Thailand Climate & Weather
Thailand is located between vast areas of land and water, so it is impacted by both the summer and the winter monsoons. As a result, Thailand weather consists of six months of rainfalls during the wet season, three months of dry and cooling breezes during the winter, and three months of heat during the summer. The average temperature of Thailand ranges from 18 to 38°C.
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
The best time to visit Thailand is during high season which takes place between November to February, when the weather is generally at its best throughout the country.
In Northern Thailand dry season is between November & May; June to October is characterised by heavy rainfall and temperatures are cooler between October & January.
The south can be split into two: the wettest months on the West Coast are between April & October; whilst the East Coast experiences heavy rainfall from September to December. During the rest of the year, dry and sunny weather is the order of the day.
Thailand January weather overview
January is one of the best (and hence most popular) months of the year to visit Thailand with favourable weather conditions throughout the country.
Thailand February weather overview
Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and much of northern Thailand are likely to be cool and dry, with little chance of rain (avg temp: 22-25°C). These favourable weather conditions make February an ideal month for the outdoor activities that the north is so well known for and provides a welcome break from the heat further south.
Thailand March weather overview
Temperatures will now be starting to rise throughout Thailand, and this is most often felt in Chiang Mai and the north of the country where the cooler winter months make way for the start of summer and daytime temperatures can hit 35°C. In the south the temperature is also rising with plenty of sun.
Thailand April weather overview
Temperatures throughout Thailand in April can be summed up in one word – hot – with average temperatures in the high 30°C’s a frequent occurrence.
Thailand May weather overview
May sees a welcome drop in temperature throughout the country, although highs of 33-34°C are not unusual, and most (but not all) regions experience a notable rise in rainfall, albeit low and sporadic initially.
Thailand June weather overview
Whilst far from guaranteed, there is a reasonable chance of rain throughout much of Thailand in June. Temperatures remain high (avg temp: 29-31°C) and, at least initially, the rain is likely to come in the form of short downpours, with periods of good weather expected throughout much of the day.
Thailand July weather overview
Temperatures drop slightly throughout Thailand in July (avg temp: 28 - 29°C), and as the month progresses, rainfall will increase with short daily showers likely to become more prolonged as you move towards August, and some of the heaviest rains of the year.
Thailand August weather overview
Rainfall across much of Thailand is at its peak in August, with temperatures continuing to drop slightly although humidity levels will remain high (avg temp: 26-30 °C).
Thailand September weather overview
Country-wide, September tends to be the wettest month of the year in Thailand with all corners of the country receiving rain in varying amounts. Temperatures continue to decline gradually throughout the month (avg temp: 25- 9°C) and thunder storms are not unusual as the humidity reaches its peak.
Thailand October weather overview
October is a month of change, although when that change will actually arrive is anyone’s guess! The rains should start to recede and the humidity levels fall as the month progresses. Temperatures are also declining as October marks the start of ‘winter’ in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and northern Thailand (avg temp: 24-27°C).
Thailand November weather overview
By November, rain is becoming a distant memory for much of Thailand, especially later in the month. Humidity is now also out of the picture as temperatures remain relatively low (by Thai standards).
Thailand December weather overview
December is one of the best months of the year to travel in Thailand: expect minimal rainfall, favourable temperatures and plenty of sunshine.