Laos Travel Weather

November - March

The best time to visit Laos. Warm and sunny days encourage all kinds of leisure activities, from sightseeing to hiking to exploring islands on the Mekong River.

Temperatures fluctuate between 15°C and 30°C, varying slightly from region to region. Areas in the north and east of the country are generally cooler than areas further south. In Vientiane and Luang Prabang, the pillar of the mercury oscillates around 24°C, while in Pakse and southern regions it already rises to around 30°C. On the other hand, organizing treks in the north (including Luang Namtha, Phongsali) we can experience temperatures of about 15°C.

April - June

Hot and humid months. Temperatures gradually rise above 30°C, rainfall becomes more frequent, usually in the form of intense and short-lived downpours occurring on sunny days.

The northern areas (including Phongsali and Luang Prabang) and central areas (including Vientiane) are generally a few degrees cooler and drier than the south of the country (including Pakse), where more heavy rainfall can be expected and the mercury column reaches 35°C.

The heavy rainfall makes the landscape greener, especially around Vang Vieng, and the impressive waterfalls on the numerous islands of the Mekong River come alive again.

When organizing travel during this time, it is worth remembering that local floods prevent access to some areas. Many roads, especially those less traveled, are sometimes impassable.

In April, it is worth taking part in the celebration of the Laotian New Year of Bun Pi Mai.

July - August

July and August are popular times for tourists from Europe and North America who take advantage of the holiday season to travel around Laos. Although the weather is not ideal, many of the country's popular destinations are crowded.

The days are hot and very often rainy. Temperatures fluctuate between 25°C and 32°C, and humidity reaches 80%. Precipitation comes in the form of fleeting but intense downpours, which can complicate our vacation plans.

Access to some of the more remote regions (e.g., Phongsala and Muang Sing) may be hampered by surrounding floods and landslides. It is also not the best time for climbing and caving enthusiasts.

Thanks to heavy rains, nature turns colors of saturated green and many places (including Vang Vieng) look magnificent at this time. Rivers and waterfalls overflowing with water look spectacular, and it's worth going to the Bolaven plateau or Pakse then.

September - October

The weather in September is similar to August. It is still hot and humid, with temperatures oscillating between 25°C and 30°C. The skies are overcast, and heavy afternoon rainfall is to be expected frequently. This is not the best time to visit Laos, although the lush green countryside around Vang Vieng and Muang La is just when it is most picturesque.

October brings brightening weather, the sun is increasingly in the sky, and the intensity of rainfall decreases. The days get a few degrees cooler and the air is less humid, making sightseeing and hiking more comfortable.

In Phongsala and the mountainous regions, greater temperature drops are to be expected (especially at night), so it is worth stocking up on warm clothing.