A Comprehensive Guide to Thailand Weather
Located in the tropic zone that is surrounded by areas of land and water, Thailand has a subtropical climate with hot and humid conditions all year round. That leads to the fact that this country features two distinct seasons: the Dry Season (from November to May) and the Wet Season (from June to October).
You can travel to Thailand at any time of the year. However, some places will not be convenient to access due to the heavy rains in the wet season’s peak period. For the best time to visit Thailand for the best weather, November to February are highly recommended.
Each region in Thailand has its different climate, and in this article, you will find the ultimate information about the weather in Thailand.
North & Central
- Bangkok
- Central Thailand (Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Lopburi)
- Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai)
- Northeast Thailand (Isan)
The Dry Season’s weather in the North and Central is quite dry, with low average precipitation and fewer rainy days. Moreover, this period is also split into two minor seasons - the Cool Season from November to February and the Hot Season from March to May, with a high temperature of up to 30°C - 40°C.
On the other hand, the Wet Season is in the 6 remaining months, from May to November, with an average temperature of 28°C- 34°C. Being influenced by the southwest monsoon, the weather in the North and Central of Thailand features the usual heavy downpours lasting for 1 - 2 hours.
Bangkok On A Rainy Day
Andaman Sea (West Coast)
- Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Khao Sok National Park
- Koh Kood, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Chang, Khao Lak, Ranong, Koh Phayam
The months from November to March are considered the best time to visit this area. At this time, the weather is quite comfortable and suitable for traveling with a cooling wind and the average temperature is from 26°C - 32°C.
In the months from March to May, the weather is hotter because of the increasing temperature (the average temperature is from 30°C - 36°C). Moreover, the disappearance of cooling winds and the rising humidity level will make the atmosphere become less comfortable as the previous months.
The monsoonal period lasts from late May to October, causing heavy rains in this region. Especially, the West Coast will experience the peak rainfall from mid-September and mid-October, with a dramatic increase in the average precipitation and rainy days.
Phuket In Dry Season Suitable For Beach Relaxation
Gulf of Thailand (East Coast)
- Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Khanom, Koh Phangan
- Pattaya, Koh Chang, Hua Hin & Cha Am
The best time to travel to the East Coast for nice weather is from January to March. Featuring refreshing winds and a low chance of rain, these factors keep the temperature of this region remain in a comfortable level - the average temperature this period is from 28°C - 30°C. From March, the weather changes and becomes hotter, and the temperature reaches a peak of 35°C from April to May.
From May to June, afternoon showers appear with high frequency, usually lasting for 1 hour, bringing a clear blue sky after that. The monsoon is from September, there is a significant increase in rainfall and humidity, and the level reaches its peak in the time between October and November.
Koh Samui In Dry Season With Bright Sunlight And Emerald Water