Monsoon & Climate
Thailand has a tropical monsoon climate with three seasons — but weather conditions vary greatly between regions:
The Three Seasons
- Hot Dry Season (March–May): The hottest phase, especially in central and northern Thailand. Temperatures of 35–40°C are normal, in Bangkok it feels even hotter due to humidity. April is the hottest month — and the month of the Songkran Water Festival (April 13–15), where everyone drenches each other with water.
- Rainy Season / Monsoon (June–October): The southwest monsoon brings the rainy season. "Rain" in Thailand rarely means continuous rain like in Germany: Typically, there are short, heavy showers (1–2 hours) in the afternoon, after which it clears up. Nature is lush green, temples are empty, prices are low — for many, the most beautiful travel time.
- Cool Dry Season (November–February): The most popular tourist time. Pleasant 25–32°C, little rain, low humidity. In northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai), it can drop to 10–15°C at night — a jacket should be in your luggage.
Regional Differences
The crucial difference: Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) and Andaman Sea (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta) have opposing monsoon seasons:
- Andaman Sea: Rainy season May–October, best time November–April
- Gulf of Thailand: Main rainy season October–December, best time February–September
This means: Somewhere in Thailand, the weather is always good. When it rains on the Andaman Sea, the Gulf is sunny — and vice versa.
💡 Tipp
The rainy season (June–October) is no reason to avoid Thailand! Prices are up to 50% lower, the tourist crowds disappear, and nature is at its greenest and most beautiful. A small umbrella and a light rain jacket are completely sufficient. Only the Similan Islands and some Andaman Sea destinations are closed during the monsoon.