Thailand is well-known for its outstanding beaches, spicy cuisine and welcoming people to create the fantastic holiday experience. Thailand benefits from a tropical climate that consists of two seasons: dry and wet. However, there are parts of the southern regions (Thai Peninsula) that sees more typical monsoon climate.
The Thailand weather and climate is waiting to be enjoyed at most times of the year, except for some of the most rural regions that become inaccessible at the height of the wet season. Also, the winter weather can have a negative impact on the idyllic beaches with high seas.
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
The peak season in Thailand takes place from November until February with weather that is hot and pleasant throughout most of the country. The dry season runs from November to May in the northern regions. The heavy rainfall is noticed mostly between June and October, while the temperature cools from October to January.
For travellers to the south of the country, the region is split with the east coast getting most of its rainfall throughout the months of September, October, November and December, while on the west coast the highest rainfall is between April and October. At any other time of the year, the climate is sunny and dry to make it perfect for the sightseeing trips on the Thailand holiday.
North and central
In the northern districts of Thailand, the dry season begins in November until late-May/early-June and is unlikely to receive much if any rainfall during this time. The temperature in the region starts to rise from mid-January with the weather at its hottest for March, April and May with highs of 30° to 40° C.
The high temperature is mostly noticed in central regions on the Thailand holiday and will continue to last until the wet season arrives. But, with the arrival of the rains, there is the likelihood of increased humidity which means the sightseeing activities can become less comfortable.
At the start of the rainy season (June, July and August) the temperature range is still quite high at about 27° C to 32° C, although there is a drastic decline once the winter season arrives in October/November. The rainy season starts with short downpours that last one or two hours, but soon becomes more persistent and heavier as the season progresses. The worst of the rain is likely to be experienced from August to September.
Most of the hot, sticky weather, as well as the rainfall are passed by November with the more pleasant climate (17°C to 26°C) likely to last for the next six months. The temperature is the coolest in the northern regions with the high altitude. When considering what to pack for Thailand tour, you want to include several warm layers for this time of year because the temperature gets quite cold and chilly in the evenings.
Popular destinations to visit in northern and central Thailand include: Bangkok, Issan, Chiang Kham, Kanchanaburi, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.
Gulf of Thailand
The eastern coast of Thailand has three distinct seasons.
Tourists to this region can expect good weather between December and February with refreshing winds and little rain to maintain the moderate temperature. A benefit of the wind is the ability to create the dynamic sea conditions which are certain to appeal to the water sports devotees.
The temperature in the Gulf of Thailand will start to rise from March with the hottest period arriving in April or May (average daily temperature 28° C to 34° C). The start of the rain isn't likely to arrive until about June with the short, one-hour bursts of rainfall in the afternoon.
By early September the monsoon conditions are expected to arrive and they will present a significant rise in humidity and a lot of rainfall. However, the temperature is still high at this time – mid-30° C – but the sunny spells are regularly broken up by periods of rainfall. The peak of the rainfall takes place throughout the months of October and November.
Also, there are coastal resorts like Hua Hin & Cha Am on the Gulf of Thailand that are dealt a slightly different climate, and only experience the heavy rainfall between September and October. Other things to do in Thailand include the Koh Kood and Koh Chang islands, they enjoy a weather pattern much like parts of the Andaman Sea coast with a rainy season lasting from May to October.
Popular destinations to visit in the Gulf of Thailand includes: Khanom, Koh Phan Ngan, Hua Hin, Koh Tao, Cha Am and Koh Samui.
Andaman Sea
The west coast of Thailand is split between three seasons. A great time to visit this region on the Thailand tour packages is between November and March. The cooling breeze helps to keep the sky-high temperatures at bay and the average is kept at a very pleasant 26° C to 32° C. Also, the cooling wind is useful for keeping the humidity levels within the more acceptable range.
The benefit of the cooling winds is lost from about late-March until May when the humidity and temperature will start to rise to an average daily range of 30° C to 36° C.
By the end of May, the monsoon weather has arrived, which brings the rains – this will continue until October. The heaviest of the rainfall is seen between mid to late September until October. Before the heavy rain arrives, the rainfall is the predictable heavy and short spells that take place in the afternoon.
Popular destinations to visit on the west coast of Thailand include: Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Koh Lanta, Khao Lak, Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Krabi.
Southern Thailand
A trip to southern Thailand gives a perfect opportunity to explore one of the best places to visit Thailand - the beautiful Khao Sok National Park. The climate in this region is much like the Andaman Sea coastline with most of the rain taking place from May until October. However, this is a very wet region of Thailand and there is a high risk of experiencing showers at any time of the year.
The National Park is well worth a visit during the wet season because the climate is comfortable (24° to 26° C) with the rainforest lush and green, and there is increased opportunity to see the local wildlife.
