Best Time to Visit Laos

Laos is a landlocked country located in the north of Indo-China Peninsula, bordering China to the north, Cambodia to the south, Vietnam to the east, Myanmar to the northwest, and Thailand to the southwest. Eighty percent of Laos belongs to mountains and plateaus, and it is mostly covered with forest. Without romantic and charming beaches, Laos still attracts millions of international tourists with beautiful landmarks every year. Tourism in Laos brings visitors an unforgettable experience with ancient buildings, unique Buddhist works throughout the country and original natural scenery. What is the best season to go to Laos? When is the best time to visit Laos? Here are some useful tips for you to choose a good time to take your vacation to Laos.

What's the Weather Like in Laos?

Laos has a tropical and subtropical monsoon climate. The weather is hot all year round, and the annual average temperature there is about 26 ℃. The whole year is divided into the dry season and the rainy season. May to October is the rainy season in Laos. The average temperature in this period is about 24.2 degrees Celsius. The weather is hot and humid. November to April is the dry season in Laos, with an average temperature of 27.3 degrees Celsius. Affected by the dry and cool northeast wind, there is almost no rainfall, and there are often droughts in the plains. April is the hottest month of the year, with an average monthly temperature of 29 degrees Celsius. December is the coolest month, with an average monthly temperature of 24 degrees Celsius.

There is abundant rainfall throughout Laos. The annual precipitation is at least 1250 mm, the maximum annual precipitation is 3750 mm, and the average annual precipitation is about 2000 mm. The temperature between the north and the south is not much different.
 

The Patuxai in Vientiane

Best Time to Visit Laos

November to March of next year is the dry season in Laos and the best time to travel. At this time, the climate is the coolest, and it is very suitable for travel. It hardly ever rains during this period.

During these months, especially in December, temperatures peak at the coolest of the year. The average monthly temperature is 24 degrees Celsius and the lowest is 18 degrees Celsius, no need to wear a heavy coat. As there is little pollution, the air in Laos is clean and fresh, and the view is very wide in the city and the countryside. After the rain, beautiful rainbows can often be seen.

Try to avoid traveling to the southern area of Laos between April and May, when temperatures can be as high as 40 degrees during the day, and it would not be too cool at night.
 

Royal Palace Museum

Things Needed to be Paid Attention to When You Travel to Laos

Since the weather in Laos is always hot and humid, there are a lot of things that visitors need to pay attention to when you come to Laos.
 

1. The rainy season in Laos usually starts in the middle of May. The weather is hot during the day, but thunderstorms always greet in the afternoon or evening. If you travel to Laos during this period, it's better to bring an umbrella or a waterproof coat with you all the time, because you do not know when the thunderstorm will come.
    
2. As the weather in Laos is always hot, remember to bring sunglasses, sun hat, sun cream, etc., which could protect you from the sun and heat.
    
3. Probably because the environment is primitive, there are a lot of mosquitoes and bugs in Laos, which is annoying. It is best to bring mosquito-repellent spray with you. You could prepare it before you arrive in Laos, or you could buy it in a local drugstore. (Deet indicates the mosquito repellent ester content. The higher the mosquito repellent ester, the more effective it is.)
    
4. Remember to bring motion sickness pills with you. The main means of transportation in Laos is by bus, but due to unsatisfactory road conditions, it is easy to get carsick after a long ride and jolting.