Thailand — travel photo

🇹🇭 Southeast Asia

What to wear in Thailand

By PackTheLook · Updated 28 October 2026

Thailand is hot and humid all year, so pack the lightest, most breathable clothes you own — but plan for temples. The Grand Palace and major wats enforce a strict dress code, and the royal palace turns people away for leggings, ripped jeans or bare shoulders. Beach towns are relaxed; cities are a little more covered. The season you pick changes things more than the temperature: rain, sea conditions and crowds vary a lot by month and coast.

Pick your month

Average daytime high shown. Tap a month for weather, events and a packing list.

Jan 33° Dry, warm Feb 34° Dry, warm Mar 35° Very hot Apr 36° Very hot May 35° Very hot Jun 34° Hot, rainy Jul 34° Hot, rainy Aug 33° Hot, rainy Sep 33° Hot, rainy Oct 33° Hot, rainy Nov 33° Dry, warm Dec 32° Dry, warm

Dress code

  • Temples and the Grand Palace: shoulders and knees covered, no see-through tops, ripped jeans or (at the Grand Palace) tight leggings.
  • Shoes come off before entering temples and many homes and shops — slip-on sandals are best.
  • Swimwear is for the beach and pool only; cover up in town.
  • Topless sunbathing is illegal and considered disrespectful.
  • Avoid clothing with Buddha images — it can cause offence.

Plugs: Type A / B / C / O, 220V.

What to wear for…

Grand Palace and big temples

The strictest dress code in Thailand: no shorts, short skirts, sleeveless or see-through tops, and shoulders and knees must be covered. Shoes come off at the door, so slip-ons save time.

Islands and boat trips

Quick-dry clothes, water shoes for rocky landings, a dry bag and reef-safe sunscreen.

Rooftop bars in Bangkok

Places like Sky Bar enforce smart-casual: no shorts, flip-flops or sleeveless tops for men.

Night markets and street food

Breathable clothes and closed sandals. Pavements are uneven and puddles are common.

Cool season (Nov–Feb) Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec

The best time to visit: dry, sunny and 23–34°C, a little cooler in the north (Chiang Mai nights can drop to 15°C). Light clothes plus a layer for the north.

Also pack

Showing more covered picks for travellers from India.

Hot season (Mar–May) Mar, Apr, May

The hottest time — 35–36°C and feels like 40°C+, with April's Songkran water festival. Lightest fabrics, sun protection and quick-dry everything.

Also pack

Showing more covered picks for travellers from India.

Rainy season (Jun–Oct) Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Hot (33–34°C) with heavy afternoon downpours, usually short. Quick-dry clothes, waterproof sandals and a packable rain jacket. The Gulf islands (Koh Samui) stay drier until October.

Also pack

Showing more covered picks for travellers from India.

For men

Thai men dress neatly. Shorts are fine for beaches and casual daytime, but long trousers are required at the Grand Palace and look better at temples and nicer restaurants. Sleeveless shirts are a beach-only look. Light chinos or linen trousers, a short-sleeved shirt and slip-on shoes cover almost everything.

Common packing mistakes

  • Turning up to the Grand Palace in shorts. You'll be sent to buy trousers at the gate.
  • Wearing swimwear away from the beach, including in island towns.
  • Skipping a rain jacket between May and October.
  • Assuming it is hot everywhere in winter. Chiang Mai nights and northern mountaintops get properly cold.

What's on through the year

More destinations

🇯🇵 Japan🇫🇷 Paris🇮🇹 Italy🇬🇧 London🗽 New York🇦🇪 Dubai🇮🇩 Bali🇸🇬 Singapore🇻🇳 Vietnam🇬🇷 Greece🇮🇸 Iceland🌺 Hawaii🇲🇻 Maldives🚢 Cruise