Best Time to Visit Laos
Laos — 2026 Season Guide
Season Overview
Cool Dry Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Best overall — comfortable trekking, clear views, festival season.
Hot Dry Season
Mar, Apr, May
Hot but dry. Pi Mai Lao (New Year) water festival in April.
Rainy Season
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Mekong at its fullest, waterfalls spectacular. Boat Racing Festival.
Month-by-Month Guide
Best weather, Boun Pha Vet
Makha Busa festival
Boun Khoun Khao harvest festival
Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year)
Boun Bang Fai rocket festival
Rainy season starts, green landscapes
Buddhist Lent begins (Khao Phansa)
Heavy rains, Boat Racing prep
Boun Khao Padap Din
Boun Ok Phansa, Boat Racing Festival
That Luang Festival, dry season starts
Perfect weather, Hmong New Year
Plan from Your Country
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See which of your holidays align with the best months to visit Laos.
IraqYour holidays in January (New Year's Day, Army Day) align with Laos's travel season. 2 long weekend(s) available.
TibetYour holidays in February (Losar (Tibetan New Year)) align with Laos's travel season. 2 long weekend(s) available.
SyriaYour holidays in January (New Year's Day) align with Laos's travel season. 1 long weekend(s) available.
TurkeyYour holidays in January (New Year's Day) align with Laos's travel season. 1 long weekend(s) available.
SudanYour holidays in January (Independence Day, Coptic Christmas) align with Laos's travel season. 2 long weekend(s) available.
EthiopiaYour holidays in January (Timkat (Epiphany), Ethiopian Christmas (Genna)) align with Laos's travel season. 2 long weekend(s) available.
VietnamYour holidays in January (New Year's Day) align with Laos's travel season. 1 long weekend(s) available.
YemenYour holidays in November (November 30 Independence Day) align with Laos's travel season. 1 long weekend(s) available.
MongoliaYour holidays in January (Constitution Day, New Year's Day) align with Laos's travel season. 2 long weekend(s) available.
MalaysiaYour holidays in February (Chinese New Year, Isra Mi'raj, Thaipusam) align with Laos's travel season. 1 long weekend(s) available.
United Arab EmiratesYour holidays in December (National Day) align with Laos's travel season. 1 long weekend(s) available.
IndonesiaYour holidays in February (Isra Mi'raj, Chinese New Year) align with Laos's travel season. 1 long weekend(s) available.
IndiaYour holidays in January (Makar Sankranti, Republic Day) align with Laos's travel season. 2 long weekend(s) available.
PhilippinesYour holidays in December (Last Day of The Year, Rizal Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, Christmas Eve, Feast of the Immaculate Conception) align with Laos's travel season. 6 long weekend(s) available.
MyanmarYour holidays in November (National Day, Full Moon of Tazaungdaing) align with Laos's travel season. 2 long weekend(s) available.
SingaporeYour holidays in January (New Year's Day) align with Laos's travel season. 1 long weekend(s) available.
ThailandYour holidays in January (New Year's Day) align with Laos's travel season. 2 long weekend(s) available.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time to visit Laos in 2026?
- November to February is ideal with cool, dry weather (15–28°C) and clear skies. This is the best period for trekking in northern Laos, temple visits in Luang Prabang, and Mekong river trips.
- What is Pi Mai Lao?
- Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) in mid-April is the biggest celebration in Laos. Like Thailand's Songkran, it features water throwing, temple visits, and parades. Luang Prabang hosts the most elaborate celebrations.
- Can you travel in Laos during rainy season?
- Yes — rainy season (June–October) brings afternoon storms, not all-day rain. Waterfalls like Kuang Si are at their most spectacular, the Mekong is navigable by boat, and you'll find far fewer tourists and lower prices.
- Which countries have holidays during Laos's best season?
- Travelers from Iraq, Tibet, Syria, Turkey, Sudan, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Yemen have public holidays that overlap with the best months to visit Laos.