Thailand in winter 2026/27: where to go, weather by region, visa and mobile data on the islands
Mykyta Dzhus · Updated 2026-11-01 · 4 min read · Travel tips
November to March is peak season in Thailand, but "the season" differs by coast: while Phuket is sunny, Samui can still see heavy rain. Here is where to go each month, what changed with the visa rules in 2026, and whether small islands have mobile data. We checked that last part ourselves.
Contents
In short
- November–April: the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Lanta, the Trang islands, Lipe).
- February–August: the Gulf of Thailand (Samui, Phangan, Tao). November and December are rainy there.
- November–February: the north (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai), cool and dry.
- Visa: since 15 September 2026 visa-free stays are 30 days instead of 60.
- Before you fly fill in the TDAC, the digital arrival card.
Visa and entry in 2026
On 15 September 2026 Thailand cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days and shortened the list of eligible countries. Ukraine and most European countries remain on it: 30 days visa-free for tourism, extendable once by 30 days at an immigration office for a fee. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Since May 2025 the paper arrival card has been replaced by the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card). Fill it in on the official immigration website no earlier than 3 days before arrival; it is free. Sites charging for the TDAC are middlemen. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, get a tourist visa in advance.
Weather by region: where to go when
The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Lanta, Trang, Lipe). Dry season from November to April, calmest sea from December to March. November can still bring short showers, but prices are lower. The best pick for the New Year holidays.
The Gulf (Samui, Phangan, Tao). A different climate: the most rain in November and December, the best time from February to August. Going to Samui in winter? Aim for late January.
Bangkok and Pattaya. November to February is the most comfortable: less heat, hardly any rain. From March it gets very hot.
The north (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai). November to February are the best months: 28 °C by day, around 15 °C at night, so pack a jumper. From late February to April crop burning can make the air smoky.
Where to go: from big resorts to quiet islands
Phuket and Krabi suit a first trip: a big airport, plenty of hotels, day trips to Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay. Phuket vs Pattaya: .
The Trang islands (Ko Muk, Ko Kradan, Ko Libong) are for peace and quiet: few people, the Emerald Cave on Ko Muk, white sand and clear water on Ko Kradan. Get there from Trang airport or by minivan from Krabi to the pier, then by boat.
Ko Lipe in the far south near Malaysia has the clearest water in the Andaman Sea; ferries run roughly November to May.
Samui has its own airport, but in winter it's better from the second half of January. Chiang Mai means temples, night markets, cooking classes and mountains, a good match for a week by the sea.
Is there mobile data on the islands? We tested it on Ko Muk
Big resorts are no question: Phuket, Krabi and Bangkok have 5G everywhere. We wanted to test a small island. On 31 October 2026 on Ko Muk our Thailand travel eSIM showed 5G and 32.9 Mbps download. That is enough for HD video, calls and a hotspot for a laptop.
Latency (ping) was about 200 ms: travel eSIM traffic goes through the operator's hub, so it is a bit higher than on a local SIM. You won't notice it on websites, maps, messengers or video; fast online games may feel it. On boats between islands and in remote bays the signal gets weaker, so download offline maps in advance.
Money, transport and useful tips
- ATMs charge foreign cards 220–250 baht per withdrawal, so withdraw less often and more at a time. Small islands may have no ATM or just one, so bring cash from the mainland.
- Grab and Bolt work in Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Pattaya and Chiang Mai. Small islands have no taxis: you ride tuk-tuks and longtail boats, so agree the price first.
- Ferries and minivans between islands are easy to book online or at a local agency; tickets are often shown on your phone.
- Pharmacy: mosquito repellent and sunscreen cost more on the islands than on the mainland.
Online from the first minute
Thailand is one of the most expensive roaming zones for European and Ukrainian operators. A travel eSIM installs at home, and after landing you're online on DTAC and TrueMove H with 5G. Thailand from $3.49, 5 GB for 30 days $6.99, a week of unlimited $17.99. Your main SIM stays in the phone for bank texts. How to install: the installation guide.
FAQ
Do I need a visa for Thailand in 2026?
Ukrainian and most European citizens can stay visa-free for up to 30 days since 15 September 2026, extendable once by 30 days.
What is the TDAC?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card. Fill it in free of charge on the official immigration website no earlier than 3 days before arrival.
Where to go in Thailand in December?
The Andaman coast: Phuket, Krabi, Lanta, the Trang islands. Samui is still in its rainy season in December.
When is the best time for Samui?
February to August. November and December are the rainiest months on Samui.
Is there mobile data on small islands?
Yes. On Ko Muk we measured 5G and 32.9 Mbps on a travel eSIM. The signal gets weaker on boats and in remote bays.
How much do ATMs charge?
Usually 220–250 baht per withdrawal on a foreign card.
I got tired of overpaying for SIM cards that didn't work and of searching for where to go next. So I built this site: travel guides and an eSIM that just works.
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