Best Time to Visit Laos

The best time of year to go to Laos is during the dry season (November to April) when there is no rainfall. However, the dry season sees the highest tourist footfall in the country. During the dry season, the temperature starts to increase slowly. November through February is a good time to visit Laos as the temperature is mild.

The temperatures peak in April, making high-altitude destinations like the Bolaven Plateau a great choice. The dry season is a wonderful time to go hiking, rock climbing, etc., and for river cruises and tours, November to January is an ideal time to visit Laos.

You can visit Laos during or right after the rains (May to October) as the entire landscape comes to life. This time allows you to enjoy the picturesque greenery and lushness all around, and the waterfalls can be seen in their full glory.

If you love trekking, you must consider visiting Laos in the cooler months of December and January.
Also Read: Laos Visa for Indians

The tourist season in Laos is divided into three categories: peak, shoulder and low season. Let us understand what each of these seasons means and how they can impact your visit as a tourist:

Peak Season in Laos

The peak tourist time in Laos is during its dry season, when the weather is cool, dry and perfect for outdoor excursions. November to February are the best months for water travel in the Mekong River, as the high water levels are favourable for passage. The northern and eastern parts of Laos have chilly climates. Places such as Luan Namtha hit temperatures as low as 5°C.

The pros of visiting Laos during the peak season are that one can enjoy the pleasant climate, indulge in various outdoor activities and explore the cultural heritage. On the downside, the prices of air travel and accommodations will be high, and the places may be crowded with tourists.

Shoulder Season in Laos

March to May is the shoulder season in Laos, as temperatures start soaring with occasional showers. This season falls between the dry and wet seasons, and tourist footfall is less than that in the peak season.

The temperatures start rising, reaching up to 38°C, and the rivers begin to dry up. However, visiting Laos during this time can fetch you some good discounts on airfare and hotel accommodations.

At the same time, due to warmer temperatures and occasional showers, some outdoor activities may be affected.

Low Season in Laos

The months from May to October mark the wet season in Laos, making it the low or off-tourist season. It is the wettest time, with very heavy showers coming down from July to September. During this time, many roads and jungle trails turn dangerous and slippery.

The tourist footfall is lowest during this season, which leads to a drop in airfare and hotel accommodation charges. However, heavy rains may prevent the full enjoyment of outdoor activities.

On the positive side, one can witness lush greenery and vibrant vegetation that soothe the soul.

January in Laos

The month of January is warm and dry in Laos, making it an ideal time to plan your visit. However, the temperature in the north of the country can get cold, especially at night. The river levels are also high, which is favourable for tourists to explore the country’s waterways.

You can take advantage of the dry conditions by visiting several outdoor destinations and indulging in adventurous activities.

Average Temperature: 24° C to 30°C

Best Places to Visit:

You can visit the capital of the country, Vientiane.

Explore national parks, such as the Bokeo Nature Reserve and Dong Phou Vieng National Protected Areas.

Visit Nong Kiau to witness the scenic beauty and some adventure activities.

Things to Experience:

Hmong New Year Festival in Vientiane, Rice Festival in Sayabouly, and Kapok Flower Festival in Bokeo province.

Go water rafting and kayaking in Vientiane, Luang Prabang or Luang Namtha

Experience water-based thrills along the Mekong River.

Visit the Buddhist shrines.

For thrill lovers, northern rivers such as Nam Ou and Nam Xuang offer more prominent water-based activities.

February in Laos

The temperature in February is similar to that in January. The weather continues to be dry with very little rainfall. The days are sunny, and one can indulge in plenty of outdoor activities and explore the country.

February is among the best months to visit Luang Prabang and Vientiane. One can visit the waterfalls, Royal Palace and Wat Mai, the residence of the head of Laotian Buddhism.

Average Temperature: 17.5° C to 30.5°C

Best Places to Visit:

If you want to escape the rains in February, it is the best time to visit Vientiane.

Visit places like Luang Namtha, Muang La and Phongsali for trekking.

You can also visit Phonsavan, the capital of Xieng Khouang province

You can have a stopover at Huay Xai or Savannakhet.

Things to Experience:

Chinese Lunar New Year, Tai Dam New Year in the Luang Namtha region, and Vat Phou Festival in the Champasak region.

Witness limestone mountains and caves in Nong Khiaw, a province on the banks of the Ou River.

Visit Si Phan Don, also called 4000 Islands, in southern Laos.

Head to the UNESCO heritage-listed 12th-century Angkor temple in Champasak province for a soulful experience.

Laos in March

As March approaches, the temperature rises in Laos, making outdoor activities slightly uncomfortable in the central and southern parts. Under such weather conditions, one can make the most of high-altitude places such as the Bolaven Plateau and get respite from heat.

Since tourist footfall decreases, there is a sharp fall in the airfare and accommodation charges.

Average Temperature: 25° C to 31°C

Best Places to Visit:

To experience cooler weather, head to Luang Namtha and Phongsali.

Visit places in north Laos such as Muang La, Luang Namtha or Phongsali for dry daytime and cooler night weather.

Things to Experience:

Experience the Boun Khoun Khao, an agricultural festival in rural villages and local temples.

Boun Pha Vet is a festival held in late March to celebrate the incarnation of Buddha.

Visit the limestone cave Tham Kong Lo in the Khammouane province in Laos. It is a deep cave through which the Nam Hinboun River flows.

Laos in April

April is the hottest month in Laos, as the temperatures soar high in many areas. Some areas may get rain by the end of April, but the amount is much less. In the Pakse and 4000 Island areas, the temperatures hit around 40°C.

If you wish to visit Laos in April, you must plan your itinerary around areas where the temperature is not too high and the nights are cooler.

Average Temperature: 30° C to 40°C

Best Places to Visit:

Since the heat is high, you can visit the northern mountain areas such as Huay Xai, Pakbeng, Oudomxay or Luang Nam Tha.

You can also visit the cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang for excursions.

Things to Experience:

If you visit Laos in April, you will be thrilled to witness the Laotians celebrating the New Year from April 13 to 15.

If you are a spiritual person, you can visit Thakhek to see the temples.

The Buddha Park in Vientiane is also an exciting place to visit. There are 200+ religious statues, including a 40-metre-high Buddha statue.

Laos in May

The rains return to Laos in May, with short and quick showers followed by sunshine and clear skies. It is a great month to visit this beautiful country, as the heat decreases and the rains do not interrupt travel plans.

You can witness some festivals in May and enjoy the beautiful landscape in the northern part of the country where the weather is more tolerable.

Average Temperature: 25° C to 35°C

Best Places to Visit:

You can plan a visit to Luang Prabang and Vientiane as the temperatures average at 25°C.

Visit the beautiful Wat Xieng Thong temple, Royal Palace Museum or Mount Phousi Hill in Luang Prabang.

In Vientiane, you can visit the Great Sacred Stupa, the Vientiane night market, the Lao Textile Museum and Mekong Riverside Park.

Things to Experience:

You can experience the Boun Bang Fai or Rocket Festival, which is a call for rain. The natives fire self-made rockets into the air, asking the rain of god for a good rain for the harvest.

Tourists can also witness the Boun Visakhaboucha Festival, which marks the birth of Buddha. People hold candlelight processions in temples to celebrate the birthday of Buddha.

One can enjoy water activities later in May, such as kayaking, cruising, etc., when the water levels are sufficient.

Laos in June

As June sets in, Laos welcomes the rainy season. However, the rains are short-lived in most areas, making the weather more refreshing. The number of visitors is less, which means you can enjoy the sites and escape the crowds.

Average Temperature: 25° C to 33°C

Best Places to Visit:

You can visit Savannakhet and Champasak as these places experience a lot of dry days. It is exciting to explore places such as the That Ing Hang Stupa, Wat Xayaphoum, Dinosaur Museum, etc., in Savannakhet.

In Champasak, you can soothe your soul by visiting waterfalls, the Bolaven Plateau, temples and more.

It is ideal to visit Luang Prabang in June. You can explore the Royal Palace, and night market or go around visiting ancient temples. You can also take a 2-day cruise from River Muang Khua or Houessay to reach Luang Prabang.

Things to Experience:

June is a beautiful time to experience boat cruises in the Mekong River.

You can also indulge in kayaking on the mountain streams in Luang Prabang or Luang Namtha.

The North of Laos can be explored for some adventurous activities.

Laos in July

The rainfall season is at its peak in Laos in the month of July. The entire country receives rain in this month, making it difficult to access the remote villages.

However, the downpour is not continuous, so some tourists visit in July too. Since the tourists are fewer, one can benefit from the low airfare and hotel accommodation charges.

Average Temperature: 23° C to 31°C

Best Places to Visit:

Vientiane and Luang Prabang are easily accessible, making them popular places among tourists during July.

As rainfall refreshes the landscape, it is an excellent time to explore the waterfalls in the southern part of Laos.

To take shelter from the heat, you can head to the Bolaven Plateau.

Things to Experience:

During July, the Boun Khao Phansa Festival is held in Laos, which marks the beginning of Buddhist Lent.

Tourists can witness the Tad Fane Waterfall in Champasak province. This magnificent waterfall is over 100 m tall.

In Vientiane, you can explore Buddha Park, the Black Stupa, Phou Khao National Park, etc.

Laos in August

By August, the rainfall in Laos is at its peak, making the unpaved roads slippery and many other areas dangerous. Hiking is a big no, as the muddy paths can prove to be unsafe.

It is advisable to choose areas that are more accessible with moderate rainfall so you can enjoy the outings. Since there are not many, August is an excellent time to save money on airfares and hotel bookings.

Average Temperature: 25° C to 30°C

Best Places to Visit:

Vientiane has easy access, and the temperature ranges between 29-30°C, making it a suitable destination during the rainy season.

Luang Prabang is another destination that is accessible and enjoyable during the wet season in Laos.

You can escape the August heat and enjoy a floating cruise to the Tham Nam water cave in Vang Vieng.

Things to Experience:

Visit the Buddha Park in Vientiane and see more than 200 religious statues.

If you are in Luang Prabang, you must visit the MandaLao Elephant Sanctuary. It is a wonderful place to explore the jungle with kids.

Another exciting place to visit in Luang Prabang is Mount Phousi, which is the highest point. You can get a spectacular view of the Mekong River and the surrounding landscape.

Laos in September

September is a mixed month in Laos, with the first half being the wet season and the second half approaching the dry season. It is a wonderful time to explore the country’s landscape and witness the glory of various waterfalls. It is a low season for tourists and hence, you can enjoy a crowd-free time, low airfares and cheap accommodations too.

Average Temperature: 24° C to 31°C

Best Places to Visit:

You can visit the Kuang Si Waterfalls in the south of Luang Prabang. The waterfall slides through various cascades over a steep hillside of over 200 feet. You can also take a boat tour and cruise through the Mekong River.

Enjoy the mesmerising beauty of landscapes in Vang Vien at the Nam Xay viewpoint. It gives you a bird’s eye view of the spectacular surroundings with lush greenery all around.

In Vientiane, you must visit the Mekong Riverside Park night market for a pleasant experience. You can walk along the riverside, sip some hot coffee and buy some gifts to bring back home.

Things to Experience:

Around this time, the locals celebrate Boun Khao Padabdin, a festival during which the people visit local temples to make offerings to their deceased.

A boat racing festival is held in the Khammouane province on the Sebangfair River along with an agricultural and handicrafts trade fair.

Experience the magnanimity of the Pha That Luang (The Great Stupa) in Vientiane. The stupa is 150 feet high in a pyramid shape.

Laos in October

October is one of the best months to visit Laos as the temperature becomes more pleasant, and the rainy season is about to be over. Also, the number of visitors is less which makes it a wonderful opportunity to enjoy crowd-free spots. During this month, you can plan your itinerary around the entire country, as all the places are easily accessible.

Average Temperature: 23° C to 31°C

Best Places to Visit:

You can witness natural beauty at its peak at the Bolaven plateau.

The Northern part of the country is worth exploring. You must visit Nong Khiaw, a village on the banks of the Nam Ou River.

You must visit Luang Prabang, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. Since it is located on the banks of the Mekong River, the surroundings are mesmerising and soothing.

You can visit Vang Vieng to see the picturesque village surrounded by mountains, the Nam Song River, and a tranquil atmosphere.

Things to Experience:

Go about exploring the caves in Nong Khiaw, such as the Pha Tok and Pha Khuang.

If trekking is on your list in Laos, then visiting Phongsali is a must. You can trek for up to 5 days exploring tea plantations, interacting with the locals and witnessing the local festivals too.

Experience traditional Laos massage in Muang La, located to the north of Oudomxay. It is a tranquil escape with hot springs and rice fields.

Attend the Boun Ok Phansa festival.

Laos in November

November is the dry season in Laos and a premium traveling time. You can visit the entire country from North to South without any restrictions. The days are comfortable and the sky is sunny. You can benefit from the ideal weather conditions to go on treks, relax or go temple-hopping.

Average Temperature: 23° C to 26°C

Best Places to Visit:

You can visit Vientiane and Luang Prabang and explore the attractions such as the temples, museums, etc.

Travel to Vang Vieng and explore the picturesque surroundings and places.

Consider visiting Pakse and its surrounding attractions like Vat Phou, Bolaven Plateau or the 4000 Islands (Si Phan Dan).

Things to Experience:

You can witness the biggest festival in Vientiane, called the That Luang Festival. In this festival monks from all over the world gather for the biggest Buddhist festival in Laos.

You can go tubing, trekking or swimming as the water levels are still full from the recent rainfalls.

In Pakse, you can explore attractions such as Big Buddha, Vat Phou Salao and the Champasak Provincial Museum.

Laos in December

December is the best time of the year to go to Laos, as it is beaming with wonderful weather and moderate to cool temperatures. It also means the tourist footfall will be high, leading to high airfare and hotel charges. Therefore, one must make the bookings in advance to avoid paying high charges.

Average Temperature: 16°C to 29°C

Best Places to Visit:

If you love water sports you must include Vang Vieng in your itinerary.

Visit Luang Prabang to explore the numerous attractions the city encapsulates beneath.

Xiang Khoang (Plain of Jars) also enjoys great weather with a minimum temperature of 15°C at night, making it a perfect place to visit.

You can also visit the southern parts of the country, including Pakse, Bolaven Plateau and the 4000 Islands.

For adventure, you can go to the Top Tree Explorer Zipline, which takes you through the dense jungle of Dong Hua Sao National Park.

Things to Experience:

If you visit Savannakhet, you have a chance to witness the That Inhang Festival, which displays the tourism products from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.

Hmong New Year is celebrated in various parts of Laos, including Vientiane, Oudomxay, Luang Prabang, Xiengkhouang, etc. The celebration displays colourful costumes, culture, music and various other activities.

You can visit the tiny villages of Luang Prabang in December. Nong Kiao is a great place to explore, as you can witness the New Year festivals, paddy fields, limestone mountains and plenty of natural sights.

In perfect conditions, you can swim at the Kuang Si waterfalls or go kayaking at Nong Khiaw.

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Laos is a beautiful country with breathtaking landscapes and picturesque places to visit. It is widely known for Buddhist monasteries, mountainous terrain, tribe settlements, waterfalls, caves and much more.

Laos consists of two seasons: dry and rainy. If you are planning to visit this country for a vacation, you should know the best time of the year to visit Laos. It will help you to plan the visit and know which parts of the country you can visit.

November to April marks the dry season and is the best time to visit Laos. However, this is also the peak season, so you may find the places to be crowded. You can also consider visiting Laos during May to October as this is the beginning of the wet season. It is a beautiful time to enjoy the weather, indulge in outdoor activities and escape huge crowds.

What is the cuisine in Laos?

Laos cuisine is similar to northern Thai cuisine. It includes sticky rice, padaek combined with different types of veggies and sauces.

Do Indians need a visa to visit Laos?

Yes, Indian nationals require a visa prior to entering Laos as there is no visa-free access for them.

What is the currency in Laos? How does it compare to Rupee?

The currency used in Laos is Laotian Kip known as Lao Kip. 1000 Lao Kip= ₹3.81