The climate and weather of Thailand
As the country spans a long distance from the north to the south, two basic types of climate can be clearly observed: tropical in the north and tropical-monsoon in the southern and south-eastern regions. High temperature and high air humidity are the distinguishing features. There isn’t one rainy season in the whole of Thailand – depending on the wind direction, even two neighbouring provinces can have two different rainfall levels. The annual rainfall is between 1000-2000 mm (up to 5000 mm in the mountains) and the rains are usually heavy showers.
Thailand | Fabulous coconuts on Ko Lipe Island in Satun province (by pannawish )
Tropical climate
Globally speaking, the climate of a given region is the more balanced the closer to the equator it is located. The geographical location of Thailand near the equator results in a tropical climate.
Although tropical countries tend to be hot all year round, it would be wrong to suppose that the closer to equator you will be, the higher temperatures you will always experience. In close proximity to the equator, let’s say in Singapore, the climate is usually quite nice. All year round, the maximum temperatures reach 30°C during the day and 25°C at night, with a short period of the so called zenithal rain once a day, which refreshes the air – and then sunshine again.
The diverse climate of Thailand
Unfortunately, Thailand is a tropical and not an equatorial country. As is the case in all tropical countries, the climate of Thailand is balanced – but only as far the temperatures are concerned. Other climate parameters, especially the distribution of rainfall make its climate more diversified than one would expect in a tropical country – both as regards the rainfall in different seasons and in different regions.
Anybody who would like to discuss Thailand’s weather should clearly differentiate between two climate parameters: air temperature and rainfall. You can read about very simple relationships between the two in many guidebooks – but they do not, in fact, exist.
The weather of Thailand
It is hot in Thailand! Hot and sultry. And that’s about all on the climate of this country. Figures and climate tables only theoretically show what you can experience in, for example, Bangkok. After all, how can you know what 40°C means when you sit in front of a cosy fireplace somewhere in Europe and try to enjoy a little warmth? The weather can sometimes be considerably different in different regions, so if you are stuck in a pocket of rain, check out some other place.
Seasons in Thailand
Yes, there are three seasons in Thailand. However, they are definitely not as distinct as in Europe. The differences are small. For example, the temperature in Bangkok never goes below 20°C. Even at night, it’s still quite warm, even in the so called, “cool” seasons.
There are three seasons:
The cool season (approx. November – March): although the phrase „cool season” is commonly used, it’s completely false and only refers to – relatively speaking – Thailand.
The adjective “cool” used about the period between November and March should not be taken literally. “Cool” means not quite “boiling hot”. Sunburn, constant sweating, dying for shade and air-conditioning are as natural as a parasol in northern Europe in summer. Imagine a European capital during the height of the summer boiling heat, and you will have some idea of average cool days in Bangkok.
“Unexpected cold snaps” (!), when the temperature goes below 20°C are quite rare in Bangkok, central and southern Thailand. It’s only in the mountains in the north of Thailand that the temperature sometimes goes below 10°C. It’s only there that bringing (somewhat) warmer clothes makes sense at all.
The hot season (approx. April – August): „hot” means „much hotter”.
The unbearable sun of Thailand becomes even hotter, and makes the temperature go up to 35 and sometimes even 40 degrees. With the associated degree of sultriness, the climate becomes unbearable for most Europeans. The activity of most tourists at that time is focused on getting cool in any conceivable way.
The rainy season (approx. June – October) is exactly what the name suggests Although it sounds awful, it’s probably a great advantage of the period between June and October.
As the words “rainy season” discourage many tourists, there are much fewer of them around than usual. It’s far less crowded everywhere and the prices are lower.
Heavy tropical rains tend to occur every day and there is often 30 cm of water in the streets. However, continual, long-lasting rainfall is rare. There is usually a 1-2 hour downpour in the afternoon. During the rest of the day, the weather is usually fine. In addition, it’s usually more green – more beautiful than usual for many people.
Rainy season and it's real face
The rainy season … it’s just weather… As you know, it does what it likes and doesn’t care much what people write about it.
And what they write is this: during the rainy season, which starts for good in June and finishes in October, it usually rains once a day, in the afternoon. One or two occasional showers and that’s it – sunny for the rest of the day. September and October are mostly rainy. In addition, there are some regional differences: while it’s raining continually in Phuket, it might be sunny in Chiang Mai all day. Or the other way round.
A downpour in Thailand is not comparable with any rain in Europe. Heavy 1-2 hours rains can only be compared with your bathroom shower – with a boost. Temperature goes down a little but the tropical heat is still there.
Let’s say that again: it’s just weather, a kind of lottery. It can rain for three consecutive days, although it’s 6 months before the rainy season and – according to guidebooks – it shouldn’t rain at all. Or a sunstroke during a monsoon can happen.
Typical rain patterns are quite bearable, continual rains are annoying – and the weather in a given year is unpredictable.
Thailand | Longtail boats, are real symbol of Thailand (by cx_ed )
Thailand – the weather during the year
January – and December – are the most important months for the tourist industry. That’s when the weather is best in Thailand and many people will spend the remaining days of their holiday there. The air temperature is approximately 31-32°C.
February – Is among the best times to visit Thailand. It doesn’t rain much and the temperature is about 33°C. It would be the ideal month to travel, if the Chinese New Year wasn’t celebrated then. Hotel rooms are almost fully booked, and prices are almost as high as just before Christmas.
March – temperature is going up gradually and reaches 34°C. The right time to visit Thailand.
April – the hottest month in Thailand. It’s hot and dry and everybody is looking forward to some rain. The only wet period is the Songkran festival between 13 and 16 April – Thai new Year, when water battles take place all over Thailand. The temperatures increase to over 40°C in the shade.
May – the rainy season is coming along, and the average temperature – compared with May – is a little lower: 35°C. The sun will start shining again after a downpour which usually lasts for an hour.
June – the rainy season, it’s hot and sultry all over the country. The rain discourages tourists and the hotels and flights are much cheaper than in the high season. The temperature is approx. 40°C.
July – the rainy season continues: it’s very hot and sultry; it rains every day. After a downpour it’s sunny and very dry again. The temperature is approx. 40°C.
August – you need to carefully choose the right place for your holiday as the weather is still affected by the rainy season.
September – this month is also off-season. In general, it’s still the rainy season in Thailand. The temperature is approx. 32°C.
October – it’s still within the so called rainy season, but the weather starts to improve. Approx. 35°C.
November – the first month of the high season in the most of Thailand’s resorts. The rainy season has finished and the temperature is approx. 35°C. A very good time to visit Thailand. Obviously, it’s as hot and sultry every-where in Thailand as ever.
December - The most important month for the tourist industry; the best weather in Thailand and it’s the holiday season almost everywhere in the world. The air temperature is approx. 30°C.