A guide to weather in Thailand
Unlike the four seasons experienced in much of the world, Thailand‘s tropical setting offers only three – the wet season, the dry season and the cool season. And on the southern islands, there are only wet and dry seasons. No matter what time of year you head off on your Thailand holidays, you’ll be greeted with heat ranging from warm and pleasant to hot and sweltering. The only differences you’ll notice between seasons are a change in humidity and rainfall.
If you’re planning on booking one of our package holidays to Thailand, it doesn’t matter whether you opt for the green summer months or a warm winter getaway, you’re sure to find warm and idyllic settings to unwind in all year round.
Feeling hot, hot, hot
Thailand’s dry season lasts from March until May in the north and November until May in the south, followed by the rainy season from June until October. North of Bangkok, November through to February sees the cool season take place, with temperatures dipping from the high 40s down to 20°C. Don’t be fooled by the name though, as there are still highs of up to 32°C some days.
No cool season exists in the south, where even in January you can expect temperatures to stay between 27 and 33°C. Humidity across the country is predictably high all year round, with March through to May the steamiest months, when you should to be particularly careful to stay hydrated.
Southern climes
In the provinces of Krabi and Phuket, there’s no risk of getting cold. Both the air and the sea temperature boast 30°C warmth for most of the year, so there’s really no excuse not to have some adventures.
Don’t be put off by the title of wet season, as it simply describes the months where showers may be seen – rains are infrequent in Thailand and usually come at night. Visitors travelling in this season will often get to experience sights missed by those visiting when it has been dry for months.
Waterfalls and rivers for swimming and kayaking in reappear after long periods dried up and dusty, and the country’s lush plantlife springs back to life. Visit in August and you’ll be able to witness the stunningly green natural landscape before the heavier September rains draw in.
Alternatively, if you choose to visit in the driest months, from December through to February, you’ll find the calm sea waters make for fantastic visibility when snorkelling or diving.
Sunny Khao Lak
It’s hard to say which part of southern Thailand is the sunniest, because no matter where you go you’ll be spoiled for tanning weather. That said, we’re giving the award to Khao Lak, an area that boasts an incredible 10 hours of sunshine even in dreary-back-home February. Much like nearby Phuket, Khao Lak is unfamiliar with the concept of temperatures below 24°C and spends most of the year at a more-than-reasonable 34°C.
These temperatures may pale in comparison to the 45°C+ felt in the very north of the country during the dry season, but they are also a lot more enjoyable for long days spent basking in the sunshine drinking coconut water and cocktails.
If you’re keen to avoid the monsoon season showers, note that September and October are the wettest months in Khao Lak. The rains slow to a halt throughout November, and for sun-seekers who don’t mind missing a little of the new life the wet season brings, travelling in the driest months of January and February will be sure to help you forget precipitation ever existed.