When to Visit Udon Thani

Peak season with virtually no rain (8mm), temperatures around 30°C/17°C (86°F/62°F). Crowds are high as Europeans escape winter. But the weather's pleasant with cool mornings and warm afternoons.

Still dry with minimal rainfall (20mm), temperatures climbing to 32°C/18°C (90°F/65°F). Chinese New Year brings the last big tourist wave, but mid-month onwards quiets down considerably.

The heat starts building - 35°C/22°C (95°F/71°F) - with occasional early storms (50mm). Local festivals pick up, and you'll find the night markets lively as people escape stuffy houses.

Proper hot season arrives at 36°C/24°C (97°F/75°F) with scattered storms (74mm). Songkran transforms the city into a three-day water fight - either join in or plan to stay indoors. Crowds drop dramatically after mid-month.

The monsoon proper begins - 35°C/25°C (95°F/77°F) with significant rainfall (188mm). Afternoon storms become routine, creating that distinctive Thai smell of hot pavement meeting rain. Hotel prices start their slide.

Similar temperatures to May but wetter (218mm), with storms that can linger into evening. The countryside turns emerald green almost overnight, and you'll have temples like Wat Phothisomphon practically to yourself.

Peak wet season - 33°C/25°C (91°F/77°F) and 226mm of rain. Interestingly, mornings often start clear and bright before the inevitable afternoon deluge. The night market stays busy regardless, with covered sections expanding.

The wettest month at 300mm of rain, temperatures dropping slightly to 32°C/24°C (89°F/76°F). Storms can be dramatic - think lightning shows that make the temples even more photogenic. Crowds are at their lowest.

Still wet but tapering off (249mm), with temperatures holding steady. The rice paddies around town are at their most photogenic, and the morning markets smell of grilled sticky rice rather than dust.

The transition month - rainfall drops to 94mm and temperatures ease to 32°C/23°C (89°F/73°F). The countryside is lush, and you'll catch the last of the wet-season hotel deals before rates rise.

Dry season returns - only 15mm of rain and comfortable 31°C/20°C (88°F/68°F). Local festivals restart, and the night bazaar expands back into uncovered areas. Crowds build steadily through the month.

Peak conditions - just 5mm of rain and the coolest temperatures at 29°C/17°C (85°F/62°F). The dry air makes temple hopping comfortable. But book accommodation early as it's the busiest month.