LUXTRAVEL THAILAND
Thailand's climate and seasons
The time of the year that best fits your journey in Thailand will depend on the climate. There are generally three distinct seasons which can determine which regions are best visited during which months.
It should be noted that most areas of Thailand can be visited most months of the year. The best weather with lowest rainfall is from November to February which is the tourist high season but other months are good for travel. Just expect increased temperatures and some downpours. The period with the highest rainfall over most of the country is September to mid-October.
THE COOL SEASON
NOVEMBER TO FEBRUARY
The cooler weather is from around mid-October to February. It is generally regarded as the ideal time to visit, particularly in the north and it is the high season for tourism in Thailand. It coincides with one of the most popular festivals, Loi Krathong in November. The months of October to February have the driest and sunniest weather over most of the country.
THE HOT SEASON
MARCH TO JUNE
The hot period generally runs from March to early June. Temperatures throughout the day can be high, however is still may not be a bad time to visit as the northern regions are not so hot and it coincides with one of the largest festivals of the year, Songkran festival (Thai new year) in April. It can also be an excellent time to visit the beach after the high season has finished in Feburary.
THE RAINY SEASON
JULY TO OCTOBER
The rainy period starts around mid-June and runs to the end of October. It is caused by the southwest monsoon dumping moisture gathered from the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. It is the least predictable of the three seasons, varying in length and intensity from year to year. Keep in mind there are regional variations, with less rain in the north and north-east. There is likely to be some rain most days however, it is often for a few hours in the afternoon or at night. The peak of the rainy season is generally in August and September. It can also be a good time to visit northern regions and also the Gulf Coast islands of Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao.