The marvelous wonder of Thailand are its Islands on both sides of its coast. Thailand ― along with Malaysia ― are so lucky to have a second option for its inbound tourism industry. Either way which coast you come to the holiday experience will be pretty much the same:
And what if you get a little rain? It's no big deal. Temperatures being in their 80's Fahrenheit mean the rain is warm and you'll soon dry off anyway. The rain clouds quickly move on and they're forgotten about. The holiday you have enjoyed is what is remembered.
The general consensus is that the best time to visit Thailand, be that the east side or the west, is between November through to the following April. But like Vietnam, the weather pattern is complex:
Each part has different weather for any given period of the year, like Vietnam. It is confusing so it requires your fullest attention.
What can go wrong with your holiday? Being caught in a downpour. It doesn't ruin your holiday completely, but it can be an inconvenience. Our guide describes Thailand in three ways below.
The dry, hot seasons of the year are in February, March and April. However, the rainy season is from May through to September, otherwise it's a cooler climate the rest of the year.
Central Thailand is the same as the north: it is either hot, wet or cooler. The hot season is from February all the way to June, and from there until the end of October, it's the rainy season. The odd months left over are cooler.
The south is easier to predict because it's either hot or rainy. But the sting in the tail is the variation between east and west coasts. The hot season on the east coast is from November until March, but the west coast is from January until August end. Outside those specified months, it's the rainy season.
The country is already accepting tourists who are eager to travel, despite much of inland Thailand only being no warmer than 60°F. It is a great time to come before the shops and restaurants and so on become more expensive on the back of tourist numbers increasing.
The further north you go then the greater the threat of rainfall, however the average temperatures are going to peak in the mid-80's Fahrenheit in the middle of the month. The rain isn't going to bother anyone because it's short bursts only and if anything, it helps reduce the humidity felt.
February is a popular month to travel to Thailand and move around the country, particularly to the beaches. But we advise you to book in advance if you are coming to Thailand in February, or March to avoid paying higher costs.
It a pleasant surprise for many to learn that the temperatures race to the mid-90's Fahrenheit by this month in Thailand. Lovely and hot. The west coast welcomes more tourists to the beaches and water sports are a firm favorite for everyone, especially families. Everywhere in Thailand is ideal for a holiday vacation destination, very little rain although some of you may find the heat unbearable.
The month of April continues to see the mercury stay high, or even go as far as 100°F it has been recorded. Humidity for many could be an issue, ahead of Thailand's monsoon season. April has the peak tourist numbers, the country sees larger crowds and increasing costs in most shops, eateries and attractions.
May is the best time if you want to come when the crowds aren't as many as the previous month. There is a little more rain of course but it's a good thing, mitigating the stifling humidity. The full monsoon hasn't arrived yet to Thailand so there are many sunny days still left.
June is going into the low season and now is the best time to grab bargains on flights and accommodation. There are as many sunny days as there are rainy days now but the rain is short lived and limited to the afternoons: the west coast suffers the worst of any rain. This is the ideal month to get the best of Thailand for most holidaymakers seeking the tropical sun.
School holidays in Europe cause an influx of tourists to Thailand in the month of July. This month has more rainfall than previous months put together but the temperatures are still in the mid-80's Fahrenheit throughout the month. Those holidaying in July may find many of the beaches on the west of Thailand are a little unhospitable or not to their liking. A lot of the water-based activities and sports may be shut down, or in the midst of calling it a day.
The east coast is faring better, for now anyway. You may find better luck with the Islands of Ko Sichang, Ko Lan, Ko Samet, and Ko Chang.
The north and west of Thailand has the highest level of rainfall making any destination there unappealing. If you aren't all that put off by the rain then you will find hotels there are heavily discounted. The east coast is where the majority of holidaymakers are heading to. Days there have little rain and they are sunnier and warmer. Beaches have more appeal and Island hopping hasn't abated, not one bit.
Get back onto the mainland before the rainstorms come, making sea travel difficult if not impossible. You do not want to be marooned. The weather conditions are very humid with the heat being measured as high as 90°F. Those determined to still travel to Thailand so late in the year are going to enjoy bargain flights and accommodation.
Our thoughts are to leave it closer to October before arriving. The rains are subsiding, and humidity isn't such an issue either.
Temperatures are falling a little after the rains have cleared. Because it isn't as hot as it once was the humidity is much lower too. With the weather improving the tourists are returning for Thailand's winter. Prices to Thailand increase again on the back of growing interest from foreign travelers.
Earlier in the year it was the east coast that enjoyed less rain, while the west had more. It's a case of the west having the better weather as the east now has increasing rainfall. Peak season begins in the west as tourists flock once more for the milder, sunnier weather. Those who booked their holiday vacation in advance are now seeing real savings on current prices.
The north of Thailand has lower temperatures with early mornings and evenings feeling distinctly chillier.
Thailand overall is facing its peak tourism season: a growing increase in travelers arriving influences prices. Because, as hotel availability decreases demand pushes prices up. Those of you who had booked your hotels and tours earlier in the year are seeing huge savings.
Christmas and New Year in particular are troubled times for finding a hotel room. Take a note to the north of Thailand it is still a little chillier and early rains may occur in the south east.
The cheapest time to visit Thailand is their low season, which happens to be their rainy season. Note the rainy season varies depending on where you are destined within Thailand. Both flights and hotel accommodation are discounted but many attractions may be closed or with reduced opening times.
During the winter months the average temperature can be in the low 80's Fahrenheit, across the country. As an average but in some places, such as the north, it could get much lower. With rare conditions the temperature can dip to as low as 56°F.
To generalize there are two halves to Thailand in the sense of minimizing your exposure to the rainy season. There is the east coast and the west coast. Begin there in deciding when you could travel to Thailand. Either side will assure you a good quality holiday vacation provided you fly out at the appropriate time:
There is nothing stopping you from enjoying a winter break on the Island of Ko Samui, for your Christmas and New Year. December is peak season in many locations in Thailand: it isn't too hot and humid, and not so cold neither come nightfall. Travel to Ko Samui in November for discounts.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.