Seasons and Weather
Thailand essentially has three seasons – rainy, cool and hot. The hot dry season starts in March and stays until May. This is followed by the rainy season from May to October. Frequent rains do occur during this time, but generally in short sharp bursts which are sometimes quite spectacular to witness – so certainly bring some waterproof clothing for this time of year. The cool season then lasts from November to February. With dry days and temperatures that are still very warm, this is considered the best time to visit.
Although Thailand broadly follows this weather pattern, there are variations between regions which are further explained below:
Climate in Northern Thailand
The more mountainous areas of northern Thailand experience the greatest range in temperatures, dropping significantly at nighttime during the cool season from November to February. Although you'll need to pack warmer evening clothing, don’t let this put you off as the days are lovely and mild and the countryside is lush and in bloom.
During the hot season from March to May, this region is often much warmer than the central plains, with the northeast in particular having to deal with dust clouds and humidity.
Climate in Southern Thailand
In contrast, temperatures are more consistent in southern Thailand. However, there are differences between the eastern and western coasts. The rainy season hits the west, or Andaman coast, harder than elsewhere in Thailand. Therefore, it's best to visit during the drier months from November to April, when there's also great snorkelling and diving.
The east, or Thailand’s Gulf coast, lies outside of the country’s general weather pattern. This part of the southern peninsula and its islands instead feel the effects of the northeast monsoon, which sees rainfall from October to January, with the highest amount in November
Best Time to Visit by Region
Given Thailand's vast length and range of landscapes, the climate can be expected to vary between regions. Here we take a closer look at the weather patterns in five of Thailand's most popular destinations.
