Destination Thailand
When to Travel?
Thailand’s climate is tropical, and is largely affected by the North-East Monsoon and the South-West Monsoon, which bring changes in weather patterns on a cyclical basis. The central, northern and north eastern areas have three seasons while the Southern peninsula areas and the deep south of Thailand, are subject mainly to two seasons based on the monsoons.
Cool Season: Late November – February
This season correlates with the high season for tourism. In the Northern and North Eastern regions of the country, temperatures range from a cool 8°C to a daily high of 23°C. There is usually no rain and the skies are cloudless. In the Central Plains, which includes Bangkok the weather is perfect with clear skies and daily temperatures in the range of 16°C and 28°C.
Hot Season: March – June
At this time of the year Thailand will experience its hottest and most dry period. At times the weather can become oppressive. and is often referred to as the #8216;hot dry season#8217; and continues until the rains in June or July. At this time of year Thailand receives less visitors and rates at hotels are lower than at other times, so it can be a favourable time of year to visit.
Summer Season: July – October
July through October is known generally as the green or wet season, this is when Thailand receives the annual rains brought along by the South-West Monsoon. This time of year is a perfect time to see Thailand covered in a lush green cover, with rice fields, streams and rivers brimming.
Thailand Temperature and Rainfall Guide
The statistics below are for Central Thailand, however they give a general indication for almost the whole of Thailand.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Daytime Temperature – Central Thailand | ||||||||||||
| °C | 30 | 31 | 34 | 36 | 35 | 33 | 32 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 30 |
| °F | 86 | 88 | 93 | 97 | 95 | 91 | 90 | 91 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 86 |
| Average Rainfall – Central Thailand | ||||||||||||
| cm | 1.0 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 14.5 | 16.5 | 17.5 | 30.0 | 21.0 | 7.0 | 0.5 |
| inches | 0.4 | 1.0 | 1.4 | 2.4 | 3.1 | 14.5 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 12.0 | 8.3 | 2.8 | 0.2 |
It is worth noting that in December and January, Northern Thailand night time temperatures may drop substantially from the day time highs. In some mountain areas the reading could be as low as 0 degrees Celsius during the night. Elsewhere the night temperatures are cool to mild.
