Laos a season by season travel guide

Laos a season by season travel guide

A closer look at Laos' climate and insight into where to go when

Laos is a year-round travel destination, offering a tropical climate with distinct yet comfortable seasons.

The country experiences two primary seasons.

The dry season, from October to April, is characterised by clear skies, warm days and minimal rainfall. 

From May to September, the green season brings lush landscapes, vibrant scenery and cooler temperatures. 

Within each of Laos’ seasons, there are variations in temperature and rainfall, though overall, weather patterns remain relatively predictable. The country’s topography, from flat river plains to highland mountains, provides slight microclimates, particularly cooler weather in northern and elevated regions throughout both seasons.

Read on for more details about each season and EXO’s tips for making the most out of a Laos holiday, no matter the season

May to September

Laos’ green season is a magical time to visit. Though often referred to as the ‘rainy season,’ showers are usually brief and refreshing, often occurring in the late afternoon or evening, and rarely disrupting a day of sightseeing.

During this period, daytime temperatures range between 25-30°C, with moderate to high humidity that eases after the rain. Travellers benefit from fewer crowds, allowing for a more relaxed pace and deeper connections with the local community. 

The season also brings Laos’ natural beauty to the forefront, with lush green landscapes and waterfalls at their most majestic. Plus, excellent hotel deals during these months make it an ideal time for affordable upgrades and added indulgences.

EXO Recommends: We love the green season! Luang Prabang truly shines during this time, with fewer crowds offering the perfect chance to soak in the relaxed pace of life. Beyond the city, northern Laos boasts stunning trekking landscapes this time of year, while the southern region’s blend of caves, temples, river islands and plateaus is transformed by vibrant, lush greenery.  We recommend four nights in the north and five or more in the south.

October to April 

By early October, the rains have tapered off, leaving Laos swathed in lush shades of green. Daytime temperatures can still reach 30-33°C, but the evenings bring cooler relief. By mid-November, daytime temperatures settle closer to 25°C.

From December to January, mild weather continues, with highs ranging from 16 to 21°C, making it an ideal period for outdoor activities. In mountainous regions like the Northeast near Xam Neua, the northern areas around Oudomxay and the southern Bolaven Plateau, temperatures can drop into the single digits during these months.

By early February, temperatures start to rise again, peaking in April with daytime highs in the low to mid-30s, just before the arrival of the green season.

EXO Recommends: Peak season in Laos is from mid-November to early February. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience during these months, EXO suggests adding northern or southern Laos to a October to April itinerary, where tourists are fewer and the landscapes are rich with sights to explore.

EXO Travel is a premium Destination Management Company (DMC) providing bespoke travel solutions in Thailand and across a growing portfolio of global destinations. Our services range from one-off tours for individual travellers to memorable incentive trips for groups of hundreds or thousands.

Established in 1993, we’ve harnessed in-depth local knowledge and a widely-recognized penchant for authentic, groundbreaking touring to become a leading DMC for the premium travel market.  As a Certified B Corporation, EXO is also demonstrably committed to sustainability and using travel as a force for good.

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