi & it was amazing! All hotels, 3 tour guides over 5 day tours , drivers & transport worked very well & Stephen responded very quickly to any queries. We can’t thank or recommend him highly enough for helping us create an amazing adventure for a 70+ couple where everything was booked & organised but we had plenty of free time to explore on our own & find places for dinner most nights of our 18day trip. I’ll admit I was a little worried about using an unknown to me online agent but I really didn’t need to worry. The only thing I/we got wrong was not realising how tiring a busy tour can be especially in the heat so I’d recommend having a few days on a beach or round a pool relaxing before retuning back to Europe of further afield! Thanks Stephen for creating a well priced pretty last min wonderful tour for us!

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17 January 2024 ★★★★★

Wow, what a trip and experience. My Way Travel did an excellent job in creating a customized private tour itinerary for our 5 week trip to Indochina. Stephen was very responsive and easy to work with in creating a perfect itinerary, customized to our interests, budget, and timeframe. The logistics were well managed and all the tour guides and drivers in all 4 countries were fantastic. Stephen kept in touch throughout our trip to ensure everything was going well. The drivers were all excellent, prompt, and very safe drivers. Special call out to our guides; Tony, Kay, and Loc in Vietnam, Sony and Sambath in Cambodia, and Anne in Thailand for a fantastic cultural and historical experience in your respective countries. These guides were the best and really made our trip special. The sights that we saw were incredible, including Ha Long Bay and of course, Ankgor Wat. We really enjoyed the elephant sanctuary in Laos and the Laos city of Luang Prabang is a hidden gem. The bike tours that we did in Hoi An (Kay) and the Mekong Delta (Loc) to really get into the countryside and engage with local families was an incredible experience that we really enjoyed and will always cherish. We even got to stop at a local school and interact with some of the school children trying to practice their English which was pretty cool. We had a great bike tour in Siem Reap (Sambath) and all the incredible temples around Ankgor Wat. The tours that we had to understand and experience these countries from a historical and cultural perspective, brought to life by our tour guides, really made this trip a unique experience. We were well taken care of throughout our travels and the service and people were so friendly. We would highly recommend My Way Travel for your next trip to SE Asia and will not hesitate to use them in the future. Hopefully you get lucky enough to have some of the tour guides that we had.

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12 April 2024 ★★★★★

This was the fourth trip we have done with My Way Travel and arranged by Stephen. As always it was impeccably organised from arriving in Bangkok, flights to Chiang Rai, tour to the elephant sanctuary, to Krabi for a few days at the beach then transfer to Phnom Pen for the higlight of our trip, a cruise up the Mekong on a seriously luxurious boat, then transfer to Seam Riep. The hotels were excellent, the transfers seemless with good english speaking guides. We cannot recommend Stephen more highly.

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16 May 2024 ★★★★★

An amazing trip out together by Stephen at My Way Travel! This was our second trip ( went to Vietnam and Cambodia 2019). Stephen is great to work with- very flexible and listens to what we wanted to do. This trip was originally scheduled for April 2020. A honest company that asked if I wanted my deposit back and I said no - that I would use it in a future trip! How many companies around the world did this???? We had great guides In Bangkok and Chiang Rai and Chiang Rai. Fon was full of energy and fun in Bangkok. Ann was one of the best guides I have ever had- she took us to a couple of places not noted on the tour. We went for a hike at a waterfall and visited the cave where the Thai boys were rescued in the cave. Both Ann and Fon gave us wonderful suggestions for restaurants. I would absolutely recommend Stephen and My Way Travel! We plan to use him again in planning Bali!

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24 April 2024 ★★★★★

Last October 10, we contacted Stephen, the organizer of our dream trip to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia in 2018, to ask about Bali trips. He enthusiastically confirmed his expertise in crafting Balinese adventures. We were thrilled to entrust My Way Travel with planning our Balinese getaway. On January 1, we embarked on our Balinese adventure, leaving behind the familiar comforts of Riga, Latvia. As our plane soared into the sky, our minds were filled with images of emerald rice terraces, cascading waterfalls, and serene Balinese temples. Our journey unfolded like a mesmerizing tapestry, each destination adding a new strand of enchantment to our memories. We immersed ourselves in the heart of Ubud, where the rhythmic melodies of gamelan and the intoxicating aroma of incense filled the air. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jatiluwih captivated us with its cascading rice terraces, a testament to the harmonious balance between humans and nature. From the lush jungles of Munduk, we discovered Tirta Gangga, a royal water palace adorned with statues and fountains. The tranquil ambiance of this enchanting haven enveloped us in a sense of serenity and rejuvenation. As our journey drew to a close, we found ourselves basking in the sun-kissed sands of Nusa Dua, where the crystal-clear waters beckoned us to take a refreshing dip. The delectable flavors of Balinese cuisine tantalized our taste buds, leaving us yearning for more of the island's vibrant culinary scene. With each passing day, our appreciation for Stephen's masterful planning deepened. He had seamlessly woven together a tapestry of experiences that perfectly matched our desires, transforming our Balinese adventure into an unforgettable symphony of sights, sounds, and flavors. While the word "perfect" may seem insufficient to describe the exquisiteness of our Balinese escapade, it remains the only word that truly captures the essence of Stephen's impeccable craftsmanship.

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Stuart S

18 December 2024 ★★★★★

We had a fantastic time exploring Vietnam, Thailand & Cambodia with My Way Travel. The trip was beautifully organized to ensure we saw it all, yet paced so that we had plenty of time for spontaneous discovery. The guides were superb, they clearly love their work and as a result, we received fascinating insights into the culture of each country. The pre-planning by the My Way Travel team made sure our specific areas of interest were also covered and we particularly enjoyed the private market tour, cooking class and dinner in Chiang Mai. As you would expect, accommodations and transfers were all top notch. We are looking forward to our next journey! Every activity was coordinated to perfection and we couldn’t be more happy.

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Scott

5 May 2024 ★★★★★

An amazing trip out together by Stephen at My Way Travel! This was our second trip ( went to Vietnam and Cambodia 2019). Stephen is great to work with- very flexible and listens to what we wanted to do. This trip was originally scheduled for April 2020. A honest company that asked if I wanted my deposit back and I said no - that I would use it in a future trip! How many companies around the world did this???? We had great guides In Bangkok and Chiang Rai and Chiang Rai. Fon was full of energy and fun in Bangkok. Ann was one of the best guides I have ever had- she took us to a couple of places not noted on the tour. We went for a hike at a waterfall and visited the cave where the Thai boys were rescued in the cave. Both Ann and Fon gave us wonderful suggestions for restaurants. I would absolutely recommend Stephen and My Way Travel! We plan to use him again in planning Bali!

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Kyle

18 January 2024 ★★★★★

Thank you for helping put together our truly "Amazing Thailand" trip. It went absolutely smoothly from the moment we set foot in Bangkok to the day we left Hong Kong. To a person, the guides were friendly and courteous. I can attest to your professional handling as well as personalization of the trip to provide a wonderful experience. Again, thank you!


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