Weather in Thailand
People usually say that definite seasons don’t exist in Thailand and the three seasonal periods Thailand sees are ‘hot’, ‘hotter’ and ‘hottest’. This is, of course, not entirely true as Thailand is also blessed with mild breeze during the winter and the weather can be cool enough to be pleasant. However, if you plan to visit Thailand, be prepared for the heat most the year round.
The weather in Thailand can be best described as tropical and humid. Some parts of the country are dominated by monsoons. The hottest months of the year fall between April and May where the temperature can go up to about 37-40° C, inducing numerous complaints even by the locals. The rainy season falls between June to October when the south and the west regions are affected by monsoons. The cool season months of November, December, January and February is probably everyone’s favourite’ as the temperature drops to around 18-20°, which is already considered quite cold in Thailand. These months are the country’s so-called ‘winter’, bringing a number of tourists to visit Thailand.
Thailand is an elongated country stretching from the equatorial balminess of the South to the temperate coolness of the Northern highlands. Here’s a quick guide by region.
Thailand weather in Bangkok and the Central region
The central of Thailand has seasons that are quite defined with April being the hottest month, causing a number of Bangkokians to flee for other cooler provinces. The temperature in Bangkok and neighbouring cities is mostly hot, with an average temperature being around 35-37°. The coolest month is December when the temperature drops to about 25-30°. Monsoon rains occasionally affect the central part of the country during the rainy season. October sees a lot of rain and heavy downpours. Some cities suffer from flooding during this period. Humidity between June and October amplifies the heat in this city, and most locals stick to air conditioned environments.
This region includes the west part of Thailand which boasts pleasant weather almost all year round, since it comprises a mountain range that runs along the Burma border. April, just like any parts of the country, can be extremely hot but the west is usually blessed by cooling breezes and sharp showers which last for only a short time, keeping the region refreshingly cool and lush. The rainy season sees short, sharp downpours which are usually followed by the sunshine.
Thailand weather in The South
A thriving oasis for lovers of sand, sea and a lot of sun, the southern region of Thailand sees only two seasons: the rainy and the summer. However, these two seasons visit the south at the different periods on the east and the west side of the peninsular. The southern monsoon brings rain and storms to the west coast from April through October while the east coast sees heavy rainfalls in September, October, November and December. So, if you decide to visit the charming south, make sure you remember these periods and visit the region when it’s dry. However, do note that the sun can be very strong in the south, luckily the sea breeze takes the edge of the heat, making it suitable year round. You might get caught in a day-liong shower in the rainy season but without the tourist crush, this time of year is better value for money.
Thailand weather in the East
The east of Thailand includes the city of Pattaya, which experiences much the same weather as Bangkok, 150kms northwest, but benefits from sea breezes. The weather in the east is similar to that in the central part of Thailand, with more rainfalls in the rainy season due to its location on the east coast of the country. Watch out for the thunder storms during this season. The summer sees a lot of tourists in the ares, and November, December, January and February aren’t too chilly like other regions but are affected from short sharp showers, which usually keep the weather cool and breezy. This is the best time to visit the east of Thailand.
Thailand weather in The North
The northern part of Thailand sees the best weather in the country, boasting defined and predictable seasons. The weather between November and May is usually dry, with November to February being a bit on the chilly side, while the temperature can be quite hot from March to May. The north of Thailand is popular among tourists; the cooling breezes make their visit in this sizzling country a little more bearable. The period you might want to stay away from is between March and June when it becomes very hazy, and horribly dry. The rainy season is less torrential than the coastal regions and November is delightfully cool yet still very lush from the rains.
Thailand weather in Isarn
Known for its rich and unique culture, the north-east part of Thailand can be very hot and dry. The midday sun is usually very strong. It sits in a part of Thailand that doesn’t get much of the monsoon downpours and can be drought ridden. As the region doesn’t have too many green areas, staying out in the afternoon can be too much to handle. The weather, however, gets quite chilly in the evenings. The summer period is definitely to be avoided, with boiling heat and a lot of dust. May brings rainfalls to the region and makes the weather a little less unbearable. The winter is the best time to visit the region.
