Thailand rainy Season

Weather is a prime consideration for most people visiting Thailand. There are three seasons in Thailand

Summer runs essentially from March through May

Temperatures can reach over 100 degrees F (38 C) with the heat index going as high as 120 F (48 C). It may not get below 80 F (27 C) at night. This is also the Dry Season, with very little rain. It is oppressively and dangerously hot for some people. Rainy Season runs from June through October

Frequent heavy rains, most often at night. Temps from the 60s F (16 C) at night to the 90s (32 C) during the day.

Cool Season runs from November through February.

Temps from the 60s F (16 C) at night (can be much cooler - indeed cold - in the North) to the 90s (32 C) during the day. Not much rain.

Most years in Bangkok, the three seasons are, in effect, The Hot Season, The Hot and Rainy Season and The Hottest Season you've ever experienced in your life.

In terms of weather, the choice for most people is the Cool Season - November through February.

What You Want To Do

Obviously, if you are interested in outdoor activities like the beach, hiking, trekking and bird watching, you probably want to come sometime from November to February.

But if you are into white-water rafting you'll love October and November.

The hot season, if you can tolerate the heat, is not a bad choice because there are fewer tourists. It is dry however, and the vegetation is not as lush.

You don't need to rule out the rainy season, however, because usually it doesn't rain all day every day. But it is possible and that can put a damper - literally - on a beach vacation.

Another activity some people plan their trip around is a festival or special holiday. Perhaps the two most popular ones in this regard are Songkhran and the Phuket Vegetarian Festival.

Songkhran runs from April 13 - 15 and is the Thai New Year. The vegetarian festival takes place in Phuket during the entire month of October.

For more information go to Holidays and Festivals
For detailed information on Songkhran