The Expat’s Guide to Thailand’s Weather
Thailand is one of the most accessible and popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia. The country’s attractions include its pristine beaches, its exotic jungles, and the majestic palaces and temples.
Speaking of Thailand’s weather, you might think ‘seasonal changes’ don’t exist as the temperature remains high throughout the year. Indeed, the temperature doesn’t change much, the real indicator is ‘the rain’! Judging by the amount of rain, you can tell which season Thailand is in.
This Pacific Prime Thailand article introduces things you need to keep in mind about Thailand’s weather. You can expect to learn the characteristics of the three seasons in Thailand, the monsoon climate, and north-south weather differences.
Thailand’s Weather
In this article, we will walk you through Thailand’s weather you might want to consider before relocation. First, we’ll introduce you to what the weather is like during the rainy, summer, and winter seasons. Then we’ll show you the difference in weather as a result of the monsoon climate.
We have gathered all the information you will need to help you determine which region is ideal for your lifestyle. The information provided here is also helpful to start your navigation in Thailand.
If by the end of this article, you have decided to choose Thailand as the destination to kick-start your expat life, you might also want to read about the essentials you might be eager to know when living in Thailand.
Monsoon Climate in Thailand
A monsoon is a seasonal change in the direction of the prevailing winds of a region, causing wet and dry seasons throughout much of the tropics. It always blows from cold to warm regions. There are primarily two monsoons: the summer monsoon and the winter monsoon.
The summer monsoon is known as the southwest monsoon and the winter monsoon is known as the northeast monsoon. Together they determine the climate for most of Southeast Asia. As a result, Thailand’s weather is subtropical for most of the countries, leading to its year-round hot and humid conditions.
Rainy Season
The rainy season in Thailand begins around mid-May and lasts until around mid-October. The summer monsoon prevails over Thailand, causing an abundance of rainfall over the country. But don’t worry! You can still have a good chance to enjoy periods of good weather as the daily rain doesn’t last long.
Bear in mind, despite having the rain wash the land during this season, it also induces wet-season illnesses. They are potentially dangerous diseases that require immediate treatment. From mild flu to serious diseases such as dengue fever and malaria, such issues shouldn’t be neglected.
If you’re planning to explore the luscious jungles in Thailand, make sure you have all means of protection against these illnesses to ensure a safe journey. Consider getting yourself a good pair of walking boots and long sleeves to protect against mosquitos.
The rain can sometimes be out of control, causing floods in various regions. You might have to roll up your pants and wade through the floodwater. Trust me, you won’t want to spend your time in Thailand with a flood.
Winter Season
This is the time when the winter monsoon covers Thailand, from around mid-October and lasting until around mid-February. Although it’s considered winter, you don’t have to be afraid of freezing cold temperatures. The temperature would be at most chilly, at around 18-32oC/64-90oF.
This period is also known for offering the best climate to travel around Thailand. The sunshine hours are longer, the humidity is lower and the rainfall is less. Then relatively dry and comfortable weather allows you to start your Thailand excavation without fear of drowning in rain or sweat.
Summer Season
The summer season begins around mid-February and lasts until around mid-May. This is the transitional period from the summer monsoon to the winter monsoon. The North Pole starts to tilt toward the sun after the spring equinox in March.
As it is called the ‘summer season’, it is obvious that this is the hottest period in Thailand. The average daily temperature ranges between 35oC/95oF and 39oC/102oF, and during some hottest days, the highest temperature exceeds 40oC/104oF.
‘Summer storms’ might occur, which no one wants to encounter at all. Sometimes there might be a cool mass of air from China that flows down to certain areas in Thailand. In collision with hot air masses, thunderstorms and strong wind, or even some damaging hail could be caused.
Pretty sure not everyone can adapt to the summer heat in Thailand. If you think you’re struggling in dealing with the heat, then you might be interested to read our article about staying healthy during the summer heat in Thailand. There are tips inside to help you get through the heat.
Variation in Thailand’s Weather by Location
Thailand comprises an area of 514,000 square kilometers and stretches approximately 1,700 kilometers from north to south. To plan your travel according to the Thailand’s weather, it is fundamental to know where you are in the country.
Thailand is separated into mainly five parts: northern, central, southern, northeast, and eastern Thailand.
Northern and Central Thailand
In the northern and central parts of Thailand, the subtropical climate is clearly defined above. The three distinctive seasons take turns to be in charge of the weather in the region. You can expect to experience high humidity and little rainfall during the summer season, and less humid during the winter season.
Whereas for the rainy season, the rain usually comes in the form of short showers, lasting for an hour or two. As the season progresses, the rain becomes heavier and more constant, peaking in August and September.
Northeast and eastern Thailand has pretty much the same weather but with slight differences at times. But overall, the weather is consistent across the upper region of the country.
Southern Thailand
The southern region of Thailand follows a tropical climate, with only two seasons– rainy and winter. It is separated into the east and west coasts, surprisingly having a different weather schedule despite being geographically next to each other.
Overall, during rainy seasons, southern parts of Thailand account for the most rainfall each year in the country, with around 2,400 millimeters every year compared with the 1,400 millimeters in the northern and central regions.
West Coast (Andaman Sea)
The weather is the best from November to March. The bayside breeze makes the daytime more comfortable. The humidity also drops accordingly. From April onwards, monsoonal weather comes in and lasts until October. Short and heavy showers of rain are to be expected and peaks in September and October.
Under the impact of the Andaman Sea, all west coast areas share similar weather conditions throughout the year. There are minor differences in weather conditions among these locations, so be sure to check the weather report before going.
East Coast (Gulf of Thailand)
The good weather is usually from January to March, reaching peak levels in April and May. Beginning in May and June, rain is expected. Rainfall usually tops between October and November. Some places have slightly different rain patterns.
Hua Hin and Pattaya have serious rainfalls in September and October. Koh Chang and other islands on the eastern side of the Gulf of Thailand follow the weather of the Andaman Sea, thus experiencing the rainy season between May and October.
Conclusion
Thailand’s weather plays an important role in finding your place to stay and affects the overall experience in the country. Some weather conditions could be potentially dangerous to your well-being, or your property. It is important to protect yourself or your family with expat health insurance.
Pacific Prime Thailand has over 20 years of experience as a broker, and we can help you navigate through the complicated world of insurance. Partnered with renowned insurance providers worldwide, you’ll be able to make a wise choice best suited to your needs with our professional consultants.
Contact us today for an obligation-free quote or a comprehensive plan comparison!
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the time to go to Thailand?
The best time to travel is in December and January. You can expect dry, sunny and a bit of breeze. The weather would be perfect for both outdoor walks and indoor shopping. March and April are probably the best for some outdoor activities at the coastline as the temperature is high.
When is the off-season in Thailand?
The off-seasons for Thailand are July to September. There will be constant and heavy rain across the country. But one good thing is that the flight tickets are cheap! The rain usually comes around the afternoon to evening time so you still have time to enjoy Thailand.
How many seasons does Thailand have?
Thailand has three seasons- rainy, winter, and summer. The rainy season starts from June to October, the winter season starts from November to February, and the summer season starts from March to May. However, there might be north-south variations in the weather depending on where you are in Thailand.
Since joining Pacific Prime, Eric was exposed to a new world of insurance. Having learned about insurance products extensively, he has taken joy and satisfaction in helping individuals and businesses manage risks and protect themselves against financial loss through the power of words.
Although born and raised in Hong Kong, he spent a quarter of his life living and studying in the UK. He believes his multicultural experience is a great asset in understanding the needs and wants of expats and globe-trotters.
Eric’s strengths lie in his strong research, analytical, and communication skills, obtained through his BA in Linguistics from the University of York and MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Bristol.
Outside of work, he enjoys some me-time gaming and reading on his own, occasionally going absolutely mental on a night out with friends.
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