Thailand in February: Weather, Festivals & Things to Do

Warm sunshine, vibrant festivals, and fewer crowds – that’s Thailand in February. This enchanting Southeast Asian gem offers the perfect escape from winter’s chill. Golden beaches invite you to unwind, ancient temples reveal timeless tales, and mouthwatering cuisine tempts you at every corner.

Whether you dream of cultural immersion, island hopping, jungle treks, or urban adventures, Thailand in February has something special. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss:

Table of Content

Is February a Good Time to Visit Thailand?
Thailand’s Weather in February
Cultural Experiences, Events, & Festivals
Top Things To Do in Thailand in February
Famous Places to Eat in Thailand in February
Where to Stay in Thailand?
Average Cost of a Trip to Thailand
Tips for Making the Most of Your Thailand Adventure
Why Choose OneVasco?
FAQs

Is February a Good Time to Visit Thailand?

February is an excellent month to visit Thailand for several compelling reasons:

Pleasant weather
Fewer crowds
Colorful festivals
Shoulder season rates

Thailand’s Weather in February

Thailand’s weather in February is characterized by:

Region	Avg. Temp (°C/°F)	Conditions
North	18-32°C / 64-90°F	Cool nights, warm days
Central	22-33°C / 72-91°F	Dry & sunny
South (East)	24-32°C / 75-90°F	Mostly dry, with occasional showers
South (West)	24-33°C / 75-91°F	Ideal beach weather

Key weather facts:

February averages 9 hours of sunshine per day.
The Thai-Malaysia border may see some rain, but showers are brief.
Sea conditions are calm, perfect for island hopping and water sports.
Pack light clothing, a jacket for cool evenings, sunscreen, and a hat.

Cultural Experiences, Events, & Festivals

Immerse yourself in Thailand’s rich heritage:

Chiang Mai Flower Festival

When: Usually held during the first weekend of February
Where: Nong Buak Haad Public Park, Chiang Mai
Major Attractions:
- Flower Parade: Over 25 stunning flower floats starting from Nawarat Bridge, featuring marching bands and traditional dancers.
- Cultural Performances: Thai Lanna performances and other cultural shows throughout the festival.
- Flower Exhibitions: Display of exotic flowers, including Damask Roses and local orchids, along with gardening competitions.
- Opening Ceremony: Kicks off with exhibitions running until midnight each day.

Chinese New Year

When: Between 21 January and 20 February
Where: Celebrated in Bangkok’s Chinatown and Chiang Mai
Major Attractions:
- Festive Parades: Colorful dragon and lion dances, along with traditional music performances.
- Street Food Stalls: Enjoy a variety of Chinese delicacies available throughout the celebrations.
- Cultural Activities: Fireworks displays and temple visits to honor ancestors.

Wat Pho, Bangkok

When: Open year-round; ideal to visit in February for pleasant weather.
Where: Wat Pho Temple, Bangkok
Major Attractions:
- Reclining Buddha Statue: Admire the impressive 46-meter-long statue covered in gold leaf.
- Traditional Thai Massage School: Experience authentic Thai massage offered at the temple.
- Cultural Significance: Explore the temple grounds, known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

Ayutthaya Historical Park

When: Open year-round; best visited in February for cooler temperatures.
Where: Ayutthaya, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Major Attractions:
- Ruins of Temples and Palaces: Explore historical sites like Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
- Bicycle Tours: Rent a bicycle to navigate the expansive park and enjoy the scenery comfortably.
- Boat Tours: Take a boat ride around the island city to view ruins from the water.

Lop Buri Monkey Banquet

When: February (specific date varies; usually around mid-February)
Where: Phra Prang Sam Yot Temple, Lop Buri
Major Attractions:
- Monkey Feast: Watch hundreds of macaques enjoy a banquet of fruits and vegetables laid out by locals.
- Cultural Significance: The event is a celebration of the monkeys that inhabit the area and is a unique spectacle for visitors.
- Temple Exploration: Visit the temple itself which is known for its historical significance and unique architecture.

Trang Underwater Wedding

When: February 13-15
Where: Trang Province, Thailand, primarily at Pak Meng Beach and Kradan Island
Major Attractions:
- Traditional Thai Wedding Rituals: Couples participate in the pouring of lustral water and other Buddhist rituals.
- Underwater Wedding Ceremony: Couples exchange vows at a depth of approximately 8 meters in the crystal-clear waters.
Ceremonial Activities:
- February 13: Couples enjoy a tuk-tuk ride around Trang, participate in pre-wedding photoshoots, and attend a traditional wedding ceremony at Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi Monument Park.
- February 14: The main underwater wedding registration takes place, followed by a beach celebration dinner.
- February 15: Couples explore Trang’s seaside district and visit local attractions like the Chao Mae Tubtim shrine.

King Narai’s Reign Festival

When: February
Where: Lop Buri, Thailand
Major Attractions:
- Cultural Exhibitions: Displays showcasing the history and culture of King Narai’s reign (1656-1688).
- Traditional Performances: Cultural shows including dance performances, music, and reenactments of historical events.
- Food Stalls and Local Crafts: Visitors can enjoy local cuisine and purchase handmade crafts from artisans during the festival.

Ayutthaya Historical Park in Thailand in February

Top Things To Do in Thailand in February

There’s a diverse range of experiences to enjoy during your visit to Thailand in February, including:

Island Hopping

When: February (ideal weather for beach activities)
Where: Popular destinations include Phuket, Phi Phi Islands, Krabi, and Koh Samui
Major Attractions:
- Pristine Beaches: Relax on beautiful beaches with fewer crowds in February.
- Water Activities: Enjoy snorkeling, diving, and boat tours around the islands.
- Local Cuisine: Savor fresh seafood at beachside restaurants.

Muay Thai Matches

When: Matches occur regularly; check local schedules for February events
Where: Various venues including Bangkok and Chiang Mai
Major Attractions:
- Watch traditional Muay Thai boxing matches featuring skilled fighters.
- Consider taking a training class to learn the basics of this martial art.

Street Food Exploration

When: Year-round; best enjoyed in February’s cooler weather
Where: Street vendors across Thailand, especially in Bangkok and Chiang Mai
Major Attractions:
- Savor mouthwatering dishes from sizzling woks to fresh fruit stalls.
- Try local specialties like Som Tum (papaya salad) and Pad See Ew (stir-fried noodles).
- Remember, Thailand’s street food is a gastronomic adventure in itself. Also, don’t miss trying:
  - Moo Ping (grilled pork skewers)
  - Kluay Tod (deep-fried bananas)
  - Sai Krok Isan (fermented pork sausages)
  - Khao Niew Mamuang (mango sticky rice)

Street Food in Thailand in February

Famous Places to Eat in Thailand in February

Some recommendations include:

Bangkok

Jay Fai: Michelin-starred street food, famous for crab omelets and drunken noodles.
Thip Samai: Considered the best Pad Thai in Bangkok. Long lines, but worth the wait.
Raan Jay Fai: Legendary Thai dishes made with the freshest ingredients. Reservations recommended.

Chiang Mai

Khao Soi Khun Yai: Renowned for its rich and creamy Khao Soi (curry noodle soup).
SP Chicken: Crispy, flavorful grilled chicken served with spicy dipping sauces and sticky rice.

Phuket

Raya: Upscale Thai restaurant in a Sino-Portuguese mansion. Known for crab curry and spicy prawns.
One Chun: Local favorite serving authentic Southern Thai cuisine. Must-tries include Moo Hong pork stew.

Where to Stay in Thailand?

Thailand offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and taste:

Bangkok: Stay near BTS/MRT stations for easy access to attractions. Popular areas include Siam, Sukhumvit, and Silom.
Chiang Mai: Choose hotels in the Old City for temples, markets, and historical ambiance. Riverside spots offer tranquility.
Islands: Book beachfront resorts in Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui for ultimate relaxation. Phi Phi Island has excellent diving resorts.
Unique Stays: Experience Thai culture through homestays, eco-lodges, floating raft houses, and treetop villas.

Destination	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Bangkok	Rs. 500-1,000	Rs. 1,500-4,000	Rs. 8,000+
Chiang Mai	Rs. 300-800	Rs. 1,200-3,000	Rs. 5,000+
Phuket	Rs. 600-1,200	Rs. 2,000-5,000	Rs. 10,000+
Krabi	Rs. 400-1,000	Rs. 1,500-4,000	Rs. 7,000+

*Prices are approximate, per night, based on double occupancy. Rates may vary based on location, amenities, and season.

Average Cost of a Trip to Thailand

Thailand can fit a variety of travel budgets. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Accommodations: Budget Rs. 500-1,000/night, Mid-range Rs. 1,500-5,000/night, Luxury Rs. 8,000+/night.
Food: Street food meals Rs. 50-150, Local restaurants Rs. 200-400, Upscale dining Rs. 800+.
Transportation: Local buses Rs. 10-50, BTS/MRT Rs. 20-60 per ride, Taxis Rs. 60-300 per trip, Domestic flights Rs. 1,500-4,000.
Activities: Temple visits Rs. 50-200, National parks Rs. 200-500, Cooking classes Rs. 1,000-3,000, Island tours Rs. 1,500-3,000.

For a one-week trip, budget travelers can expect to spend around Rs. 25,000-35,000, while mid-range travelers may spend Rs. 50,000-80,000. Luxury travelers should budget Rs. 1,20,000+.

*Prices are approximate and based on average costs for one person. Actual expenses may vary based on travel style, activities, and personal preferences.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Thailand Adventure

Local Etiquette

Respect Buddha images. Never point your feet towards them or use them as decorations.
Dress modestly when visiting temples. Cover your shoulders and knees.
Greet locals with a ‘wai’ (palms pressed together at chest level) instead of a handshake.
Remove shoes before entering homes and some shops.

Safety and Health

Drink only bottled or filtered water.
Protect against mosquitoes, especially in forested and rural areas. Use repellent and wear long sleeves/pants.
Be cautious with street food. Choose busy, clean stalls and avoid raw or undercooked meat.
Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and limit midday sun exposure.

Currency

Thai Baht (THB) is the official currency. US$1 ≈ ฿34, Rs. 1 ≈ ฿0.50.
Exchange money at airports, banks, or authorized money changers. Avoid exchanging with street vendors.

A Buddha Statue in Thailand in February

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FAQs

1. What are the best things to do in Thailand in February?

Some of the best things to do in Thailand in February are:

Attend festivals like the Chiang Mai Flower Festival and Chinese New Year celebrations.
Explore temples and historical sites in Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Chiang Mai.
Enjoy beaches, island hopping, and water activities in Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui.
Visit national parks like Khao Yai for wildlife spotting and nature walks.
Indulge in Thai cuisine through street food, markets, and cooking classes.

2. Is Thailand cold in February?

No, Thailand is pleasantly warm in February with average temperatures of 26-32°C (79-90°F).

3. What can I wear in Thailand in February?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing like cotton shirts, shorts, skirts, and sundresses. Bring a light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings.

4. Is Thailand expensive to visit in February?

Thailand can accommodate various budgets. Budget travelers can expect to spend Rs. 25,000-35,000 per week, while mid-range travelers may spend Rs. 50,000-80,000. Luxury options are available for Rs. 1,20,000+ per week.

5. How safe is Thailand?

Thailand is generally a safe country for tourists. Exercise common sense, be aware of your surroundings, and follow local laws and customs. Petty theft and scams can occur in crowded areas, so stay vigilant.