Weather checks for travelling to Thailand
Thailand is a popular holiday destination for its beaches, royal palaces and ancient ruins. While temperatures are consistently high throughout the year, there is a wide variation in rainfall.
Thailand climate information
Part of Thailand’s appeal is its year-round warm temperatures, but its climate is dramatically shaped by two monsoon seasons. As a result, Thailand’s climate is typically defined by three seasons:
- The rainy season (May to October)
- The excellent peak season (November to February)
- The hot season (March to May)
Wet season
During the rainy season (known as Reudu Fon), the weather is dominated by the southwest monsoon, which brings in warm, humid air from the Indian Ocean and causes heavy rainfall during these months. Rain falls most days but in short bursts of an hour or two in the afternoon or overnight, with the heaviest rain falling in September and October. While not the hottest time of year, the high humidity caused by the SW monsoon can make the wet season uncomfortable to visit Thailand. It’s worth noting that the monsoons also bring constant onshore winds, making for reliable breaks if you’re looking to surf off the Thai coast.
Hot season
The hot season (known as rue du iron) is more pronounced in the country’s north, where temperatures vary throughout the year. If it rains, this can visit a tough time of the year. The hot season is less pronounced in the country’s south, with maximum temperatures approaching 33°C in Phuket.
Cool season
The cold season (rue du nao) changes weather conditions significantly as the northeast monsoon changes the prevailing wind direction. This brings in cool, dry air, resulting in cooler temperatures and more comfortable humidity. This also means less rain, making the cold season the best time of year to visit much of Thailand. West coast resorts include Phuket, Krabi and the Ko Phi Phi Islands. However, if you are going to the East Coast of Thailand (Gulf Coast), such as B. Ko Samui or Ko Chang, this area is hit by the Northeast Monsoon during the cold season with constant rains between October and January, peaking in November.
When is the best time to go to Thailand?
The best time to travel is between April and September if you travel to the Gulf Coast or the East Coast. If you visit anywhere else in Thailand, the best time of year is between November and February, with maximum temperatures. Bearable and less rain falls. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this is the busiest and most expensive time of the year. So if you’re willing to risk rain to avoid the crowds and snag a bargain, the end of the rainy season is a bet.
When is the rainy season in Thailand?
The rainy season or “monsoon” in Thailand, occurs between July and October. The rains in the first few months are heavy but erratic (lasting only a few hours), becoming more persistent towards the end. The best time to travel is during the hot season, which lasts from March to June.
