WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THAILAND?

The dry season in northern Thailand runs from November to May. November to mid February are the coolest months, with an average temperature range of 13-29º C, From February the weather becomes increasingly warmer and during the hottest month, April, average temperatures hover between 22-36º C.

During June and July, the temperatures begin to ease off slightly with the arrival of the wet season, which is characterised by high humidity, with average temperatures ranging from 24-31º C and typified by heavy short downpours, between which sunshine will again emerge. Maximum rainfall peaks during August and September.


In central Thailand, the dry season runs from November to May. The temperature around Bangkok undergoes little variance throughout the year. November to February are both slightly cooler months, with an average temperature range of 20-32º C, with the hottest month, April, averaging between 25-35º C.


During June and July, the temperatures begin to taper off marginally following the arrival of the wet season, with average temperatures ranging from 25-32º C and typified by heavy short downpours, between which sunshine will predominate. Maximum rainfall peaks during September.

In southern Thailand, the dry season runs from November to May. Temperatures around Phang Na Bay, including the resorts of Phuket and Krabi, show little variance throughout the year, with the period from November to February being slightly cooler, averaging 22-32º C. The hottest month, April, averages between 25-35º C. The wet season generally arrives a little earlier in the west, beginning in May, and also has higher rainfall than the east, peaking in September, with temperatures averaging 24-30º C.


In the eastern islands, including Ko Samui, the driest months are from mid January to April during which temperatures range from 22-32º C to 27-34º C respectively. Although the wet season officially begins in May, the climate remains generally fine up until September with occasional showers lasting only for an hour or two. Indeed, August and September are high season in the eastern islands, during which temperatures hover between 25-32º C.


The heaviest rainfall in the east occurs during the months October to December, peaking during November with temperatures averaging 24-30º C. Ferry services between the islands are occasionally delayed during this period due to localised storms, which nonetheless can be an inspiring sight for those who enjoy wilder, out of season tropical quietude.