Thailand's weather is influenced by monsoons that sweep over
the country creating three seasons in the north and
central areas and two in the south.
North: Hot Season -
boasts high temperatures and lightweight cotton clothes are
best. Cool Season - a few warmer layers are
required as temperatures drop at night. Rainy Season
- sees heavy rainfall throughout due to the effects of the
southwest monsoon. Central
Thailand: Hot Season
-high temperatures/humidity. Cool Season -
remains quite hot but evenings tend to be cooler and a few
warm layers are required. Rainy season - most
rain tends to fall between August and September - flooding
can be common towards the end of this period.
South: Differences in
temperature and rainfall occur during both seasons on the
east and west coasts. Rainy Season -
torrential rain tends to fall in short bursts, usually
lasting only a couple of hours each day. Most rain falls
between June and November. Hot and Dry Season -
is relatively rain-free between January and April.
Flooding on the west coast is commonplace. Travel elsewhere
during the rainy season is not necessarily problematic
unless visiting areas where roads are unpaved, as rain
renders these tracks impassable.
Carry a lightweight jumper as it can be chillingly cold
inside air-conditioned buildings.
North Thailand
Chiang Mai |
Average temperature |
Average rainfall |
Hot Season March - June |
21 - 34oC |
69mm |
Rainy Season July - September |
23 - 31oC |
218mm |
Cool Season October - February |
16 - 30oC |
30mm |
|
The climate of Northern Thailand is slightly more pleasant
than other parts of the country.
Light cotton clothes are recommended all year round.
Hot Season - high temperatures are
experienced throughout the day and only drop slightly at
night.
Rainy Season - heavy rainfall
throughout, although temperatures remain quite high. An
umbrella is always useful at this time as it is sometimes
too warm to consider wearing waterproof clothing.
Cool Season - warmer clothes are
required during the cooler months when temperatures fall
slightly through the day and even more so at night. Very
little rain falls during this time.
High humidity is prevalent throughout the year, except in
the more mountainous regions.
Best time to visit: During the
Cool Season when both rainfall and temperatures are
lower. Warmer clothes are essential for the evenings.
Thailand weather
Central Thailand
Bangkok |
Average temperature |
Average rainfall |
Hot Season March - May |
25 - 34oC |
97mm |
Rainy Season June - October |
24 - 32oC |
101mm |
Cool Season November - February |
21 - 32oC |
25mm |
|
Central Thailand covers a wide land area and the climate can
vary across this expanse. Light, cotton clothing is
recommended, especially as humidity levels remain quite high
throughout the year.
Hot Season - boasts the hottest
weather; heat becomes quite oppressive and temperatures can
soar above the average. Only a small amount of rain falls
during March and April, whilst May begins to see an increase
as a prelude to the rainy season.
Rainy Season - the timing of this
season can vary slightly each year depending on when the
monsoon arrives. However, this is usually from June until
October, bringing heavy rain and high temperatures.
Cool Season - although daytime
temperatures remain quite high during the winter months,
warmer items of clothing are advisable for the cooler
nights. Best time to visit:
The Cool Season when temperatures are high and
humidity is relatively low.
Southern Thailand West Coast
Phuket |
Average temperature |
Average rainfall |
Hot and Dry Season November - May |
25 - 31oC |
125mm |
Rainy Season June - October
|
26 - 30oC |
315mm |
|
The climate of southern Thailand is
influenced by monsoon winds and remains warm and humid
throughout the year. Light cotton clothes are recommended at
any time of the year and an umbrella is a must during the
wet months. Rainy Season
- can be a pleasant time of year to visit with occasional
heavy rain and long sunny periods between showers. However,
September and October tend to exhibit higher rainfall and
less in the way of sunny spells.
Best time to visit: During the
Hot and Dry Season - as cool sea breezes ease the high
temperatures and humidity. November to January experience
relatively high rainfall for the season and April and May
are the hottest months.
Southern Thailand East Coast
Surat Thani |
Average temperature |
Average rainfall |
Hot and Dry Season January - April |
21 - 32oC |
40mm |
Rainy Season May - December |
24 - 31oC |
200mm |
|
The climate of southern
Thailand is influenced by monsoon winds and remains warm and
humid throughout the year. Light cotton clothes are
recommended at all times and an umbrella is a must during
the wet months. Hot and Dry
Season - temperatures remain high,
especially during April when they can soar above the
average. Rainy Season
- rainfall tends to be heaviest towards the end of the year.
Rain showers can be short lived and long sunny periods
intervene - an umbrella is recommended rather than
waterproof clothes due to the heat.
October and November normally see very long periods of
rainfall and less in the way of sunshine.
Best time to visit: During the
Hot and Dry Season when rainfall is minimal.
Thailand weather
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