North Thailand Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Central Thailand Bangkok Hua Hin South West Thailand Phuket Krabi South East Thailand Koh Samui Surat Thani

Thailand's weather is influenced by monsoons that sweep over the country creating three seasons in the north and central areas and two in the south. North: Hot Season - boasts high temperatures and lightweight cotton clothes are best. Cool Season - a few warmer layers are required as temperatures drop at night. Rainy Season - sees heavy rainfall throughout due to the effects of the southwest monsoon. Central Thailand: Hot Season -high temperatures/humidity. Cool Season - remains quite hot but evenings tend to be cooler and a few warm layers are required. Rainy season - most rain tends to fall between August and September - flooding can be common towards the end of this period. South: Differences in temperature and rainfall occur during both seasons on the east and west coasts. Rainy Season - torrential rain tends to fall in short bursts, usually lasting only a couple of hours each day. Most rain falls between June and November. Hot and Dry Season - is relatively rain-free between January and April. Flooding on the west coast is commonplace. Travel elsewhere during the rainy season is not necessarily problematic unless visiting areas where roads are unpaved, as rain renders these tracks impassable. Carry a lightweight jumper as it can be chillingly cold inside air-conditioned buildings.   North Thailand Chiang Mai   Average temperature     Average rainfall   Hot Season March - June 21 - 34oC 69mm Rainy Season July - September 23 - 31oC 218mm Cool Season October - February 16 - 30oC 30mm The climate of Northern Thailand is slightly more pleasant than other parts of the country. Light cotton clothes are recommended all year round. Hot Season - high temperatures are experienced throughout the day and only drop slightly at night. Rainy Season - heavy rainfall throughout, although temperatures remain quite high. An umbrella is always useful at this time as it is sometimes too warm to consider wearing waterproof clothing. Cool Season - warmer clothes are required during the cooler months when temperatures fall slightly through the day and even more so at night. Very little rain falls during this time. High humidity is prevalent throughout the year, except in the more mountainous regions. Best time to visit: During the Cool Season when both rainfall and temperatures are lower. Warmer clothes are essential for the evenings.   Central Thailand Bangkok   Average temperature     Average rainfall   Hot Season March - May 25 - 34oC 97mm Rainy Season June - October 24 - 32oC 101mm Cool Season November - February 21 - 32oC 25mm Central Thailand covers a wide land area and the climate can vary across this expanse. Light, cotton clothing is recommended, especially as humidity levels remain quite high throughout the year. Hot Season - boasts the hottest weather; heat becomes quite oppressive and temperatures can soar above the average. Only a small amount of rain falls during March and April, whilst May begins to see an increase as a prelude to the rainy season. Rainy Season - the timing of this season can vary slightly each year depending on when the monsoon arrives. However, this is usually from June until October, bringing heavy rain and high temperatures. Cool Season - although daytime temperatures remain quite high during the winter months, warmer items of clothing are advisable for the cooler nights. Best time to visit: The Cool Season when temperatures are high and humidity is relatively low.   Southern Thailand West Coast Phuket   Average temperature     Average rainfall   Hot and Dry Season November - May 25 - 31oC 125mm Rainy Season June - October 26 - 30oC 315mm The climate of southern Thailand is influenced by monsoon winds and remains warm and humid throughout the year. Light cotton clothes are recommended at any time of the year and an umbrella is a must during the wet months. Rainy Season - can be a pleasant time of year to visit with occasional heavy rain and long sunny periods between showers. However, September and October tend to exhibit higher rainfall and less in the way of sunny spells. Best time to visit: During the Hot and Dry Season - as cool sea breezes ease the high temperatures and humidity. November to January experience relatively high rainfall for the season and April and May are the hottest months. Southern Thailand East Coast Surat Thani   Average temperature     Average rainfall   Hot and Dry Season January - April 21 - 32oC 40mm Rainy Season May - December 24 - 31oC 200mm The climate of southern Thailand is influenced by monsoon winds and remains warm and humid throughout the year. Light cotton clothes are recommended at all times and an umbrella is a must during the wet months. Hot and Dry Season - temperatures remain high, especially during April when they can soar above the average. Rainy Season - rainfall tends to be heaviest towards the end of the year. Rain showers can be short lived and long sunny periods intervene - an umbrella is recommended rather than waterproof clothes due to the heat. October and November normally see very long periods of rainfall and less in the way of sunshine. Best time to visit: During the Hot and Dry Season when rainfall is minimal.