Thailand Travel Weather

April

A transitional season that ends the dry season and heralds the arrival of the monsoon. With April, the weather begins to play tricks, the high season also ends and there are far fewer tourists. It is one of the hottest months of the year, bringing temperatures in excess of 35°C and light, fleeting rainfall. The heat is practically all over the country, which, with relatively little rainfall and dry air, can be quite difficult to endure.

Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai) is also haunted by hot weather in April. For the more sensitive individuals, daytime temperatures dangerously approaching 40 degrees Celsius and the dry air, along with the fog created by farmers burning their fields, can be a major inconvenience. Only on mountain trails leading to higher elevations (Tanen Tong Dan) can one feel a slight chill. In mid-April, during the Songkran (Thai New Year) celebrations, Chiang Mai is worth a visit.

Central Thailand (Bangkok, Ayuthaya, Kanchanaburi) is hot and sunny in April. Temperatures reaching 40°C make visiting the main attractions very tiring. It is advisable to move in air-conditioned vehicles and book air-conditioned hotel rooms. It is also advisable to look for a hotel with a swimming pool where you can effectively cool down. Here Songkran is also celebrated lavishly, with the streets turning into water battlefields.

Eastern Thailand (the islands of Ko Chang, Ko Kut, Ko Samet, Ko Mak, the coastal cities of Hua Hin, Pattaya) this month is warm and pleasant. On the coast and islands it rains a little more, but this does not prevent tourists from relaxing. Usually short-lived rain brings temporary cooling, refreshment and relief from the prevailing heat. A good time for beachcombing and sea bathing especially for those who prefer a more intimate vacation away from the tourist crowds.

The southeastern coast (the islands of Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, Ko Tao, the Ang Throng archipelago) is characterized by hot and sunny weather, cooled from time to time by passing rains. Conditions for beachcombing and water sports are excellent. Admittedly, it rains a little more frequently and intensively than in previous months, but this is not very inconvenient, and sometimes even salutary. There are still favorable conditions for diving with good visibility and the possibility of watching whale sharks on Koh Tao and Koh Samui.

The southwest coast (the islands of Ko Similan, Ko Phi Phi, Phuket, Ko Lanta, Ko Jum, Ko Muk, Ao Phang Nga National Park, Railay Peninsula and Krabi) is more rainy than the southeast coast. Rainfall occurring about 2-3 times a week cools the air, as does the breeze blowing in from the sea. Still, we can count on plenty of sunshine.

May - June

The first months of the rainy season, the weather gradually deteriorates, raining heavily but very briefly. Between downpours, you can count on a good dose of sunshine and clear blue skies, which brings nature to life and the country is overgrown with lush vegetation. This is not the best time to go on vacation, but it will certainly satisfy those wishing to avoid the seasonal rush of tourists and the inflated prices that result. The tourist season is coming to an end, so some hotels and attractions may be closed, and there may also be traffic restrictions between islands.

Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai) is gradually getting wetter, with frequent rains interspersed with periods of beautiful sunny weather. Thanks to the rainfall, it is slightly cooler and the air is clearer. Green jungle landscapes, waterfalls and mountain rivers create amazing views. There are organized rafting, kayaking and rafting trips, which provide a lot of excitement during this period. Trekking conditions become problematic, mainly due to fuzzy trails and lots of mud.

Central Thailand (Bangkok, Ayuthaya, Kanchanaburi) is getting more and more frequent rains, which, combined with high air temperatures, can be a bit of a nuisance. As a result of the intense but short-lived downpours, flooded streets and local flooding can be expected in the cities. In the intervals between rainfall, you can also count on some sunshine, sightseeing then is possible, but you should remember to bring an umbrella or rain cover. The arrival of the rainy season ends the tourist season in Thailand, so some attractions are temporarily closed, which is worth bearing in mind.

Eastern Thailand (the islands of Ko Chang, Ko Kut, Ko Samet, Ko Mak, the coastal cities of Hua Hin, Pattaya) and the southwest coast (the islands of Ko Similan, Ko Phi Phi, Phuket, Ko Lanta, Ko Jum, Ko Muk, Ao Phang Nga National Park, the Railay Peninsula and Krabi) are much rainier during this period compared to the rest of the country. The skies are overcast and rainfall is frequent and intense. This is not a good time for beachcombing, on top of which the sea is rough, making safe swimming and water sports impossible.

The southeastern coast (the islands of Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, Ko Tao, Ang Throng archipelago) is hot and humid, but the rains are less intense than in other areas of Thailand. Between periodic downpours, you can count on a fair amount of nice weather for beach and sea bathing.

July - August

Months of increased monsoon impact. In most areas of Thailand, rains become more frequent and very intense. This is not a good time to travel, the weather during this period can cause numerous difficulties.

Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai and the Tanen Tong Dan mountain ranges) experiences very intense rainfall on this date. The monsoon is reaching its peak, with the sky more often hosting clouds than sunshine. In cities, street flooding is occurring, as sewage systems cannot keep up with draining excess water. Nature is in full bloom, waterfalls are stunning, but trekking through the jungle and mountains - due to rainfall, lots of mud, flooded trails and landslides - is very difficult, if not impossible. The provinces bordering Myanmar (Burma) experience even more rain than the rest of northern Thailand.

Central Thailand (Bangkok, Ayuthaya, Kanchanaburi) is characterized by high temperatures, high humidity and intense rainfall. In Bangkok, local flooding and street flooding are common, making sightseeing much more difficult. Outside the cities it is much more pleasant, especially as nature flourishes. Kanchanaburi is beautiful at this time, and the national parks are surprisingly green. However, exploring these regions due to frequent rainfall is problematic.

In eastern Thailand (the islands of Ko Chang, Ko Kut, Ko Samet, Ko Mak, the coastal cities of Hua Hin, Pattaya) and on the southwest coast (the islands of Ko Similan, Ko Phi Phi, Phuket, Ko Lanta, Ko Jum, Ko Muk, the Railay peninsula and Krabi) the monsoon rains reach their peak. This is not a good time to visit these regions. It rains practically every day, and very intensely, and it's unlikely to count on sunshine. On top of that, the sea can be very rough, making safe bathing impossible. There are local floods, landslides, roads are sometimes impassable. Travel is severely hampered, ferries between islands run less frequently, some hotels and attractions are closed.

The southeastern coast (the islands of Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, Ko Tao, the Ang Throng archipelago) is enjoying the best weather in all of Thailand at this date. Although it rains fleetingly, on average every other day, the intensity of rainfall is half that of the west coast. Sunshine is usually abundant, although there are also cloudy and windy days. You can enjoy sun and sea bathing without much trouble, and July is a particularly popular month for diving around Koh Tao.

September

A month still under the influence of the monsoon, but bringing light melt.

In northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai), the monsoon is gradually easing. Beautiful sunshine is regularly interspersed with dark clouds. Rainfall occurs, but not as frequently and intensely as in previous months (on average every other day). Trekking conditions are improving, but still beware of local waterlogging and muddy and fuzzy trails. Wildlife in its green, luscious glory makes up for any weather woes.

Central Thailand (Bangkok, Ayuthaya, Kanchanaburi) and the southwest coast (the islands of Ko Similan, Ko Phi Phi, Phuket, Ko Lanta, Ko Jum, Ko Muk, the Railay peninsula and Krabi) are experiencing an intensification of the monsoon. It is hot and humid, and rains fall frequently and intensely. Street flooding in cities, including Bangkok, is the order of the day - you never know when a street will turn into a torrent. The waterfalls in Kanchanaburi are full of water, if possible it is worth seeing them at this time. On the coast, beautiful sunny weather happens, but rarely, by far more often it is windy and cloudy. The sea can be very rough, making swimming sometimes risky and the boat trip unpleasant.

In eastern Thailand (the islands of Ko Chang, Ko Kut, Ko Samet, Ko Mak, the coastal cities of Hua Hin, Pattaya) there is a marked improvement in the weather compared to the previous month. The intensity of rainfall is almost halved. It is still sultry, steamy and humid, and it is still difficult to count on decent beach conditions.

On the southeast coast (the islands of Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, Ko Tao, the Ang Throng archipelago) the monsoon has not yet kicked in for good. This region boasts the best weather in the country at this time. There is some fleeting rainfall, but it is not so frequent and intense as to hamper leisure activities. You can still hit a lot of nice, sunny weather.

October

Transitional month - ending the rainy season and heralding the arrival of the dry season. The weather is not yet ideal in all regions, but it is definitely friendlier than in previous months.

Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai) is slowly saying goodbye to the monsoon. It rains two to three times a week, the average temperature drops a bit, to around 24°C - 27°C, and the air is less humid. However, there are still not enough sunny days to enjoy the beautiful aura anymore. Mae Hong Son and Pai are particularly pleasant at this time of year - it's not too crowded. This is the last month before the influx of tourists in the region, so prices are still low. Hiking along mountain trails is becoming more enjoyable.

In central Thailand (Bangkok, Ayuthaya, Kanchanaburi) the monsoon is weakening slightly, but it is still quite rainy. It rains less than in September, but still averages every other day. Between the passing rains, you can count on a lot of sunshine and very decent weather. However, one should expect possible difficulties in the form of local flooding and waterlogging.

Eastern Thailand (the islands of Ko Chang, Ko Kut, Ko Samet, Ko Mak, the coastal cities of Hua Hin, Pattaya) is slowly brightening up, although still far from beautiful and stable weather. It's raining half as much as last month, but it's still very wet nonetheless. From week to week you can count on better and better beach conditions.

The weather on the southeast coast (the islands of Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, Ko Tao, the Ang Throng archipelago) and the southwest coast (the islands of Ko Similan, Ko Phi Phi, Phuket, Ko Lanta, Ko Jum, Ko Muk, the Railay peninsula and Krabi) is very variable. It still blows a lot, rains heavily - four to five days a week, and the sea is choppy - making swimming and boating difficult. Nevertheless, sunny days also occur. The monsoon in this month passes from west to east, so the first half of the month is better for a visit to the eastern part of the peninsula, while in the second half of October it is definitely better to rest on the western part. The end of the month is worth a visit to Khao Sok National Park, where it will still be a bit rainy, but the whole area will look phenomenal. You can also take part in the annual and somewhat controversial "Vegetarian Festival" in Phuket. Every year thousands of devotees descend here to mutilate their bodies. The festival participants then walk through the streets of the city in nine different processions over nine days.

November - March

The months of the dry season encompass the peak tourist season in Thailand. Most areas of the country have downright perfect weather. The perfect time for all forms of recreation, from sightseeing and mountain trekking to beach and sea bathing. Warm and sunny days, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C, create comfortable conditions for tourists who flock to Thailand in large numbers during this time. Rainfall is very infrequent, only in places will we hit some fleeting rains.

Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai) is beautiful during this period. The months of November through March are the best time for mountain escapades, jungle treks and biking around Chiang Mai. Days are usually bright and sunny, with temperatures around 20°C - 25°C. Evenings and nights get chilly, below 20°C, while at high altitudes the mercury bar can drop as low as 10°C. When going trekking, be sure to have warm clothes and a sleeping bag for the night. Locals often walk around in jackets and hats, a normal sight at this time. Precipitation is not abundant, it rains only once or twice a week. The air is extremely fresh and clear, so you can count on beautiful views. In December and January, due to the large number of tourists, hotels are overcrowded and there may be problems finding vacancies, so it is worth taking care to book in advance. The north of Thailand in March is drier and warmer, and often even hotter, with temperatures reaching above 30°C. Intense sun and lack of wind can be a bit tiring then. Fog created by the widespread burning of fields by farmers, thus preparing the land for the new growing season, can also be an inconvenience.

Central Thailand (Bangkok, Ayuthaya, Kanchanaburi) is characterized by excellent weather, with temperatures reaching 30°C, only evenings and nights are sometimes a few degrees cooler. Lots of sunshine, infrequent rainfall and low humidity make it an ideal time for sightseeing and hiking along the trails of national parks, including a visit to Khau Yai National Park. The tourist season is in full swing, hotels and restaurants are getting crowded, and all the more touristy places are bustling with activity. You can forget about low prices, and many hotels require reservations well in advance. Crowds of tourists occupy the main attractions of Bangkok and Ayuthaya. It's also hard to count on a quiet, intimate visit to the Damnoensaduak floating market or the bridge over the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi.

Eastern Thailand (the islands of Ko Chang, Ko Kut, Ko Samet, Ko Mak, the coastal cities of Hua Hin, Pattaya) offers beautiful, sunny weather. It is true that in November there are fleeting rainfalls, but from December onward the weather is downright perfect. Both air temperatures hovering around 30°C and the warm sea (about 28°C) are conducive to beachcombing, swimming and water sports and snorkeling.

The southeastern coast (the islands of Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, Ko Tao, Ang Throng archipelago) from November to January is Thailand's rainiest region. Despite the more heavy rains, which usually come in the form of brief but intense downpours, you can still count on plenty of sunshine. In December, tourists arrive and it gets crowded - especially on Ko Tao and Ko Phangan, where crowds descend for the famous New Year's Full Moon Party. From February onward, rainy days are almost non-existent, and temperatures reaching 30°C make beachcombing a breeze. The skies are cloudless almost all the time and the sea is calm - there is no better weather for kayaking, snorkeling or sea bathing.

The southwest coast (the islands of Ko Similan, Ko Phi Phi, Phuket, Ko Lanta, Ko Jum, Ko Muk, the Railay peninsula and Krabi) is still a bit humid in November and there may be some fleeting rainfall. However, there is no shortage of sunshine either, so there are no major problems with enjoying the beaches. In December, no one complains about the weather anymore, the sun is in full force and temperatures range between 28°C and 35°C. Cloudless skies and a light breeze blowing off the sea make relaxation more pleasant. Crowds of tourists are basking on the beaches, holiday resorts are bursting at the seams, and all tourist attractions are bustling with activity. The ideal time for lovers of sea bathing, water sports and boat cruises. The weather is also favorable for rock climbing enthusiasts who flock to Railay at this time, and for those hiking the trails of Khao Sok National Park. In March, the clarity of the water guarantees an amazing experience for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, and gives a good chance of spotting manta rays and whale sharks.