When is the best time to visit Laos?

The best time to visit depends on where you go. Luang Prabang: December & January; Nong Khiaw: January & December; Pakse: January & December; Plain of Jars: March & January; Si Phan Don: January & December; Vang Vieng: February & January.

Which month is best overall in Laos?

Averaged across our 8 destinations in Laos, the strongest months are January, December, February. Individual places can shift a month or two earlier or later — each destination page lists its own peak.

How are the Laos travel scores calculated?

Every city is rated 0-10 per month using ERA5 climate normals - temperature, precipitation, humidity, daylight, and days with 6+ hours of sunshine.

Best Time to Visit Laos: Weather by Month

01 · Laos

About Laos

Laos is a landlocked, forested country built around the Mekong River and the mountains of Southeast Asia's interior. Luang Prabang preserves gilded temples and monk processions, Vientiane keeps a relaxed capital pace, and the north holds the Plain of Jars while the south spreads into the Bolaven Plateau and the 4000 Islands. The dry months from November to April suit river travel; March and April are hot and smoky, and the wet season brings green hills and quieter roads.

Did you know?

Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, and the Mekong runs along or through it for most of its length.
Luang Prabang's temples and colonial houses form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and morning alms rounds fill its streets.
The Plain of Jars, scattered with thousands of stone vessels, is a UNESCO site around 2,000 years old.

Weather

Laos: weather by month

Warmest month: April (30°C). Wettest: September (468 mm). Best overall score: January (9.6/10).

Month	Avg temp	Rain	Sunny days	Score
January	23°C	17 mm	29	9.6/10
February	24°C	22 mm	26	9.0/10
March	27°C	57 mm	29	7.1/10
April	30°C	51 mm	30	6.5/10
May	29°C	282 mm	25	3.0/10
June	28°C	355 mm	24	3.1/10
July	27°C	416 mm	25	3.1/10
August	27°C	403 mm	19	3.1/10
September	27°C	468 mm	19	3.1/10
October	26°C	150 mm	29	4.4/10
November	26°C	36 mm	30	8.2/10
December	23°C	0 mm	30	9.6/10

Travel Tips

01Best time & timing: The strongest months are January, December, February: January peaks at 9.6/10, while May drops to 3.0/10.
02Weather & what to pack: 23°C and 17 mm of rain shape a typical January here. Pack light clothing, a hat and real sun protection.
03Crowds & value: Book early for January, the busiest stretch; November is the value window at 8.2/10.

Things to do in Laos

Laos. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.

FAQ

Frequently asked

When is the best time to visit Laos?: The best time to visit depends on where you go. Luang Prabang: December & January; Nong Khiaw: January & December; Pakse: January & December; Plain of Jars: March & January; Si Phan Don: January & December; Vang Vieng: February & January.
Which month is best overall in Laos?: Averaged across our 8 destinations in Laos, the strongest months are January, December, February. Individual places can shift a month or two earlier or later — each destination page lists its own peak.
Which cities in Laos does bestime.to cover?: We currently score 8 destinations in Laos: Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw, Pakse, Plain of Jars, Si Phan Don, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Wat Phou.
How are the Laos travel scores calculated?: Every city is rated 0-10 per month using ERA5 climate normals - temperature, precipitation, humidity, daylight, and days with 6+ hours of sunshine.

Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 historical archive, the five most recent complete years (2021–2025). Scores are monthly averages for that window, not forecasts, and short-window precipitation can differ from longer-term normals. “Sunny days” count days with at least 6 hours of measured sunshine — they are not dry days.

Curated in Laos