The most common question which come in mind to many people before leaving to Thailand is: “When is the best time of the year to visit Thailand ?…..” or “…Will I find Sun or Rain ?…” or “will be too hot ?…”
Some people say “in July and August there is monsoon in Thailand”, it is true in part, but not completely true !! Because there are many different opinion on the weather in Thailand, we like to explain you how the weather use to be in Thailand in general.
As everybody should know, the climate change is affecting the seasons all over the world including South East Asia and Thailand. Some Year there are little rain during, the monsoon, some year get more rain than normal.
The Weather infos below are only indicative and should not be taken for granted, they can be useful as general weather guideline only.
Thailand is located in a tropical area. Quick thunderstorms for short time can always be possible all year round. Even if it is not during the monsoon time.
MONSOON SEASON
Thailand is located in a special position. If you look at the world map, you will see that Thailand divide 2 big Oceans. The west coast ( Andaman Sea ) is facing the Indian Ocean and the East coast ( gulf of Thailand ) is part of the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea. This is the reason why Thailand get 2 monsoon in different parts of the country.
In July the Indian Monsoon, coming from South-West, affect the West coast of Thailand ( where are located Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Lanta ), central area ( where are located Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Pattaya ), North area ( where are located Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son ), and North East areas where are located ( Udonthani, Loei, Roi Et ). The Indian Monsoon start usually at the end of June or beginning of July until middle/end of September. During the monsoon time is raining most of the days, mostly in the evening and in the night. During the day is generally half sunny and half cover. Anyway can always happen ( but not too often ) that rain for 3-5 days continuously.
The Chinese Monsoon, coming from North-East, affect the East Coast of Thailand ( Gulf of Thailand ) where are located Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan , Koh Tao. The Chinese monsoon it is not as heavy as the Indian monsoon.
COLD SEASON
The coldest time of the year, in all Thailand, is in December and January. On the north of Thailand ( Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son ) the temperature can reach 10-15° C in the night and 20-25° C in the day time.
The rest of Thailand enjoy of the best temperature of the year. In Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui Pattaya the temperature varies between 20-27° C.
HOT SEASON
The hottest time of the year in all Thailand start the end of March until middle of June. The temperature can reach 37° C during the day e 28° C during the night. During this period the coolest place to stay in Thailand are Mae Hong Son ( on the north mountain area of Thailand ) or to the islands and beach resorts like Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi and many more.
For real time Thailand weather information visit Thai Meteorological department
Nowadays the weather gets very unpredictable for many SE Asian countries. Recently in July, didn’t we have the storms?
@ Cherry.
Yes we did had Storms, but July is Monsoon season and storms are normal in this month. I feel like September ist the most stormy and rainy month in the year. But no matter it rains or not it´s always war and that´s what count. (Of course if it´s not December-January and you´re anywhere in the noth like chiang mai .
It took me a good year before I could wear anything besides tank tops in Bangkok. I was so surprised by the humidity and heat. My face was always sopping wet, makeup was a distant memory. Incredibly I got so used to it that I could wear jackets even in the daytime.