Thailand Weather by Month

Thailand, located in Southeast Asia, is bordered by Myanmar to the north and west, Laos to the northeast, Cambodia to the southeast, and Malaysia to the south. It is known for its diverse geography, which includes mountains, plains, and coastlines along the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Northern Thailand is characterized by mountainous terrain and lush forests, while the central region is a vast alluvial plain dominated by the Chao Phraya River, which flows southward into the Gulf of Thailand. The southern region of Thailand is a narrow peninsula, with long stretches of tropical beaches and islands along both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.

Thailand’s climate is influenced by the tropical monsoon system, resulting in three distinct seasons: a hot season, a rainy season, and a cooler season. The monsoon winds bring heavy rains to the country between May and October, while the months of November to February are cooler and drier. The geography of Thailand, with its long coastline and varied elevations, results in differing weather patterns across the country, making the climate highly variable depending on the region and time of year.

Thailand Weather by Month

January

General Overview

• Average temperature: 20°C to 32°C (68°F to 90°F)
• Rainfall: Minimal rainfall, particularly in northern and central Thailand

January is part of Thailand’s cool season, making it one of the best months for travel, particularly in the northern and central regions. Northern Thailand, including cities like Chiang Mai, experiences cooler temperatures, especially at night, while the southern beaches along the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand enjoy warm, pleasant weather. Rainfall is minimal across most regions, except in the southern parts, which may experience occasional showers.

Regional Differences

• Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai): Cool and dry, with temperatures between 15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F)
• Central Thailand (Bangkok, Ayutthaya): Warm and dry, with temperatures between 22°C to 32°C (72°F to 90°F)
• Southern Thailand (Phuket, Koh Samui): Warm with occasional rain, temperatures between 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F)

January is an excellent month for visiting Thailand, with comfortable temperatures and dry weather across most regions, making it ideal for exploring cities, beaches, and nature.

February

General Overview

• Average temperature: 22°C to 34°C (72°F to 93°F)
• Rainfall: Dry season continues, with slightly warmer temperatures

February remains part of the cool season, though temperatures begin to rise slightly, particularly in central and southern regions. The weather is still dry, with minimal rainfall, making it another great month for travel throughout Thailand. Northern Thailand remains cooler and less humid, while the southern beaches offer warm, sunny weather ideal for beach vacations.

Regional Differences

• Northern Thailand: Cool in the mornings, with temperatures between 17°C to 30°C (63°F to 86°F)
• Central Thailand: Warm and dry, with temperatures around 23°C to 34°C (73°F to 93°F)
• Southern Thailand: Warm and sunny, with temperatures between 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F)

February is perfect for outdoor activities such as trekking in the north, exploring historical sites in central Thailand, or enjoying the beaches in the south.

March

General Overview

• Average temperature: 25°C to 36°C (77°F to 97°F)
• Rainfall: Dry season continues, but temperatures rise significantly

March is the start of the hot season in Thailand, with temperatures rising across the country. Central Thailand, including Bangkok, becomes noticeably warmer, while northern Thailand also experiences higher temperatures. Rainfall remains low, though humidity starts to increase, particularly in the southern regions. Beach destinations remain popular, but the heat can be intense in the inland areas.

Regional Differences

• Northern Thailand: Warmer, with temperatures between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F)
• Central Thailand: Hot, with temperatures around 25°C to 36°C (77°F to 97°F)
• Southern Thailand: Warm and slightly more humid, with temperatures between 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F)

March is still a good time to visit Thailand, though travelers should be prepared for hotter weather, especially in central and northern regions.

April

General Overview

• Average temperature: 27°C to 38°C (81°F to 100°F)
• Rainfall: Hot season peaks; occasional thunderstorms may occur

April is the hottest month of the year in Thailand, particularly in central and northern regions, where daytime temperatures can exceed 38°C (100°F). The heat can be intense, especially in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Although it is still the dry season, there may be occasional thunderstorms, offering brief relief from the heat. The southern regions, particularly coastal areas, remain slightly cooler and are popular for beach holidays.

Regional Differences

• Northern Thailand: Very hot, with temperatures between 25°C to 37°C (77°F to 99°F)
• Central Thailand: Extremely hot, with temperatures around 27°C to 38°C (81°F to 100°F)
• Southern Thailand: Warm with occasional showers, temperatures between 26°C to 34°C (79°F to 93°F)

April is a challenging month for travel due to the heat, though many tourists visit for the Songkran Festival, Thailand’s famous water festival, which takes place in mid-April and offers a fun way to cool off.

May

General Overview

• Average temperature: 26°C to 36°C (79°F to 97°F)
• Rainfall: Start of the rainy season, with increasing showers and thunderstorms

May marks the beginning of Thailand’s rainy season, with increasing rainfall, particularly in the central and northern regions. Temperatures remain high, but the frequent afternoon thunderstorms bring some relief from the heat. The southern regions, especially the Gulf of Thailand side, experience occasional rain but still have plenty of sunny days. Humidity levels rise across the country.

Regional Differences

• Northern Thailand: Hot with occasional thunderstorms, temperatures between 24°C to 35°C (75°F to 95°F)
• Central Thailand: Hot and humid, with temperatures around 26°C to 36°C (79°F to 97°F)
• Southern Thailand: Warm with scattered showers, temperatures between 25°C to 34°C (77°F to 93°F)

May is the start of the wet season, making it a transitional month for travel. While the rains are not yet heavy, visitors should be prepared for thunderstorms and rising humidity.

June

General Overview

• Average temperature: 25°C to 34°C (77°F to 93°F)
• Rainfall: Rainy season intensifies, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms

June is part of the rainy season in Thailand, with frequent showers, especially in the northern and central regions. While the rain can be heavy, it usually comes in short bursts, leaving much of the day dry. Southern Thailand also experiences more rain, though beach destinations like Koh Samui on the Gulf of Thailand side remain popular, with slightly less rainfall than the Andaman coast.

Regional Differences

• Northern Thailand: Warm with frequent showers, temperatures between 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F)
• Central Thailand: Hot and humid, with temperatures around 25°C to 34°C (77°F to 93°F)
• Southern Thailand: Warm with scattered thunderstorms, temperatures between 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F)

June offers fewer crowds and lower prices for travelers, but visitors should expect some rain, especially in the afternoons. Coastal areas on the Gulf side still offer good beach weather.

July

General Overview

• Average temperature: 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F)
• Rainfall: Peak of the rainy season, with frequent heavy showers

July is the height of the rainy season in Thailand, with heavy rain across the country. The north and central regions experience frequent thunderstorms, and flooding can occur in some areas. The southern regions, particularly the Andaman coast, also experience more rainfall, though the Gulf coast remains somewhat drier. Despite the rain, the showers often come in short bursts, leaving time for sightseeing.

Regional Differences

• Northern Thailand: Warm with heavy rain, temperatures between 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F)
• Central Thailand: Hot and humid, with temperatures around 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F)
• Southern Thailand: Warm with frequent rain, temperatures between 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F)

July is not the best time for beach vacations, especially on the Andaman coast, but it’s a great time for experiencing Thailand’s lush green landscapes and fewer tourist crowds.

August

General Overview

• Average temperature: 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F)
• Rainfall: Heavy rain continues, particularly in northern and central regions

August remains part of the rainy season in Thailand, with frequent downpours across much of the country. Northern and central Thailand experience regular heavy rain, while southern Thailand, particularly the islands in the Gulf of Thailand, sees less rain and more sunny days compared to the Andaman coast. Despite the rain, Thailand’s landscapes are lush, and prices for accommodations are generally lower during this time.

Regional Differences

• Northern Thailand: Warm and rainy, with temperatures between 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F)
• Central Thailand: Hot and humid, with temperatures around 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F)
• Southern Thailand: Warm with occasional showers, temperatures between 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F)

August offers good opportunities for budget travelers and those interested in exploring Thailand’s natural beauty, though travelers should be prepared for rain, especially in the northern and central regions.

September

General Overview

• Average temperature: 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F)
• Rainfall: Peak of the rainy season, with frequent downpours

September is typically the wettest month of the year in Thailand, with heavy and consistent rainfall, particularly in northern and central regions. Flooding can occur in some areas, especially in low-lying parts of central Thailand. The Andaman coast is also very wet, while the Gulf of Thailand islands receive less rain. Despite the frequent rain, there are still periods of sunshine, and the natural landscapes are lush and green.

Regional Differences

• Northern Thailand: Warm with heavy rain, temperatures between 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F)
• Central Thailand: Hot and rainy, with temperatures around 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F)
• Southern Thailand: Warm with occasional showers, temperatures between 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F)

September is not ideal for travel due to the frequent rain and risk of flooding, but the country’s natural beauty is at its peak, and fewer tourists make for a more tranquil experience.

October

General Overview

• Average temperature: 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)
• Rainfall: End of the rainy season, with decreasing showers

October marks the transition out of the rainy season, particularly in northern and central Thailand, where rainfall decreases toward the end of the month. The weather is still humid, and thunderstorms are common, but sunny days become more frequent. Southern Thailand remains wet, particularly along the Andaman coast, while the Gulf coast starts to experience less rain.

Regional Differences

• Northern Thailand: Warm with decreasing rain, temperatures between 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F)
• Central Thailand: Warm and humid, with temperatures around 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)
• Southern Thailand: Warm with scattered showers, temperatures between 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F)

October is a transitional month for travel in Thailand, with improving weather in the north and central regions. It’s a good time to visit before the peak tourist season begins.

November

General Overview

• Average temperature: 22°C to 31°C (72°F to 88°F)
• Rainfall: Dry season begins in northern and central Thailand; rain continues in the south

November is the start of Thailand’s cool season, particularly in northern and central regions, where the weather becomes cooler and drier. Rainfall decreases significantly, making it an excellent time to visit. The southern regions, particularly the Andaman coast, continue to experience rain, but the Gulf of Thailand coast, including Koh Samui, starts to dry out.

Regional Differences

• Northern Thailand: Cool and dry, with temperatures between 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F)
• Central Thailand: Warm and dry, with temperatures around 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F)
• Southern Thailand: Warm with decreasing rain, temperatures between 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)

November is an ideal time for travel, particularly in northern and central Thailand, with cooler temperatures and dry weather perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

December

General Overview

• Average temperature: 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)
• Rainfall: Dry season throughout most of the country; occasional rain in the south

December is part of the cool season in Thailand, with dry, pleasant weather throughout most of the country. Northern Thailand experiences cool nights, while the central region, including Bangkok, is warm and sunny. The southern regions, particularly the Gulf of Thailand, experience some rain, but the Andaman coast is dry and ideal for beach vacations.

Regional Differences

• Northern Thailand: Cool and dry, with temperatures between 17°C to 26°C (63°F to 79°F)
• Central Thailand: Warm and sunny, with temperatures around 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F)
• Southern Thailand: Warm with occasional rain, temperatures between 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F)

December is one of the best months to visit Thailand, with perfect weather for exploring cities, beaches, and natural attractions across the country.

Summary of Thailand’s Climate by Region

Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai)

• Best months: November to February (cool and dry)
• Hottest months: March to May (very hot)
• Wettest months: July to September (heavy rain)

Central Thailand (Bangkok, Ayutthaya)

• Best months: November to February (dry and pleasant)
• Hottest months: March to May (extremely hot)
• Wettest months: July to September (frequent rain)

Southern Thailand (Phuket, Koh Samui)

• Best months: November to April (dry season)
• Wettest months: May to October (monsoon season on the Andaman coast, while the Gulf coast has slightly less rain)

Thailand’s climate varies across its regions due to its diverse geography. The best time to visit is generally between November and February, when the weather is cooler and drier across the country. The hot season (March to May) brings intense heat, particularly in the central and northern regions, while the rainy season (May to October) can bring heavy rain and humidity, especially in southern Thailand. However, the weather patterns also mean there’s always a part of Thailand offering great conditions, depending on the time of year.