Thailand’s high season is November to February, when the weather is generally at its best throughout the country. In northern Thailand dry season is between November to May; June to October is characterised by heavy rainfall and temperatures are cooler between October to January.
The south can be split into two: the wettest months on the west coast are between April to 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.
Known throughout the world for its stunning island cruising, welcoming people, spicy cuisine and outstanding beaches, Thailand offers the complete holiday package. The weather’s not bad either, with much of the country experiencing a typically tropical climate consisting of two seasons: dry and wet. You can visit Thailand throughout the year, however more rural parts become less accessible at the peak of the rainy season and brings higher seas.
Thailand’s west coast has three defined seasons. From November to March, many consider conditions to be at their best with a cooling wind keeping the sky-high summer temperatures at bay and making the daytime more comfortable (avg daily temp: 26°C -32°C). Thanks to the breeze, the humidity levels are lower than later in the year. From March through to May the temperatures rise (avg daily temp: 30°C-36°C) as the cooling winds depart and the humidity rises. Come late May, monsoonal weather will usually have arrived, which is expected to last through to October. Peak rainfall levels are usually experienced between mid-September and mid-October.
Thailand’s east coast has three defined seasons. From December to February you can expect good weather, with little if any rain and refreshing winds helping to keep temperatures more moderate. Because of the winds, the sea can be a little ‘dynamic’ creating ideal conditions for water sports enthusiasts. From March, temperatures will start to, usually reaching peak levels in April and May. Whilst initially rainfall remains unlikely, by June a little rain becomes is expected, usually in the form of an hour-long afternoon downpour, clearing the way for more blue skies and bright sunshine. In late-August/September the monsoon is expected, bringing with it plenty of rainfall and a rise in humidity. Temperatures are still in the 30ºC’s however and you can expect sunny spells interspersed with rainy periods. Rainfall usually peaks between October and November.
Photo: Superyacht Yanneke Too
