The country has a tropical climate influenced by the cyclical activity of the monsoon, which generally results in three distinct seasons.
The most favourable season to visit as a holidaymaker is the mild winter from November to February, although it is nevertheless attractive all year round if you adapt your trip to the conditions of the season.
During the northern hemisphere summer, the winds blow from the south bringing heavy rain due to the moisture they pick up from the sea, whilst in winter the winds blow from the north, from inland areas and so they are dry.
This is what happens as a rule but many factors are influencing the climate, and it can vary significantly from one year to the next.
Basically, Thailand can be said to have three seasons.
» A short, warm, dry summer that lasts three months: March, April and May*.
» Followed by the rainy season that lasts four months: June, July, August and September.
» Finally, the cold, or rather the cool season extends over the remaining five months, from October* to February. Mild, sunny weather makes this time of the year the high season for tourism.
* The months of May and October mark the change, the beginning and the end of the monsoons.
If you decide to visit the country during the northern hemisphere’s spring, that is, in March, April or May, you should work out an itinerary and organise your visits to cope with the hot weather as best as possible. Bring loose-fitting cotton clothing with you and get up early. Be careful of the midday sun.
You will probably have good weather, which is very appealing for your time on the beaches.
For trips a few months later, you need to change your plans.
For example, French tourists taking advantage of their summer holidays, have to bear in mind that it is highly probable that the forecast will be for many rainy days, and although storms may only last for a few hours, this is something to be taken into account. Of course, nature will be lush. The beaches have different forecasts depending on their locations.
Thailand’s overall mean temperature is 28ºC, but this is a relatively useless piece of information because variations in latitude and altitude and distance from the sea or mountains create microclimates that can vary greatly. Nevertheless, you have to think that it is the sum of the warm temperature and the high humidity that conditions the activity, also on holiday.
Information in more detail in When to visit Thailand. Advice month by month.