Laos Travel Information
Read Full Travel Guide
When to Go to Laos
To get the most out of your next adventure it makes sense to consider some of the very local factors that combine to make up what you feel is the best time to travel to a destination. Many of these factors are very personal - some people prefer to travel when the weather is not too hot, or sites too crowded - others prefer to travel when a traditional local event is taking place. Taking into account the dates of public holidays can also make sense as these may have an impact on opening times of attractions, shops and restaurants, or might affect public transport or other services. Conversely public holidays can be a time of great local festivities and celebrations providing a feast of local expressionism and culture.
Climate
Laos is a hot and humid tropical country dominated in the lowlands by two distinct seasons. The rainy season extends from the beginning of May to the end of September, and the dry season is from October through April. The yearly average temperature is about 28°C, rising to a maximum of 38°C or 40°C during April and May, the hottest part of the year.
In Vientiane a minimum temperature of 19°C is to be expected during January. In mountainous areas, however, temperature drops to as low as 14°C -15°C during the winter months, and O°C is not uncommon in the mountains during winter.
Southern Laos has the most rain, where the Annamite Mountains receive over 3000 mm annually; Vientiane rainfall is about 1500-2000mm, and in the north only 1000-1500 mm.
Seasonality
The best time to visit Laos is between October and April, the high season. The months of April / May should be avoided unless heading for the hills as it’s so hot and between March and May certain river trips may not be possible.
National Holidays
| Date |
Description |
| 01 Jan 08 |
New Year's Day |
| 01 Jan 08 |
Pathet Lao Day |
| 20 Jan 08 |
Army Day |
| 07 Feb 08 |
Chinese New Year. Changes annually |
| 08 Mar 08 |
International Women's Day |
| 22 Mar 08 |
Day of the People's Party |
| 13 Apr 08 |
Lao New Year (Pi Mai). Changes annually |
| 01 May 08 |
Labour Day |
| 20 May 08 |
Buddha Day (Vesak) |
| 01 Jun 08 |
Children's Day |
| 01 Jul 08 |
Khao Pansa (Buddhist Fast begins) |
| 13 Aug 08 |
Lao Issara (Day of the Free Laos) |
| 01 Sep 08 |
Bouk Ok Pansa (Buddhist Fast ends) |
| 12 Oct 08 |
Day of Liberation |
| 02 Dec 08 |
National Day |
