Khaoyai in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Khaoyai

26°C (79°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

15 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

58% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak cool-dry season with morning temperatures around 15°C (59°F) - perfect for hiking Khao Rom trail at sunrise without the usual heat exhaustion
Minimal rainfall (only 3 rainy days average) means wildlife viewing at Haew Suwat Falls area is exceptional - animals come to drink at predictable times
Crystal clear air allows 30+ km (18+ mile) mountain views from Pha Kluai Mai viewpoint - visibility is best all year during this month
Hotel rates drop 30-40% after New Year week ends (January 8th onward) while weather remains absolutely perfect through month-end

Considerations

First week of January sees domestic tourist crowds due to Thai school holidays - popular spots like Haew Narok Falls can have 200+ visitors by 10am
Morning fog until 8-9am can obscure scenic viewpoints and make early morning wildlife spotting difficult in dense forest areas
Cool mornings require layered clothing but by afternoon you'll need shorts - packing becomes more complex than other months

Best Activities in January

Khao Yai National Park Hiking Trails

January's cool mornings (15°C/59°F) and dry conditions make this the absolute best month for tackling Khao Yai's challenging trails. The 8 km (5 mile) Khao Rom summit hike is manageable without heat exhaustion, and wildlife is active in cooler temperatures. Pha Kluai Mai trail offers 30+ km (18+ mile) mountain views only possible in January's crystal-clear air.

Booking Tip: Book guided nature walks 5-7 days ahead through park-certified guides (typically ฿1,500-2,500 per group). Early morning starts (6am) avoid crowds and maximize wildlife sightings. See current certified guide options in booking widget below.

Scenic Mountain Viewpoint Tours

January's exceptional visibility (often 30+ km/18+ miles) and minimal haze make this the premier month for Khao Yai's famous viewpoints. Pha Diao Dai and Pha Kluai Mai offer panoramic vistas impossible to see clearly in other seasons. Cool 26°C (79°F) afternoon temperatures mean comfortable photo sessions without overheating.

Booking Tip: Private viewpoint tours typically cost ฿2,000-3,500 per vehicle (up to 4 people). Book late afternoon slots (3-5pm) for best lighting and cooler temperatures. Check current tour availability in booking section below.

Wildlife Safari Drives

January's dry weather concentrates animals around reliable water sources, making wildlife spotting predictable. Cool mornings bring elephants, deer, and hornbills to Haew Suwat area between 7-9am. Minimal rain means access roads to remote wildlife areas remain passable throughout the month.

Booking Tip: Early morning safari tours (6am starts) typically run ฿1,800-2,800 per person including park fees. Book 3-5 days ahead through licensed operators with proper wildlife viewing permits. Current safari options available in booking widget below.

Waterfall Photography Tours

While January has lower water flow than rainy season, the crystal-clear air and perfect lighting conditions (no haze or excessive humidity) create ideal photography opportunities. Haew Narok's 150m (492ft) drop is still impressive, and you can safely access closer viewpoints when water levels are manageable.

Booking Tip: Photography-focused tours cost ฿2,200-3,200 and include multiple waterfall stops. Professional photographers available for ฿800-1,200 additional. Book current photography tours through operators listed in booking section below.

Wine Country Cycling Tours

January's cool mornings and low humidity (58%) create perfect cycling conditions through Khao Yai's vineyard region. Temperatures stay comfortable through midday, unlike the exhausting heat of other months. Post-harvest season means wineries offer special tastings and cellar tours not available year-round.

Booking Tip: Vineyard cycling tours typically cost ฿1,500-2,500 including bike rental and 2-3 winery stops. Book 7-10 days ahead as January is peak season for wine tourism. Current cycling tour options available in booking widget below.

January Events & Festivals

Mid January

Khao Yai Marathon and Half Marathon

Annual running event through the national park's scenic routes, taking advantage of January's perfect cool-dry weather. Features 42km, 21km, and 10km routes with aid stations every 2.5km. Unique opportunity to run through protected wildlife areas normally restricted to foot traffic.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 15°C (59°F) but reach 26°C (79°F) by afternoon, temperature swing of 11°C (20°F)

Light fleece or hoodie for early morning hiking starts and evening activities - locals wear jackets until 9am

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 7 and mountain altitude increases exposure risk significantly

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support for rocky trails - Khao Rom summit involves 2km (1.2 miles) of loose rock scrambling

Quick-dry pants that convert to shorts - temperature changes throughout day make fixed clothing impractical

Lightweight rain jacket - while only 3 rainy days expected, mountain weather can change rapidly

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - cooler weather doesn't eliminate mosquitoes in forest areas, especially near water

Headlamp or flashlight - early morning wildlife tours start before sunrise at 6am, park areas have no lighting

Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 liter/34oz capacity) - cool weather deceives visitors about hydration needs during hiking

Cash in small bills - park entrance fees (฿400 adults, ฿200 children) and guide tips require exact change, ATMs scarce in park areas

Insider Knowledge

Visit after January 8th when Thai school holidays end - crowds at popular spots like Haew Narok Falls drop by 60-70% but weather remains perfect

Start all hiking activities by 6-7am not just for wildlife but to claim parking spots - popular trailheads fill completely by 9am during January

Book accommodations inside Khao Yai village rather than nearby Pak Chong town - saves 45 minutes driving each way and reduces morning traffic delays to park entrance

Bring or rent binoculars locally (฿200-300/day) - January's clear air allows wildlife spotting at distances impossible during hazy months, hornbills visible 500m+ away

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating morning cold - tourists arrive in shorts and tank tops expecting tropical weather, but 15°C (59°F) at sunrise requires actual warm clothing

Arriving at popular spots after 9am during first week of January - domestic holiday crowds make major attractions like Haew Narok Falls extremely crowded by mid-morning

Forgetting to book accommodations well in advance - January is absolute peak season, quality places fill up 3-4 weeks ahead despite higher prices