If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, you’ll need to know what the seasons are and what to expect in different regions. This guide gives you a comprehensive view of what to expect during the year, so that you can decide when to plan your visit. Thailand’s climate is tropical with a rainy season that is also dominated by monsoons, a hot season and a mild dry season.
At a glance: the weather in Thailand by month
Below is a summary of the typical weather in Thailand. This chart shows the average high/low temperatures and precipitation for each month, giving you a sense of the weather throughout the year. Remember, the weather can be very different in the other parts of the region (north, center, south).
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rain (mm/in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32 °C / 90 °F | 21 °C / 70 °F | 20 mm / 0.8 in |
| February | 33°C / 91°F | 23°C / 73°F | 30 mm / 1.2 in |
| March | 34°C / 93°F | 25°C / 77°F | 50 mm / 2.0 in |
| April | 35°C / 95°F | 26°C / 79°F | 90 mm / 3.5 in |
| May | 34°C / 93°F | 26°C / 79°F | 220 mm / 8.7 in |
| June | 33°C / 91°F | 26°C / 79°F | 160mm / 6.3 in |
| JUILLET | 32° C / 90° F | 25° C / 77° F | 170 mm / 6,7 po |
| August | 32 °C / 90 °F | 25 °C / 77 °F | 180 mm / 7.1 in |
| September | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 240 mm / 9.4 in |
| October | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 200 mm / 7.9 in |
| November | 31C/88F | 24C/75F | 60mm/2.4in |
| December | 31°C / 88°F | 22°C / 72°F | 20 mm / 0.8 in |
This table shows the rainfall jump between the rainy season months of May through October and the dry season months of November through April. Temperatures are hot all year round, and the hottest time is usually before the rains.
What is the Weather Like in Thailand All Year?
The majority of the country’s weather is tropical which leaves the country hot and humid throughout the year. Most of the country experiences three seasons — the hot, rainy and cool, whereas the northern regions have a hot season for 3–4 months and cool for the remainder of the year.
Thailand’s hot season usually extends from March to May. At this point, it is very hot and humid. Some travelers find this time to be extremely uncomfortable, especially in the interior alcoves. April is also known as the hottest month.
The wet season, which is the southwest monsoon season, is usually from May to October. It is the rainy season and there are more rainfalls which usually falls as brief, dramatic rain during the afternoons. Although it does not rain all the time, when it does, the rain showers can be heavy. It also cools things off a touch after the hot season.
The four-month long cold season starts in November and last until February, driven by the northeast monsoon. This is when most people say necessarily the best time of year to visit Thailand, in terms of weather. It’s not as hot, it’s not as humid, it doesn’t rain nearly as much. This is the height of tourist season.
Geographical differences are remarkable. In southern Thailand, including the coasts and islands, precipitation is somewhat different and there are two wet seasons. The Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea coastlines may experience their worst monsoon rains at disparate times. In the cool season, northern Thailand may be cool, especially at night.
When is the best time to visit Thailand
The best time to go to Thailand depends on your tolerance for heat and rain as well your tolerance for crowds. Thailand’s three primary seasons yield three distinctive travel experiences.
For the majority of tourists, it’s best to travel to Thailand during the cool season from November to February. The climate is warm and sunny with little rain which is perfect for sightseeing in the cities, checking out the beautiful temples, and kicking back on the white sand beaches. It’s also high tourist season, so anticipate bigger crowds and higher prices.
The hot season (March to May) is extremely hot and humid with temperatures reaching up to 45 degree Celsius. While the crowds are not as large as in the cool season, the heat can be brutal, making sightseeing uncomfortable during the hottest hours of the day. That said, it is a brilliant time for water sports and to join in the Songkran (Thai New Year) festival in April.
Higher rainfall is recorded during the rainy season from May to October. Going during the rainy season may not seem ideal, but there are benefits. That means fewer tourists and cheaper prices for flights and accommodations, plus lush green landscapes. Rain showers are likely to be short lived, and there should still be plenty of sunshine. Some islands and coastlines could see rougher seas during that time.
For the best combination of good weather and fewer crowds, trip-planners recommend the shoulder months of November and February (at the start and end of the cool season) or May and October (at the start and end of the rainy season), although transition months can be less predictable in terms of weather.
Thailand Weather By The Month
Weather in Thailand The weather center of Thailand It has three seasons. Here is a month-by-month summary of what you might expect to find across the country. Just a reminder, there are regional variants as well.
January: Is the cool, dry season in January. It’s one of the busiest months to visit Thailand. Plan for plenty of sunshine, low humidity and comfortable temperatures, particularly in central and northern Thailand. Good weather is also expected in the south of Thailand, with the possibility of a slight drizzle. /roundups/thailand/january
February: February remains the cool, dry season. There is a slight increase of temperature as the warm season returns. It’s still sunny and not too humid – perfect for the beach or for outdoor activities. Did most of them flock home earlier in the year then, or did the virus continue spreading in the community through the peak tourism months? /roundups/thailand/february
March Month: Now it is the time for hot season to begin. Temperatures soar, and humidity rises. It tends to be dry, but can be very hot, especially in locales such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai inland. Seabreezes may make coastal areas and islands appear a little cooler. /roundups/thailand/march
April: Thailand is usually the warmest in April. It can get very hot, although it’s not uncommon for the temperature to be over 35°C (95°F). Humidity is also high. This is at the time of the Songkran festival where water throwing is a tradition and can be a fun way to cool off. If you are traveling this month, expect brutally hot weather. /roundups/thailand/april
May: May is when the hot season gives way to the rains. It stays hot, but it gets wet as the southwest monsoon arrives. Showers may be heavy — but they are often short, bringing relief from the heat. Landscapes are greening up. /roundups/thailand/may
June: June is the beginning of the rainy season. Count on periodic showers — but not necessarily all-day rain. Warm and humid, temperatures are high. There are fewer crowds than in the dry season and you may be able to find better prices. Outdoor activities are still manageable for the most part in between showers. /roundups/thailand/june
July: The rainfall embedded in rainy season is reflected with uniform pattern of rainfall during the whole month. Showers are frequent, mainly in the afternoon. It’s still hot and humid as hell here. Even with the rain, there are some sunny breaks. It’s an ideal time to visit if you don’t mind a bit of rain and are trying to avoid peak season crowds. /roundups/thailand/july
August: August is July-like when it comes to the weather, it rains often, and it is very humid. Temperatures remain warm. It is in the low season, with fewer crowds and, possibly, better savings on accommodations and flights. If you’re traveling this month, be ready for rain. /roundups/thailand/august
September September is the wettest month in many areas of Thailand, especially in the central and northern provinces. There should be plenty of showers and some longer outbreaks of rain. You never really know what you are going to get with Southern Thailand’s weather. Even with the rain, there are sunny breaks. It’s the gentlest month for tourism. /roundups/thailand/september
October: The month of October Chris rains begin to slowly give up particularly towards the end of the month, signaling the shutting of the rainy season. The rain diminishes, and the humidity may even lower. Temperatures remain warm. It’s a shoulder month, with unpredictable weather, but consequently, fewer crowds before the cool season. /roundups/thailand/october
November: Cool dry season starts in November. The weather is much better – less rainy, less humid, and cooler. This is the beginning of the high tourist season. It’s prime time to explore much of the country. /roundups/thailand/november
December: December falls during the middle of the cool, dry season and is one of the busiest months for tourism in Thailand. Look for plenty of sunshine, low humidity and mild temperatures. From island hopping to beach going to outdoor activities, the conditions couldn’t be better to enjoy some time on the beach. And it’s high season, so prices are high and the place is packed. /roundups/thailand/december
What to pack for Thailand for the Weather
When packing for Thailand, it’s worth bearing in mind that the weather is fairly hot and sticky, with defined wet and dry seasons. Comfortable, light clothes are a must at any time of year.
Consider packing:
- Pieces of clothing that are 100% or close to 100% cotton or lightweight linen (t shirts, shorts, skirts, dresses)
- Swimwear for beaches and pools
- A pair of comfy sandals or flip-flops
- A light raincoat, or umbrella, especially in the rainy season
- Waterproof electronics and valuables bags or cases
- Sunblock, sunglasses, and sun hat to protect against the sun
- Bug spray – this is important for nights and if you are going to be in rural places where mosquitoes will be predominating.
- A lightweight sweater or shawl for cooler evenings in the north or air conditioned spaces
- Shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting temples.
There may be just a short shower even during the dry season, so it doesn’t hurt to be prepared for the rain. packing versatile things you can layer up with is going to be a life saver.
How to Travel During Thailand’s Rainy Season
Thailand during the rainy season (May to October) could be a really good time to visit if you want to avoid the major crowds and possibly get better deals. And yes you’ll experience rain but it doesn’t, that often, impact your travel plans as much as you might imagine.
Anticipate a daily downpour of the wet variety (heavy but generally brief, usually in the afternoon). It simply doesn’t rain non-stop for the whole day. Brimming, is more humid at this time.
The rain may produce localised flooding, particularly in urban area and resulting in some minor travel disruption. But earthshattering is rare.
There are advantages to travelling during Monsoon season, such as less tourists at sights, cheaper accommodation and flights, and greenery everywhere. The rain, too, can offer a welcome pause in the heat.
How to make the most of your trip during the rainy season:
- Bring a light rain jacket or an umbrella and waterproof bags.
- Be prepared to be flexible with your plans, and to include indoor alternatives in your itinerary.
- Embrace the rain! It remains warm, and a lot that’s pleasurable can be had.
- While you’re at it, try to visit places that see less rain or have substantial indoor attractions.
- Enjoy discounts and offers.
- Buy travel insurance that includes protection for weather-related claims.
- Stay well-hydrated in hot and humid conditions.
Travelling in the rainy season may give you a different, and often more authentic, experience of Thailand without the crowds.
Discover More Month Guides To Thailand
To kick you off planning your perfect trip, we curated a guide for every month in Thailand for you. These guides go into more detail about what weather you might expect, how the seasons vary by region, what local events are taking place, opportunities for activities at that time of year.
Whether you want to experience the crowded festivals of the burnin’ season, the vibrant colors of the raini season or the milder days of the cool season you can find some information on our monthly guides.
Considering coming during the coolest part of the season? Read our guides to December and January. Wanna know what the hot season is like? Explore our April guide. Planning a regular season trip? Our guides from July or September offer a few hints as to what to expect.
These resources are intended to help you make planning your adventure in Thailand easy, to feel comfortable with the local weather and to make the most of your stay in this varied and drop-dead-gorgeous country.
Thailand Weather FAQ’s
Here’s what you need to know about the weather in Thailand, and the most common questions from travelers.
Q: Which month is the hottest in Thailand?
A: It gets very hot in Thailand during April where average temperatures are over 35C (95F).
Q: What time is the rainy season in Thailand?
A: The rain season normally takes place between May and October, based on the southwest monsoon.
Q: Is the rainy season filled with rain all day?
A: No, not often does it rain all day long. The rain in the rainy season is usually short and heavy showering, often in the afternoon.
Q: Does Thailand have hurricanes or cyclones?
A: There can be the occasional tropical storm in the area, but Thailand is not in the direct path of significant hurricanes or cyclones as often as other regions. But tropical depressions can also carry heavy rain and strong winds, especially along the coast.
Q: When is the coolest time of year in Thailand?
A: The cool season — November through February — is the time with the friendliest temperatures and the least humid air, so that’s the coolest time to go.
Q: What is the best month to visit Thailand’s islands?
A: There are the best times to check out the islands and it really varies depending on which coastline you will be visiting, for both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand have slightly different high rain-season/humidity times. On the whole, the cool, dry season (November to February) is good for both coasts.
Conclusion
To plan the perfect trip, it’s important to know what the weather in Thailand is like and what the seasons are. Thailand’s tropical climate means the country is great to visit throughout the year – whether you are experiencing the cooler and more comfortable cool season, the green and lush rainy season, or the hot and busy dry season!
By knowing the usual weather for the time of year of your trip and using some of the following tips, you will be better prepared for the conditions and able to fully enjoy your time. Regardless of whether you’re looking for sun and sand or culture and adventure, Thailand’s weather has something to offer everyone. With this detailed summary of the weather in Thailand by month and region, you’re ready to make definitive plans and prepare for a remarkable adventure in the ‘Land of Smiles’.