Why You Should Think Twice Before Avoiding Thailand's Off-Season

As a tropical country, Thailand's seasons are more defined by rainfall than temperature. For Thailand, the rainy season brought on by monsoons is from May through July in the north and August through September in the south. Most tourists plan trips to Thailand outside of these months, meaning that Thailand's overall off-season is actually June through October even though these months tend to be busier for tourism in other parts of the world. However, Thailand's scenery is beautiful year round. Plus, the off-season brings fewer crowds and lower costs, so depending on your travel style, it may actually be the perfect time to visit.

Rain showers during Thailand's wetter months rarely become overwhelming. You might only need an umbrella for an hour or two per day. Plus, the post-rain greenery of Thailand's landscapes are as vibrant as ever, including those found at Phu Sang National Park near Thailand's northern border with Laos. Among the park's forested hills, you can follow a marked trail to the popular, yet seemingly untouched waterfall by the same name. A stay in the small town of Phu Sang or Chiang Kham gets you within 20 and 30 minutes from the park, respectively. Don't miss the fun local markets in these towns either.

If you're looking for a less remote destination in northern Thailand, head to Chiang Rai. The White Temple is a major highlight of this city. Its incredibly intricate architecture is truly a sight to behold and much less crowded during the off-season. Pay special attention it its details, as pop culture characters are uniquely included in its interior decor. Elsewhere, you'll find the equally intricate Blue Temple and the centuries-old Wat Phraw Kaew (also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha).

Southern Thailand features the country's famous white sand beaches and turquoise blue water. Oceanfront relaxation aside, Thailand is an exciting destination for scuba diving and you can even get your scuba certification through PADI Open Water Diver courses at several locations in Thailand. Off-season travelers can dive at Koh Phi Phi or Pattaya as these particular locations are diving hubs year round. Plus, fewer tourists diving means wildlife might be more willing to hang around. But no matter when you dive, be careful around fragile coral formations and the wildlife which call these vulnerable ocean landscapes home.

The off-season is an especially great time to visit some of the incredible islands further south on Thailand's gulf. The wet and dry seasons are practically reversed on the islands of Ko Samui, Ko Tao, Ko Pha-Ngan, which all get more rain from September to December. While you cannot go wrong with a visit to any of these island, Ko Samui (pictured above) can bring you into the world of "The White Lotus," but without the fictional drama. This stunning Thai island is the location for season three of the hit HBO series.

Thailand is already among the globe's popular vacation destinations for travelers on a budget, but prices drop by around 50% during the June through October rainy season. These off-season months mark Thailand's most budget friendly time of year even for the massive, bustling capital of Bangkok. Travel deals are also usually a part of what is referred to as the Thailand Grand Sale, which runs from June through August. And if the rain does start to pour, you can head indoors and do some major souvenir shopping because even shopping malls offer up to 50% discounts during the season as well.