Best Times to Visit

Weather

Laos has a hot and tropical climate, with a rainy season that runs from May to October, when temperatures are at their highest. It is generally dry from November to April. Average temperatures in Vientiane range from 14-28°C (average 21°C) in the dry season and from 24-32°C (average 27°C) in the rainy season.

Visitors are advised to bring lightweight clothing, with rainwear from April to October, and warmer layers from October to March.

More information about the Laotian weather may be found in Climate in Laos.

Festivals

Major festivals in Laos are often linked to Buddhist holidays. These include Vesak, in May/June, which commemorates Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death. Other important events include Tet, the Chinese New Year, enjoyed in January/February. In April, celebrations are held for Pi Mai, the new lunar year, an occasion best experienced in Luang Prabang, where the festivities and processions can keep going for more than a week. In November, the country celebrates Pha That Luang. Best experienced at That Luang in Vientiane, this colourful nationwide event sees processions of monks receiving alms and floral and floral votives. Normally, there will also be fireworks and music.

Public Holidays

The following table shows the public holidays celebrated in Laos: