Best Time To Visit Laos
Laos has a colorful and varied climate throughout the year, with something to see and do in every season. You can visit Laos anytime, depending on your preferences. However, Laos has two main weather types: warm and rainy (May–October), and cold and dry (November–April). Generally, the most popular time to visit Laos is November–January. You will enjoy the pleasant weather and the many attractions available.[incredible_toc]1. Weather in LaosLaos has a simple tropical climate with two main seasons: warm and rainy from May–October (with August being the most humid and wet), and cool and dry from November–April. However, there are also regional variations, which can be summarized as the more south you travel, the warmer it gets. For instance, in January, during the peak of the dry season, the average maximum temperatures in Pakse and southern regions are 29°C, which falls to 27°C in Vientiane, and a mild 24°C in Luang Prabang.Moreover, the weather in some northeastern areas – such as Phongsali and Hua Phan (Sam Neua) – can be unexpectedly erratic, even in the hot season. You might experience one very hot day, followed by a cold, wet day – which can make you doubt if you’re still in southeast Asia.2. When is the monsoon in Laos?Laos has a monsoon season from May to October, with more rain in the north than the south. This doesn’t mean it pours all day – instead, there are brief showers that usually don’t last more than a few hours. But, even though the rain is not long-lasting, the wet weather can make travel hard, especially in rural areas. Also, the humidity is high during the monsoon. So, if you want to know the best time to visit Laos to dodge a daily soaking, plan your trip for the dry season, from November to April.3. When is the best month to visit Laos?December is perhaps the best month to visit Laos for perfect weather. The cool and nice conditions are great for both sightseeing, and various outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, discovering caves, and river travel.3.1. Visiting Laos in Winter (From December-February)This is the best time to visit Laos for sightseeing, river travel, and exploring the countryside.Lowland Laos is best visited from December to February when the days are warm and pleasant, the nights are cool and crisp and the landscape is fresh and verdant after the rains. However, the temperatures drop significantly at higher altitudes, sometimes reaching freezing point. In December, the average temperatures in Vientiane and Luang Prabang are 27°C and 22°C, respectively, while in the south, such as Pakse, they rise to around 30°C.The water levels are high from the previous months’ rain, which is ideal for cruising along the Mekong River. For more adventurous water activities, there are plenty of options for whitewater rafting and kayaking on northern rivers, such as the Nam Ou and the Nam Xuang. The best places to start kayaking tours are Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Luang Namtha. Also, don’t miss the stunning waterfalls of the southern highlands3.2. Visiting Laos in Spring (From March-May)Laos undergoes a big change from the start to the end of spring. Temperatures climb quickly, reaching a high point in April when the lowlands are scorching hot and humid, and the highlands are mostly just as hot, but slightly less damp – though some places, such as Paksong on the Bolaven Plateau, have a mild climate all year long. Temperatures usually stay around 36°C in Luang Prabang, a blistering 38°C in Vientiane, and a bit higher in Pakse.Water levels in rivers are at their lowest in April, making river travel hard. But May marks the beginning of the rainy season and Laos becomes both hot and humid. Trekking can be tough as trails become muddy, but trips to cultural sites are still possible – if you can handle the heat.However, the weather is not the only factor. Spring is probably the best time to visit Laos for its festivals, as two major ones start at this time. Laos New Year is in mid-April and is a big event on the calendar. Locals cleanse Buddha statues and splash water on each other – the water is considered lucky and also helps to cool down the recipient in the heat. Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) comes next in May, which involves homemade rockets shooting into the sky, to convince the spirits to send the rain.3.3. Visiting Laos in Summer (From June-August)Laos is warm, moist, and muggy during the summer months, discouraging tourism. The rain damages the state of Laos’s unpaved roads, some of which become inaccessible and the monsoon limits some activities, especially those outdoors. However, rivers which may be too shallow to travel on at the end of the dry season become vital transport routes again, after rain increases water levels. Also, the dry landscape revives: rice fields turn a hue of green, and cascading waterfalls are enveloped by lush vegetation.It’s also important to mention that, even though most of Laos gets rain in June, it doesn’t usually last long, and the rain tends to lower the heat a bit – meaning you can still do some sightseeing.3.4. Visiting Laos in Autumn (From September - November)While it rains steadily for most of September, the end of the month brings clear, sunny weather again, with landscapes at their most scenic.By October, there’s only the occasional sprinkle of rain here and there and temperatures are around 30°C. As outdoor activities are possible again this is the best time to visit Laos to experience its many wonders before the crowds come back during peak tourist season. It’s also a great time to get a shoulder season deal.The river is the main attraction for October festivals. Boun Awk Phansa, the end of Buddhist Lent, features the enchanting display of Lai Heau Fai, (festival of lights), with Luang Prabang hosting especially festive celebrations. The town is lit up with lanterns and locals float huge candlelit paper boats down the Mekong.The largest boat racing festival on the calendar also happens at this time of year. Vientiane, on the Mekong River, is the best place, but river towns across Laos have their own races and festivities.November is not wet anymore but rivers are still full from the previous rain – time to cruise along the country’s waterways. Adventures outdoors, such as trekking, tubing, and swimming are very popular, and pleasant temperatures make sightseeing and temple-hopping – and exploring in general, very enjoyable.4. When to Go to Laos for Festivals?Laos festivals are a burst of color, where parades, games, music, and dancing are all joined by plenty of lào-láo (a strong rice alcohol). If you are in a town or village that is preparing for a festival, think about staying in the area for a while longer to join the festivities. In rural areas especially, a festival can turn a whole village into a crazy, week-long party.Because the Lao calendar is based on both solar and lunar cycles, the dates of festivals vary from year to year and, even just a few days before a parade or boat race, there is sometimes uncertainty over exactly when it will happen. For the local people, this is not a big issue, as the days before and after large festivals are also full of celebrations. Read our guide on Laos’s annual events to help you plan the best time to go to Laos.* Major festivalsThe Makkha Busa Buddist Holy Day (February): This marks a legendary sermon by the Buddha after 1250 of his disciples gathered around him spontaneously. It is celebrated under a full moon in February.Lao New Year (April): This is a nationwide celebration in mid-April, especially in Luang Prabang, where the town’s Buddha statue is washed ceremonially.Bun Bang Fai (rocket festival) (May): Homemade rockets are built from thick bamboo poles filled with gunpowder and launched into the air. The loud noise is meant to persuade the spirits to bring rain after months of dryness.Lai Heau Fai (festival of lights) (full moon in October): This is a festival of light. The festivities are very lively in Luang Prabang. Before the festival, residents make large floats and decorate them with lights.Boun Souang Heua (boat racing festival) (October): This is the biggest boat festival of the year. The main venue is the Mekong River at Vientiane, but other river towns have their races and celebrations.That Luang Festival (November): Before the full moon, the grand That Luang stupa in Vientiane looks like the focal point of a carnival, with street vendors setting up stalls around it. The week-long That Luang Festival starts with mass alms-giving to hundreds of monks.Bun Pha Wet Festival (December–January): Bun Pha Wet, which honors the Jataka tale of the Buddha’s penultimate incarnation as Pha Wet, or Prince Vessantara, happens at local monasteries on different dates in December or January. In bigger towns, there are live bands and dancing.
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