Thailand Weather, and the best time to visit Thailand

Thailand weather is hot and humid. Now, I like hot and humid...most of the time. However, if you do not like heat and humidity, maybe Thailand is not the best holiday destination for you.

Thailand is located between 6° and 20°north of the equator.  Thailand weather varies according to regions of the country. Southern Thailand has an equatorial climate while the center and north have a tropical monsoon climate. Northern Thailand is mountainous with several peaks which are over 1,000 m/3,300 ft, but most of the center and east of Thailand is low-lying plains.

Thailand has plenty of rainfall. Areas around Bangkok and north up into the mountains receive most of its rainfall during the months of May to October. This time of year the winds blow from the southwest off the Indian Ocean. This warm humid air has plenty of moisture and the rain can come in the form of thunderstorms or more overcast cloudy days.

Thailand weather during the months of November to April brings little rain as the winds tend to blow south from mainland China which has much less moisture. Southern Thailand has some rainfall during this cooler time of year as the winds can pick up moisture from the Gulf of Thailand or the Pacific Ocean. But the North and Northeast areas of the country may go severals months without a drop of rain.

The variation in temperature in the south is not as drastic as it is in the north. Cool season temperatures in the Northern mountains can dip below freezing overnight. Freezing temperatures are a rarity, but it does occasionally get that cold during the cool season. Temperatures in Southern and Central Thailand will never drop below freezing, but the cool season does bring some welcomed relief from the normal tropical heat. The cool season normally runs from November to February.

By the beginning of March, Thailand weather can become very hot. The extreme heat will last until May when the rain comes again from the southwest momsoon winds. Although the rains bring some relief from the heat, the increase in humidity during rainy season may not make the weather anymore bearable.

November through February is when the majority of tourists come to Thailand to visit the "land of smiles." The cool dry weather is very pleasant and may be a relief to the cold and snow in more Northern parts of the globe. I recommend that you plan your holiday in Thailand during the cool season. Of course the increase in visitors also means an increase in cost for hotel rooms and some tourist attractions. Thailand weather is an important factor when you prepare to book your vacation in Thailand.

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