Travel Tips with Weather in Thailand

There are basically 3 seasons in Thailand, the Hot season (dry and bloody hot), the Raining season (still warm but with a lot of rain) and the Cool season (dry and cool). The latter especially in North and North-East Thailand. As Thailand spans about 2.000 km from north to south you can imagine the weather is not everywhere the same at the same moment. For weather forecast have a look at Thailand Meteoritical Department.

Of course you can travel to Thailand the all year around, the weather is hot during the hot season of March, April and May. Then from June the monsoon season begins that lasts until end October with chance of heavy rains and some local flooding. Also called the Green Season because everything is beautiful green, rice fields and the mountains.

From November to March the cool season hits the North of Thailand and in the mountains temperatures may go down to about 5℃ during night time (December-February). Thailand is an attractive destination all year around, but for outdoor activities it is recommended to visit during the cool season, from November to February.

Weather-wise Thailand can be divided in regions

• Central with Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya and even Sukhothai.
• North with Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phrae, Phayao, Pai and Mae Hong Son
• Northeast (Isaan) with Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat), Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Loei and Ubon Ratchathani.
• East with Chanthaburi and Trat
• Southeast Coast with Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Khanom
• Southeest Coast with Krabi, Khao Lak, Phi Phi and Phuket

When traveling to North Thailand, in March & April be aware of the so called "burning season". During this months (and sometimes a bit longer and/or earlier) is smog haze in North Thailand due to burning of farm fields & garbage. Known area's are Chiang Mai, Lampang, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai and Nan. But make no mistake also the air in Bangkok or some places in Northeast Thailand can be unhealthy for sensitive people. Check the air quality at World Air Quality Index.

My personal travel recommendation in regards of the weather :

• Do not travel to North Thailand in March & April
• For all Thailand November, December and January are the best time to travel
• During the raining season choose your beach destination carefully.
• In certain months there is a big difference between the Southeast Coast and the Southwest Coast.
• The East of Thailand has a very specifically different weather as the rest of Thailand

Disclaimer : All information is created in good faith and is an expression of fair comment.