This blog post is all about the best time to visit Laos.
When planning a trip to Southeast Asia, most travellers head straight for Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia.
But tucked between these better-known destinations is Laos, a country that often gets overlooked. And trust me, it shouldn’t. Laos is calm and slow-paced, filled with natural beauty, cultural charm, and warm hospitality.
If you’re dreaming of waterfalls, Buddhist temples, jungle-clad mountains, and sleepy riverside towns, then Laos will be everything you didn’t know you were missing.
But when exactly is the best time to visit Laos?
That depends on what you’re after: good weather, cheaper prices, fewer crowds. Or ideally, all three.
In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the best time to visit Laos, including weather by season, public holidays, key events, and how to maximise your time off using bank holidays (because we love a clever annual leave hack).
This blog post is all about the best time to visit Laos.
Where is Laos?
Let’s start with the basics. Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and China.
It follows the Mekong River for most of its western edge and is the only country in the region without a coastline. Which just means you’ll be swapping beaches for jungle hikes and river views.
How to Get to Laos
There are no direct flights from most Western countries to Laos, so the easiest route is to fly into Bangkok (Thailand) or Hanoi (Vietnam) and take a connecting flight to one of Laos’ main airports:
- Vientiane (the capital)
- Luang Prabang (UNESCO World Heritage town)
- Pakse (southern Laos, gateway to the 4,000 Islands)
Alternatively, you can cross overland from neighbouring countries or take the famous slow boat from Thailand to Luang Prabang. An unforgettable experience that I 100% recommend.
RELATED Best Time to Visit Laos blog post to read: How to Travel From Laos to Thailand by 2-Day Slow Boat
What’s the Weather Like in Laos?
If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Laos, you’ll need to know that Laos has a tropical monsoon climate. Meaning two main seasons: dry and wet.
But within that, you’ve got temperature variations depending on altitude (north gets cooler, especially in winter).
Here’s how it breaks down:
Dry Season (November to April) – Best time to visit Laos
- Weather: Clear skies, warm days, and cooler nights (especially in the north)
- Temperature: 15°C–30°C depending on the region
- Pros:
- Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor adventures
- River levels are high enough for boat travel early in the season
- Great photography conditions
- Cons:
- Peak season = higher prices and more tourists
- Accommodation may need to be booked in advance
This is by far the most popular and best time to visit Laos, especially December to February, when the weather is at its most pleasant.
If you’re planning a 10-day trip, this is the best time to visit Laos for everything from waterfall hikes to temple hopping.
Wet Season (May to October) – Green, lush, and quiet
- Weather: Heavy rains, especially in July–September, with short sunny breaks
- Temperature: 25°C–35°C with high humidity
- Pros:
- Lush landscapes, rice fields at their greenest
- Far fewer tourists
- Great deals on accommodation
- Cons:
- Some roads and trails may become impassable
- River travel can be restricted
- Afternoon storms are common
If you don’t mind a bit of rain (and possibly being caught in a downpour mid-hike), May or October are decent shoulder months to visit with a good balance of fewer crowds and manageable weather.
July–September, however, can be very wet, especially in rural areas.
Laos Month-by-Month Overview
| Month | Season | Weather Highlights | Travel Tips |
| January | Dry | Cool, sunny, perfect sightseeing | Peak season—book ahead |
| February | Dry | Warming up, still dry | Great for outdoor activities |
| March | Dry | Hotter, dusty in some areas | Consider heading to cooler highlands |
| April | Dry | Very hot, Lao New Year festival | Expect water fights during Pi Mai |
| May | Wet | First rains, still travel-friendly | Lush greenery begins to return |
| June–Aug | Wet | Heavy rain, humid, fewer tourists | Ideal if you don’t mind storms |
| Sept | Wet | Lush and wet | Rural roads may be tricky |
| Oct | Wet-Dry | Rain eases off, still green | Lovely shoulder month to travel |
| Nov | Dry | Peak season begins | Best combo of comfort + scenery |
| Dec | Dry | Cool, dry, festive vibe | One of the best months to visit |
Lao Public Holidays & Festivals
If you can time your visit to Laos around a local celebration, you’ll be treated to parades, lanterns, fireworks, and food stalls.
Some holidays might also affect opening hours, so good to be aware.
- Lao New Year (Pi Mai) – Mid-April: Expect nationwide water fights (yes, even monks join in!)
- That Luang Festival – November in Vientiane: A Buddhist celebration full of colour and ceremony
- Boat Racing Festivals – September/October: Held across river towns at the end of rainy season
- Lunar New Year – Late Jan or Feb (celebrated mostly in cities)
The 10-Day Laos Itinerary Sweet Spot
One of the best things about Laos is that you can experience so much in just 10 days.
Whether you’re travelling from Thailand or making it your main destination, 10 days gives you enough time to:
- Spend 3 days in Vientiane, the capital, soaking in its relaxed atmosphere and riverside sunset views.
- Explore 3 days in Vang Vieng, full of caves, lagoons, and limestone mountains.
- Enjoy 4 days in Luang Prabang, one of the most beautiful towns in Southeast Asia.
Bank holiday tip: If you’re coming from the UK or Australia, the best time to visit Laos is around Easter, Christmas, or May Day bank holidays to get a 10-day trip while only taking 5 days off work.
Laos is too far for a weekend trip, but perfect if you can squeeze in just over a week.
RELATED Best Time to Visit Laos blog post to read: 10 Days in Laos Itinerary: The Best Backpacker Travel Route
Top Things to Do in Laos
Even though Laos is more laid-back than its neighbours, there’s no shortage of things to do. Here are just a few:
1. Luang Prabang
- Visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls
- Watch the daily alms-giving ceremony
- Climb Mount Phousi for sunset
- Wander night markets and sip on Lao coffee
2. Vang Vieng
- Kayak or tube down the Nam Song River
- Explore Tham Chang Cave
- Take in views from the top of Pha Ngern viewpoint
- Chill by the Blue Lagoons
3. Vientiane
- Admire Pha That Luang and Patuxai Victory Monument
- Walk along the Mekong riverfront
- Eat at the night market
4. 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don)
- Cycle around Don Det
- Spot Irrawaddy dolphins
- Enjoy hammocks, sunsets, and slow travel life
Why Laos is Worth the Trip
Laos isn’t as developed as Thailand or Vietnam, which is part of its charm. It’s the place to go when you want to slow down, soak in the scenery, and connect with locals.
Plus, the introduction of the high-speed rail from Vientiane to Luang Prabang means getting around has never been easier (though fair warning: it’s just like flying, and they’ll confiscate all your liquids, including bug spray).
Laos is also incredibly affordable. Accommodation, food, and travel are cheap, especially if you go in the off-season.
That money you save? More budget for mango sticky rice, Beerlao, and boutique guesthouses.
Final Tips Before You Go
- Visa: Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival or e-visa. Always double-check the latest rules.
- Currency: Lao Kip (LAK), though USD and Thai Baht are also accepted in some places.
- Connectivity: eSIMs are cheap and easy to download before you get to Laos. I highly recommend Airalo!
- Language: Lao is the official language, but English is spoken in tourist areas.
- Travel insurance: Always a must! I recommend SafetyWing for flexible, rolling cover. I’ve used it on all my Southeast Asia trips and love how easy it is to manage from your phone.
So, When’s the Best Time to Visit Laos?
If you want ideal weather, November to February is your window for the best time to visit Laos.
If you want low prices and fewer tourists, May or October will be the best time to visit Laos.
And if you’re planning a longer Southeast Asia trip, you might just end up loving the rainy season vibes more than you expect.
Whenever you go, Laos will greet you with smiles, spicy food, and the kind of peace and quiet that’s getting harder to find in the world.
RELATED Best Time to Visit Laos blog posts to read:
- 10 Days in Laos Itinerary: The Best Backpacker Travel Route
- How to Get From Thailand to Laos: Ultimate Guide
- Vientiane Travel Guide: How to Spend 3 Days Here
- Syri Guesthouse Laos Review: The Best Boutique Vientiane Hotel
- What to Do in Vang Vieng Laos: Perfect 3 Day Itinerary
- How to Spend 2 Days in Luang Prabang Laos: Perfect Itinerary
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